Why I Started Reviewing Beach Vendors on Aki

Regular beachgoer Marcos explains why he reviews every vendor he visits and how it became a way to give back to the community.

2025-12-20 — Marcos Albuquerque

I go to the beach at least twice a week. Over the years I've eaten at hundreds of vendor stalls — some incredible, some forgettable, a few regrettable. When Aki launched, I saw a way to put all that experience to use.

The First Review

My first review was for a tapioca stand in Santos. I wrote three sentences about the texture of the tapioca and the friendliness of the vendor. Two days later, the vendor sent me a message through the app thanking me. He said my review brought him five new customers that weekend.

That response changed how I saw reviews. They're not just opinions — they're economic support for real families.

My Review Philosophy

I always mention three things: the food quality, the vendor's service, and whether it's worth the price. I never leave a one-star review without messaging the vendor first to give them a chance to respond.

The Community

I've connected with other reviewers on the app. We share tips about hidden vendors, seasonal specialties, and which beaches have the best informal food scenes. It's become a genuine community of people who care about the informal economy.