Boh Geh Uncle Canteen closes after 57 years: Singaporeans share fond memories
The iconic 'Boh Geh Uncle Canteen' in Singapore has closed after 57 years of operation. The establishment, which served as a corporal's mess for the British Royal Air Force, was a beloved local institution known for its affordable food and community history.
Why it matters
The closure marks the end of a significant piece of Singapore's post-colonial and military heritage, highlighting the loss of traditional communal spaces in a rapidly modernizing city.
Canteen 398, more fondly known as Boh Geh Uncle Canteen, closed its doors on Friday (Sept 18) after more than 57 years.
Opened in 1969, the establishment at 398 Piccadilly was once part of the nearby Seletar Camp back when it was a British Royal Air Force base, serving as a corporal's mess before becoming one of Singapore's oldest-surviving coffee shops.
Three stalls at the canteen had offered drinks and dishes such as economic rice, ayam penyet, mee hoon goreng, lontong and sambal goreng, priced between $1 and $5.
Owner William, the titular Boh Geh Uncle, told We Are Majulah in a video posted on Wednesday that he felt "okay" about the closure as he had worked there "very long already".
"58 years, I think you all know me very long already," he added.
All this time, he had worked continuously with no holidays, beginning his preparations at 3am daily.
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