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! What better way to bring a little bit of the Singapore spirit home with you than collecting trinkets or some food? Unsure what’s considered uniquely Singapore? Look no further, as we’ve got insider information on some of the best souvenirs from Singapore to share with or gift to your overseas friends and family – it’s more than just magnets and the typical shirts!
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Best souvenirs from Singapore: Food and drinks
1. Kaya jam
Whether you call it coconut jam or kaya, this fragrant and pandan-rich spread deserves a spot on our list of best souvenirs from Singapore! Made from coconut milk, eggs and pandan leaves, kaya goes well with toast, a breakfast dish that many locals enjoy. Share the joy and bring back a bottle of Killiney Singapore Kaya Coconut Jam for your overseas family and friends to enjoy this delectable local spread.
2. Bak kwa
Barbecued pork jerky, or Bak Kwa, is a Chinese New Year staple that’s also one of the best Singapore snacks you should get as a gift from Singapore for your overseas friends. My favourite is the Sliced Tender Bak Kwa from the local brand Fragrance. Expect a sweet yet smoky flavour that’s seriously addictive – try it on its own or with bread and pork floss for a whole new experience! Don’t worry about shelf life as the bak kwa is freshly grilled and vacuum-packed for maximum freshness, so it can make the journey home without issues. If you’re interested in hitting the streets in search of the best bak kwa stores, check out our guide!
3. Durian puffs
As divisive as it may be, it’s undeniable that Singaporeans are obsessed with durians. (It has even been incorporated into The Esplanade’s design!) Although the pungent smell of the fruit can be overpowering for newcomers, you can ease them in with durian puffs! These are one of the best souvenirs from Singapore due to their creamy texture and crisp choux that inevitably leave you wanting more. On top of that, its bittersweet flavour profile is sure to win your foreign friends over! While you’re in Singapore, why not go on a durian tour to give every variant a try?
4. Pineapple tarts
What better way to convey your heartfelt greetings to your friends and family than this traditional Chinese snack? My favourite ones are KELE’s Golden Pineapple Balls in Tin, where delectable balls of sweet pineapple paste are enveloped by a thin, flaky crust. If you’re looking for authentic Singaporean pastries, KELE started as a local confectionery in 1983, so this is as traditional as it gets! Having acquired the Singapore Tourism Board’s ‘Made With Passion’ label, you can be sure that these snacks are made with utmost care, translating into flavours that will leave you wanting more. Do note that you’ll have to head down to the store to collect your pineapple tarts, but hey, more opportunities to explore our charming little island!
5. Milo Gao Kosong
If Switzerland has Ovaltine, then Singapore has Milo. A Singaporean household staple, many of us have grown up drinking this chocolatey drink. While I’m a fan of this chocolate malt goodness, I find the OG Milo just a tad too sweet. If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy Milo Gao Kosong, which retains the richness of Milo without the overpowering sweetness as a much healthier alternative. A local favourite, this drink may be one of the best souvenirs from Singapore to enjoy even after your holiday. Bored of preparing Milo the traditional way? Check out this list of easy Milo recipes to spice things up!
6. Spice kits and instant food
While it’s difficult to beat food that’s prepared fresh in our hawker centres, spice kits and instant food options are decent options while you eagerly await your next visit to Singapore. The best part? It’s super simple – just add pork ribs to Song Fa Bak Kut Teh’s Spices and brew it for an hour, depending on how gao (thick) you’d like the stock to be. For those who can’t get enough of our mouth-watering chilli crab, snag a bag of the Nissin Jumbo Seafood Chilli Crab for some late-night feasting. Considering how fuss-free these options are, it’s no wonder that instant foods are one of the best Singapore souvenirs to get on your trip here!
7. Salted egg snacks
While salted egg first originated in China centuries ago, it’s hard to deny that it’s a popular snack flavour in Singapore these days. The one that first comes to mind is Irvins Salted Egg Potato Chips. The potatoes are thinly sliced before being coated with real salted egg, aromatic curry leaves and chilli, creating their signature chips that seriously pack a punch. For something more indulgent, opt for the Crusty Salted Egg Fish Skin that’s 100% preservative-free, making it a perfect mid-day snack that’ll leave you wanting more!
8. The Kettle Gourmet popcorn
Offering a variety of eight flavours, The Kettle Gourmet Original Mini Pack Popcorn Bundle Box is a great choice if you’re indecisive like I am. The bundle comes with interesting flavours that are bound to impress, including distinct local flavours such as Chilli Crab, Pulut Hitam and Fish Head Curry. This store also offers other tantalising options like Kaya Butter and Nasi Lemak in their Crazy Asian Popcorn Flavoured 3-Bundle for those of us who are more adventurous. This popcorn comes with a resealable seal to maintain maximum freshness of your snack, so you can always come back to munch on it whenever you’re feeling peckish. It also comes in brightly coloured packaging with adorable monsters, so it makes for a great souvenir for the kiddos back home!
9. TWG tea
Gift your overseas friends an elevated tea drinking experience by getting them a box or two of the Twinings 25s Black Tea Series. It features premium blends with distinct flavour profiles that range from beloved classics to fruity flavours. My pick is Lady Grey, a light yet fragrant black tea that’s scented with bergamot and citrus notes. TWG prides itself on creating only the finest teas of high quality with no artificial ingredients included, so rest assured. Get this as a gift for your overseas family and friends to let them know that you’re thinking of them even while on holiday!
Best souvenirs from Singapore: Collectables and memorabilia
10. Merlion souvenir gifts
If this is your first time in Singapore, don’t miss out on visiting the official mascot of our little red dot – the Merlion! After being wowed, consider getting some gifts representing the mythical creature as a souvenir from Singapore for your international friends to adorn their bags with.
I’d recommend the Nom Singapore Merlion Chou Chou Mini Keychain that’s soft and plushy! Looking for something more useful on a day-to-day basis? This Starbucks Merlion Bearista Ceramic Mug is also a great souvenir from Singapore for those of us who enjoy more practical gifts. I know I would love to receive these as gifts to have a piece of Singapore with me wherever I go!
11. Peranakan-inspired memorabilia
Don’t underestimate the ability of a few aesthetic pieces to elevate your living space and make it more homely! Rather than the usual table coaster, Table Matters’ Peranakan Cup Coaster is the perfect Singapore souvenir for a dash of colour to enliven your dining area. For those who enjoy minimalistic home decor like I do, this Classic Aromatherapy Burner is a great addition to your living room that’s sure to impress any visitors. While you’re at it, have a watch of Mediacorp’s latest drama – a spinoff of the famous Little Nyonya series that features various Peranakan items!
12. Singapore stamps
Have a foreign friend who loves collecting stamps? Help grow their collection with this unique gift from Singapore, and they’ll thank you for it! With designs ranging from the Merlion to olden-day designs like these National Day 1967 Singapore Postage Stamps, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a stamp that your friends won’t admire. Aside from stamps, postcards also make for some of the most thoughtful gifts from Singapore. Grab this set of 15 pieces Singapore Postcards, so there’s more than enough for everyone you’d like to write to. If you’re just collecting for yourself, this Singlish Postcard Set features some of our favourite slang to remind you of your good times spent here on holiday!
13. The Singaporean Dream
Another frontrunner on our list of top Singapore souvenirs has got to be The Singaporean Dream. An interactive game that’s loaded with inside jokes, this card game is one of the best keepsakes that you can get as a souvenir from Singapore to familiarise yourself with all things distinctly Singaporean. If you can’t get enough of all the Singaporean goodness in this local twist of Monopoly, The Singaporean Dream 2021 Booster Pack is a great option for added dreams and action cards that’ll make your games even more exciting.
14. Welcome To SINGAPORE reusable sticker book
We all know how difficult it can be to find the perfect souvenirs for kiddos while you’re on holiday. Luckily, this Welcome To SINGAPORE reusable sticker book is a great option that’s sure to delight! The various stickers are reusable, so the little ones are guaranteed to be entertained for hours. Featuring vibrantly-coloured illustrations, these stickers span across Singaporean attractions such as Changi Airport and the Singapore Flyer, creating an opportunity for you to share all about these different cultures and landmarks with them! For the affordable price, this is surely one of the best Singapore souvenirs for the kids.
15. Handmade accessories and trinkets
As an unconventional Singapore souvenir, why not accessorise with earrings of miniature local delicacies? From Ang Ku Kueh to Kueh Tutu and even good ol’ Kopi O, this is a great way to elevate your outfits with a playful Singaporean twist! Each piece is thoughtfully handmade from resin clay, so they’re both meaningful and durable. If you aren’t a fan of earrings, a trinket from this adorable store may be the way to go instead.
16. Tiger Balm
I’d say that this is one souvenir from Singapore that you can’t miss out on. Loved by many Singaporeans, this ointment features a blend of herbal ingredients that provide effective relief from aches and pains (including those pesky mosquito bites). Other than easing discomfort, Tiger Balm creates a warming sensation when applied, which helps to promote healing. Over the years, this popular brand has launched a few variations of its original Tiger Balm Ointment White, including Tiger Balm Lotion Pain Relief, and even bedtime products like TIGER BALM Sensorial Therapy Lavender Relax. As an affordable and practical option, you need to add this to your arsenal of household remedies.
17. Orchid keychain
Floral keychains have been all the rage on TikTok lately, and what better way to join in on the trend than to get yourself an orchid keychain as a souvenir from Singapore? The orchid is Singapore’s national flower, making it a meaningful and iconic keepsake. I’ve seen these beautiful pieces sold in stores along Haji Lane, and some stores even offer the option of building your keychain from scratch so it’s fully customisable. On top of that, Haji Lane is a super happening part of Singapore, so set aside some time to roam around. With a little more bling on your bags, you’re sure to get a ton of compliments!
Represent local culture with these Singapore souvenirs!
Armed with this guide to the best souvenirs from Singapore, you’re now ready to shop till you drop on your next visit here. For foodies who simply can’t get enough of our cuisine, check out our guide to local snacks in Singapore for more snack options that you’re sure to adore. If you’re still scratching your head while planning for your trip to our little red dot, curate a fun-filled itinerary with our recommendations for things to do with kids in Singapore!
This article was updated on 6 June 2025. Additional research done by Chloe Gee.
