neighbourssayhello: to Ashes Burnnit

Ashes Burnnit may already be a household name to many, with several outlets across Singapore. Their Teck Whye outlet sits in one of the neighbourhood’s most known coffee shops at Block 26 Teck Whye Lane. We sat down with owner, Lee Syafiq to find out more about the business and its origins.

A familiar location

Syafiq attended ITE College West for three years and frequently patronised Sinaran for the famous chicken rice. Conveniently located by Teck Whye LRT, LW Eating House has always been the go-to spot for students and residents living in Teck Whye, especially for those looking for halal food around the area.

The familiarity of the location made it an easy decision for Syafiq to open Ashes Burnnit at Block 26.

Merging tradition with modernity

Being a hot-spot for regulars seeking a quiet respite from their busy schedules, the eating house is nearly always filled with coffee cups and conversations on the daily.

“It could almost be a UNESCO Heritage site! The tables and chairs are still the same from when I used to come here as a student,” he shares.

One of the most unique factors about Teck Whye is the fact that a lot of buildings are long-standing and well preserved. A walk through the neighbourhood will give you a blast to the past – just like the old school campus that is now HHOM, a hostel-type accommodation for healthcare workers, and the Bukit Panjang Post Office.

The idea of bringing in modern food and services into a seemingly traditional neighbourhood makes it more appealing for both residents and visitors across the country. While the exterior of these buildings are preserved, there’s always something new and interesting to try, if you’re open to exploring.

Supportive patrons

When the Ashes outlet first opened in Teck Whye, Syafiq shared that the line extended all the way across to the end of the coffee shop. There were even customers who came all the way from the east to support the opening.

“You can’t get this elsewhere,” he said. “The support in the west is just overwhelming for us.”

Regular customers of Ashes typically order up to twice a week – making it a family staple, not just for casual dinners, but also for events and when they have guests over. It is this support that has sustained the business at LW Eating House for years.

Apart from Ashes Burnnit, Syafiq has also recently opened ‘Chickies’ in Keat Hong CC (opposite Lot One), further showcasing that the support in this area of Singapore is definitely unmatched.

“We’d love to venture out of F&B in the future. When the time comes, and when there’s an opportunity for it – we’ll definitely be back in the west,” Syafiq shares.