Some relationships are made in different ways. This relationship dates back to World War II, and Qantas is bringing those dishes to its lounges as Wing Seoung Fatty prepares to close.
Qantas has introduced two new dishes to its Singapore lounges, inspired by a decades‑long relationship with a local restaurant that became a much‑loved stop for generations of Qantas pilots and cabin crew.
Wing Seong Fatty’s story began in World War Two, when founder Au Yuen and his son Au Chan Seng, fondly known as ‘Fatty’, quietly fed prisoners of war at risk to themselves.
As that story spread among Australian Servicemen and RAAF pilots, Fatty’s became a place crews found their way to and kept coming back.
For Qantas pilots in particular, Fatty’s became the familiar table at the end of a long flight, a place where the welcome never changed, no matter how much the world around it did. For generations flying the Kangaroo Route through Singapore, it was as much a part of the journey as the flight itself.
When Fatty’s announced it would close, Qantas worked with the Au family to bring two of its signature dishes to the Singapore lounges at Changi Airport as a way to carry something of Fatty’s forward. The crispy spring rolls and nuclear chicken will be served in the First and Business lounges respectively.
Spring rolls with the Chefs
The Spring rolls
Nucluar Chicken
And set on the table.
The dishes were passed down to Qantas chefs by Skinny, 75, the third-generation custodian of Wing Seong Fatty’s, together with his brother Kelvin, the wider family and the restaurant team.
They were showcased at a function celebrating the restaurant’s long-held place in the Qantas community. And there are some good videos too.
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In Quotes
Nick McGlynn, Qantas’ Executive Vice President for Asia, said:
“Fatty’s has been more than just a restaurant. It’s been part of the Qantas story in Singapore for decades,” said
“Singapore has been one of our most important international bases since the late 1940s, and Fatty’s has been woven into that history from the early days.
“Fatty’s holds a unique place in the hearts of our crew and customers. Showcasing their dishes in our lounges is our way of honouring a place that has shaped the experience of flying through this city for generations.”
Qantas Chief Pilot Dick Tobiano said Fatty’s held a special place in the hearts of many pilots and crew.
“For generations of Qantas pilots, Fatty’s has been far more than a restaurant. It’s been part of our shared experience, a place where crew from different bases and fleets come together to share the same table.
“We’re very grateful to the Au family and their friendship over the years, and on behalf of Qantas we wish them a well-earned retirement. They will certainly be missed.”
Traditions are important
We all have traditions that are important, be at home, in the air or when travelling. They make up part of cultures, histories and futures.
For Qantas crews, Wing Seoung Fattys was an important part of their layovers, honouring promises made by RAAF and servicemen in the past and returning to Fattys when they arrive in Singapore.
One of those questions will be where to eat next and write the next set of histories.
With the two recipes entrusted from Fattys to the Lounges, it will give passengers another taste of Singapore and what Qantas Crews enjoyed between flights in the Lion City.
Images, Qantas, Wing Seoung Fatty.
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