When my children were growing up, we used to dine out regularly on Friday evenings. Usually we would patronize a tzi char stall at the kopitiams. One of our favourites was this kopitiam at Ghim Moh Block 11. What we remember most about this kopitiam is that it was very brightly-lit with many fluorescent tubes. 

Sadly this kopitiam is closed now. In fact the entire Block 11, and several neighbouring blocks are empty due to the SERS (Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme) exercise. Here are two photos of this kopitiam taken in March 2010 and July 2012.

Our favourite dishes included; fried vegetables, hot plate or clay pot toufu, fried chicken with dried chillies, (宫保鸡丁), sweet and sour sliced fish, yam ring, butter prawns, salad youtiao and a couple of others.

Now that the children are grown up, the opportunities to have our regular Friday dinner are much fewer. This was especially so when my son was doing his NS and when my youngest is in UK for her studies. 

Our former Minister of State for Education, Dr Aline Tan, once said; “You should enjoy your children when you can.” That is so true. Parents of young children would do well to take heed.