Welcoming New Neighbours – Street Submarine

Welcoming New Neighbours – Street Submarine Day by day, we are able to celebrate more up and coming businesses around the Sultan Gate area. This week, we welcomed 2 neighbours along Haji Lane; the Street Submarine and Safari Steakhouse. One being run by a family, fresh in the world of business, and another, by an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. What they have in common is the love for Haji Lane and desire to make their ventures here a success. I sat down with the respective owners to find out more about their cafes.

Maryam Dzinnira, owner of the Street Submarine, a family-run cafe serving hotdog subs with various local-flavoured toppings, says that the business was founded by her mother, Mdm Siti Sharaibah over a year ago. When Mdm Siti, thought of an idea to sell street food, itʼs ironic how she does not enjoy eating hotdogs, but felt that something so simple as a hotdog bun can be enjoyed by the masses. Furthermore, it can easily be incorporated with different flavours. All her kids loved hotdogs and were more than willing to help her with taste tests. After umpteen tries, Mdm Siti finally found her balance and crafted a menu of 7 different toppings. This humble venture first started with booths set up at night-markets and carnivals such as the annual Laluu Lalang Bazaar at Istana Kampong Glam.

Maryam, who now runs the business with her husband, Mr Ahmad, always knew that she will one day run a food chain in the area. She was just never set to the idea, not until Street Submarine came about. Asked why she chose to set up her business in the area, Maryam shares her sentiments and attachment to the area. Her mother and aunts had once attended Madrasah here. Maryam, her cousins and siblings too spent most of their childhood here. This gave her the motivation to set her business up, brick and mortar, along Haji Lane. Maryam also enjoys the friendliness of the community here and the flock of diverse visitors that roam the streets everyday.

Tourists come here to experience for themselves the colourful community that ranges from the traditionalists to hipsters and millennials. Here, visitors may explore the local exhibits, shop for unique Asian garments and sundry varied local delicacies. Sultan Gate is definitely the right place to be.

Written by : Junid

Photo by : Wanie Maz