“Have you ever been to that hole in the wall? You know that place on that road behind that shop? We passed by it last time, remember, when we hung out with so and so?”
Usually the response you get to questions like these is , “Oh yeah, THAT place. I love it there! What was the name of that place again?” And that’s is what I love about Google Maps. There’s no need for any of us to go through that process over and over and over again like we used to.
Not only that, but it’s an opportunity for us to raise awareness about these local mom and pop shops like that of my parents (see picture below). My parents have had their business for as long as I can remember. They had quite a range throughout Tucson, Arizona back when I was younger ranging from a mobile store and 99cent store to a sushi restaurant. Being a business owners’ child, I know how hard it can be to have new and/or returning customers especially when the location isn’t in your favour.
And that’s why my passion has been to disclose these hidden gems throughout Singapore and beyond. It’s important that we let the whole world their story by sharing where it is and why they should go! It’s not just to support the businesses because they really shouldn’t be missed.
Here’s a few that I think you all should definitely know about and of course go to:
Ice cream stand @ fisherman village (Koh Samui, Thailand)
We found this fun little stand walking along the path at Fisherman village and had to get it especially because it was in a fresh coconut. Little did we know what flavors we were signing up for. The meaty and nutty flavors of the ice cream and coconut mesh so naturally with the toppings and it left us wanting more. We actually went back to get more the following day and were so sad to see that the stand wasn’t there.
El Guero Canelo (Tucson, Arizona
There’s a few things that are a must when I go back home to see my parents and this is on the top of the list. What makes it special you ask? We saw the business grow throughout the years and have been coming back since the first day it opened. And the steak is cooked to perfection and you get lots of it in all different forms whether that’s a taco, quesadilla, you name it! Two other must haves here are the Sonoran hot dog (hot dog with salsa, beans and so much more goodness) and horchata.
And in Singapore (home sweet home!):
This restaurant has so much history - 3 generations worth! All I have to say is… GET THE PANDAN OR GULA MELAKA CHIFFON and you will have no regrets.
And so many more: