Yong He Eating House to close on Nov 30 if no investor found

Businesses under threat

- Hedy Khoo Senior Correspondent

Yong He Eating House, the long-running Geylang eatery known for its Taiwanese fare of soya milk and you tiao, may close on Nov 30 if it cannot secure an investor. Its third-generation owner, Mr Dong Han Zhong, 46, has set a $300,000 fee to hand over the business.

Looking tired from months of running the business with a skeleton crew, he says the decision will have to be made soon. Until last week, he had not been able to find an investor. But after recent media reports, nearly 20 parties have approached him. He expects to confirm a decision by early next week.

The eatery at 458 Geylang Road operates 24 hours from Tuesdays to Sundays.

Since its opening in 1986, it has been known for its Taiwanese staples including Sweet Soya Bean Drink ($2), Saltish Bean Curd ($3), You Tiao ($2) and Toasted Bun With Meat Floss Egg ($4.20).

The Yong He brand has roots in Taiwan dating back about 60 years. Mr Dong’s grandfather, born in the Chinese city of Qingdao before settling in Taiwan, worked at Yong He Dou Jiang You Tiao Da Wang, a well-known soya milk and you tiao business, and later took over the eatery from its founder.

In 1985, Mr Dong’s father, Mr Dong Rong, was invited to Singapore by investors to start a branch. The first Yong He Eating House opened in 1986 at 241 Geylang Road with Mr Dong Rong as head chef. Business was brisk, with queues forming nightly and cars double-parked along the road.