From Engineering to Baking: The Resilience of Hawker Life
May 10, 2025, 10:44 pm
In the bustling heart of Singapore, tucked away in the Old Airport Road Food Centre, a unique story unfolds. It’s a tale of resilience, love, and the pursuit of passion against all odds. Here, the husband-and-wife duo, Christopher Lau and Christina Tan, run Bakes n Bites, a hawker bakery that has become a beacon of hope and creativity in the culinary landscape.
Christopher, 72, and Christina, 69, are not your typical hawker stall owners. Their journey began not in the kitchen, but in the world of engineering. Christopher spent decades as a manufacturing engineer, working for renowned companies like Seagate. However, life took an unexpected turn when he was retrenched at the age of 55. The job market, unforgiving to older workers, left him feeling adrift. But rather than succumb to despair, he discovered a hidden talent for baking.
Bakes n Bites opened its doors in 2010, and the couple quickly became known for their signature “cold muffins.” These muffins, unique in their ability to remain moist and delicious even when chilled, have become a staple for many in the area. The couple’s commitment to quality is evident in every bite. They use premium ingredients, ensuring that their offerings stand out in a crowded market.
Yet, the path has not been easy. Rising costs have taken a toll on their finances. Despite their hard work, they do not draw a salary. The couple grapples with escalating rental prices, utility bills, and the costs of raw materials. They strive to keep their prices low, catering to a customer base that largely consists of elderly patrons. This balancing act is a constant source of stress, as they navigate the unpredictable nature of hawker life.
Christopher’s health issues add another layer of complexity. He recently recovered from major pancreatic surgery, yet he continues to manage the stall almost single-handedly. The physical demands of running a bakery have begun to weigh heavily on him. Long hours on his feet have led to health complications, including diabetes and swelling in his legs. Despite these challenges, his passion for baking shines through. He springs into action whenever the oven timer buzzes, a testament to his dedication.
Christina, on the other hand, juggles her full-time job in construction with her responsibilities at the stall. She assists Christopher on weekends, manning the waffle station and ensuring that their operations run smoothly. Their partnership is a dance of support and shared dreams, even as they face the harsh realities of their business.
The couple’s story is not just about baking; it’s about survival and adaptation. After their initial foray into the baking world through a failed franchise, they pivoted to create their own brand. This decision was born out of necessity, as they sought to carve out their niche in a competitive market. They invested in baking courses, honing their skills and experimenting with recipes. This commitment to learning has paid off, as their cold muffins have garnered a loyal following.
The couple’s signature muffins are a testament to their creativity. The Triple Chocolate Muffin, for instance, is a crowd favorite, rich and indulgent without being overly sweet. Other flavors, like the Fresh Orange Muffin and Walnut Banana Muffin, showcase their commitment to using fresh ingredients. They even offer vegan and diabetic-friendly options, catering to a diverse clientele.
Their journey is also marked by personal challenges. Christina has faced her own health battles, including cervical cancer and multiple miscarriages. These experiences have shaped her resilience and determination. Together, they have weathered storms, both personal and professional, emerging stronger each time.
Despite the hardships, the couple remains optimistic. They are exploring ways to expand their reach, including online sales and bulk orders. Their story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of community support. In a world that often prioritizes profit over passion, Christopher and Christina’s commitment to quality and affordability stands out.
As they continue to navigate the complexities of hawker life, their love for baking and each other remains unwavering. Bakes n Bites is more than just a bakery; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to adapt and thrive. In every muffin, every pie, and every interaction with customers, Christopher and Christina embody the essence of resilience.
Their journey is a call to action for all of us. It reminds us to support local businesses, to appreciate the stories behind our food, and to recognize the hard work that goes into every bite. In a world that often feels disconnected, Bakes n Bites serves as a reminder that community, love, and passion can create something truly special.
As they look to the future, Christopher and Christina remain hopeful. They dream of a day when their hard work will pay off, allowing them to draw a salary and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Until then, they will continue to bake, to create, and to inspire those around them. In the heart of Singapore, their story is just beginning.
Christopher, 72, and Christina, 69, are not your typical hawker stall owners. Their journey began not in the kitchen, but in the world of engineering. Christopher spent decades as a manufacturing engineer, working for renowned companies like Seagate. However, life took an unexpected turn when he was retrenched at the age of 55. The job market, unforgiving to older workers, left him feeling adrift. But rather than succumb to despair, he discovered a hidden talent for baking.
Bakes n Bites opened its doors in 2010, and the couple quickly became known for their signature “cold muffins.” These muffins, unique in their ability to remain moist and delicious even when chilled, have become a staple for many in the area. The couple’s commitment to quality is evident in every bite. They use premium ingredients, ensuring that their offerings stand out in a crowded market.
Yet, the path has not been easy. Rising costs have taken a toll on their finances. Despite their hard work, they do not draw a salary. The couple grapples with escalating rental prices, utility bills, and the costs of raw materials. They strive to keep their prices low, catering to a customer base that largely consists of elderly patrons. This balancing act is a constant source of stress, as they navigate the unpredictable nature of hawker life.
Christopher’s health issues add another layer of complexity. He recently recovered from major pancreatic surgery, yet he continues to manage the stall almost single-handedly. The physical demands of running a bakery have begun to weigh heavily on him. Long hours on his feet have led to health complications, including diabetes and swelling in his legs. Despite these challenges, his passion for baking shines through. He springs into action whenever the oven timer buzzes, a testament to his dedication.
Christina, on the other hand, juggles her full-time job in construction with her responsibilities at the stall. She assists Christopher on weekends, manning the waffle station and ensuring that their operations run smoothly. Their partnership is a dance of support and shared dreams, even as they face the harsh realities of their business.
The couple’s story is not just about baking; it’s about survival and adaptation. After their initial foray into the baking world through a failed franchise, they pivoted to create their own brand. This decision was born out of necessity, as they sought to carve out their niche in a competitive market. They invested in baking courses, honing their skills and experimenting with recipes. This commitment to learning has paid off, as their cold muffins have garnered a loyal following.
The couple’s signature muffins are a testament to their creativity. The Triple Chocolate Muffin, for instance, is a crowd favorite, rich and indulgent without being overly sweet. Other flavors, like the Fresh Orange Muffin and Walnut Banana Muffin, showcase their commitment to using fresh ingredients. They even offer vegan and diabetic-friendly options, catering to a diverse clientele.
Their journey is also marked by personal challenges. Christina has faced her own health battles, including cervical cancer and multiple miscarriages. These experiences have shaped her resilience and determination. Together, they have weathered storms, both personal and professional, emerging stronger each time.
Despite the hardships, the couple remains optimistic. They are exploring ways to expand their reach, including online sales and bulk orders. Their story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of community support. In a world that often prioritizes profit over passion, Christopher and Christina’s commitment to quality and affordability stands out.
As they continue to navigate the complexities of hawker life, their love for baking and each other remains unwavering. Bakes n Bites is more than just a bakery; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to adapt and thrive. In every muffin, every pie, and every interaction with customers, Christopher and Christina embody the essence of resilience.
Their journey is a call to action for all of us. It reminds us to support local businesses, to appreciate the stories behind our food, and to recognize the hard work that goes into every bite. In a world that often feels disconnected, Bakes n Bites serves as a reminder that community, love, and passion can create something truly special.
As they look to the future, Christopher and Christina remain hopeful. They dream of a day when their hard work will pay off, allowing them to draw a salary and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Until then, they will continue to bake, to create, and to inspire those around them. In the heart of Singapore, their story is just beginning.