70 offers for Kay Lee Roast Meat Joint but shop no longer for sale

Since declaring they would sell their recipe and shop space for $3.5 million in March, the owners of Kay Lee Roast Meat Joint have received about 70 offers.

One of the offers came pretty close, too - $3 million, but Madam Betty Kong and her husband Ha Wai Kay said they have changed their minds. They now want to keep the shop space in Upper Paya Lebar Road and rent it out instead.

The recipe is still on offer for $2 million, but whether a sale will be made will depend on something less measurable - "the vibe he or she gives", said Mr Ha, 62. "If he is really passionate and sincere in protecting the Kay Lee brand and reputation, we can tell immediately. Maybe it's fate."

Madam Kong, 66, added that the price was negotiable, but only "with the right person". When asked if this was all just a publicity stunt to boost sales, she said it was not.