Whether you’re working or studying, you probably have international friends and colleagues who are interested to learn more about Singapore. Or better yet, you’ve decided to make the best choice of your life by visiting our Little Red Dot for a vacation! And what better way to own a little bit of the Singapore spirit through some unique little trinkets or food? Unsure what’s considered uniquely Singapore? We’ve got you with some of the best Singapore gifts and souvenirs you can share with your overseas friends and family — it’s more than just magnets and the typical!
Best Singapore gifts for overseas friends and family (2024)
| Category | Gift | Price |
| Food | Chilli Crab Snacks | $16.35 – $52.80 |
| Salted Egg Snacks | $7.95 – $18.17 | |
| Instant Bak Kut Teh | $3.75 | |
| Durian Puffs | $16.80 – $26.80 | |
| White Rabbit Candy | $3.20 – $4.99 | |
| Kueh Lapis | $5.60 | |
| Bak Kwa | $33.00 | |
| Ma Mee Noodle Snack | $2.02 | |
| Truffle Chips | $10.09 | |
| Salted Egg Yolk Fish Skin Cookies | $14.80 | |
| Laksa Instant Noodles | $15.95 | |
| Condiments | Chilli Crab Sauce | $5.50 |
| Kaya Jam | $3.70 | |
| Drinks | Three Legs Cooling Water | $1.46 |
| Milo Gao Kosong | $9.45 | |
| Killiney Kopi | $11.80 | |
| Grass Jelly | $2.40 | |
| Tanglin Singapore Gin | $98.00 | |
| Nasi Lemak Tea | $30.00 | |
| Souvenirs | Singapore Stamps | $6.80 |
| Hello Kitty Singapore Girl | $36.00 | |
| Merlion Souvenir Gifts | $16.90 | |
| Board games and toys | Monopoly Singapore Edition | $49.90 |
| The Singaporean Dream | $21.90 | |
| Hawker Wars | $21.90 | |
| The Durian Game | $12.00 | |
| SG MRT Jigsaw Puzzle | $15.28 | |
| LEGO Marina Bay Sands Skyline Collection | $99.90 | |
| Clothes & Accessories | Handmade Earrings | $6.00 – $8.50 |
| Batik Clothes | $18.00 – $32.00 | |
| Singlish Tees | $18.90 | |
| 999 Gold Kopi & Kaya Toast Charm | $468.00 | |
| Merlion Cufflinks | $69.90 | |
| Souvenir Snap Pouch | $14.90 | |
| Kopi Dabao Tote Bag | $19.90 | |
| Books | The Little Book Of Singapore Food | $28.00 |
| Welcome To Singapore Reusable Sticker Book | $11.80 | |
| Singlish VS English | $29.90 | |
| The Strangely Singaporean Book | $29.90 | |
| Home & living | Kaya Toast Poster | $16.00 – $28.00 |
| Singapore Food Diatomite Coasters | $9.00 – $29.00 | |
| Traditional Coffee Cup & Saucer | $7.63 | |
| White Rabbit Candy Door Mat | $17.90 | |
| Others | Singapore Food Dog Toy | $12.90 |
| Tiger Balm Ointment | $6.40 |
Singapore gifts for overseas friends: Food
1. Chilli Crab Snacks
Enjoyed in many chilli crab restaurants, the chilli crab has since become a unique flavour for snacks. For starters, we recommend The Kettle Gourmet’s Chilli Crab Popcorn (available on The Kettle Gourmet Official Store) which is so addictive that you can’t stop popping it into your mouth! As one of the best Singapore gifts for overseas friends, many enjoy the sweet and savoury blend of tomato and chilli sauce flavour. Otherwise,The Golden Duck’s Chilli Crab Seaweed Tempura bundle (available on The Golden Duck Official Store) also makes one of the most unique Singapore gifts for your overseas friends. That’s because it has the perfect balance between the sweetness of crab meat and the smokiness of roast seaweed.
2. Salted Egg Snacks
While salted egg first originated in China centuries ago, it’s hard to deny that it is now a popular flavour in the best Singapore snacks for overseas friends. We love the salted egg flavour of the addictive Irvins Salted Egg Potato Chips (available on Shopee Supermarket) that are fried to a golden crisp. Its light and thinly sliced potatoes also add a nice crunch to the overall flavour. For an alternative option, you can consider the Crusty Salted Egg Fish Skin (available on Crusty’s Singapore Official Store) which serve as some of the best Singapore gifts for overseas friends. These salted egg fish crisps are 100% preservative-free and have just the right balance of savoury and crunch!
3. Instant Bak Kut Teh (Pork Rib Broth)
Translated from the Hokkien dialect as meat bone tea, bak kut teh is famous for its complex broth of herbs and spices that takes hours to brew. Packing the same flavourful punch and aroma, instant bak kut teh captures its original essence while offering the ease of having it at any time. In particular, we recommend the New Moon Traditional Bak Kut Teh (available on Shopee Supermarket) which is flavourful in taste. Your international friends will also appreciate how it has a tinge of spiciness and is super easy to cook. All you have to do is add the pork ribs to the broth and brew it for 45 minutes. With such convenience, it’s no wonder this is one of the best Singapore gifts for overseas friends!
4. Durian Puffs
As divisive as they may be, it’s undeniable Singaporeans are obsessed with durians. (It has even been incorporated into The Esplanade’s design!) Although the pungent smell of the fruit can be too much for newcomers, you can ease them in with the best durian puffs! Durian puffs are one of the best Singapore snack gifts for overseas friends because of their creamy texture and crisp choux. Specifically, we love the Four Seasons Durian Puffs (available on Four Seasons Durians Official Store) that are filled with fresh D24 paste. On top of that, its bittersweet flavour profile is sure to win your foreign friends over!
5. White Rabbit Candy
Gifts from Singapore can be simple and sweet. That’s especially the case when it comes to popular local snacks like the White Rabbit Candy (available on Hajime International Singapore). As one of the best Singapore childhood snacks, they resemble American Tootsie rolls which are equally addictive! Having been in production since the 1940s, it sure is a reliable brand. As such, the White Rabbit Candy is definitely one of the best Singapore snack gifts you can get for your overseas friends to try. Psst, yes the inner ‘plastic’ wrapping is edible!
6. Kueh Lapis
Getting the best Singapore snack for your overseas friends might sound like a tough job but all you actually need is something as simple as this Delyco Kueh Lapis Layer Cake (available on Delyco Official Store). While kueh lapis has its origins in Indonesia, it is still considered one of the best Singapore gifts for overseas friends thanks to its sheer popularity here. Taste-wise, you are promised buttery and fragrant layers which contain either chocolate, durian or pandan. Don’t forget to try some of the other best kueh lapis that make for great gifts from Singapore too!
7. Bak Kwa
Commonly eaten during Chinese New Year, bak kwa is one of the best Singapore snacks you should let your overseas friends try. We recommend these Sliced Tender Bak Kwa (available on Fragrance Singapore Official Store) from local brand Fragrance which is made of the highest quality ingredients. As such, you can expect a sweet yet smoky flavour. As one of the best Singapore gifts for overseas friends, the bak kwa is freshly grilled and vacuumed packed, ensuring a longer shelf life. Do also scour through this list of best bak kwa which makes a unique Singapore gift for your overseas friends!
8. Ma Mee Noodle Snack
Have you really experienced the true Singaporean life if you haven’t given these Ma Mee snacks (available on Shopee Supermarket) a go? Impress your local pals by crushing the entire pack of noodles before dousing the contents with the seasoning powder. That’s how you get every little strand of these noodles covered in goodness! And no, please don’t try cooking them like how you would with instant noodles – tried and tested, slightly questionable…
9. Truffle Chips
Think salted egg might be too exotic a flavour for you? Find comfort in these Black Summer Truffle Chips (available on Shopee Supermarket)! They’re one of the best Singapore gifts for overseas friends and family. Every chip is packed with the fragrance and umami of truffle without being too much – worth every penny!
10. Salted Egg Yolk Fish Skin Cookies Tin
Baked goods with a Singaporean twist – these Salted Egg Yolk Fish Skin Cookies (available on Home’s Favourite Official Store) can’t be missed! They’re bite-sized and you don’t have to worry about them being crushed like chips. Plus, it comes in a lovely tin that’s perfect as gift!
11. Laksa
Bring a taste of Singapore abroad with the Prima Taste Laksa Lamian (available on Dynamic Marketplace). This is one of the most legit tasting laksa noodles you can replicate at home. Forget scouring Asian supermarkets for all the spices and ingredients, it’s all in a bag here! Just make sure you follow the instructions to the tee, lest you end up with a broth that’s too diluted.
Best Singapore gifts for overseas friends: Sauces and condiments
12. Chilli Crab Sauce
We guarantee your international friends will latch onto the chilli crab hype in no time at all. Other than chilli-crab flavoured snacks, there’s also this Chung Hwa Chilli Crab Sauce (available on Food People Official Store ) which goes well with any veggie, pasta, meat or seafood dish. 100% made in Singapore, it is definitely one of the best Singapore gifts for overseas friends that’s truly local. Check out the best chilli sauces for more recommendations of great gifts from Singapore.
13. Kaya Jam
Whether you call it coconut jam or just good ol’ kaya, this beloved sweet and pandan-rich spread deserves a spot on our list of best Singapore gifts for overseas friends! Made from coconut milk, eggs and sugar, kaya goes well with toasted bread, a breakfast dish that many locals enjoy. Share the kaya joy and give your overseas friends a bottle of Golden Light Kaya Jam (available on SHENG SHENG F&B INDUSTRIES PTE LTD) that is available in local flavours like pandan, nonya and D24 durian.
Best Singapore gifts for overseas friends: Drinks
14. Three Legs Cooling Water
Beat the summer heat with a bottle of Three Legs Cooling Water (available on Shopee Supermarket). Made by home-grown brand Three Legs, they come in flavours from original to fruity ones like lychee, guava and lime. Containing deionized water and Gypsum fibrosum, it has also proven itself to be a healthy gift from Singapore for those watching their calorie count. As one of the best Singapore gifts for overseas friends, this cooling water will help your overseas friends stay hydrated!
15. Milo Gao Kosong
Growing up with Milo trucks, Singaporeans know that there’s nothing more comforting than sipping on a cup of this chocolate malt goodness! We love how NESTLÉ has decided to release the Milo Gao Kosong (available on NESTLÉ Official Store) as a healthier choice alternative. By doubling down on the nutritional aspect, Milo Gao Kosong still retains its chocolatey goodness without the added sugar. Touted as one of the best Singapore gifts for overseas friends, it is truly a beverage that foreigners will enjoy. Bored of preparing Milo the traditional way? Check out this list of easy Milo recipes to spice things up!
16. Killiney Kopi
Do your overseas friends enjoy a cuppa everyday? The Classics Collection by Killiney (available on Killiney Mart) is the perfect gift! With six different flavours (two sachets each), your overseas friends can bring home a taste of Singapore and share the aromatic flavour with their family and friends. It consists of the classic Kopi-O (kosong and siew dai), white coffee (two types), cafe au lait, and milk tea. Killiney is a local brand that was founded over 105 years ago, with recipes passed down from generation to generation. A truly unique Singapore gift!
17. Grass Jelly
Grass jelly, one of our many famous local drinks, also makes a unique gift from Singapore. That’s because the refreshing Grass Jelly (available on First Brew SG Official Store) is well known for its cooling purposes. This is helpful for international friends who are not used to the Singapore heat. More than that, grass jelly has a subtly sweet yet herbal-like flavour. It goes well with greasy fried food and can be used to subdue the heatiness after a feast at the best durian stalls. Definitely one of the best Singapore gifts for overseas friends that’s practical and useful!
18. Tanglin Singapore Gin
Challenge your taste buds with the Tanglin Singapore Gin (available on The First Pour). Made with ginger, dried chilli seeds, orange peels and liquorice powder, this gin is Singapore in a bottle. Host your friends and introduce Singapore to them in a shot, or more. As with most gin, there’s always going to be a bit of spice. But this gin takes it down a notch to just leave a tinge on your palate.
19. Nasi Lemak Tea
We’re not done with interesting bevvvies. The Nasi Lemak Green Tea (available on ETTE TEA OFFICIAL STORE) is where you’ll be whisked to your favourite coconut rice dish. With coconut flakes, dried pandan and chilli, this tea blend is all you need if you’re thinking about nasi lemak while on a diet or simply, away from your favourite hawker.
Best Singapore gifts for overseas friends: Souvenirs and collectibles
20. Singapore Stamps
Have a foreign friend who loves collecting stamps? Help grow their collection with unique souvenir stamp gifts from Singapore! With designs from the Singapore stamp NS50 to UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Singapore Botanic Gardens (available on Marine Asters Philatelics), you’ll be hard-pressed to find a stamp your international friend won’t admire. Other than stamps, postcards also make for some of the best Singapore gifts and souvenirs for overseas friends. We suggest this Uniquely Singapore Postcard Set (available on Jo’s Creations Official Store) which features artworks of the quaint Tiong Bahru neighbourhood. Or go for the Singlish Postcard Set (available on the little drom store) that features some of our favourite slang!
21. Hello Kitty Singapore Girl
What’s a guide on the best Singapore gifts and souvenirs for overseas friends without a Hello Kitty plush toy? Although it has been a while since Hello Kitty appeared as a McDonald’s Happy Meal toy, these cuddly soft toys are still a major deal here. Get your international friends on board the Hello Kitty craze with this special Hello Kitty Singapore Airlines Plushie (available on littleAce), complete with a sarong kebaya uniform and bow. It’s a great gift from Singapore that will especially capture the hearts of young wannabe air stewardesses!
22. Merlion Souvenir Gifts
Few Singapore tourist attractions have reached the level of fame that the Merlion has! As the official mascot of our little red dot, your international friends are sure to love gifts from Singapore representing the mythical creature. From Merlion Metal Keychains (available on Nom SG) to Merlion Plush Bags (available on Mount Faber Leisure Group Pte Ltd Official Store), these are some of the best Singapore souvenirs and gifts for overseas friends. This way, they will always have a piece of Singapore to carry around with them wherever they go!
Best Singapore gifts for overseas friends: Games
20. Monopoly
While there are many traditional games that Singaporeans used to play, board games like the Monopoly Singapore Edition (available on MYTOYSHOP) have now risen in popularity. Giving a nod to local culture, we think they serve as some of the best Singapore gifts for overseas friends too. The Monopoly game educates non-local players about our culture and attractions, including landmarks like Resorts World Sentosa and Botanic Gardens. Railroads in the game are also labelled after MRT stations and chance cards include instances like MRT breakdown fines.
21. The Singaporean Dream
Another frontrunner on our list of gifts from Singapore has got to be The Singaporean Dream (The New Normal) (available on The Mind Cafe Official Store). Packed with inside jokes and parodies, this card game is the best Singapore gift for overseas friends familiarising themselves with Singapore. This version of The Singaporean Dream reflects the most iconic moments over the last two years such as the establishment of ‘Safe Distancing Officers’ and health vaccines. Additionally, you can get The Singaporean Dream: 2021 Booster Pack for added dream and action cards.
22. Hawker Wars
The best adult card games can double up as fun gifts from Singapore too! Case in point: the Hawker Wars (available on The Mind Cafe Official Store) card game. As its name suggests, Hawker Wars celebrates our beloved hawker culture and food. It is an interactive party game that lets you compete to cook some of Singapore’s most iconic dishes from the best hawker stalls. With a relatively simple gameplay, this is one of the best Singapore gifts for overseas friends who are big foodies! All you have to do is compete for ingredients to make the dish, where every completed dish gets you points. But beware of your friends using action cards to sabo you!
23. The Durian Game
It’s no secret that Singaporeans love durians. Hence, you should definitely let your international friends try some! But when the durian delivery services are taking a while to come, perhaps it’s a good time to play The Durian Game (available on The Mind Cafe Official Store) while waiting. As one of the best Singapore game gifts you can get for your overseas friends, The Durian Game guarantees a fun time ahead! You have to battle it out with your friends by trading out the durians you don’t want and collecting sets to win. Keep an eye out for the Table Card though, because you might just be the loser if you don’t!
24. SG MRT Jigsaw Puzzle
Singapore has developed rapidly in the past few decades, and the MRT system here is testament to that. This SG MRT Jigsaw Puzzle (available on Knackstop) offers a glimpse into the vibrant transportation network that has shaped Singapore over the years. The range of colours on this puzzle not only looks interesting but also represents the journey our little island has been through all these years. So if your overseas friend drops by Singapore, this is the perfect gift for them! Not only will they be able to have fun putting together the puzzle, but they will also learn more about Singapore!
28. LEGO Architecture Skyline Collection: Singapore Building Kit
Want a piece of Singapore in your home? The LEGO Architecture Skyline Collection (available on LEGO Official Store) will allow you to display a piece of Singapore’s skyline in your abode. With the Marina Bay Sands and its iconic boat-like roof, plus the Gardens By The Bay Supertree-lookalikes, there’s no way you won’t be booking your next flight back to Singapore soon!
Best Singapore gifts for overseas friends: Clothes & accessories
25. Handmade Earrings
Looking for non-conventional gifts from Singapore for international friends? Why not let them accessorise with local food designed earrings! From Ang Ku Kueh and Png Kueh to Love Letters and Kueh Tutu (all available on Miniland Singapore), you’ll be spoilt for choice with these adorable jewellery. Made of resin clay which strengthens the earring and gives it a glossy look, your friend will look good in any picture with these earrings. This is truly one of the best Singapore souvenirs and gifts for overseas friends who are selfie queens!
26. Batik Clothes
Although batik prints did not originate from Singapore, they have since developed a large following here. Anything batik-printed would naturally make for one of the best Singapore gifts for your overseas friend. For instance, this stylish Men’s Batik Shirt (available on HA Mode Official Store) boasts a modern, eye-catching design that also pays tribute to its humble Indonesian origins. As for ladies, this Batik Skirt (also available on HA Mode Official Store) would be a great gift from Singapore. The beautiful mermaid cutting of this green and purple skirt takes a trip down memory lane, as it resembles what our ancestors wore in the past when they lived in kampungs.
27. Singlish Tees
Tired of shopping for generic gifts from Singapore plastered with the national flag? Then these Singlish Tees (available on the92shop) would be right up your alley! With Singlish being a big part of our local culture, this is one of the most unique Singapore gifts for your overseas friends to expand their Singlish vocabulary. It goes beyond the traditional lah and lei, and teaches your friends why we speak liddat at times. Psst, did we mention that these T-shirts are available in five sizes? Everyone can wear it! If not, we’re sure you’ll find a preferred aesthetic on our list of red and white National Day outfits!
32. Goldheart 999 Gold Kopi & Kaya Toast Charm
Salivating yet? The Gold Kopi Kaya Toast Charm (available on Goldheart Singapore Official Store) is probably the most expensive Singaporean breakfast yet. But at least this will last for years to come!
33. Merlion Cufflinks
Wear the heart of Singapore on your sleeve with the Merlion Cufflinks (available on The Shirt Bar Official Store). A simple accessory for the man in your life, this is the perfect gift for him if you’re just returning from your trip to Singapore!
34. Souvenir Snap Pouch
If the Singaporean delights ensnared you, we’re sure these Snap Pouches (available on the little drom store) will too. It’s either ice cream from the push carts, roti prata, coffee shop drinks or the others, that have your heart. So why not remember them with a little pouch you can bring along on your everyday journey?
35. Kopi Dabao Bag
Instead of regular canvas tote bags, why not switch it up with this Kopi Dabao Bag (available on Wheniwasfour)? Replicating the actual bags of drinks you’d order to go from coffee shops in Singapore, this tote bag is where you’ll be the centre of conversation starters for sure.
Best Singapore gifts for overseas friends: Books
36. The Little Book Of Singapore Food
Know someone who’s visiting the Little Red Dot soon? Get them The Little Book Of Singapore Food (available on Booksmart Singapore) for some educational content. Just make sure you’re armed with recommendations – they’ll definitely hound you for your favourite joints for all these delicious foods!
37. Welcome To Singapore Reusable Sticker Book
We didn’t forget the little ones! This reusable sticker book (available on Cuzzie.shop) features all the tourist spots in Singapore. Illustrated in an adorable style, the sticker designs coupled with vibrant colours, will definitely be a hit with the kids. We suggest getting another one of these as we’re sure you’d be tempted to keep some for yourself too!
38. Singlish VS English
You know it, we’ve heard it. Singlish isn’t the easiest to understand, much less master. Help a friend out with the Singlish VS English book (available on the little drom store), so they won’t be caught off-guard when they visit!
39. The Strangely Singaporean Book
Ready to level up your Singlish proficiency? The Strangely Singaporean Book (available on the little drom store) will open your eyes to more of Singapore’s strangely efficient language with unique lingos like “tio stun”, “tak stamp” and more. Not sure what those mean? Perhaps you should get a copy too – mai tu liao!
Best Singapore gifts for overseas friends: Home and living
40. Kaya Toast Poster
Hollywood celebrities, k-pop idols and anime characters – you may have posters of them around your home but what about one with your favourite breakfast food? We’re talking about the Kaya Toast Poster (available on Poster Hub) of course! Hang it up in your little breakfast nook back at home for inspiration as you make your very own kaya toast!
41. Singapore Food Diatomite Coasters
Everyone’s probably tired of water rings on your beloved coffee table. But instead of plain coasters, why not get one that reminds you of the flavours of Singapore? These diatomite coasters (available on Casa Alessia Official Store) feature famous Singaporean dishes like Chilli Crab, Satay and more. Plus, they not only absorb moisture, but are also quick-drying – you won’t have to worry about these coasters’ appearance in any way!
42. Traditional Coffee Cup & Saucer
Need we say more? Beautiful and intricate designs on a traditional coffee cup that’s commonly seen in Singapore coffee shops. You can’t say no to this coffee cup and saucer set (available on Sin Boon Kee Official Store) when you chance upon it.
43. White Rabbit Candy Door Mat
Love the sweets that are uniquely Singapore? We’re sure your friends and family back home will too! The White Rabbit Door Mat (available on Wheniwasfour) looks just like our favourite milk candy. Just remember to get some of the actual sweets too so everyone will be just as enamoured.
Best Singapore gifts for overseas friends: Others
44. Singapore Food Dog Toy
Get something for your furpals abroad! These dog toys (available on POP.POP.SHOP) have been designed to look just like Singaporean treats. From the ice cream sandwich to curry puffs, your canine or feline deserves a Singaporean delight too!
45. Tiger Balm Ointment
It might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to the best Singapore gifts and souvenirs for overseas friends but the Tiger Balm Ointment (available on Watsons Singapore Official Store) is actually very uniquely Singaporean. From headaches to stomachaches, the local Tiger Balm is used as a remedy for just about anything. Formulated with herbal ingredients that create its iconic smell, the ointment also helps soothe muscle aches and remedies coughs. It’s great for fast-paced lifestyles and can help your friends relieve joint pains without needing to visit the doctor.
What gifts are Singapore known for?
There are many popular gifts unique to Singapore that will be a hit among your international friends. This ranges anything from local souvenirs to card games and even clothes! However, there’s nothing quite like local food which are some of the best Singapore gifts for overseas friends. Popular options include salted egg snacks and white rabbit sweets, as well as condiments like chilli sauce and kaya jam. Your overseas friends are bound to love our variety of local beverages like Milo and Grass Jelly too!
Represent local culture with these best Singapore gifts for overseas friends
Armed with this guide of the best Singapore snacks and souvenirs for overseas friends, you’re now ready to proudly represent our little red dot to your international friends. In the spirit of national pride, you can also introduce them to some of our favourite local dishes. This includes the best chicken rice stalls which are a source of comfort food and the best rendang spots if they prefer a spicy kick. If not, you can always impress your friends by making some local treats while following these nonya kueh recipes.
This article was updated on 13 September 2024. Additional research done by Caryn Tan.
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