You walk in with one item on your shopping list and 20 minutes later, walk out with enough booty for an army. Sound familiar? Chances are, you’re a regular at Mustafa Centre. But in case you’re not, check out the top 10 best deals the shopping mecca has to offer.
Silks and saris (level B1, entrance 1)
Follow the Silk Road down to Mustafa’s textile section for silks, saris, and other fabrics. The dizzying array of colours, patterns, and Mustafa’s typical stuffed-to-the-gills shelving system may be overwhelming to first-time visitors – so it’s best to come during off-peak hours to avoid jostling elbows with feisty old Indian ladies. Also worth noting: tailoring services are not offered.
DVDs (level 1, entrance 2)
Film buffs: your version of heaven on Earth is real – and it lies within Mustafa’s very extensive DVD section. Latest Hollywood blockbusters, Bollywood films, Korean TV dramas, classic flicks, and even educational videos for kids: you name it, Mustafa’s got it. And the best part? Prices start as low as $3.50. Did someone say movie marathon?
Lakmé cosmetics (level 1, entrance 2) 
For the uninitiated, Lakmé is the premier makeup brand in India – just as Maybelline and L’Oreal are to the rest of the world. Kudos to Mustafa for bringing the brand to our shores while other stores in Singapore are still playing catch up. Fronted by Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor, Lakmé is surprisingly affordable, versatile, and not just catered to dusky-skinned ladies. The top-selling product is the Eyeconic Kajal – perfect for those who love their eyeliners sooty black and smudge-proof.
Editor’s picks: Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal ($6.90), Lakmé Absolute Mattreal Skin Natural Mousse ($19.70) and Lakmé Absolute Colour Illusion Nail Polish ($5.90).
Watches (level 1, entrance 1)
Sure, Mustafa has the usual selection of luxury watch brands like Tag Heuer, Longines, and Tissot but the real reason why shoppers flock to the watch section is the sizable selection of vintage-style timepieces and ironic-yet-oh-so-cool Casio calculator watches – because geek is the new chic, honey.
Curry, Spice, and Everything Nice (level 2)
Mustafa makes whipping up a Maharaja-worthy meal that much easier with its mind-boggling selection of ingredients, snacks, and produce imported from the Motherland. Fluffy basmati rice served with a side of lamb rogan josh and kulfi ice-cream for dessert, anyone? Don’t mind if we do.
Editor’s picks: Kohinoor Ready-made Kashmiri Rogan Josh Gravy ($1), Hunter Indian Petite Poppadoms ($2.20), Haldiram’s Kaju Burfee ($10.50), and Wagh Bakri Masala Chai Tea ($5.50).
Electronics (level B2, entrance 4)
It’s common knowledge that prices for cameras, mobile phones, TVs, and other tech-y stuff in Mustafa are approximately 10 to 20% cheaper than elsewhere. But don’t just take our word for it: as for every big-ticket item, it’s best to do your homework first and compare prices before handing over your credit card.
Jewellery (level B1, entrance 4 & level 1, entrance 1)
Step into the gold jewellery section on any given day and you’ll find hordes of Indians dropping Ks on gold bars. But even without a Sultan’s budget, you can indulge in a bit of bling at Mustafa’s costume jewellery section. Glass bangles, earrings, headpieces, and every other bauble imaginable fit for a lavish Indian wedding in a rainbow of colours – you’ll want them all.
Indian beauty products (level 1, entrance 2 & 4)
This one’s for the ladies (and impeccably-groomed gents): we’ve let you in on the amazingness that is Lakmé, but Mustafa has plenty more to offer in the beauty department. Beauty junkies will love trawling the shelves for never-before-seen Indian beauty products – especially those which incorporate natural ingredients like coconut oil, henna, and ayurvedic herbs.
Editor’s picks: Ratika Coconut Enriched Hair Oil ($4.50), Fair & Lovely Ayurvedic Care Face Cream ($3), and Rajasthani Henna Powder ($3).
Competitive exchange rates (level 1, outside entrance 1)
There’s plenty of debate on where to go for the best exchange rates in town but we definitely recommend Mustafa’s 24-hour moneychanger. And while you’re there, you can also pick last-minutes essentials for your trip – handy!
Tip: Check the latest exchange rates on the Mustafa Forex website.
Delish Indian grub
Congratulations – you survived five floors of shopping mayhem! To celebrate, head up to the rooftop for a hearty alfresco Indian meal at Mustafa’s in-house restaurant, Kebabs N Curries. Expect the usual spread of North and South Indian cuisine, along with vegetarian and Pakistani options in a surprisingly romantic location. The soft breeze, trickling water from the nearby fountain, and flickering candlelights will fool you into thinking you’re miles away from the hustle and bustle of Little India.
Kebabs N Curries, #07-00, Mustafa Centre, p. 6419 0750. Open Mon-Sun 5pm-2am.
Mustafa Centre, 145 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207704, p. 6295 5855. Open 24 hours.