Mr Mah’s Sweet Farewell: Coffee, Rainbow Bread, and the Time to Take a Break
A Long‑Running Love Affair with Clifford Centre
For almost two decades, Mr Mah Hock Tiong has poured hearts into every cup of coffee and hand‑rolled rainbow bread at Clifford Centre.
The 62‑year‑old behind “Bread of Tradition” has become a staple for the town‑square of the Central Business District.
When the Clock Ticks Down to 2023
On December 15, after 22 years of slinging coffee and pastries, Mr Mah will finally step away from his apron and retire. The 29‑storey palace, built in 1977, is slated for a makeover planned for 2023. He admits the decision is “bittersweet” – the weight of those 22 busy years just left him ready for a well‑deserved break.
The Retirement Journey
“We’re sad to leave, but after slogging for so long, it’s time to care for our health – that’s the honest truth,” said Mr Mah, who co‑runs the stall with his wife of 55 years.
He tried hard to find another shop the same size in the CBD, but had no luck. Even offering to move his customers around the neighbourhood didn’t work out—maybe the market’s too sleepy for a new bakery spot.
Clifford Centre’s Grand Make‑Over
- Owned by SingLand, the building’s 999‑year leasehold will be redeveloped into roughly 492,000 sq ft of office space and 52,000 sq ft of retail.
- The overall GFA jumps by about 36%, paving the way for a possible 50‑storey tower (under URA Master Plan 2019).
- Resettlement is complete by the end of 2022, with SingLand’s commercial head Goh Poh Leng promising to connect tenants with other properties.
Heart‑felt Thanks
“We’ve built long‑term relationships with our tenants,” Goh Poh Leng said, adding, “we appreciate their unwavering support and hope to work with them again.
Customers & Milestones
Some loyal patrons started asking for a transfer within the vicinity just so they could keep stopping by. True to form, Mr Mah responded with persistence:
“Keeping my customers happy kept me going – even if it meant waking up at 2:45 am to bring out a fresh batch by 4:00 am. That routine took a toll on our health,” he confessed. “I’ve been dealing with whole-body aches, and it’s time to pause.”
Final Words
As Mr Mah steps into a new chapter, the sands of time are filled with gratitude and a little humor.
His aroma will be missed, but his coffee‑lovers imagination can rest now that the 29‑storey building is evolving.
Cheers to the next chapter—may it be filled with rest, smiles, and the richer flavors of life!
<img alt="" data-caption="Mr Mah Hock Tiong, 62, the owner of Bread of Tradition at Clifford Centre, his wife Pang Swee Moy (second from right), 55, and employees Fong Tui Cheng (far left), 56, and Lee Kah Hon, 70.
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Retail Stars Shift Gears Amid the CBD Shake‑Ups
With the big makeover over at the main mall, many shop owners are trading places. Two locals, each with their own slice of the market, are chasing fresh opportunities—armed with optimism, a bit of a laugh, and a healthy dose of entrepreneurial grit.
Mr. Ananda Rao: From Clifford to CIMB
- Age & Taste: 60‑year‑old chef with a menu of “The Real One Teh Tarik” and Indian fare.
- New Address: CIMB Plaza, set to open on 15 December.
- Rent: KES $9,500/month – a jump from the KES $6,000 he paid at his stall in Clifford Centre.
“It’s a bit of a stretch,” Ananda chuckled, “but I see it as a challenge. I’m ready to grow my foodie fan‑base.” He added that his January rent existed at a sweet spot due to a prior redevelopment‑related cut. “In truth, rent here hasn’t gone wild in ten years. The management’s solid compared to other hubs.”
His ground‑floor stall has seen a rebound, though still around 15 % shy of pandemic highs. The move means sending him to the second floor of CIMB Plaza—he wonders if that may dampen foot traffic. “I’m feeling a twinge of sadness, but the buzz from this spot is a great hook.”
Mr. Ong Keh Beng: Superlink’s New Chapter at The Arcade
- Age & Hobby: 68‑year‑old stationery shop owner who also dabbles in antiques.
- Next Stop: The Arcade, opting for cheaper rent at the year’s end.
Ong says his shop feels like a “hobby place” where he can buy and sell relics. “Where I set up shop doesn’t really swirl my world. Finding a new spot just next door? Bless my lucky cards!”
With both Ananda and Ong steering their creeds toward greener pastures, the CBD’s evolving vibe continues to shape small‑business stories—filled with resilience, a touch of humour, and the promise of yet another pantry of possibility.
<img alt="" data-caption="Stationery shop Superlink at Clifford Centre on Nov 10, 2022.
PHOTO: The Straits Times” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”acfe126f-248d-4035-9679-236688e8f26d” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/131122_thing_st.jpg”/>
When the Tailor’s Last Stitch Comes Unraveling
Not every shop finds a cosy spot in our bustling city jungle. For Mr. Des, a 63‑year‑old veteran of the tailoring trade, the dream has turned into a hard decision.
Mr. Des’ Growing Frown
“I’m looking at rejecting this boutique when the rent climbs,” he confessed, thinking maybe it’s time to fold his scissors for good. He’s been stitching outfits for two decades but the rent’s climbing higher than a sneezing elephant. “I’m leaving with a heavy heart, but those loyal customers—yeah, they’re worth the years of love.”
Financial Consultant’s Coffee Chronicles
Then there’s Pearl Tan, 33, who’s more espresso‑than‑executive. Despite her office being just a ten‑minute stroll away, she carries the Clifford Centre’s deal‑savvy treats on her mind. “It’s a bummer it’s shutting down. I can’t beat cheap kopi bar by bar, but the vibe’s different,” she said. “I only hope the stalls will bounce back once the new building pops up—if my office is still here.”
Mr. Mah: The Baked Good Bouncer
- Won’t rule out a comeback.
- Prioritises quality time: wife + three grown‑up children.
- “We’ll miss the regular orders and all the inside jokes. If a chance pops up, we’ll jump in.”
Remembering the Sweet & Sour Bite
A side note: Singapore’s first Delifrance outlet is also saying adios, sparking a mix of nostalgia and complaints from the populace. The food world is buzzing for different reasons, and the closing of a beloved spot feels like a good chuckle over a glass of wine on a rainy night.
