It recently serves it last customers on 28 February 2013 much to the disappointment of many of its regulars.
Seng Nam has been my daily breakfast joint for the last 2 years not just because it is just a stone's throw away from my office but the pull factor was, it serves the best 'roti bakar' (toast in margarine and kaya) in town, perfectly done half-boiled eggs, fried meehoon in small plates that get snapped up as soon as it hit the table and Hainanese-styled western breakfast sets. The chee-cheong-fun stall also has its stream of followers, selling around 800-1000 pieces daily at RM0.80 a piece.
For lunch, its Hainanese chicken rice, chicken chop and fried noodles are to die for, evidenced by the fact that an average wait for the latter two dishes is usually in the region of 20 minutes. Besides Seng Nam's own delicacies, there is a stall that dishes out delicious mee rebus and rojak in various options, plus of course, chee-cheong-fun.
If you are wandering why there are no photos of the delicacies mentioned above...hmm...this is a street photography blog, not a food blog :p
If you are wandering why there are no photos of the delicacies mentioned above...hmm...this is a street photography blog, not a food blog :p
Those who are not regulars usually have not a so pleasant review of the restaurant with the usual grouse being its unfriendly staff. I've read about this 'unfriendly staff' complaints in almost every food blog that writes about Seng Nam.
Well if you are a regular here, you really can't complain about anything in Seng Nam. The staff are not rude or unfriendly. They are a bunch of aged people who have worked there all their lives. They may not be the types who'd flash their smiles and welcome you like some fine dining spots but they know their regulars by name, they know what their usual customers have for their meals, how much sugar and milk their customers prefer in their coffee and they always have time for a quick chat by your table.
Well if you are a regular here, you really can't complain about anything in Seng Nam. The staff are not rude or unfriendly. They are a bunch of aged people who have worked there all their lives. They may not be the types who'd flash their smiles and welcome you like some fine dining spots but they know their regulars by name, they know what their usual customers have for their meals, how much sugar and milk their customers prefer in their coffee and they always have time for a quick chat by your table.
One the last day it was opened for business, scores of people stormed the place for breakfast and lunch. By 8am, they were out of food for breakfast and by 11.30am the queue for their famous chicken rice went up to UOB Bank which is 5 shop lots away. Seng Nam do not want to disappoint their customers on this day. Around 12 noon that day, they informed customers that the next batch of chicken rice will only be ready in 2 hours time...many stood waited still.
Many of their regular customers were seen with their cameras, taking away some of the last memories they could preserve.
These are some shots of the famous Sin Seng Nam on its last day of business.
Many of their regular customers were seen with their cameras, taking away some of the last memories they could preserve.
These are some shots of the famous Sin Seng Nam on its last day of business.
I'm really going to miss this place :(
Some of the usual faces you'll stumble upon in Seng Nam, every morning.
This Malay couple are a daily regular and never fail to show up around quarter past 7.
Ah Loong.
Always jovial and treats each of his customers with amazing rate of respect.
Always jovial and treats each of his customers with amazing rate of respect.
Ah Loong with one of his regular customers.
Multi-tasking...two cups in one hand while collecting cash from his customers is common.
On some rare moments where he gets a quick break, he will sit down at us table and join us for breakfast while having a quick chat.
On some rare moments where he gets a quick break, he will sit down at us table and join us for breakfast while having a quick chat.
Ah Loong going about his usual chores as streams of customers whisk in and out while some enjoying their meals.
Reflection. Reminiscent.
She normally packs her coffee and toasts.
Her child will miss out on one of the finest makan (eateries) place in town.
Her child will miss out on one of the finest makan (eateries) place in town.
You'll never find another Chinese restaurant where all the races, even the Muslims congregate for their meals without a hint of worry and concern.
View from outside Seng Nam. Huge picture of The Beatles hung on one of its walls.
Side entrance. As one of Seng Nam's earliest daily customers, this is where I usually walk in from.
My favourite shot of the day.
As this father and daughter duo walked past me while I was framing the shot, I overheard the little girl asking her father, "Why so many people today?"
As this father and daughter duo walked past me while I was framing the shot, I overheard the little girl asking her father, "Why so many people today?"
Her dad retorted, "Honey, it's the last day today. They are closing down already."
There was silence thereafter.
There was silence thereafter.
I doubt the girl understands the significance of it...but a part of my life is gone.
ken, nicely put
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