Huang Yiliang's Seafood Stall Attracts Long Lines Amid Controversies
Huang Yiliang, a former Mediacorp actor, has seen his seafood stall, Old Fisherman, at Circuit Road Hawker Centre, become a hotspot, drawing long lines of customers eager to try his offerings. The stall, which opened four months ago, has implemented a one-crab-per-group policy due to limited crab supplies, a decision that has sparked both criticism and support among diners.
Last month, Huang faced backlash after a heated exchange with a customer who wanted to order two crabs for a group of six. The customer accused Huang of being "hao lian" (arrogant) after being denied the extra crab. This incident, captured on video, fueled online discussions, with opinions divided on the fairness of the policy. Huang defended his decision, explaining that he wanted to ensure that more customers could enjoy his food, especially during a time when crab availability is low.
Despite the controversies, business at Old Fisherman has surged, with customers arriving as early as 4pm to secure a spot in line for the 5pm opening. On a recent visit, Huang was seen preparing crabs for service, emphasizing that he was only selling crab that day. Operating the stall alone, he is cautious about hiring help, likening the process to finding a suitable partner.
Huang's disputes have not been limited to customers; he has also had a public falling out with the owner of a neighboring chicken rice stall, Enah Hainanese Chicken Rice. This conflict escalated after rumors circulated about Huang's former assistant, Yeong, leading to a series of confrontations between the two stall owners. The situation culminated in an alleged physical altercation, prompting police investigations. Despite these challenges, Huang expressed hope that Yeong would continue working with him, although she wishes to avoid interactions with the chicken rice stall owner.
Customers continue to praise Huang's dishes, particularly his signature Crab Bee Hoon, which features a fresh crab in a flavorful broth. Long lines and positive reviews suggest that Huang's culinary skills and determination to provide quality service are resonating with patrons, regardless of the surrounding drama. Old Fisherman operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm to 8pm, at Circuit Road Hawker Centre.
