Everyone loves a remarkable comeback, and Chiderful's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. When it was first featured in 8Days back in 2021, this unassuming zi char restaurant located in City Plaza was on the verge of shutting its doors, grappling with a staggering 80% decline in customers due to the pandemic-induced dine-in restrictions.

Kelvin Lim, the owner, had opened Chiderful just a year prior to the pandemic after losing his job as the chef de cuisine at Sessions restaurant in the now-defunct Hard Rock Hotel, which closed in March 2024. The challenges he faced were overwhelming, but Lim's resilience and passion have ignited a revival that has turned his humble eatery into a sought-after dining spot.

Innovative Dining Experiences

Initially, Chiderful was known for its delectable Ipoh-style dishes, such as steamed chicken and hor fun. Over time, Lim’s culinary creativity flourished, leading to the introduction of omakase meals and a unique “private dining” experience. However, Lim stresses that this isn’t the exclusive, high-end experience typically associated with fine dining. Instead, it offers a relaxed atmosphere for guests who book a table in advance and enjoy bespoke menus crafted by him. This format allows for multiple groups to dine simultaneously, though Lim is committed to providing excellent service even when accommodating larger parties.

To keep things flexible, there are no minimum spend requirements, no set number of courses, and no surprise fees for private dining or omakase, although Lim may charge more for particularly complex dishes. One time, he sourced a special mold just for a customer’s seafood yam ring and priced it at S$38, a testament to his dedication.

Rollercoaster of Prosperity

Lim describes the journey of running Chiderful as a “rollercoaster.” While some months are quieter than others, the business picked up significantly towards the end of 2024, with weekends fully booked during the festive season. “We are generally profitable, but I can’t say if I’m doing better than when I was a hotel chef; every month is different," he admits. What truly matters to Lim is the sense of autonomy that owning his shop brings him. Despite offers from hotels, he feels deeply rooted in this new path. “I don’t think I’d adapt to the old environment anymore,” he confesses.

A loyal customer base has emerged, with many regulars recommending Chiderful to their friends and using it as a venue for business dinners due to its intimate and private setting—an appealing trait for those needing a quiet place to meet at night.

Future Aspirations and Family Support

Throughout the years, Lim has attracted interest from potential investors eager to help grow Chiderful, but he is selective. “I tell them straight away that my asking price is S$3 million. If they’re genuine, we can discuss it further.” He is steadfast in his commitment to his current location, recently signing a new three-year lease despite a nearly doubled rental cost.

Lim’s family remains his primary source of motivation. He dedicates his Mondays, his day off, to accompanying his elderly parents for medical appointments, especially as his father copes with health issues.

Looking ahead, Lim is focused on manageable growth rather than towering ambitions. “I just want to run my zi char business steadily until I can retire, hopefully by my 50s," he states. His philosophy is simple: “As long as I can keep doing this and provide for my family, I’m happy.”

You can find Chiderful at #02-73 City Plaza, 810 Geylang Rd, S409286. The restaurant operates daily, except Mondays, from 1 PM to 9 PM. For more information, you can reach them at Tel: 98959972 or connect via Facebook.

In the face of adversity, Chiderful has not only survived but thrived, showcasing the power of resilience, innovation, and community support.