Mama Shops

Preserving A Legacy

Mama shops, otherwise known as Mamak shops, are local standalone neighborhood convenience stores, typically family-run establishments found at the void decks of Singapore’s public housing. The word “Mamak” originates from Tamil, which means “uncle”, as these shops are traditionally owned and managed by individuals of the Indian community.

Their inventory includes a wide range of products, encompassing household essentials, food items, as well as magazines and newspapers.

These shops hold immense significance within Singapore's culture and communities. For many Singaporeans growing up in the 1980s to early 2000s, these shops served as social hubs, fostered community bonds, and provided people with a sense of belonging.

As Singapore modernised, business began to dwindle for Mama shops due to direct competition from supermarkets, air-conditioned minimart chains, and convenience store franchises. People prefer to buy their goods at shopping centers and supermarkets where the variety of goods sold is larger and prices are generally lower. In recent years, a large number of Mama shops have closed down, and the ones left standing have to find ways to adapt in the face of stiff competition.

Al Matheena

Uncle Abul has been in the industry for over 40 years, having worked at his family’s old line of minimarts in the past. His current shop, Al Matheena, is situated at 462A Crawford Lane (near Lavender MRT), and has been operating for 8 years.

Every day, Uncle Abul gets up at 5am for morning prayers, before going back for a few more hours of sleep and opening his shop at 11.30am. Al Matheena stays open until 1am, when many nightlife enjoyers head down for a late-night snack.

Uncle Abul noted that his customer base comprises primarily regulars. Customers hail from various backgrounds, including overseas visitors and hotel guests. The age range of his customers tends to skew younger – there used to be more schoolkids from a nearby school dropping by after classes, but that school has since closed down. Notably, many customers frequent the shop during the wee hours.

Business can vary from time to time, with occasional low traffic affecting sales. Cigarettes are among the shop's bestsellers, although the profit margin is quite slim. In the past, the margin was around 10%, but times have changed, and it currently stands at 6-7%.

Uncle Abul singlehandedly manages the shop. When asked about his plans for the future, he expressed the desire to hand over the reins to someone else.

Al Matheena
Address: 462A Crawford Ln, Singapore 191462
Operating Hours: Everyday 11am-1am

Happy Huat

Happy Huat, located near the ICA Building, has been open for over 20 years and is run by Aunty Anna. Her Mama shop was passed on to her by a relative and she has been running it ever since, averaging 10 hours a day. Happy Huat sells a combination of drinks, alcohol, cigarettes, and old school snacks.

As Aunty Anna’s regulars come by, she habitually reaches for a pack of cigarettes or a can of beer without being prompted. She mentions how the convenience of her store appeals to customers compared to supermarkets - many of them choose to visit Happy Huat for the short waiting time and affable interactions.

Mama shops have evolved over the years, from carrying toys such as Kuti Kuti to offering mostly soft drinks, alcohol, snacks, and sweets. Though Happy Huat no longer carries these items, Aunty Anna still stocks up on plenty of old school snacks, including gem biscuits, wheel crackers, and many other nostalgic bites.

Auntie Anna plans to close her storefront in a few years' time, as with many of these Mama shops that are gradually retiring from our neighbourhoods.

Happy Huat Pte Ltd
Address: 808 French Road, Singapore 200808
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat, 8AM - 12AM

Mama Diam

Established in 2021, this speakeasy bar pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Singapore by reinterpreting the local traditional Mama shop concept. They see preserving Mama shop traditions as a means to honour the past while embracing modernity, symbolising the vital role these shops have played in the community and integrating it into a contemporary context.

To recreate an authentic experience, they incorporated traditional Mama shop decor, including vintage signage, furniture, and memorabilia. They also trained their staff to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of these cherished neighbourhood stores.

Mama shops hold great significance in the hearts of Singaporeans. They are not just convenience stores; they are places where communities gather, stories are shared, and friendships are formed. These shops are a tangible link to our past, reflecting the multicultural diversity and resilience of our nation. Preserving Mama shops is vital for maintaining a connection to our heritage and promoting a sense of belonging among Singaporeans.

38 Prinsep Street, Singapore 188665