Although the Merlion bottle openers and Marina Bay Sands magnets hold a certain sentimental charm, most of us probably won’t reach for them as a first-choice souvenir for friends and family abroad. However, there are many other Singapore-themed gifts available, from long-term keepsakes to snacks with a local flair!
Keepsakes
Want a memento of Singapore to carry around with you or display in your home? Here are a few modern and subtle options to have a piece of the Little Red Dot with you wherever you are.
Meykrs Food Plushies
Meykrs has plush-ified a whole range of Singaporean treats, from iced gem biscuits to tutu kueh. You can get them as mini plush keychains, coin pouches or full-sized cushions!
Shop Meykrs at area65.
Red Republic Keychains and Pins
If you still want a classic keychain souvenir but aren’t keen on the touristy designs featuring the Singapore skyline, check out these subtle yet undeniably Singaporean keychains by Red Republic featuring local snacks!
They also have cute momento pins with the standard Singaporean imagery, perfect for showing off your local pride.
Shop Red Republic at area65.
Food and Snacks
Perhaps you just need to bring over a little gift when visiting your relatives overseas, or want to share a little of your Singaporean experience with your friends abroad. If so, an edible gift straight from this foodie paradise is the perfect choice!
Bengawan Solo Cookies and Cakes
Although you might be tempted to just pick up a prepackaged box of Merlion cookies from the supermarket, why don’t you get something even locals enjoy? Skip the commercial touristy cookies and try some traditional Nonya snacks from Bengawan Solo instead!
For something more indulgent, kueh lapis is a traditional luxury gourmet gift. It’s a Southeast Asian layered cake that’s extremely buttery and decadent, flavoured with an aromatic blend of cinnamon, cloves and other exotic spices!
Visit any Bengawan Solo outlet to see what they offer.
Lim Chee Guan Bak Kwa
Another popular snack that’s a widely-accepted gift choice is bak kwa. Lim Chee Guan is a very popular brand that’s recognised as one of the better bak kwa stores out there, so head down to one of their four stores and get a pack of their Signature Sliced Pork (P.S. It’s sealed for easy transport!).
Visit any of the four Lim Chee Guan outlets to get their bak kwa.
Prima Taste Meal Sauce Kits and LaMian
Want to dabao a Singaporean meal overseas? Prima Taste has lots of Singaporean meal sauce kits for you to cook up local delights wherever you are! Serve up your very own chicken rice, laksa and even chilli crab with the help of these handy kits.
Just like how Japan has their Ichiran instant ramen for you to bring back home, Prima Taste has their gourmet LaMian range, which features premium noodles packed together with a host of local flavours! These really are a league above regular packaged noodles, and have a great texture that’s just as good as fresh hand-pulled mian.
Prima Taste items are available at most major supermarkets.
Ya Kun Kaya Spread
Ya Kun is a mainstay in the local coffee scene, and although you can’t bring back a fresh cup of kopi (you can get the coffee powder though), you can take back some kaya—the coconut jam spread used in traditional coffee shop sandwiches! Give friends and family abroad a taste of the local kaya toast by using this spread and some butter on toasted white bread. Bonus points if you serve it with soft boiled eggs topped with dark soya sauce and white pepper!
Shop Ya Kun’s merchandise at any of their many stores islandwide.
A Little Piece of Singapore
Whether you’re buying these for yourself or others, these souvenirs let you take an authentic slice of Singapore wherever you go. Spread the local charm with these items and keep the Singaporean spirit going!
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