Cheng Hoo Thian, named after its founder Mr Koh Cheng Hoo. Started off as a small “Zhi Char” stall around Clarke Quay in 1930. After the second world war, Cheng Hoo Thian shifted to New Market Road, near to where Ministry of Manpower at Havelock Road stands today, before making its way to S.K.A Building at Tessensohn Road in 1970.

In 1974, Cheng Hoo Thian opened its 2nd branch at Ning Yeung Wui Kuan (宁阳会馆) along Hokkien Street. However, due to the tremendous raise of rent from the landlord at its Tessensohn premise and road development works around Hokkien Street, both branches were closed in 1976 and 1975 respectively. Thereafter, Cheng Hoo Thian has been doing private dinning for its regular customers at their premises.

In 2013, the youngest son of the founder, Mr Jimmy Koh, together with another partner started Cheng Hoo Thian at Keong Saik Road. After operating for a couple of years, the restaurant had to close its doors again due to the limited parking space available around the area and a difference in business views between the partners. After closing its doors, Cheng Hoo Thian continues to do private dinning till August 2018 when Mr Jimmy Koh is being invited to reopen the restaurant at its current location.