Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking Indian chef closes Singapore ‘zi char’ eatery after 24 years, business to continue in Ipoh

XH Delicious Seafood’s closure comes as chef-owner Devid Retanasamy prepares to return to Ipoh after working in Singapore for 24 years. — Picture from Facebook/XH Delicious Seafood

First Published: Saturday, 07 Nov 2026 10:46 AM MYT

SINGAPORE, Nov 7 — If you’ve visited XH Delicious Seafood, you might have been surprised to be able to order in Mandarin or Cantonese with its Indian chef-owner Devid Retanasamy, who is fluent in both languages.

But after 24 years working in Singapore, the 42-year-old is bidding farewell as he prepares to return to his hometown of Ipoh, Malaysia.

His zi char eatery in Chinatown will shutter on November 25, it announced in a social media post on Thursday (November 5).

Opened in April, the restaurant will be just a little over six months old by the time it ceases operations.

Items on its menu include a variety of zi char fare, including chilli crab (from S$48 or RM152), BBQ stingray (S$20 or RM63) and sweet and sour pork (S$15 or RM48), among many others.

But why the decision to shutter?

According to the post, it was because Devid felt that he had gained enough knowledge and experience from his journey working here since 2002 to pursue his dream of starting his own business back home.

However, that was not the only reason why the chef decided to exit Singapore.

Looking back on his career, Devid felt that he had always prioritised his career and responsibilities.

In his pursuit of success and a better future, he felt that he had missed out on many precious moments with his family — which he now wishes to make up for by slowing down, spending more time with them and cherishing what “truly matters” to him.

“Because while building a career is important, being there for family is just as meaningful,” the post continued.

Thanking customers for their support, the eatery encouraged customers to drop by before its closure.

It added that the business will continue on in Ipoh.

“Although we are saying goodbye to Singapore, this is not the end of our journey. It is simply the beginning of a new chapter in Ipoh.”

More information on the relocation will be released on XH Delicious Seafood’s social media platforms in due time.

“And if you ever find yourself visiting Ipoh in the future, we would be more than happy to welcome you again. We hope you will continue to support Devid and his new venture!” it wrote.

News of the announcement quickly drew attention from netizens and past customers, with many taking to the comments section to show their support.

“Please take care and keep cooking, Devid!” wrote a comment, while another said: “All the best Devid! Hope there’s a chance to visit you in Ipoh and support you!” — AsiaOne