“Mama” means uncle in Tamil. In the past, these shops
were tended by Indians and over the years, the term “mama” shop evolved and is
known to many. These shops can be found under Housing Development Board (HDB)
flats all over the island.
In the past, a typical “mama” shop sold snacks, sweets and
ice pops. It catered to school children who frequent these shops.
Now, most provisions such as cooking oil, tomato sauce and
milk are sold in “mama” shops. Stationeries and new ice-creams like magnum are
additions to these shops.
“Mama” shops are not air-conditioned. Some even operate from
dawn till midnight.
Majority of the customers are regulars or residents living
around the estate. School children from nearby schools also visit “mama” shops.
With modernisation and competition from supermarkets and
other convenience stores such as 7-11,
“mama” shops are dealt with a blow to survive. These shops are vanishing
from the void decks of HDB flats.
Recording for CELs Task 9
https://sites.google.com/site/celstask9allaboutmamashops/all-about-mama-shops
Recording for CELs Task 9
https://sites.google.com/site/celstask9allaboutmamashops/all-about-mama-shops
