F&B Businesses Closure List 2023: Disappearing Makan Places

Each month, new restaurants, cafes, and eateries open their doors, but unfortunately, many others in the F&B industry also bid farewell. Among those are some iconic dining spots cherished by local food enthusiasts. It’s truly saddening to witness the permanent closure of these beloved places, especially those that have served communities for decades.

Nevertheless, we extend our best wishes to them and hope for their eventual return. If you come across any of your favorite dining spots that have vanished from the food scene, please don’t hesitate to inform us so we can maintain an updated list. You may also like to check out the latest F&B businesses closure list 2024 here.

Bakeries

Tai Thong Cake Shop (大同饼家)

After 73 years of operation, the renowned traditional Cantonese bakery, “Tai Thong Cake House 大同饼家” situated in Chinatown, abruptly ceased operations on October 11th, 2023, leaving many loyal customers surprised. Founded in 1950, the bakery gained fame for its handmade mooncakes and relocated to Mosque Street in 1958. Despite attracting long queues during festive seasons like Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, the shop faced closure due to the inability to find a successor within the family.

Last Day of Operation: 11th October 2023

Address: 35 Mosque Street, Singapore 059513.

Reason for Closure: No successor

Cafes 

Hanis Cafe & Bakery @National Library

Han’s halal cafe outlet, Hanis, located at the National Library since 2006, is unfortunately set to close down. The cafe’s last day of operation will be June 30th. This news has left many customers and fans of Hanis feeling disappointed and saddened.

Hanis has been a popular spot for library-goers, students, and office workers who are looking for affordable Western cuisine and delicious pastries. Its convenient location within the National Library made it an accessible and beloved choice for visitors. The cafe’s closure may leave a void for its loyal patrons, who hold cherished memories of its menu and cozy atmosphere.

Last Day of Operation: 30th June 2023

Address: National Library, 100 Victoria St, The Plaza, Singapore 188064.

Reason for Closure: Rental hike

Wheeler’s Yard Cafe

Wheeler’s Yard, the distinctive bicycle-themed cafe, is closing its doors after a memorable 10-year run. September 30, 2023, marks the cafe’s final day of operation. Located in Singapore’s Balestier area, what set this cafe apart was its remarkable decor, adorned with vintage bicycles and an expansive interior that beautifully encapsulated the essence of urban cycling culture. Beyond its aesthetic charm, Wheeler’s Yard gained acclaim for its delicious food and drinks, attracting both food enthusiasts and cycling enthusiasts. The closure of Wheeler’s Yard signifies the end of a beloved establishment that skillfully blended culinary delights, artistic flair, and a passion for cycling.

Last Day of Operation: 30th September 2023

Address: 28 Lor Ampas, Singapore 328781.

Reason for Closure: Unknown

Restaurants

Tasty Loong By Chef Pung (龙鲜阁)

Tasty Loong (龙鲜阁) in Singapore, owned and operated by the renowned celebrity chef – Chef Pung, sadly closed down due to numerous challenges. Despite its initial success and popularity, the restaurant fell victim to the devastating effects of the pandemic, inflation, rising operating costs, poor business performance, and a shortage of manpower. Tasty Loong was widely known for its delectable seafood dishes and affordable, yet delicious Chinese cuisine, which included mouthwatering options like roasted duck, black pepper crab, flaming chicken, and stewed rice vermicelli. Despite Chef Pung’s culinary prowess, the unfortunate circumstances proved too difficult to overcome, leading to the closure of his two restaurants.

Last Day of Operation: Feb 2023 for Orto Park & June 2023 for Tiong Bahru Outlet at Link Hotel

Address:
Orto Park Outlet: 81 Lor Chencharu, Singapore 769198 &
Tiong Bahru Outlet: 50 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-04 Singapore 168733

Reason for Closure: Rising Operating Costs & Pandemic

Soi Candy Thai Noodle & Seafood Bar

Soi Candy which is owned by Singaporean actress Irene Ang who is well remembered for her role as Rosie Ang in “Under One Roof” as Tan Beng Teck’s wife, will be closing on July 30, 2023. Since it opened on August 1, 2020, Soi Candy has become a popular place for both locals and visitors to enjoy tasty authentic Thai food. They serve delicious dishes from Northern Thailand including Claypot Vermicelli with Prawns, Braised Pig Trotter Rice, Khao Soi, Dos Mango Sticky Rice, Chiang Rai Minced Pork Salad, and Fried Chicken Green Curry Roll.

The reason for the closure is due to crazy rental hikes and the management team was not given enough time to respond. However, it is not a permanent goodbye. The team plans to come back and reopen Soi Candy when the opportunity arises.

Last Day of Operation: 30th July 2023

Address: 20 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore, Singapore, 088443

Reason for Closure: Rental Hike

Tamarind Hill Singapore

For over a decade, Tamarind Hill Singapore offered a luxurious escape within the Labrador Nature Reserve. Opened in 2012 by Samadhi Retreats, the restaurant resided in a historic colonial bungalow.

The ambience was a perfect blend of timeless elegance and rustic charm. Diners enjoyed a menu featuring Thai and Burmese specialties, with a focus on Northern Thai classics. Popular dishes included Roasted Duck Breast Salad, Clear Tom Yum, Burmese-style Beef, and Tom Yum Fried Rice.

However, Tamarind Hill Singapore closed its doors in 2023. The Samadhi Retreats group decided to exit the Singapore market without a specific reason.

Last Day of Operation: November 2023

Address: 30 Labrador Villa Road, Nature Reserve, Singapore 119189.

Reason for Closure: Unknown

(Old) Lai Huat Seafood Restaurant 來發海鮮菜館

Old Lai Huat Seafood restaurant, formerly situated on Ophir Road, later relocating to Lavender Street before finally settling on Rangoon Road in 2001, has been a hot favourite among local zhi-char fans. Renowned for its delectable offerings, the restaurant was under the skilled guidance of Master Poh Huat, a third-generation chef who devoted two decades to the restaurant. Regrettably, the journey comes to an end as Master Poh Huat, citing his well-deserved retirement, bids farewell to the kitchen.

One of the restaurant’s culinary gems, the sambal (balachan) promfet fish, has become a nostalgic memory for patrons who have cherished its unique flavor over the years.

Closure Date: November 26, 2023

Address: 223 Rangoon Road, #01-01/02, Singapore 218460

Closure Reason: Retirement of Owner

Koh Grill & Sushi Bar

Koh Grill & Sushi Bar, a casual Japanese eatery nestled in Wisma Atria’s Food Republic, offers reasonably priced Japanese cuisine. Their standout dish, the Shiok Maki, keeps customers coming back for more. The famous Shiok Maki eatery has closed down after operating in Wisma Atria’s Food Republic for 17 years. Other than the Shiok Maki, Koh Grill & Sushi Bar also offers a wide selection of Japanese food including yakitori, maki rolls, sashimi, udon and soba.

Last Day of Operation: 31st Dec 2023

Address: 435 Orchard Rd, #04-21 Wisma Atria, Singapore 238877

Reason for Closure:
The lease at Wisma Atria’s Food Republic ended, and the lease terms changed.

Food Stalls

Clementi 308 Fried Chicken & Burger

This beloved 20-year-old Western food stall was first started in Clementi and then shifted to Ang Mo Kio until today. It will be closing its doors on July 9, 2023, as the stall owners retire.

It will be missed for its old-school and affordable Western food, including fish and chips, spring chicken, chicken chop, and especially the all-time favourite – chicken cutlet ($6) which comes with a generous portion of French fried, bean, coleslaw, and a bun. 

Their regular customers would feel lost and sad as they say goodbye to the stall’s nostalgic flavors and all the good times they had there.

Last Day of Operation: 9th July 2023

Address: 122 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 560122

Reason for Closure: Retirement of Owners

Old Tiong Bahru Bak Kut Teh

A beloved hawker stall in Singapore known for its flavorful Teochew-style peppery bak kut teh (pork rib soup) and other Teochew side dishes, is closing down on 30th July 2023. The stall, located in the historic Tiong Bahru estate, has served customers for over 30 years. The owners, Judy Tay (67 years old) have decided to retire and express gratitude to their loyal patrons. The closure has evoked nostalgia among customers who fondly remember the delicious food and warm ambiance.

Address: 58 Seng Poh Rd, #01-31, Singapore 160058

Last Day of Operation: 30th July 2023

Reason for Closure: Retirement of Owner

Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodle, Longhouse

The famous Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodle stall in Balestier Road will be closing its doors on 13th July 2023. It was founded by Mr Tan Wong Fai and started from a trolley in Tiong Bahru in 1963. In 2002, it moved to Long House on Upper Thomson Road and subsequently moved to Balestier Market in 2014. The stall is popular for its big prawn noodles (soup or dry version), peppery pork rib soup, and other dishes.

The second-generation owner – Madam Guo Xueni (48 years old) has been running her father’s stall alone for more than ten years, and now she decides to close the stall due to rental hikes and hand injuries caused by long hours of working.

Address: 411 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329930

Last Day of Operation: 13th July 2023

Reason for Closure: Rental hike and owner is suffering from hand injuries

Tian Tian Lai Nasi Lemak (天天来椰浆饭)

Tian Tian Lai Nasi Lemak (天天来椰浆饭), a well-loved and popular food stall located in Marsiling Mall Hawker Centre, has recently announced the closure of its business after 22 years of operation. The stall, widely known for its signature dish, nasi lemak, has been a cherished makan place in the local food scene. The owners, Mr. Chen Han Bin and his wife, Fu Li Xin, have decided to retire since they are getting older and running the business has become more expensive.

Last Day of Operation: 30th November 2023

Address: 153A Serangoon North Ave 1, #01-462, Singapore 551153

Closure Reason: Retirement of Owner

Image by pressfoto on Freepik

Xi Le Ting (喜乐亭)

The owners of the “Xi Le Ting 喜乐亭” traditional Chinese dessert stall, who operated for over 50 years, quietly retired at the end of 2023. They sold $1 hot Chinese traditional desserts including Cheng Teng, Sweet Wheat porridge (Mak Chuk), red bean and green bean soups at Commonwealth Crescent until closure of the stall due to renovations of the hawker center. The closure came as planned retirement for the pioneer generation couple.

Last Day of Operation: October of 2023

Address: Commonwealth Crescent Market & Food Centre, 31 Commonwealth Cres, #02-70, Singapore 149644

Closure Reason: Retirement of Owner