From abandoned baby to successful bah kut teh restaurateur

Before she died, Tans grandmother left her a note asking her to continue her culinary legacy and Tan was determined to honour that request by the time she turned 30. This year (at the age of 30) she opened Appa Bar & Bistro, serving her grandmothers signature bak kut teh. - SAM THAM/The Star

The first thing you’ll notice about Carolyn Tan Bee Kim is her smile. Tan’s smile is gentle and warm, much like herself – and you can’t help but instantly like her.

Given the positive energy emanating from her, it’s hard to believe how unbelievably cruel life was to her as a baby.