If you’re hunting for the best souvenirs to buy in Singapore — ones that feel meaningful, tasty, and not the usual Merlion keychain pieces — you’re in the right place. Singapore is packed with delicious treats, clever designs, and homegrown brands that make truly unique gifts travellers actually want to bring home.

Whether you’re shopping for foodie friends, design-loving colleagues, or that relative who always says “don’t need lah” but secretly loves presents, this list has something for everyone. And because Singaporeans are very serious about food, culture, and gifting, you can trust that these Singapore keepsakes are the real deal — no tourist traps here.

From chilli crab pastes to locally-designed ceramics, here are eight souvenirs to buy in Singapore guaranteed to make someone smile (or cry happy tears) when they unwrap your gift. 

1. Pandan Chiffon Cake from Bengawan Solo

This fluffy green legend dates back to Peranakan kitchens, where pandan was used for fragrance long before vanilla extract ever entered the chat. Bengawan Solo took the humble pandan chiffon cake and turned it into the airy, aromatic superstar Singaporeans proudly bring overseas… almost like it’s a national trophy.

Soft, fragrant, and impossible to stop eating, this cake survives long flights surprisingly well — that is, unless you “accidentally” finish half of it at Changi Airport while waiting for your gate to open. It’s a crowd-pleaser across all ages, from kids to colleagues to that aunt who says they “don’t like sweet things” but somehow finishes the biggest slice.

A regular-sized Pandan Chiffon Cake from Bengawan Solo will set you back around SGD$22 and is easily purchased from one of their many stores islandwide. Go to one of their stores here, or head to one of the many local bakeries in various neighbourhoods and there’s a high chance you’d spot a pandan chiffon cake! 

2. Kaya Jam from Ya Kun Kaya Toast

Kaya toast is practically a national treasure — a simple breakfast that’s been around since the early Hainanese coffee shops of the 1910s. For the uninformed, kaya is made of coconut milk and eggs to create a sweet, pandan-rich spread. Today, kaya is one of the most iconic foods locals miss when living abroad, and tourists wish they had back home as an essential.

It’s comforting, fragrant, and best enjoyed with a slab of cold butter. There are plenty of renditions of this jam from various shops islandwide, but the one by Ya Kun Kaya Toast is undoubtedly the top pick amongst locals and tourists alike. Priced at SGD$8.20 for a 290g jar, this makes the ideal Singaporean souvenir to buy home for your friends — simply pop by any of the Ya Kun Kaya Toast outlets in Singapore and grab them off the shelves!

3. Makan Ceramic Mug by Independent Market

Food is basically Singapore’s love language, and nothing expresses that better than a mug that proudly says “makan” — which translates to “eat” in the Malay language. Independent Market is a proudly homegrown brand that designs fun, cheeky Singapore-themed items — and this mug is one of their most popular hits. It’s sturdy, minimalist, and gives off a playful “I love Singapore food so much, I want to drink my coffee from it.”

It’s the kind of unique Singapore gift you can’t find overseas — simple, practical and full of that local personality we’re known for. Whether it’s for morning coffee, desk-side tea, or late-night Milo when life gets tough, this mug never fails to bring a smile (and maybe a reminder to visit Singapore again!). 

The Makan mug costs SGD$22.90, while other Singaporean-themed best-sellers, such as their “How to order kopi” towel, will set you back $27.90. We highly encourage you to visit their website to explore fun and unique Singaporean gifts and souvenirs you could bring back home!

4. Beyond The Vines Dumpling Bags

If you’re a social media doomscroller, a fashionista or best still — a mix of both, then this has got to be on your list of must-buy Singapore souvenirs. Beyond The Vines started as a modest design studio and somehow evolved into a cult phenomenon thanks to one brilliant invention: the Dumpling Bag. Lightweight, colourful, endlessly practical, and instantly recognisable, this bag has become the unofficial Singapore uniform — you’ll see it on students, office executives, and every third human on the streets of Orchard. Yes, it is that popular and for good reason.

It’s durable enough for groceries, cute enough for brunch, and folds up into nothing — making it a perfect Singapore keepsake. Since the brand is proudly local and not widely sold overseas, gifting or bringing home a Beyond The Vines bag is like giving someone a little slice of Singapore trend. They have since expanded to other markets like Thailand, Japan and China, but nothing beats bagging them (no pun intended) from Singapore, where it is proudly made. Check out their website to see their full suite of products – you’ll find tons of items for both men and women, ranging from clothes to bags and accessories!

5. Singapore-Themed Postcards at Loka Made

Looking for a souvenir that truly represents Singapore? Check out Loka Made’s Singapore-themed postcards — artistic keepsakes that blend heritage, charm, and storytelling. Loka Made is located along Haji Lane and Chinatown, two of Singapore’s most iconic districts and go-to hangout spots for tourists and locals alike.

One of their most eye-catching collections is the Tales of Baba Nyonya pop-up postcard series, featuring intricate shophouse designs and nostalgic scenes inspired by Nyonya lifestyle. Each postcard captures authentic elements of Peranakan culture — something you simply won’t find in generic souvenir stores. Besides pop-up postcards, visitors can also explore 360° 3D greeting cards, illustrated Singapore scene postcards, and DIY layering stamp postcards — perfect for creative travellers who want souvenirs with depth, personality, and visual storytelling.

Lightweight and easy to carry, these postcards and greeting cards make thoughtful gifts for friends and family who appreciate culture and artistry. They also stand out from typical souvenirs like fridge magnets or Merlion keychains. Write a heartfelt message, mail it home, and you might just give someone a keepsake they’ll treasure forever.

If you’re searching for meaningful Singapore souvenirs, Loka Made’s postcards deserve a spot on your must-buy list — especially if you’re already exploring the colourful streets of Haji Lane or strolling through Chinatown.

6. Singapore Pokémon Souvenirs at Jewel Changi Airport

Calling all Pokémon fans — you’ll want to add this to your Singapore itinerary. If you’re travelling with children or hunting for souvenirs that guarantee smiles, make a stop at the Pokémon Center Singapore at Jewel Changi Airport. The store is a massive hit with tourists and locals, and a perfect last-minute shopping spot before boarding your flight home.

The star attraction? The Singapore Exclusive Pikachu plush series featuring Pikachu in pilot and cabin crew uniforms — a design you won’t find outside Singapore. These adorable plush toys are wildly popular among collectors and travellers because they capture the magic of Singapore’s aviation identity and Jewel’s airport setting. One look at the tiny captain hat or the cabin crew outfit, and it’s almost impossible not to bring one home.

Beyond plushies, the store offers countless Pokémon goodies — from stationery and apparel to trading cards and children-friendly souvenirs. Families love it because kids can pick something fun, unique, and meaningful — all without leaving the airport.

If you want a souvenir that screams “Singapore”, sparks joy instantly, and stands out from ordinary gifts, the Pokémon Center at Jewel is a must-visit stop. That pilot Pikachu alone is worth the trip.

7. Singapore Chilli Crab Paste from Love, Afare

When it comes to famous Singapore food, chilli crab easily ranks as the iconic dish that every local swears by and every tourist travels across the world to try. The origins of Singapore chilli crab date back to the 1950s, when an innovative hawker decided to stir-fry fresh crabs in bottled chilli sauce instead of the usual black pepper seasoning. That simple switch created today’s iconic, messy, spicy-and-sweet seafood dish that Singapore is globally known for. It’s also one of the must-try items we highlighted in our Guide to the 10 Best Local Food Spots in Singapore, and a plate that every first-time visitor should experience.

Among the many restaurants serving chilli crab, JUMBO Seafood is widely considered the benchmark. Their Award-Winning Singapore Chilli Crab is internationally recognised for its rich gravy, aromatic spices, and perfect balance of flavours – a dish that locals queue up for, and tourists describe as life-changing.

To make that flavour accessible to everyone, Love, Afare by JUMBO Seafood is selling their Chilli Crab Paste — the exact chilli crab base used in the restaurants. It’s bottled so you can recreate authentic chilli crab at home or surprise family and friends with a truly Singapore souvenir. The paste is incredibly aromatic and versatile; besides crab, you can cook it with prawns, crayfish, pasta, mantou, tofu or even use it as a dipping sauce to elevate homemade meals. For travellers returning home, it makes an easy gourmet gift that captures the taste of Singapore in every spoonful.

Each box costs SGD$8.60, making it an affordable premium food souvenir from Singapore. You can purchase it online, or find it at JUMBO Seafood restaurants and several popular tourist locations such as Food Folks at Lau Pa Sat and Tangs Plaza at Orchard Road — perfect for last-minute shopping before flying home.

A tip for home cooks: visit Love, Afare’s official website for chef-created chilli crab recipes. They’ve published step-by-step guides showing how to cook restaurant-style chilli crab using the paste, along with creative dishes like chilli crab pasta  — ideal for impressing guests or recreating Singapore flavours during gatherings.

This chilli crab paste is more than a souvenir; it’s a taste of Singapore heritage, packaged beautifully for gifting, cooking, and celebrating one of the world’s most famous seafood dishes right in your own kitchen.

8. Salted Egg Prawn Chins from Love, Afare

If there’s one flavour that defines Singapore’s modern snack scene, it’s salted egg. Ever since the salted egg trend exploded around 2015, Singapore has seen everything from salted egg potato chips to burgers, fried chicken, croissants and fish skin snacks. Today, salted egg snacks are one of the most popular souvenirs from Singapore — with brands like Irvin’s becoming international favourites.

For travellers looking for something truly unique and authentically Singaporean to bring home, we highly recommend the Salted Egg Prawn Chins from Love, Afare. Instead of the usual chips or fish skin, these snacks are made from prawn chins — the crunchy part near the head that most locals grew up eating at zi char tables. It’s a nostalgic ingredient, turned into an innovative snack, and a great way to introduce friends to Singapore flavours.

Love, Afare’s version stands out because it is double-baked for extra crunch, and coated generously with real salted egg yolk, aromatic curry leaves, and a light touch of chilli for that addictive Singapore-style heat. Each bite delivers a savoury, rich, umami flavour that’s dangerously crunchy and incredibly easy to finish in one sitting. Many buyers end up purchasing extra bags just to keep one for themselves.

Price-wise, it’s also one of the most affordable and premium-quality salted egg snacks in Singapore. Each pack costs only SGD$5.20, making it a great bulk-buy item for gifting, corporate souvenirs, or sharing at home after your trip. These prawn chins are uniquely Singaporean — perfect for food lovers or anyone wanting to taste something beyond the usual salted egg potato chips.

You can purchase them directly from Love, Afare’s online store, or find them at selected JUMBO Group restaurants such as JUMBO Seafood and Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh. 

If you’re searching for Singapore snacks to buy, unique salted egg gifts, or simply a must-try local treat, this salted egg prawn chins snack is a delicious, memorable souvenir that captures Singapore’s bold food culture in every bite.

Singapore is full of creative, delicious and meaningful souvenirs that go beyond the usual tourist picks. From heritage food brands to modern artisan designs, each item on this list reflects a slice of Singapore culture that you can taste, hold and share. Whether you’re bringing home chilli crab paste for a foodie friend, salted egg snacks for colleagues, or locally crafted keepsakes for yourself, these souvenirs make it easy to bring a little piece of Singapore back with you.