SINGAPORE – The Singaporean food scene has lost a key figure with the passing of Goh Leng Chia, the second-generation owner of the renowned Ah Orh Seafood restaurant. Mr. Goh died on , at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy built on decades of dedication to traditional Teochew cuisine.
According to reports from Lianhe Zaobao, Mr. Goh had been hospitalized earlier in due to complications involving fluid buildup in his lungs, requiring multiple visits. Despite initial improvements, he was readmitted on , after developing a fever, ultimately succumbing to his illness. He is survived by his 76-year-old wife, three children, and four granddaughters.
Ah Orh Seafood’s story began in as a bak kut teh stall at Merchant Road. Over the years, the business evolved, incorporating zi char dishes – a style of Chinese stir-fried cooking – by . The restaurant relocated to Ellenborough Market Hawker Centre in , before settling at its current location in a Housing Board block void deck in Jalan Bukit Merah in .
The restaurant’s enduring popularity stems from its commitment to traditional Teochew fare. Signature dishes such as cold crab, steamed pomfret, braised duck, oyster omelette, and orh nee (yam paste) have cemented Ah Orh Seafood’s reputation as a culinary institution. The business has successfully navigated the competitive Singaporean dining landscape for over a century, adapting while maintaining its core culinary principles.
While Mr. Goh handed over the day-to-day operations to his children in , he remained a visible presence at the restaurant, demonstrating a continued passion for the business he helped build. His daughter, Goh Chiew Buay, 52, currently manages the restaurant, while her two younger brothers oversee the kitchen operations. This familial continuity is a key factor in the restaurant’s continued success and preservation of its culinary traditions.
The passing of Mr. Goh is being widely mourned within the Singaporean hawker community. Melvin Chew, owner of Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck & Kway Chap, described Mr. Goh as the “heart and soul behind Ah Orh Seafood,” praising his dedication, humility, and the positive impact he had on countless individuals within the food industry. Chew highlighted Mr. Goh’s commitment to his craft and the lasting legacy he created.
The wake is being held at Block 118A Jalan Membina, conveniently located near the restaurant, and the funeral is scheduled for . Despite this loss, Ah Orh Seafood will continue to operate under the management of Mr. Goh’s children, ensuring the continuation of his culinary vision and the preservation of a beloved Singaporean dining experience.
The longevity of Ah Orh Seafood speaks to the enduring appeal of authentic, well-executed cuisine and the importance of family-run businesses in Singapore’s vibrant food culture. Mr. Goh Leng Chia’s dedication to quality and tradition has left an indelible mark on the local culinary landscape, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the restaurant for generations to come.
