
Meet the 78-Year-Old Snack Uncle Reviving Nostalgic Treats: 'It Makes Me Happy'
2025-09-18
Author: Li
In the vibrant Sengkang pasar malam, away from the hustle and bustle of food stalls, 78-year-old Sia Bong Huak is holding down the fort with his nostalgic snack stall. Overflowing with an assortment of retro goodies that many of us craved after school in the '80s and '90s, his stall feels like a delightful throwback to simpler times.
Known affectionately as the "snack uncle," Sia has been in the snack business since he was just 15 years old, amassing over six decades of experience. Sporting a colorful shirt, neatly slicked hair, and a playful sense of humor—"I have girlfriends all over the world!" he jokes—he embodies the spirit of old-school Singapore.
His stall features around 150 items, ranging from beloved snacks to vintage toys, all priced affordably at S$3 per bag or S$8 for three. The stall is conveniently located next to Sengkang MRT and Compass One Mall, and it will be open until September 27.
Despite his dedication, Sia notes that today's youth often overlook these nostalgic snacks. "Youngsters don’t know, and there’s not much interest in these old-fashioned goodies anymore. But I keep selling them because it makes me happy," he shares.
Visitors should note that while Sia is passionate about his products, his moods can vary—be prepared for some playful banter or a bit of aloofness. Here’s a peek at some must-try items at his stall:
Classic Miami Ice Pops
Sia affectionately refers to these vibrant ice pops as "sng bao" (ice packets in Hokkien). Best enjoyed frozen, they come in an array of fruity flavors like strawberry, grape, and watermelon—perfect for cooling off on a hot day. He reminisces, "When we were young, one stick was only 5 cents. Now, I sell three bags for $8."
In addition to the traditional snacks, Sia offers an array of vintage toys that will transport you back to childhood. Can you spot some you played with as a kid?
So if you're in the area, swing by the pasar malam beside Compass One and Sengkang MRT. Snack Uncle is serving smiles and nostalgia daily from 2 PM to 9 PM until September 27. Don't miss out on a taste of the past!