What snacks to buy in Singapore: 12+ Delicious Singapore local snacks for tourist You Should Buy as Gifts

You don’t have to sit at a fancy banquet to enjoy “delicious food” in Singapore. On every street corner, in every bustling hawker center or bustling alley in Chinatown, Bugis or Geylang… there is a whole world of multi-ethnic snacks waiting for you to discover. So, what snacks to buy in Singapore, what food to bring back from Singapore? Let’s check out 10 Delicious Singapore local snacks for tourist You Should Buy as Gifts in this post!

From crispy fried cakes with a strong Malay flavor, fragrant Chinese skewers, to round Peranakan-style cakes or desserts that “just look at them makes you feel cool” – Singapore is truly a paradise for those who love to snack, love to travel, and love to take beautiful photos.

Whether you go alone or with friends, don’t forget to bring an empty stomach and the list of 10 favorite snacks below – guaranteed to be both full and “chill”, after eating, you will want to come back to Singapore again!

What snacks to buy in Singapore: Kele Pineapple Tart – A “Singaporean Flavor” Gift

Not just a snack, Kele Pineapple Tart has long been a proud culinary symbol of Singaporeans. The small, fragrant cakes with a buttery flavor, hidden inside a sweet pineapple jam – is the way the people here express their hospitality and warm affection through each piece of cake.

[Klook Exclusive] Kele Pineapple Tart Souvenir in Singapore

Kele Pineapple Tart not only has the flavor of the tropical land, but also preserves the quintessence of traditional culinary culture, and is the most favorite souvenir when tourists visit Singapore. Whether it is a gift, a street snack or a gift to take home, Kele Pineapple Tart is worthy of being a “culinary treasure” that you should try at least once when you set foot in the lion island.

Salted Egg Fish Skin – Crispy and “Addictive”

When it comes to popular Singaporean snacks in recent years, salted egg fish skin must definitely be on the list. Crispy fish skin, covered with a layer of salty and fatty salted egg sauce, a little spicy – just one bite and you’ll “eat the whole bag”. The two most prominent brands are Golden Duck and Irvins – both have their own flavors, making people argue endlessly.

IRVINS Salted Egg in Singapore

• Golden Duck is famous for its richer, spicier taste.
• Irvins is loved for its smooth salted egg layer, “rolling” from start to finish.
• Reference price: From 7-10 SGD/95g bag. Available at Changi Airport, convenience stores and large shopping malls such as Jewel, Takashimaya, or online on the official website.

Kueh Bangkit – Melt-in-Your-Mouth Coconut Cake

Hidden in its small appearance, Kueh Bangkit – or Singaporean-style cake – is a traditional cake that is indispensable during the Peranakan New Year. This cake is made from tapioca flour or rice flour, coconut milk and pandan leaves, baked until fragrant and slightly crispy on the outside but soft and spongy on the inside. When put in the mouth, the cake almost melts, leaving a light fatty taste and a very distinctive pandan scent.

In the past, the cake was usually round like a coin, but now you can find countless cute shapes such as flowers, animals, even… mini tables and chairs – just looking at it makes you want to buy it and take a photo right away!

Eat Like a Local in Singapore: Hawker Center Experience

Our suggestion: Bengawan Solo’s cake – a long-standing traditional confectionery brand in Singapore. In particular, the brand’s Gula Melaka (palm sugar) version has a light, sweet caramel aftertaste that is extremely “addictive”.

Singapore local snacks for tourist: Bee Cheng Hiang – Singapore’s “National” Dried Meat

If there is a snack that is both traditional and makes everyone “crave” when mentioning Singapore, it is Bee Cheng Hiang dried meat. For many years, this brand has been associated with the image of queuing to buy dried meat every holiday season, as a habit that is hard to give up for locals and tourists.

The dried meat is grilled directly on hot coals, covered with a layer of sweet and fragrant sauce, both soft and slightly chewy – eating one piece makes you want another. Bee Cheng Hiang also has a variety of versions: traditional sliced ​​pork (bak kwa), dried beef, spicy pork floss, and convenient snack sticks – easy to take away or give as gifts.

• Recommended purchase: Bee Cheng Hiang stores are located throughout Singapore – Orchard Road, Chinatown, Changi Airport… all have it.
• Reference price: From SGD 15–20/100g, depending on the type.

What food to bring back from Singapore: Peanut Cookies – Crispy and Fatty, “Catch Your Mouth” From the First Piece

Don’t let their simple appearance fool you – peanut cookies are a “national” snack in Singapore that everyone loves. The crust is soft and spongy, with the fragrant taste of roasted peanuts. Chew carefully and you will clearly feel the rich aftertaste without being too greasy.

This type of cookie is usually round and fits in your hand, made from flour, sugar, vegetable oil and ground peanuts – there are salty and sweet versions, there are even variations with cashews and almonds for those who like to change the taste. In particular, according to Chinese beliefs, peanuts (“fah sung”) symbolize longevity and prosperity, so the more you eat, the luckier it is.

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Our suggestion: Smiling Orchid peanut cookies – less sweet, slightly fatty, never get bored of eating. Buy them as gifts or enjoy them with afternoon tea.

Kueh Bahulu – Singapore’s “Addictive” Small Egg Cake

Also known as a mini sponge cake, Kueh Bahulu is a traditional snack loved by Singaporeans for generations. The golden brown crust, soft and spongy inside, sweet and slightly dry – perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ya Kun Kaya Toast in Singapore

It is believed that the name “Bahulu” comes from the Portuguese word “bolo” (meaning cake), and this dish appeared during the colonial period in Southeast Asia. Today, the cake still retains its small and cute shape but has been transformed with many modern flavors.
Our suggestion: Try Kueh Bahulu from Warisan Recipe – a brand that “specializes” in this cake with all kinds of flavors from traditional to unique cheese, strawberry, and durian. The cake is baked on the spot, so you will love it as soon as you eat it.

Tai Sun Mini Spring Rolls – Crispy, Spicy, Addictive

Mini spring rolls are an extremely popular “addictive” snack in Singapore, especially during the Lunar New Year. The filling of prawns, minced meat or pork floss is wrapped in a thin rice paper, then deep-fried until the skin turns golden and crispy – just one bite and it “melts” in your mouth.

The traditional flavor is always a favorite, but if you love spicy food, the mild spicy version is also worth a try. Whether you are on the salty or spicy side, you will see these spring rolls “flying off the shelves” in just a few days.

Our suggestion: Try Tai Sun mini spring rolls – a local brand famous for its delicious snacks. You can find them at major supermarkets or Singapore airports during the Lunar New Year season.

Nyonya Kueh – Singapore’s Colorful Traditional Sweets

Nyonya Kueh is more than just a snack – it’s a Peranakan culinary heritage that has been cherished for generations. These colorful little cakes are usually made from glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, mung beans or sweet potatoes, combined with natural dyes from butterfly pea flowers, pandan leaves, beetroot… creating an eye-catching appearance and an addictive sweet taste.

From soft, layered kueh lapis (pig skin cake), to ondeh-ondeh (palm sugar filled cake rolled in grated coconut) that melts when bitten – each one has its own flavor and story.

Our suggestion: You can find Nyonya Kueh at traditional shops like HarriAnns Nonya Table, Kim Choo Kueh Chang or at hawker centers like Tiong Bahru or Chinatown Complex.

Tip: Eat it on the same day to keep its freshness. This is also a local gift if you want to bring a bit of “old Singapore flavor” home!

Nian Gao – Traditional Sticky Rice Cakes That Bring Luck

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Every Lunar New Year in Singapore, Nian Gao – a traditional sticky rice cake made from glutinous rice flour and brown sugar – is sought after as a blessing for the new year. The cake is sliced ​​thinly, then fried or steamed to create a soft, chewy crust combined with a rustic, sweet flavor – simple but heartwarming.

Nowadays, Nian Gao has many modern versions such as durian or black sesame, but most of visitors still stay loyal to the classic traditional flavor – as a way to preserve the old Tet flavor.

Our suggestion: Swee Heng Bakery is a familiar name to Singaporeans every holiday season. Nian Gao cakes are sold by the kilo – enough for the whole family to gather around a cup of hot tea and a slice of sweet moon cake at the beginning of the year.

Sugee Cookies – Melts on the Tongue with a Rich Buttery Flavor

Sugee cookies are the type of cookies that with just a light bite, the crust will break and melt in your mouth like snowflakes. Made from pureed cashews or macadamia nuts and high-quality butter, this type of cookie is famous for its crispy texture and light, fatty taste, making it more and more attractive the more you eat.

Our suggestion: Try Sugee cookies from Bengawan Solo – a long-standing Singaporean bakery brand, famous for its handmade, traditional-flavored batches of cookies. The cookies are mildly fragrant, not too sweet, and are perfect for sipping with tea.

Small note: Because the cookies are very fragile, pack them carefully if you plan to bring them back as gifts.

Ya Kun Kaya

Kaya is a special jam made from coconut milk and eggs, popular in Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.

You can enjoy Kaya jam with a slice of hot toast. At first glance, it doesn’t look fancy, but once you taste it, you will hardly forget the unique flavor. In the morning, go to Ya Kun Kaya Toast Family Café, a very famous place for this jam, and order a portion of bread with Kaya jam. There are always jars of Kaya jam ready for you to buy as gifts. You can also buy them at supermarkets in the city. Besides Ya Kun Kaya Toast, you can try Kaya jam from other brands that are equally delicious, such as Toast Box or Glory.

Laksa Paste

Besides Bak-kwa and Kaya, Laksa is a specialty that every tourist to Singapore wants to bring back. Considered a traditional Peranakan dish, Laksa is a blend of ingredients such as noodles, fish cakes, prawns, cockles, shredded bean sprouts, curry and hot, spicy coconut milk. This dish is often served with otak otak fish cakes, a few leaves of Vietnamese coriander and a spoonful of spicy chili sauce.

To make it easier for tourists to bring back the unique flavor of Laksa as a gift, Laksa sauce has been condensed in glass jars, easy to carry. When cooking, you just need to add all the basic ingredients and put the sauce in the pot to have a bowl of hot Laksa at home.

No doubt about it! Singapore street food is not only delicious but also a gateway to a diverse culture. Whether you are looking for unique gifts, or simply want to satisfy your taste buds while traveling to the Lion Island, don’t forget to “fill your stomach” with a few dishes from the list above.

Which Singaporean snacks will you buy as souvenirs?

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Singapore you can refer to

• Sentosa FUN Pass
• [Klook Exclusive] Universal Studios Singapore™ 1 Day Ticket
• Gardens by the Bay Ticket Singapore
• S.E.A. Aquarium™ One-Day Ticket
• ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands Ticket
• Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass
• Jewel Changi Airport Attraction Tickets in Singapore
• Singapore Flyer Tickets
• Skyline Luge Singapore: Skyline Luge & Skyride
• Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck or Sampan Ride
• Adventure Cove Waterpark™ One-Day Ticket
• Science Centre Singapore, Butterflies Up-Close, Omni Theatre
• Singapore River Cruise
• Madame Tussauds Singapore Ticket
• Wings of Time Show Ticket in Singapore
• Klook Pass Singapore
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (Changi Airport Pick Up) for Singapore
• 4G WiFi (SG Airport Pick Up) for Singapore

Are you finding more top things to do in Singapore: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: The ultimate Singapore travel guide.