Hock Lok Siew was founded back in 1975 by Ong Qing Shan (汪清山), father of second-generation Ong Eng Choon (汪永春). It was originally established at Sungai Pinang (淡水港); later moved to Lebuh Melaka (馬六甲街), and finally settled at Lebuh Noordin (二條路).
The founder accumulated rich experience in biscuit making during his youth while working at several biscuit houses. He was from Hui'an in Fujian Province, China, and his uncle also happened to be a traditional biscuit baker. Before founding Hock Lok Siew, he had attempted to start several businesses, but unfortunately, the biscuit houses he opened ultimately failed.
Eng Choon recalled that goods were cheap in the past; when he was young, each Gong Zai biscuit sold for only two or three cents, whereas now each costs about fifty cents. Thus, it is relatively easier for biscuit houses to survive today.
On the other hand, in the past, there were smaller merchants who bought Hock Lok Siew biscuits on credit to kickstart their small businesses. However, they often owed too much money, which made them decide not to continue with such business practices.
The trademark of Hock Lok Siew is a Singapore merlion spouting water from its mouth, a symbol familiar to anyone who knows Singapore.
Eng Choon said his father used to make biscuits in Singapore and was particularly fond of this Singapore symbol, so he adopted it as the trademark to kickstart his business.
As for the name Hock Lok Siew (福祿壽), it was chosen because, during his early years in Singapore, he felt lonely and liked to visit antique shops. He was fond of the Three Gods/Deities, Hock Lok Siew, and thus used their name for the store. Hock (福) in the Hokkien language, a local dialect widely used in Penang, represents good luck and harmony; Lok (禄) stands for authority, power, and wealth; Siew (寿) signifies good health and longevity.
Check out their signature biscuits that locals always go for—Beh Teh Saw, Sun Biscuit, and Tambun Biscuits. It's a local go-to, especially during the Mooncake Festival, as they believe that it should be affordable for the locals
Ong Eng Choon is the second generation of Hock Lok Siew, which has been passed down from his father since 1975. The shop is renowned for its traditional specialties.
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