Singapore’s Chinese food restaurant Prince Coffee House to shut down after 50 years

"It’s time to retire," said owner Jimmy Lim, now in his late 80s, who has been overseeing front-of-house operations for five decades.

Owner Jimmly Lim seen inside Prince Coffee House restaurant in Singapore. Photo via Facebook/Miss Tam Chiak

He told The Straits Times that he intends to close the eatery in mid-2026, around when its lease expires in July.

Lim said he is no longer able to keep up with the 12-hour workdays the job requires. His children are not interested in continuing the business.

"They have office jobs that pay well. Why would they want to work here for a couple of thousand dollars each month?"

Prince Coffee House restaurant in Singapore. Photo via Facebook/Miss Tam Chiak

The coffee house began operations at Shaw Towers in the mid-1970s and was named after the now-defunct Prince Cinema that once operated in the same building.

Its connection to the silver screen remains visible through photographs on its walls, including images of celebrities who dined there during its peak years.

After 13 years, the business relocated to Coronation Plaza in Bukit Timah, where it operated for 21 years, before moving to its current premises in Beach Road nearly 15 years ago.

Lim said the long-running establishment continues to draw solid crowds.

Prices have increased over time in line with the cost of living, with the menu showing layers of revisions as updated prices are handwritten and taped over old ones.

However, the offerings themselves remain unchanged, with staples such as oxtail stew (SGD34) and beef hor fun (SGD10) still leading orders.

Food served at Prince Coffee House restaurant in Singapore. Photo via Facebook/Miss Tam Chiak

The plates in use also date back to the 1970s. "They’re 50 years old – older than many of my guests," Lim said.

When asked about his plans after retirement, Lim said: "I suppose I’ll continue cooking. But at home, and whatever my wife needs me to do."