The 86-year-old roast meat master behind shuttered Chinatown stall now working at People’s Park Food Centre
Despite his daughter's encouragement to retire, the 86-year-old says he intends to continue working for as long as he can, now with assistants helping him handle the more physically demanding tasks.
Old Master Roasted Grill, a Chinatown Complex Food Centre stall known for its charcoal-roasted meats, closed in July 2022 after veteran roast master Cho Siew Wan, 86, insisted on continuing his work. Despite being advised to retire due to the physically demanding nature of the job, Master Cho says he intends to keep working as long as he can, with assistance from others.
After Old Master Roasted Grill closed, Master Cho worked at Peach Garden before joining 116 Shao La in People's Park Food Centre, where he has been for about two years with two assistants to help handle the heavier tasks. The stall uses a combination of charcoal and gas to roast meats, and Master Cho's crispy roast pork skin is achieved by slowly roasting it over fire.
Despite the current haze, Master Cho remains unfazed, stating that he will keep working until he can no longer do so.
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