Ask any Singaporean what they think the national pastime is, and the answer is likely to involve food. And there’s no better way to taste our diverse food culture than through the most popular local snacks in Singapore! From all-time favourites to local spins on well-loved snacks, there’s no shortage of snack options when you’re in Singapore! Already hankering for a quick snack? We’ve rounded up some of the best Singaporean local snacks you must buy and stock up on before you leave!
Popular local snacks you must buy in Singapore: Savoury
1. Curry Puff
Fork-tender potatoes, and a sliced egg, all wrapped up in a buttery layer of pastry. Drooling yet? Curry puffs are definitely one of the most popular local snacks enjoyed by Singaporeans of all ages. It also helps that these savoury treats are made accessible by Old Chang Kee, a traditional snack chain from Singapore that has been in the curry puffs business since the 1960s! So you can’t leave Singapore without bagging their Frozen Curry Puffs, just to make sure you have a bit of comfort food everywhere you go!
2. Satay
If you’ve watched Crazy Rich Asians, chances are you were caught by the street food scene featuring local Singaporean delights – one of them being the iconic satay. Also known as ‘sate’, satay refers to seasoned meat skewers cooked over a charcoal grill. Served in bite-sized portions perfect for sharing, Leo Satay Unskewered Hainanese Chicken Satay are definitely one of the most popular local snacks in Singapore!
3. Bak Kwa
Another one of the most popular local snacks in Singapore would be bak kwa (or 肉干 rou gan), a sweet-savoury barbecued meat snack traditionally made of pork. First introduced by the Chinese immigrant community in the 19th century, bak kwa uses a charcoal-grilled preparation method that imbues the meat with an irresistible smoky aftertaste. The iconic local snack often comes in thinly-sliced squares (this makes it very hard to stop at one!), and is particularly indispensable during Chinese New Year, but you don’t have to wait till for this snack. Treat yourself to some Bee Cheng Hiang Sliced Pork today! Looking for some halal snack options in Singapore? Check out the Halal Beef Bak Kwa!
4. Popiah
Popiah (or 润饼 run bing) is another well-loved Singaporean snack that’s perfect for those mid-afternoon hunger pangs! Originating from the Fujian province in China, traditional popiah consists of an assortment of steamed or stir-fried vegetables paired with an array of sweet sauces. Make homemade popiah with your loved ones with this DIY Popiah Set! If you’re too lazy to roll your own popiah, grab a pack of Ready to Eat Vegetable Popiah instead!
5. Salted Egg Snacks
We thought salted egg yolk might have been just a passing trend, but it looks like Singaporeans’ love for salted egg yolk will never end! Founded in 2015, homegrown brand IRVINS Salted Egg has since expanded to more than 10 markets worldwide. Their signature product, the crispy and highly addictive salted egg fish skin, has also become one of the best local halal snacks in Singapore! Get your salted egg yolk fix with IRVINS Salted Egg Yolk Fish Skin! And if that isn’t enough, opt for the IRVINS Salted Egg Bundle, which offers a curated selection of IRVINS’ signature salted egg fish skin, potato chips, and cassava chips.
6. Poppadom
A steaming plate of biryani is never complete without a side of crisp, savoury poppadom. Also known as pappadum or appalam, it is a popular local snack that has the hearts of Singaporeans young and old. Furthermore, they are prepared by deep-frying or open-flame cooking, giving the famously addictive snack its distinctive crunch! No wonder it is a must-buy snack in Singapore!
Try this popular in Singapore snack now: Who says snacking has to be unhealthy? Get your hands on Uncle Saba’s Poppadoms for a plant-based, gluten-free treat! What’s more, it expands the halal snack options in Singapore!
7. Potato Chips (with local twists!)
Singaporeans’ love for local Asian flavours has not gone unnoticed by homegrown snack producers. Cue in potato chips, one of the most popular local snacks in Singapore. Since the salted egg craze that led to the popularisation of Singaporean snack brands like IRVINS and The Golden Duck Co., potato chip flavours in Singapore have only gotten bolder. Think laksa or beef rendang flavoured chips and more! There’s also Egg Prata with Fish Curry Potato Chips! Like your snacks with a bit more of a kick? Challenge yourself with some Mala Potato Chips instead!
8. Wheel Crackers
Wheel Crackers are a childhood favourite. They’re loved by many and still enjoyed way into adulthood. I, for one, am still reaching for these when I’m having nostalgic cravings. A crunchy bite that disintegrates to leave a savoury delight on your tongue – explains why people are so fond of these wheel crackers. That, plus the fact that they resemble actual tyre wheels, is probably how this little tidbit all so entranced us.
9. Pola Snacks
Pola snacks and wheel crackers are hot favourites when it comes to kids and nostalgia-bound adults. While both are similar in taste, they differ in texture. Wheel crackers have a melt-in-your-mouth feel. But Pola Snack will still retain their texture. So if you’re one of those who prefer more bite in their snacks, this is for you.
10. Chilli Tapioca Chips
Fellow spice lover? We got you. I swear by these Chilli Tapioca Chips. And I always get some of these for my friends overseas, especially if they can take spicy foods. They’re crunchy, mostly chewy and really, pretty spicy – so much so that some Singaporeans actually can’t handle the heat. It’s therefore a good thing they come in small packages. It’s snacking with built-in portion control and protection from the ever-building spice!
11. Dried Fish Snack
Chewy, savoury and comes in fun strips – the Dahfa Fish Snack is also referred to colloquially as the “cuttlefish snack”. It’s not so much a snack for fish – would be pretty detrimental if it was. In reality, this so-called fish snack is actually just a snack made with fish meat and cut into strips. It’s a rather muted fishy taste that’s not overpowering at all; pretty addictive!
12. Rice Cracker
The Wang Wang Senbei Rice Cracker is all about savoury melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The salty seasoning is somewhat reminiscent of a sweet soy sauce that has a tinge of smokiness. It’s somewhat similar to the Wheel Crackers (#8), but these are a tinge sweeter and not as umami. I usually go for these Wang Wang crackers when I’m aching for a biscuit instead of a chip-like snack. You’ll have to trust me and give this a try, but remember to get extra as you’ll definitely be reaching for more.
Popular local snacks you must buy in Singapore: Sweet
13. Kaya Toast
When it comes to popular sweet snacks in Singapore, no other local treat comes close to the kaya toast. It was first introduced in Singapore by Hainanese chefs working on British trading ships in the early 20th century. Local coffee shops then began offering kaya toasts on their menu, leading to the eventual popularisation of one of the most famous local snacks in Singapore. Kaya toast is essentially made up of two slices of charcoal-grilled or toasted bread slathered with kaya, a fragrant, coconut milk-based jam, and finished off with a generous slab of cold butter. Pair it with some soft-boiled eggs and a cup of hot kopi (coffee) or teh (tea), and you’ve got yourself the perfect Singaporean breakfast!
And there’s no way we can talk about kaya toasts without mentioning Killiney or YaKun, our go-to for afternoon tea breaks. Transport yourself back in time with Killiney’s nostalgia, with the Killiney Kaya.
14. Muah Chee
For many Singaporeans, looking out for the aunty (or uncle) armed with a pair of scissors and a pushcart loaded with pillow-soft glutinous flour was the key highlight of trips to pasar malams. With origins that can be traced back to South China, muah chee is a mochi-like Singaporean snack popular among adults and children alike. The preparation process is deceptively simple. Simply divide steamed glutinous rice flour into bite-sized mounds, and toss them in a mixture of crushed peanuts and sugar. The result? Deliciously soft yet chewy balls of dough make stopping at one an incredible challenge.
If you prefer having these sweet treats delivered to your doorstep, you have to check out Yikowei’s Muah Chee. It comes in both traditional peanut and black sesame flavours. Alternatively, you can channel your inner pasar malam aunty or uncle and make your own muah chee with this easy rice cooker recipe!
15. Apollo Layer Cake
Light, fluffy and moist: the classic pandan chiffon cake never fails to win hearts. But my personal favourite is the Apollo Layer Cakes. They may not taste like top-tier bakeries, but hey, these were part of my childhood favourites; the star of the show for breakfasts and as snacks while I’m studying. They’re bite-sized sponge cakes that are airy and fluffy, and I love the myriad of flavours available. My go-to is typically the pandan – fragrant and simple. And the sugary cream in the centre just brings everything together to make it the perfect bite.
16. Ang Ku Kueh
In Singapore, ang ku kuehs (also known as red tortoise cakes) are commonly eaten during joyous and festive celebrations. An example is the baby’s first-month celebration, to signify longevity and blessings. Traditionally, ang ku kuehs are filled with mung bean paste. Today, there exists many modern renditions of this much-loved local snack in a variety of flavours. This includes black sesame, peanut, and even durian! With so many to choose from, it comes without a doubt that Ang Ku Kuehs are a must-buy snack in Singapore!
17. Durian Puffs
A list of popular local snacks in Singapore is not complete without mention of – yep, you guessed it – durian. From durian snowskin mooncakes to durian ice cream and other durian desserts, Singaporeans can’t seem to stop coming up with different ways to enjoy the king of fruits. One of the most well-loved durian desserts in Singapore is the durian puff, a light choux pastry filled with durian-flavoured cream that’s perfect as a tea-time snack!
Satisfy your durian puff cravings with eCreativeCake’s Durian Cream Puffs, one of the best halal snacks in Singapore! For more durian puff recommendations, check out our guide to the best durian puffs in Singapore.
18. Ice Gem Biscuits
Another childhood favourite that will satisfy your sweet tooth for sure are these Ice Gem Biscuits. Sitting atop a plain biscuit is the star of the show, the ice gems. They’re little colourful bursts of sweetness that goes well with its simple biscuit base. And while the different colours don’t mean different flavours, their bright, neon-like colours are what makes this a fun bite-sized treat!
19. Milo
Growing up in Singapore, there’s no way you could have never tried Milo. The malt-based chocolate drink is so popular in Singapore, that it has transcended its status as a nutritious snack beverage to become a cultural icon with locals. From the iconic Milo trucks that are staples at large events to partnerships with Singapore’s top athletes, Milo is definitely the nation’s favourite beverage!
Beyond the classic packet Milo, you can now enjoy a wide range of innovative drinks and snacks featuring the same chocolatey goodness! Fancy yourself a Milo peng but too lazy to head to the kopitiam downstairs? Get your hands on a MILO Iced Energy Bottle Drink for your ice-cold Milo fix. My go-to now is the MILO Intense Dark Chocolate, for a stronger and more chocolate-y taste without any extra sweetness! Need a lactose-free alternative? There’s the MILO Dairy Free Soy & Almond too!
20. Hello Panda Biscuits
With classic flavours and limited seasonal ones, the Hello Panda Biscuit is a timeless snack that young and old Singaporeans constantly reach for. And no one can blame them. These biscuits are holding a creamy, luscious centre that tastes super legit. From chocolate and strawberry cream to caramel and even a limited green tea flavour, the creamy centre seems to be chocolate-based. They taste rather similar to flavoured white chocolate! You’ll have to give it a go but trust us, one bag is barely enough!
21. Kueh Lapis
Not to be confused with the multi-coloured kueh lapis sagu, kueh lapis (literally ‘sweet layer cake’ in Bahasa Indonesia) is a famous Dutch-Indonesian snack that has won the hearts of many Singaporeans. Also known as ‘thousand-layer cake’, kueh lapis is known for its multiple rich, buttery layers. The popular local snack loved by Singaporeans is put together through a painstaking process of ladling batter onto each layer bit by bit until all the batter is used. Life’s short – treat yourself to some Kueh Lapis and consider your next tea time halal snack in Singapore sorted! Psst, check out our roundup of the best kueh lapis in Singapore for more recommendations!
22. Potong Ice Cream
Potong Ice Cream (remains one of the most popular local snacks for beating the Singapore heat. Back in the 1980s, ice cream sellers would make their own potong ice cream from scratch and peddle them door-to-door. Coming in a distinctive rectangular shape, this well-loved sweet treat is typically made from the base ingredients of coconut milk, skimmed milk, corn starch, and sugar. Can you guess what was the most popular potong ice cream flavour back then? That’s right, it’s the red bean flavour! The red bean potong ice cream remains a favourite with Singaporeans today, but this sweet treat has definitely evolved to include flavours such as pulut hitam, chocolate, and of course, durian.
23. Wafer Ice Cream
What’s your favourite childhood memory? For us, it’s racing downstairs to the ice cream cart when the ice cream uncle rings his bell! Push cart ice cream is an indelible part of our food culture, and it is a must-buy snack in Singapore. In fact, there are few other local snacks that remain so popular with adults and children alike! From raspberry ripple to chocolate, push cart ice cream is known for its wide variety of flavours and customisation options. One of the most popular customisation options is to have your block of icy goodness sandwiched between two crisp wafers or a slice of soft rainbow bread!
Take a walk down memory lane with these popular local snacks from Singapore
Take a break from the trendy new cafes and fusion hawker food with these good ol’ must-buy snacks in Singapore. Keen to find out more about our local food culture through traditional snacks in Singapore? Try your hand at making some nonya kueh from scratch! Otherwise, these best rendang spots in Singapore will probably be up your alley if you love a spicy kick. And if you’re simply looking for makan spots, why not peruse our recommendations on what to eat in Tanjong Pagar, food places in Bugis, and some of the best halal food spots in Singapore?
