Queenstown hawker legend Uncle Wee dies at 82, leaving behind a lasting Hainanese Western food legacy

SINGAPORE: Queenstown's legendary Western food hawker Wee Liang Kan, affectionately known as Uncle Wee or Oh Kee, has died peacefully at the age of 82, marking the end of an era for generations of diners who grew up with his signature Hainanese-style Western cuisine.

According to an obituary published on the stall's official Facebook page, Wee passed away peacefully on 11 July 2026.

His wake will be held from 12 July to 15 July at Commonwealth Drive.

A neighbourhood icon since 1969

Founded in 1969, Uncle Wee's Western food stall became a familiar fixture at Tanglin Halt Food Centre, where it served residents of the old Tanglin Halt estate for more than five decades.

Among longtime patrons, Wee was fondly known as "Oh Kee", a nickname recognised by generations of customers who frequented the neighbourhood.

Following the redevelopment of Tanglin Halt, the business relocated to Margaret Drive Hawker Centre, reopening on 28 August 2022.

The stall earned a loyal following for its traditional Hainanese-style Western fare, particularly its crispy breaded chicken cutlet.

Other popular dishes included fish and chips and mixed grill, prepared using recipes that remained largely unchanged over the decades.

A one-man hawker legend

Even in recent years, Wee continued operating the stall largely on his own, earning admiration for his remarkable stamina and commitment.

A Facebook post in 2024 noted that the stall operated only from 7pm to 9pm and closed every Wednesday and Thursday.

Despite consistently long queues, customers said service remained efficient, praising Wee's ability to single-handedly prepare meals while maintaining quality.

A tribute shared in the Facebook community Hawkers United – Dabao 2020 described Uncle Wee as "widely considered a pioneer and legend in Singapore's hawker scene".

The post added that he was renowned not only for his generous old-school British colonial-style grilled dishes but also for continuing to "run the show solo", cementing his reputation as one of Singapore's most dedicated one-man hawkers.

Closure rumours denied weeks earlier

Just weeks before his passing, the stall addressed rumours about its future.

In a Facebook post on 4 June, the business dismissed "recent speculation" that it would be closing.

"The rumours are entirely unfounded," the post said, adding that the stall anticipated "further solidifying the robust foundation we have built over the past five decades".

It also assured customers that any future operational adjustments would be communicated through official channels.

Since announcing Wee's passing on 12 July, the stall has not disclosed whether there will be any changes to its operations.

Customers remember kindness beyond the food

News of Wee's death prompted an outpouring of condolences across social media, with many remembering not only his food but also his generosity and warm personality.

One customer wrote, "Growing up at Tanglin Halt, I was blessed to have your Western food stall in the neighbourhood. Rest in peace, Uncle. I'm sure your legacy is in good hands at Margaret Market."

Another longtime patron recalled dining at the stall since the 1980s, describing Wee as "a Tanglin Halt icon" whose familiar presence after evening service would be deeply missed.

Others shared personal memories of Wee's hospitality, recalling how he would occasionally offer beer to regular Hainanese customers or surprise children with complimentary eggs or sausages.

"He had his unique way of taking care of younger regulars," one tribute read.

Many also expressed hope that the iconic stall would continue serving future generations, ensuring that Uncle Wee's legacy lives on long after his passing.