Min Ling Carvela Baltazar Shares Singaporean Flavors and Heritage in Switzerland
- Unique Wisdom
- May 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 2
In the French-speaking region of Switzerland, Min Ling Carvela Baltazar embraced a slower, more intentional pace of life. Through small daily moments and cultural immersion, she rediscovered joy in simplicity. Her story reminds us that profound happiness often blooms not from only chasing newness, but also from cherishing what is already present.
I am Min Ling, currently based in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. I am a third-generation spice girl from Singapore, and I have brought my family’s spice heritage here to share the traditional flavors of Singapore with Europeans Traditional Flavours of Singapore!
One of the things that living abroad has taught me is the importance of work-life balance. Work hard and play harder! :) It has also taught me many life skills that I never knew about, having grown up in my comfort zone in Singapore.
Both Singapore and Switzerland are my home. While embracing the local language and culture here, I stay rooted in my culture by cooking and sharing traditional flavors of Singapore with my loved ones, my Singaporean friends, and my local friends.
Through food, I open up conversations about Singapore, which helps me remember my roots and culture while also understanding the differences between our cultures with respect and openness.
From time to time, I attend events organized by the Singapore Embassy in Switzerland. Through meeting fellow Singaporeans here, especially those who came before me, I have learned to always be ready to help another Singaporean in need when we are all far away from our motherland.
In a way, I’ve learned to pay it forward to fellow Singaporeans who are just fresh off the boat.
Carrying Forward a Family Legacy of Spice, Story, and Singaporean Flavor
Photo Credit: Min Ling
I officially joined my father in the spice trade in 2016 as a third-generation spice maker after finishing my university studies in Singapore. I was exposed to the world of spices from a young age, and I fondly remember tagging along to visit my father’s spice factory and the supermarket spice counters that Anthony once had.
I grew my love of cooking and appreciation for traditional foods by watching my grandmother blend spices and cook with them to make her signature dishes like Nonya Chicken Curry, Sambal Asam Fish, and Sambal Prawns.
Today, I am equipped with the art of spice mixing because of my natural interest in learning the nuts and bolts from my father. With that, I am determined to continue my father and grandmother’s legacy by practicing the craft and preserving the heritage flavors of Singapore to share with future generations.
Sharing Singaporean Flavors with Pride and Purpose from Switzerland
Continuing my grandmother and father’s legacy is the biggest reason why I am in the spice trade. Especially since I am now based in Switzerland, the motivation to promote and educate Europeans about Singaporean food and spice blends is even greater.
I feel a sense of duty and passion to share our amazing food culture here on the other side of the world, where not everyone has the opportunity to travel to Singapore. The joy and satisfaction I feel when fellow Asians or non-Asians tell me how much they love our spice blends motivate me to keep going, even when things feel monotonous at times, as I am only starting to get our brand name out there.
It makes my family proud, and it makes fellow Singaporeans proud when we talk about our melting pot of cultures and flavors.
Pursuing Dreams with Heart, Passion, and Perseverance
I would say to all the aspiring riders and those on the journey —press on and don’t give up on your dreams!
Never try, never know!
I always believe in following your heart and passion, and you will excel.
Stay Connected
Online store: www.anthonythespicemaker.ch
Instagram: @anthonythespicemaker.ch