Forget the Merlion keychains or the tacky “Singapore is a fine city” t-shirts. These awesome mementos and collectibles will help you only remember Singapore’s flavours, culture, and overall uniqueness when you leave town. We’ll be adding more fab goods from time to time, so watch this space!
1. Bak Kwa
Smokey, flavoursome and utterly moreish, bak kwa (barbecued meat) is a well-loved local snack that is especially popular during Chinese New Year. One of the many household brand names to try is Bee Cheng Hiang.
Available at all Bee Cheng Hiang outlets, including #02-92 Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, Departure/Transit West, 65 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819663, p. 6242 9272.
2. Kaya
Breakfast in Singapore isn’t complete without the delicious combination of toast and kaya, a jam made with coconut milk, eggs, and sugar.
Available at all Ya Kun Kaya Toast outlets island-wide, including #B2-LF3 Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, 65 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819663, p. 62414341.
3. Jamal Kazura Aromatics
An array of aromatic attars (Arabic perfume oils) from the Middle East, Europe, and India awaits you at this fragrance emporium, where you can also get your own customised scent.
Available at all Jamal Kazura Aromatics outlets island-wide, include 728 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198696, p. 6293 2350.
4. Tiger Balm
Rub away aches, pains and other ailments with this cure-all herbal ointment, formulated by Chinese herbalist Aw Chu Kin in the 1870s.
Available at all major pharmacies island-wide, including Watsons, #B2-23, Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, 65 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819663, p. 6581 5950.
5. TWG Tea
The luxury tea company offers an impressive selection of over 800 teas, specially harvested from all around the world. Pick up the Singapore Breakfast Tea or the classic French Earl Grey Tea in beautifully designed artisanal tea tins to take home.
Available at all TWG Tea outlets island-wide, including #026-102-01 Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2, Departure/Transit Lounge South, Singapore 819643, p. 6583 1837
6. Singaporean Badges
What do ‘kaypoh’, ‘huat ah’, and ‘kiasu’ mean? Get acquainted with the local lingo with these charming little badges, which come in 19 different designs.
The Little Dröm Store, 1 Zubir Said Drive #02-01 School of the Arts (SOTA), p. (65) 6884 4651
7. Our Neighbourhoods Book
Explore the ins and outs of Singapore’s heartlands with this series of informative books, which features beautifully rendered sketches of Katong, Little India, Tiong Bahru, Toa Payoh, and Bedok
Woods in the Books, 3 Yong Siak Street, p. (65) 6222 9980
8. Ang Ku Kueh Girl Handmade Soap
Inspired by the traditional Chinese pastry, this handmade soap looks almost good enough to eat – and with its refreshing berry scent, it smells even better.
Cat Socrates, 231 Bain Street #02-25 Bras Basah Complex, p. (65) 6333 0870
9. Democratic Society Tableware
Definitely not your average mass-produced souvenir, this ceramic tableware collection by design company Democratic Society pays tribute to local icons like the HDB (Housing Development Board) flats and Vanda Miss Joaquim flower.
SUPERMAMA, 30A Seah Street
10. Kult Tote Bag
Classic films that you know and love get a local twist with this series of tongue-in- cheek tote bags, featuring local neighbourhoods such as Balestier, Desker, and Buona Vista.
PACT (SPUR Hauswerks), 181 Orchard Road #02-14 Orchard Central,(65) 9627 7885
This article was first published in Singapore Insider. Want more? Pick up a copy of the print guide at Singapore Visitor Centres island-wide, including Orchard (junction of Cairnhill Road and Orchard Road), orchardgateway, ION Orchard (Level 1 Concierge), and Chinatown Visitor Centre (2 Banda Street), or download the latest version in PDF format or or visit Your Singapore.