Tributes pour in for much-loved noodle chef

Wednesday 19 December 2018

A popular businessman, noodle chef and “brilliant friend” has been honoured by those who knew him after he lost his battle with cancer.

Tributes have poured in for the late Brian Chan, who ran the popular ‘Brian’s Noodle Bar’ in the Central Market, after he sadly passed away from cancer on Monday aged 60 years old.

A post on social media announcing Brian’s death has prompted an outpouring of fond memories and condolences for the well-known and much-loved noodle chef. 

Greengrocer Bill Davies, who knew Brian for many years told Express that he was “the happiest, easiest going man you’ll ever meet.”

Pictured: Brian Chan set up shop in the Market over three years ago, and many of his trading neighbours remember him fondly.

Despite having to overcome many hardships, Bill paid tribute to Brian’s “beautiful” personality. He said: “He only ever wanted to work. He came from a very poor background and he just wanted to work and make money so that he could buy things for people and look after them.

“He couldn’t read and write. Even though he’s successful in business he always relied on other people to help him… I don’t think people realised he couldn’t read and write." 

Bill, who got to know Brian when he opened his first business in First Tower, fondly remembers the Chef being “bonkers” as well as his language.

“His language was atrocious [it was] absolutely hilarious… He lived life pretty full but not long enough”, the greengrocer said of his friend. 

Pictured: Tributes have flooded in for the Chinese noodle chef who was described as "the happiest, easiest going man you'll ever meet" by one of his friends.

Another Market trader, butcher Sylvia Kennedy described Brian as a “very funny, lovely man” and a “brilliant friend” who was so dedicated to his business that “he still came in every single day” even when he was seriously ill. “He was lovely to work opposite – he will be missed”, Sylvia told Express.

The noodle bar was only closed in the last few months of Brian’s life when he couldn’t make it into work. 

Many of Brian’s patrons have taken to social media to express their sympathies. One user wrote: “So very sad to hear that Brian has left us. My condolences to his family and friends. We will all miss his cheery face and happy personality. Taken far too soon.”

Another wrote: “Reading all these comments it’s clear what a positive effect Brian had on everyone he met. Always friendly, kind and had a smile for you. Had a unique way of making you feel that you’d known him for years and years. Never too busy to chat. Plus he was a great chef!”