Penang has lost one of its most iconic food figures following the passing of Air Itam laksa vendor, Uncle Seong, whose real name is Ang Kak Seong.
The beloved hawker, who ran a laksa stall at the foot of Kek Lok Si Temple, died while surrounded by his loved ones, according to a Facebook post by Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang.
In his tribute, Ng expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Uncle Seong’s passing as a significant blow to the local community.
“Air Itam has lost another treasure,” he wrote, adding that many would miss the familiar sight of Uncle Seong standing at his stall, serving up bowls of hot, flavourful laksa to loyal customers.
A laksa legacy spanning over 60 years
Uncle Seong began selling laksa in 1955 at the Air Itam market, building a reputation over the decades that extended far beyond Penang.
His asam laksa was frequently featured in international media and became widely regarded as a must-try dish for visitors.
His stall, located along the road leading up to Kek Lok Si Temple, became a staple stop for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic taste of Penang.
Resilience through setbacks
Like many small business owners, Uncle Seong faced several challenges in recent years.
During the pandemic in 2021, he temporarily halted operations for nearly six months before reopening on Dec 4 that year, operating only on weekends.
In 2023, he was involved in an accident that left him unable to work, forcing the stall to close for 11 months.
He eventually made a comeback in November 2024, much to the delight of longtime fans.
Uncle Seong’s passing marks the end of an era for one of Penang’s most cherished street food icons.
For many, his legacy lives on not just in the bowls of laksa he served, but in the memories of generations who grew up queuing at his stall, a humble yet powerful symbol of Penang’s rich food heritage.
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