Grandma Passes the Noodle Milestone Before Singapore’s Lockdown
When Singapore tightened COVID‑19 rules in July, the entire island went into a dining‑in cease‑fire. For a month, folks from the city‑state were stuck in a world of take‑away noodles and microwave meals. One 67‑year‑old grandmother decided it was the perfect moment to conquer her craving for chicken‑curry noodles—before the lockdown rolled in.
She was in a “hungry” mood for a reason.
After the news on July 20, the woman, whom we’ll call Jiang, pre‑ordered ten bowls from a local foodcourt stall. She’s a regular at Koufu Foodcourt, located at Block 478, Tampines Street 44, and she’s so loyal that she visits the stall every three or four days just to enjoy their signature dish.
Owner’s disbelief turns into a game.
The 43‑year‑old stall owner chuckled when Jiang mentioned she could eat ten bowls. He told her, “You’re probably a huge eat‑er, but even my size only lets me handle five or six bowls daily.” He then offered her a challenge: finish ten bowls and you’ll get them for free.
Jiang didn’t just play along—she went for the full ten.
What makes the bowls so special?
- Smallest size, priced at $3 each.
- Steaming hot pneumonia‑level curry.
- Chicken pieces, chunks of potato, tau pok, and thin slices of fishcake—all tossed into the pot.
The incredible 45‑minute eating sprint.
By the time our reporters stopped by around 3 pm, Jiang had already gobbled up five bowls. At her next visit, she knocked out the remaining five in a single, no‑time‑limit sprint, finishing the entire set in just 45 minutes.
“I didn’t expect her to eat so many, especially when she’s 67,” the owner said. “It’s been over ten years since I’ve seen an ah ma do that!”
Post‑challenge existential question.
After her noodle marathon, Jiang admitted she was “very full.” Yet when asked whether she’d still need dinner, she simply nodded, saying she’d buy chicken‑curry for home and pair it with bread.
The curious case of her appetite.
Her husband notes that Jiang’s appetite has never thinned out over the years. “She’s always hungry before my meals, and she can eat an entire loaf of bread in a day,” he said with a grin.
So, while the rest of Singapore hit the pause button on dining, Jiang’s story proves that a stubborn appetite, a bit of ingenuity, and a generous foodcourt owner can turn a government lockdown into a noodle‑fueled celebration. Whether you’re a foodie, a grandma, or just looking for a giggle, it’s a tale worth sharing.
