Rolina Traditional Hainanese Curry Puffs reopened by daughter after 8-month hiatus

Rolina Traditional Hainanese Curry Puff‘s closure in Jan this year was a stark reminder of how we let work affect our health. Owner Ben Tham, 48, first experienced symptoms of what his doctor attributed to overworking when his exhaustion persisted after multiple nights of good sleep.

Eventually, he decided to close the stall at Tanjong Pagar Plaza Market & Food Centre to focus on recovery as his organs were struggling to cope.

A good 8 months later, his daughter, Jolene Tham, has taken the reins with her fiance as next-generation hawkers. While his condition has improved, Ben says he will need more time to heal. The proud father only drops by on occasion to supervise, believing that the young couple should learn the ins and outs first-hand.

Rolina Traditional Hainanese Curry Puff has been selling handmade curry puffs since the 1960s. Their name is a common mispronunciation of ‘Novena’, where the curry puffs were sold initially. They even received a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2018 for their exemplary curry puffs, though were unable to maintain it in subsequent years.

Curry Chicken and Sardine Puffs (S$2 each) are the most popular pastries on offer here, all handmade in small batches to ensure freshness is maintained. They also have Glutinous Rice (S$3) which is topped generously with peanuts.

While things were rocky at the start, Jolene and her fiance have made great strides in running the stall. Today, they easily sell 300 curry puffs on any given day, as she shared with AsiaOne. The young hawkers are hoping to reclaim the Michelin Bib Gourmand again and we truly wish them the best!

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