Mahiran recalled that in the 80s and 90s, the alleys along North Bridge Road were largely empty with only a few modest shophouses. People would bypass them to head to Arab Street.
But her mum was more optimistic. “I remember her telling me that because the place and country will grow, people will eventually visit the alleys too,” Mahiran said.
“Though I had doubts, I trusted my mum,” she said. “I followed her advice and picked Jalan Pisang as the location for my restaurant.” Hjh Maimunah opened in 1992, when Mahiran was 27.
The early years were exciting but daunting. Without today’s internet, it was difficult to source for things that could help the restaurant, such as food suppliers or logistics support in Singapore, she said.
“But my husband and I worked hard, sometimes only coming home to our kids after 3am,” she added.
Her late mum’s hunch was spot on. Today, Jalan Pisang and the other alleys along North Bridge Road, such as Jalan Kledek and Jalan Klapa, are filled with eateries, cafes, clothes shops and bakeries, attracting both locals and tourists.