Despite being diagnosed with Stage Four intestinal cancer, a 62-year-old hawker in Yishun kept running his stall at Chong Pang Hawker Centre, Hai Nan Zai, even while undergoing chemotherapy. Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam praised his determination on Facebook, calling him a “fighter.”
Mr Teo, as the minister referred to him, has been serving fried dishes like carrot cake and char kway teow for five years. The stall also offers oyster omelette and fried Hokkien mee. Mr Shanmugam shared his favourite: “Teo fries a very good plate of carrot cake, crispy, full of flavour with a hint of wok hei.”
Although doctors suggested surgery, Mr Teo chose to wait and undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy. “I slept early and woke up at 1 a.m. because I am used to it. Then I went to the park to exercise for about two hours,” he told 8world News. The exercise helped energise him for work, which usually ran from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To manage the side effects, he changed his diet, ate lighter dinners, gave up alcohol after 40 years, and reduced smoking.
After completing 20 sessions of radiotherapy and six sessions of chemotherapy, Mr Teo said he feels he has “conquered” the disease. He now only needs regular check-ups. Mr Shanmugam said, “He has completed chemotherapy and will be going for his review soon. He is truly inspiring.”
Hai Nan Zai was selected for the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2021, an award recognising “good quality food at a good value.” Michelin praised the stall’s char kway teow, which is “cooked-to-order” with cockles and Chinese sausage. Fans have praised its wok hei, balanced flavours, and silky texture.
Mr Teo’s story is a testament to perseverance, showing that even while facing serious illness, passion and discipline can keep life moving forward.
