Merchant’s Lane, the iconic cafe hidden above a shophouse on Petaling Street, has permanently closed after nearly a decade. The announcement came via social media, accompanied by a heartfelt message from co-founder Kenneth Tan, who cited health reasons for the decision.
Kenneth revealed that a recent heart condition diagnosis prompted him to prioritise his well-being. “The heart you give to others needs to be protected as well,” he wrote, explaining that while the cafe’s story mattered, it was time to turn the page.
A cultural landmark in Chinatown
Since opening in 2015, Merchant’s Lane quickly became a cultural landmark and a pioneer in revitalising Chinatown’s cafe scene.
It transformed a space with a storied past, once a brothel in the 1980s and later a migrant workers’ hostel, into a rustic yet vibrant destination. Behind its teal door and narrow stairway, visitors found peeling walls, Peranakan textiles, and vintage decor that celebrated heritage while embracing modern cafe culture.
Its menu fused local and global flavours, with dishes like Italian chow mein, shakshuka-inspired baked eggs, and desserts such as pandan roti jala with kaya toast ice cream.
“This cafe will always be close to mine. Thank you to every single one of you who walked through that teal door, took a seat, shared a meal and a moment,” he wrote, adding that, “This chapter may be closed, but the book isn’t finished yet.”
Have a favourite memory of Merchant’s Lane? Share it with us in the comments.
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