Our insider guide to the best souvenirs to buy in Singapore. Discover local food gifts, traditional keepsakes and stylish Singapore-made finds to take home.
If you love bringing home meaningful souvenirs from your travels, Singapore is a treasure trove of gifts that are unique, delicious, beautifully made, and/or practical.
Singaporeans love gifting food, so edible souvenirs are always a hit. For more traditional souvenirs, the markets in Chinatown have a wide range of tea sets, Chinese calligraphy, lacquerware, and Peranakan-style items. Silk cushion covers, chopstick sets and Chinese-style fans are also popular.
If you want higher-end versions, look for boutique Peranakan shops specialising in beaded slippers, ceramics, and home decor. The Joo Chiat/Katong area is the best place for this.
You’ll also find a good selection of Singapore-themed gifts, such as tea towels, coasters and jigsaw puzzles in gift shops in neighbourhoods like Tiong Bahru and Joo Chiat. Some of our favourites include A Raft of Otters, Cat Socrates, and Yeni Draws.
Tips for Souvenir Shopping in Singapore
- Many items (especially food) have airport branches for last-minute purchases.
- Keep receipts if you plan to claim GST refunds at Changi Airport.
- Buy food gifts closer to your departure date for maximum freshness.
- Traditional markets and small boutiques often have the most unique finds.
- Boutiques in neighbourhoods like Joo Chiat/Katong and Tiong Bahru are a treasure trove for souvenir shopping.
Singapore Souvenir Ideas
Below are some of our favourite items to buy as Singapore souvenirs and gifts.
Kaya (Coconut Jam)
Kaya is one of the most iconic flavours in Singapore. This silky coconut jam is made with pandan and tastes incredible on toast. It travels well and makes a lovely foodie gift.
Where to buy it: You’ll find reliable brands at Ya Kun Kaya Toast, Bread Talk and local supermarkets.
Pandan Chiffon Cake
Considered to be the “national cake of Singapore and Malaysia” pandan chiffon cake is light, fragrant and distinctively green.
Where to buy it: The most convenient place to buy high-quality cakes is Bengawan Solo, which has branches across the city and at Changi Airport. We also like Pure Pandan, located in Chinatown.
Bak Kwa
Bak kwa is a sweet and smoky barbecued meat treat that Singaporeans queue for every festive season. Vacuum-packed versions are perfect for taking home.
Where to buy it: Bee Cheng Hiang and Lim Chee Guan are the two most famous names.
Salted Egg Snacks
Singapore kickstarted the salted egg craze, and brands like Irvins and The Golden Duck make some of the most addictive crisps and crackers you’ll ever try. These come in resealable pouches that are easy to pack.
Where to buy them: Supermarkets and convenience stores all stock them. You’ll also find Irvins outlets in all Changi airport terminals, making them perfect for last-minute buys.
Mooncakes
Mooncakes are traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival, but they have become one of Singapore’s most beautifully packaged gift items. Classic versions are filled with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk, while modern varieties include chocolate, snowskin, durian, and even ice cream.
If you are visiting around festival season, they make an elegant and very Singaporean gift.
Where to buy them: All bakeries sell them around the Mid-Autumn Festival. Singapore’s luxury hotels also create elaborate limited-edition boxes each year, making them as much a keepsake as a sweet treat.
Pineapple Tarts
Pineapple tarts are buttery, bite-sized pastries filled with sweet, tangy pineapple jam. They are especially popular during Chinese New Year in Singapore, but you can find them year-round in many bakeries.
The best versions strike a balance between crumbly pastry and rich filling. They travel well in sturdy tins, which makes them an easy and crowd-pleasing souvenir to bring home for family and friends.
Where to buy them: During Chinese New Year, all the hotels create beautiful versions perfect for gifting. For year-round purchases, check out traditional bakeries such as Old Seng Choong and Bengawan Solo.
Peranakan Ceramics
Peranakan design is instantly recognisable thanks to its mix of pastel colours, floral motifs and heritage patterns. From coasters and bowls to tiles and vases, these pieces make beautiful additions to any home.
Where to buy them: We love the modern collections at Supermama. For something more traditional, you’ll find them for sale at private museum The Intan, and boutique Peranakan shops like Rumah Bebe in the Joo Chiat/Katong neighbourhood.
Batik or Perankan Clothing and Beaded Slippers
Peranakan textiles and clothing make lovely souvenirs for those who enjoy fashion or crafts. You’ll find everything from shirts and dresses to fabric by the metre. The beaded slippers traditionally worn with the Peranakan Kebaya also make lovely gifts.
Where to buy them: Browse the fabric shops in Kampong Gelam and boutiques like Rumah Bebe in the Joo Chiat/Katong neighbourhoods. If you’re up on Orchard Road you can check out TANGS and DORS at Design Orchard or shop online at Little Nyonya Batik.
Singapore Tea and Coffee
Premium tea shops like TWG Tea offer elegant gift sets in beautiful tins, while local supermarkets sell affordable kopi powder and teh tarik sachets. These are lightweight gifts that give a taste of daily life in Singapore.
Where to buy them: You’ll find TWG Tea outlets in various shopping malls and hotels around Singapore, in addition to Changi Airport.
Modern Design Gifts
Singapore has a thriving design scene. Look for jewellery, candles, homeware, journals and accessories featuring Singapore-inspired prints or colours. These make stylish souvenirs that feel fresh and contemporary.
Where to buy them: DORS at Design Orchard is one of the best places to discover local brands. We also love Supermama, A Raft of Otters and Cat Socrates for cute gifts.
Local Artisan Scented Candles
Asian inspired candles make a beautiful and useful gift. Local brands like Artisan of Sense and Temple Candles produce beautiful candles that reflect the Singapore’s atmosphere.
Where to buy them: Gift shops such as A Raft of Otters and in DORS at Design Orchard
Art Prints and Illustrations
Independent artists all over Singapore create illustrations and prints that feature everything from shophouses and hawker centres to Marina Bay Sands. These are perfect for framing at home and are easy to carry in your luggage.
Where to buy them: You’ll find great options around Haji Lane, Tiong Bahru, and small design studios such as Yeni Draws. Also check out Gallery 1819 in the Tan Boon Liat building.