Top 15 Singapore souvenirs you can’t leave without: A traveller’s ultimate guide

Symbolic of Singapore’s ethnic identity, beadwork is both traditional and beautiful on the eye. Available across the country, particularly the customised Peranakan ones, beadwork can be an excellent memento to take back home with you.

Purchasing a miniature version of the Merlion will be one of the best decisions you make. Wander through Chinatown and select from a wide range of Merlion Statues that will cost you between SGD 5 – 20.

Evidencing the trading relations of China and Singapore, buying Peranakan Porcelain will serve as an outstanding way to surprise a loved one back home. Though on the pricier side, you can bargain respectfully for a piece. 

Your retail therapy tour will be incomplete minus a Risis Orchid. The flowers, which are first preserved in nickel, copper and gold effectively capture Singapore’s distinct Asian heritage and natural appeal. Stop by Suntec City, found near Pan Pacific Singapore, which comes across as a decent hotel around City Hall Singapore to be at where you can locate a Risis gift gallery with no fuss whatsoever.

What’s a shopping spree without some textiles? Well then, beeline for Mustafa Centre in Little India or find a batik textile shop along Arab Street for one memorable encounter with Singapore’s adored heritage.  

Should you fancy intricate and attractive Malaysian jewellery, then nothing ought to get in the way of you buying a brooch or pin from Joo Chiat Complex or Arab Street. Once again, remember to bargain well.  

Look like a Malay for a few hours or blend in with the Chinese community by wearing a Qipao that will have you looking your best, even on holiday. Traditional Malay attire such as a Baju Melayus is priced between SGD 15 – 20 while the most you can expect to pay for an item of Chinese origin is SGD 70.

Mixing perfume oils is an art that has been passed down through generations and these pungent fragrances are a convenient find. Products under the JR Fragrances brand are the best and can be bought from Mustafa Centre or Kampong Glam at fairly reasonable prices.

For something a tad out of the box, why not consider a Liuqin or Pipa. Perfect for a collector or music lover, you may call by Ranking Sports & Music at Bras Basah Complex and choose from a lengthy list of portable-sized instruments.

Patronising a local tea salon will grant you an opportunity to savour a cuppa home-grown tea. Enjoy French Earl Grey or your favourite blend of black tea with a spoonful of milk.

Ever dreamed of opening up arguably, the most cherished beer brand in all of Singapore? Access your nearest supermarket or coffee shop for a can of Tiger Beer, priced at SGD 2 or 3 or get a few bottles for your best friend.

Carry back home with you a piece of Singapore, which is habitually used as part of the country’s national breakfast of Kayo Toast. Kaya or ‘Coconut Jam’ is the result of eggs, coconut milk, sugar and pandan leaves coming together for a flavourful topping, which is irresistible and mouthwatering.

Also called Barbecued Pork, Bak Kwa is a rich and juicy marinated speciality that you simply must sample. Sold in packs costing between SGD 30 – 40, Bak Kwa can be bought from any Bee Cheng Hiang outlet.

Go one step further with some Bak Kwa Chocolate, which will be quite the highlight indeed. When at Cacao7, order a box of 20 and unleash the chocoholic in you.

Remaining on the topic of chocolate, do consider sinking your teeth into a bar of Singapore Sling Merlion Chocolate. Made with dark chocolate and the country’s most famed beverage, this decadent treat is an easy buy at Chocoelf, located at Orchard Road Takashimaya.