At first glance, Anthony The Spice Maker already stands out from the rest of the wet market stalls in Ang Mo Kio, with its clean, contemporary look and neat rows of prettily packaged goods. But that’s just the modern side of the business — right next to it sits the “old school” version of the same brand, where all the spice magic (and mixing) happens.
If you’ve heard its name before, that’s probably because the family-run store has actually been around since 1986 — now 57-year-old Anthony helms the original space at Chinatown Complex, while his son Jack is in charge of the newer stall in Ang Mo Kio.
The 28-year-old you may find more familiar from his appearances on social media and in various publications — after all, it’s not often you find millennials willing to take over the family business, especially when it requires unglamorous, laborious work.
But that’s exactly where Jack flourishes in learning from his father, who concocted unique-to-Singapore pastes that have since become the brand’s signatures. Think Nyonya chicken curry, laksa, chilli crab, vegetable curry, rendang, nasi lemak chilli, fish curry, sambal assam fish, and black pepper crab. You can also get top notch spices and blends such as smokey black pepper rub, tandoori, garam masala, and five spice here.
Basically, these guys make it so much easier for home cooks to whip up local dishes with fresh batches of spices that have price tags kept under $10.
The self-proclaimed “auntie killer” credits his natural flair for sales (and his affinity for speaking different dialects) as part of his success in working with his dad. Even though the duo have butted heads over the years, Anthony soon came around to Jack’s idea of selling the spices in better packaging for a tidier look, with helpful labels that list the ingredients and offer instructions on use.
Those who don’t really know their way around the kitchen can also check out Anthony The Spice Maker’s website, where you’ll find video tutorials on how to cook dishes such as chicken curry and sambal assam fish. Or how to turn its bestseller Curry Powder Singapura into a paste. Like in this video below.
FIND IT:
Anthony The Spice Maker has two outlets, including Mayflower Market and Food Centre, Blk 160 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4, #01-77/78.
9644-8233. Tues-Sun 9am-1pm.
MRT: Ang Mo Kio
