After the beloved founder of Ah Pui Satay, Ang Boon Ee, known affectionately as Ah Pui, passed away at 66 on July 24, his stall remains a popular choice, selling out nearly every day. Despite battling ill health that led him to close his Chinatown stall in November 2022, Ah Pui made a comeback in April at a new location in Block 75 Toa Payoh Lorong 5, only to succumb to cancer two months later.
Today, the business is primarily managed by his apprentice and business partner, Ang Thiam Seng, who is 57 and known as Seng to regulars. Seng operates the grill solo on weekdays, preserving the distinct flavors of the satay that customers have come to love. On weekends, he’s assisted by Ah Pui’s 20-year-old son, Ang Kai Cheng, who’s currently learning the ropes with an eye on eventually taking over the enterprise.
“Before, Ah Pui and I would share the grilling duties. Now, it’s all on me, but I’m committed to maintaining our standard,” Seng shared with Shin Min Daily News.
Despite the option to hire additional help, Seng prefers to keep the team small, citing cost management and quality control as primary reasons. He’s supported by a part-time helper who manages orders and payments.
Meanwhile, Kai Cheng, a full-time national serviceman, is using his weekends to gain valuable business insights from Seng. “The business is fast-paced and learning to juggle different tasks is tough, but I’m adjusting,” said Kai Cheng.
The stall continues to thrive, selling over 1,000 satay sticks daily and often selling out before its closing hours. Long queues are typically seen forming 30 minutes prior to the opening. Ah Pui Satay operates from 5:30 PM to 10 PM on weekdays, closing Mondays, and opens earlier at 3 PM on weekends.
Maintaining the legacy of its flavorful satay, the stall updates customers on early sell-outs often by 9 PM through Ah Pui Satay’s Facebook page. “Our focus is to work diligently and ensure Ah Pui’s recipe lives on,” added Seng.
