Rats vs Roast Ducks: A Toa Payoh Tale of Unexpected Dining Guests
When a Rat Says “Hungry” at Breakfast
At the 24‑hour Lee Kwang Kee Teochew Cuisine, a kitchen‑squeak‑worthy visitor startled diners lurking in the shadows of roast ducks. The furry intruder’s movie‑clip made the eatery the talk of the town on Facebook.
NEA Haslainthe Case
Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) is on the case, inspecting every nook and cranny of the restaurant. The investigation began after a clip of a rat scurrying among food trays began circulating online.
What the Eatery Says
- Cleanliness is king. Floors and utensils are scrubbed three times a day.
- Professional pest control. The restaurant contracts a pest‑control company once a month.
- Traps everywhere. More than ten mouse traps are placed in every corner.
- Covered food. Staff keep trays covered unless they’re refilling them.
- Rats stay away late at night. A rubbish collection point sits roughly 30 metres outside, where rats occasionally surface during the night.
Staff’s Response
An employee told Lianhe Wanbao that the restaurant strictly follows hygiene regulations. He recounted spotting the rat promptly, notifying his boss, and disposing of all the exposed ingredients – the roast ducks counted among them. The area was then swamped in disinfectant. The rat’s cameo was over before the next dish was served.
Restaurant Owner Says
Mr Lee, 54, said the staff are instructed to keep food trays covered at all times. He admitted that at the moment the video was taken the trays were being refilled, which is why they were left uncovered. He also noted a rubbish bin located 30 metres away that can attract rats later in the evening.
Takeaway
It’s the kind of moment that shouldn’t happen on anyone’s dinner table, but according to Lee Kwang Kee it’s nothing more than a one‑off incident. The key is that the restaurant is absolutely committed to hygiene and prey‑prevention, keeping every corner under close watch. The next time a rat drops by, the team will knock him out faster than the roast ducks can be served. Fun fact: even a mischievous rat can’t compete with a perfectly cooked duck! The only thing left for you to worry about is what’s on your plate, not what’s in the shadows.
