Latest news with #aunties
Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
'When did landlords start controlling our future?'
SINGAPORE: It began as a simple walk past a local coffee shop, something thousands of Singaporeans do daily. But for one Redditor, what she saw gave pause: five kiosks closed forever, including a zi char stall. 'I've never seen a zi char stall close shop before,' she wrote. Curious, she approached the aunties at the drinks stall. The reason for the closing? Over-the-top rental fees. That scene triggered an unfathomable image of something that's been gently tiptoeing up on us — are property-owners, landlords, and the ecosystem around them, gradually eating away at the soul of Singapore's local food landscape? A zi char casualty Zi char stalls — those busy, wok-heated corners of the coffee shop providing everything from sambal kangkong to sweet and sour pork — are a keystone of Singapore's gastronomic culture. Unlike fashionable cafés and snack bars, these stalls depend on constant footfall and unchanging budgets to survive. When one stall closes, it's not just a business loss; it's the termination of a collective local experience. Economics or exploitation? 'Landlords will only reduce rent when they feel the pain of vacancy,' one commenter wrote. 'Otherwise, they'll just keep squeezing. Simple economics.' It's a reasoning entrenched in free-market judgment — owners charge what the market can tolerate, but for many, it feels not so much about economics but more like manipulation or exploitation. Others cited a broader issue — real estate representatives and the commission-based inducement system. One netizen specifically mentioned PropNex, claiming that its supremacy results in a race to the top in rental pricing. 'I know an agent who failed in his MNC career,' the commenter shared. 'Now he owns multiple properties, flips shophouses, and flaunts his S$100K watches on Instagram. Just an average guy with anger issues who got rich gaming the system.' Who's really to blame? The blame game didn't stop at landlords and agents. Another Redditor blamed civil servants for letting HDB coffeehouses be sold at exorbitant prices in the first place, igniting a domino effect. Still, others believed it was a cultural failure: 'Mostly just greedy, want-to-get-rich, self-centered thinking.' And possibly that's the core of the problem. When returns outdo public good, the fatalities aren't just zi char kiosks, but people's small daily luxuries, communal spaces, and people's shared identity. A system under strain This isn't about wistfulness. It's about whether the current system still has space for tiny businesses to flourish. When a modest zi char stall can no longer continue to exist in a neighbourhood coffee shop, it's a threatening sign—not just for vendors, but for everyone. Because if even the wok rulers are conking out and doing the exit, who's next? Maybe it's time people ask not just what is closing, but why, and what kind of Singapore do Singaporeans want to preserve for future generations.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Yahoo
Old China Cafe: Charming heritage Nyonya cafe in Chinatown since ‘97 with spicy fried rice & must-try pai tee
Back in the heart of Chinatown once more, I found myself drawn to a quieter corner; this time for a taste of Nyonya fare at Old China Cafe. Tucked along the same road as the ever-popular Ho Kow Hainan Kopitiam (which, true to form, was swarmed with diners yet again), Old China Cafe offered a welcome contrast. As I weaved past the crowd spilling onto the pavement, I was quietly grateful to be heading somewhere a little more serene. Inside, only 3 aunties were seated. Bliss. Stepping through the wooden doors of Old China Cafe felt like slipping into someone's heritage home. Perhaps your Peranakan grandma's, if she had a flair for vintage posters, framed calligraphy, and woodsy tones. The space was snug, softly lit, and thankfully air-conditioned. Seated beside a standing unit, I was nearly lulled into a midday nap. While the menu featured no pork or lard (from what I could see, at least), they did serve alcohol quite openly which was a bit of a curveball. Out of personal beliefs, I enlisted my ever-reliable colleague for the tasting duties— just to be safe! Now, on to the good part: the food. Since Old China Cafe specialises in Nyonya cuisine, expect a colourful blend of Straits Chinese and Malay flavours. We had our eyes on the Nyonya Laksa and Buah Keluak Fried Rice, but with only one of us eating, we kept it simple: one main, one snack. Our choice was a safe but satisfying option: Nyonya Fried Rice with Fried Chicken (RM17.90), served as a lunch combo with a cold drink. The plate arrived with fried rice, turmeric fried chicken, shredded fresh cucumber and carrot, sambal belacan, and a papadom. The warm and inviting aroma greeted me first before anything else, reminiscent of your classic Indonesian nasi goreng. My dining partner took a bite and was immediately caught off-guard by the heat. 'You'd love this,' she said, fanning her mouth. The rice was robustly seasoned with red chilli and onion paste, soy sauce, and probably a bit of oyster sauce. The veggies were fresh, though pickled ones might've added more punch. The sambal belacan was a blend of raw chillies, fermented shrimp paste (likely untoasted), and lime juice. Butter Kaya Kopitiam: Chinatown's must-visit coffee shop for pandan kaya lava toast, buttermilk clam noodles & jumbo rojak rolls The fried chicken, sadly, was on the dry side. It mostly tasted of turmeric and salt despite the visible bits of fried spices. The papadom lacked crunch and leaned softer than what she would have liked. Still, the dish held its own as a hearty, flavourful lunch. I had scanned a few Google reviews beforehand, and one recurring favourite caught my eye: the Pai Tee (RM17.90). The top hat shells were definitely larger than what I was used to, with a unique shape as well. We filled them with the jicama filling, raw minced garlic, Hainanese chicken rice chilli sauce, and cilantro. The jicama mix was mushy but nicely seasoned with green beans and fried shallots. It wasn't oily or soggy, which lent a satisfying bite without overwhelming the palate. The shells were crisp, and each bite packed a balanced medley of flavour and texture. While I didn't sample the dishes myself, I trusted my colleague's verdict. She's far pickier than I am, after all. And although her spice tolerance is on the gentler side, she was confident that fellow spice lovers like me would enjoy the fried rice even more. She'd gladly return, and even declared it far better than Ho Kow Hainan Kopitiam. Taste is, of course, subjective… but perhaps it's time we gave Old China Cafe the appreciation it truly deserves. Expected damage: RM11.90 – RM17.90 per pax Din Sun Kopitiam: Must-try affordable dragon fruit dim sum, salted egg bun & chee cheong fun in Chinatown The post Old China Cafe: Charming heritage Nyonya cafe in Chinatown since '97 with spicy fried rice & must-try pai tee appeared first on
Forbes
09-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
7 Mother's Day Gifts That Show Love And Protect The Planet
Daughter hugging mother Mother's Day is just days away, and while we scramble for thoughtful ways to show love, we often overlook the hidden environmental costs that come with last-minute gift-buying. While this day is not just for biological mothers, it is a chance to honor anyone who has played a nurturing role in our lives, whether that is a grandma, an auntie, an older sister, or a teacher. These women deserve our appreciation and stemming from that, the planet deserves our mindfulness too. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are projected to spend $34.1 billion on Mother's Day in 2025, marking a slight increase from $33.5 billion in 2024 and approaching the record $35.7 billion set in 2023. This enduring commitment to honoring the women who nurture, guide, and uplift us reflects the deep value placed on these relationships. However, amidst this outpouring of affection, it is worth considering how our expressions of love can also honor the planet via embracing sustainable gifting practices that still honor them. You can show deep appreciation to the mothers, aunties, grandmas, and nurturing women in your life without harming the planet, or contributing to the exploitation of workers in underregulated supply chains. Here are 7 last-minute, sustainable Mother's Day gifts that are easy to pull off and rich in meaning. Peony boquet Globally, Mother's Day is among the top gift-giving holidays, with millions purchasing cards, flowers, and novelty items that often end up in landfills. Additionally, Mother's Day often is synonymous with giving flowers, however a single flower imported by air emits up to 3 kg of CO₂ based on a Tree Nation report. Choosing potted plants, such as roses or other native flowering species or locally sourced flowers, offer a sustainable alternative and serves as a lasting reminder of your affection once given the right care. For example, Appleyard London is a sustainable flower brand that sources blooms from British and Kenyan farms, reinvesting in local communities by supporting fair wages, safe working conditions, healthcare, childcare, and education; all while minimizing waste through smart forecasting, using mostly recyclable packaging, and constantly improving their eco-conscious practices. In the USA, brands such as BloomsyBox is a sustainable flower option. Mother and baby girl watering own organic garden. Does your mom have a garden or flower beds? Help her conserve water and reduce her utility bill by gifting a rain barrel or a basic irrigation system. In drier regions, outdoor watering can account for up to 60% of household water use, according to the U.S. EPA. A rainwater harvesting setup can save thousands of gallons annually, while also protecting local water tables. Not only is it practical and eco-conscious, but she will think of you every time she waters her plants. Here is a DIY video to get you started if you want to create this thoughtful gift for mom. herbs growing in kitchen Start her a kitchen garden with potted herbs like mint, rosemary, basil, and thyme. These are easy to grow on a windowsill or balcony, and perfect for teas, soups, or dinner. You can pick up seedlings from a local plant nursery for a meaningful gift that grows with time. Every mom has a house project that she has been quietly or loudly wishing would get done. Whether it is fixing the curtain rod, organizing the pantry, or helping her rehang photos, giving your time to check something off her mental to-do list is a love language that all moms understand. The bonus is that it costs nothing, creates zero waste, and means a lot. Schedule some time with mom to be her project support for a day or a few hours. Vaia Cube amplifies sound from cellphone Instead of the typical mass-produced body care kits, curate a gift basket from local artisans or farmers' markets. Handmade soaps, soy candles, ceramics, herbal oils, and naturally dyed scarves make for a luxurious and eco-conscious experience. If buying new, prioritize brands committed to ethics and the environment—like Vaia, which creates products made from the wood of the 16 million trees that were destroyed in the Vaia storm in Italy. A recommendation is the Vaia Cube which is a passive sound amplifier that requires no electricity and the added sustainable benefit is that each purchase supports reforestation efforts in the Dolomites, with one tree planted for every unit sold. Another sustainable option, is considering planting a tree in her honor through One Tree Planted—a $1 donation equals one tree, and supports global reforestation. Studies consistently show that experiences create more lasting joy than material gifts Plan something simple but meaningful: a paint-and-sip session, a movie night, a beach picnic, or even a cozy dinner at home where you do the cooking. Shared time is the gift that mom will talk about for years. If you are apart from mom, a virtual mom date with a surprise food delivery or a personal video message still carries heart and minimal environmental impact. Shot of a young woman helping her mother to use her cellphone Let's face it, your mom already thinks that you are a tech guru. It may not sound glamorous, but helping her figure out her TV remote, organize apps on her phone, fix her Wi-Fi, adjust her privacy settings or adjusting her phone volume can be a true act of service. You will save her time, frustration, and maybe a ton of missed calls as well as the temptation to replace her devices prematurely which are 'not working'. This act of service will contribute to reduced e-waste, which is the fastest-growing waste stream globally according to a Word Health Organization 2024 report. Mother's Day should be about reflection, gratitude, and intentional care, not just spending money. More of us are realizing that. According to a 2018 Accenture report, nearly 60% of consumers are now choosing brands that align with their values, including environmental and social responsibility. This year, skip the plastic-wrapped rush gifts and go for something deeper. Show her that loving her includes honoring the world she helped shape, the one you both live in.
