Mr Tan Bak Seah, 58, is the man behind 339 AMK Carrot Cake at Chong Boon Market & Food Centre. Although he grew up in a family of hawkers, his first career was in the renovation industry. It wasn’t until 1988 that he made a bold pivot into the food and beverage industry, learning the trade from his aunt, who ran a stall in a coffeeshop at Blk 339 Ang Mo Kio St 31.

Under her guidance, Mr Tan mastered the art of making local favourites such as fried carrot cake and fried oyster omelette. “I learnt how to steam the carrot cake properly and the different stir-fry techniques to bring out the best flavours,” he said.

In 2010, he opened his own stall, naming it after the beloved 339 AMK Coffeeshop where his journey began. His passion for the craft is evident – he doesn’t just cook, he creates. From grinding garlic to making chilli paste, every detail matters. “We peel and grind the garlic ourselves because ready-made garlic is bland. Freshly made garlic has a completely different taste,” he explained. By focusing on fresh ingredients and slow stir-frying techniques, he ensures that every dish is packed with authentic, irresistible flavour.

One of the most important lessons Mr Tan has learnt over the years is mastering cooking temperature. “At first I didn't know how to control the fire, and my carrot cake would burn,” he said with a laugh. But through trial and error – and some taste-testing at other hawker stalls – he has refined his techniques.

Patience is also crucial when frying both carrot cake and oyster omelette. “You can’t rush the cooking process,” he explained. “It takes about five minutes to fry the carrot cake and more than 10 minutes for the oyster omelette.” This careful, deliberate approach, honed over years of practice, ensures that each plate is a true reflection of his dedication and skill.

Giving back and passing the torch

Many loyal customers from his early days at the 339 AMK Coffeeshop still make the trip to his current stall. “I’m good friends with my customers. We joke and chat – it’s like an old kampung here,” he said with a smile.

The latest improvements, completed in May 2024, have given the hawker centre a fresh, inviting look. Mr Tan has noticed that it has attracted a new crowd, particularly workers from nearby factories. “The revamped hawker centre has brought new energy to the space, helping us reach a wider customer base while keeping the kampung spirit alive,” he said.

Aside from running his stall, he is also committed to giving back to the community. Once a month, he prepares his signature fried carrot cake for a senior citizen centre in Punggol. “A regular customer of mine is a volunteer at the centre. He asked me if I could help and I said yes. It's a way to spread joy and share my love for food with the community.”

As he continues to run his stall alongside his aunt, he is hopeful for the future. His youngest son, a trained Chinese chef, has shown an interest in carrying on the family legacy. “He comes down once a week to help and learn the methods I’ve perfected over the years,” he said proudly. “I hope he’ll continue to preserve the taste and keep the cooking technique alive."

339 AMK Carrot Cake
Location: 453A Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, #01-14
Opening hours: 6am-1.30pm (closed on Monday)

[Chinese]

宏茂桥339胜发记位于崇文巴刹与熟食中心，以道地的菜头粿和蚝煎深受食客喜爱。摊主凭借热忱、耐心和不断练习，精心烹制小贩美食，赢得了广泛好评。

[Malay]

Semangat, kesabaran dan amalan berterusan menjadikan 339 AMK Carrot Cake di Pasar & Pusat Makanan Chong Boon kegemaran ramai dek ‘fried carrot cake’ dan telur dadar tiramnya, memancing pelanggan tetap dengan setiap suapan lazat.

[Tamil]

சொங் பூன் சந்தை, உணவு நிலையத்தில் உள்ள 339 AMK கேரட் கேக் கடையின் பொறுமை, மாறாச்சுவை, ஈடுபாடு ஆகிய அனைத்தும், அது விற்பனை செய்யும் ருசியான பொரித்த கேரட் கேக், சிப்பி ஆம்லட் உணவு வகைகளுக்கு விசுவாசமான வாடிக்கையாளர்களைக் கவர்ந்துள்ளன.

#supportourhawkers