Bite-Sized Tradition, Big-Time Flavour – 15 Best Local Snacks in Singapore
Singapore’s snack game is next level. Whether it’s a crispy curry puff on the go or a bite of ondeh ondeh bursting with gula melaka, there’s always something to satisfy.
With influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan kitchens, our snacks aren’t just tasty; they tell the story of who we are. These treats are a must-try whether you’re a local craving nostalgia or a visitor hunting for the perfect edible souvenir.
Ready to dive into Singapore’s best local snacks? Let’s makan!
Kaya Toast
– Media from __jemf
Snack type: Sweet
Where to buy: Killiney Kopitiam
Price: $
Crispy, golden-brown toast slathered with silky kaya and a slab of cold butter—there’s nothing quite like that first sweet-salty bite. Whether dunked into soft-boiled eggs or paired with a strong kopi, kaya toast is the kind of nostalgic breakfast that never gets old.
From old-school kopitiams to famous spots like Killiney, every bite carries a taste of tradition with a side of pure comfort. If you haven’t had kaya toast in Singapore, have you really had breakfast at all?
Pro tip: For the ultimate kaya toast experience, dip it into soft-boiled eggs mixed with a dash of dark soy sauce and white pepper—sweet, savoury, and oh-so-satisfying!
Pandan Chiffon Cake
– Media from cookingleelee
Snack type: Sweet
Where to buy: Old Seng Choong
Price: $$
Soft, airy, and fragrant with the unmistakable aroma of pandan, pandan chiffon cake is the kind of treat that disappears before you know it. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s a national favourite; it’s like eating a fluffy cloud with a hint of coconutty nostalgia.
From home bakers to iconic spots like Old Seng Choong, this green-hued delight is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Light enough to have two slices (or three), but trust me, you won’t stop at just one!
Pro tip: Pair pandan chiffon cake with a cup of kopi C kosong (coffee with evaporated milk, no sugar) or teh tarik (hot milk tea) for a perfect balance of light sweetness and creamy richness.
Ice Gem Biscuits
– Media from sadhana_sb
Snack type: Sweet
Where to buy: Gin Thye
Price: $
Tiny, crunchy, and topped with a swirl of rock-hard sugar, ice gem biscuits are the ultimate throwback snack. Whether you bite off the frosting first or pop the whole thing in your mouth, every piece tastes like pure childhood nostalgia.
These colourful little gems have been around for generations, proving that some things never go out of style. One handful is never enough.
Pro tip: Want to stock up on ice gem biscuits? Buy them in bulk from Lazada, Daily Cart, or traditional biscuit shops like Biscuit King for the best deals.
Bak Kwa
– Media from gordon61
Snack type: Savoury
Where to buy: Bee Cheng Hiang
Price: $$
Smoky, sweet, and just the right amount of chewy, bak kwa is the kind of snack that disappears way too fast. Each bite is a perfect balance of caramelised edges and juicy barbecued meat, making it impossible to stop at one slice.
From Chinese New Year treats to anytime indulgence, this iconic snack is a must-try whether you’re a local or a first-timer. Brands like Bee Cheng Hiang have perfected it, but fair warning: once you start, you’ll be hooked for life!
Pro tip: For the best bak kwa experience, warm it up slightly before eating. Just a few seconds in the microwave or on a pan brings out the smoky aroma and caramelised sweetness.
Salted Egg Fish Skin
– Media from hungrypiglet604
Snack type: Savoury
Where to buy: IRVINS
Price: $$
Ultra-crispy, rich, and dangerously addictive, salted egg fish skin is the snack you swear you’ll just have one bite of but never do.
The crunchy fish skin, coated in creamy, umami-packed salted egg yolk with a hint of spice, makes it impossible to put the bag down. The best place to get it is at IRVINS, where queues are known to happen because of this snack.
Pro tip: Try other bold fish skin flavours like mala, truffle, or wasabi.
Murukku
– Media from thara_mel_cashew
Snack type: Savoury
Where to buy: Sakunthala’s
Price: $
Crunchy, spiced, and ridiculously addictive, murukku is the kind of snack that keeps your hands busy and your taste buds happy. Whether it’s the classic spiral shape or the bite-sized twists, every piece delivers that perfect mix of savoury, fragrant, and crispy goodness.
It’s a Deepavali favourite but honestly great any time of the year. You’ll find murukku in Indian snack shops, supermarkets, and festive bazaars.
Pro tip: Pair murukku with a hot cup of teh tarik or masala chai. The creamy, spiced tea balances out the crunch and savoury flavours.
Milo
– Media from bakersbrewstudio
Snack type: Sweet
Where to buy: Cheers
Price: $
Thick, chocolatey, and packed with malty goodness, Milo is the drink that fueled our childhood and still hits the spot today. From Milo cookies to Milo ice cream, this iconic drink has spun off into all kinds of tasty treats.
Whether it’s a classic hot cup, an ice-cold Milo Peng, or the legendary Milo truck version that somehow tastes ten times better, it’s pure nostalgia in a sip.
Pro tip: On hot summer days, you can buy 225 ml Milo Peng bottles at most convenience stores.
Butterfly Biscuits
– Media from salma.elraies
Snack type: Sweet
Where to buy: NTUC Fairprice
Price: $
Light, crispy, and caramelised to golden perfection, butterfly biscuits are the kind of old-school treat that brings instant nostalgia. With their delicate layers and just the right amount of sweetness, they crackle delightfully with every bite.
They’re a rare find these days, but when you spot them, grab a pack—because nothing beats the simple joy of these flaky, buttery wings.
Pro tip: Get SnackFirst Butterfly Ear Biscuits (120 g) at NTUC FairPrice, in-store or online.
Gourmet Popcorn
– Media from kiempire
Snack type: Sweet/savoury
Where to buy: Kamariah Ibrahim’s Empire
Price: $$
Gourmet popcorn in Singapore isn’t just about caramel or cheese anymore. With wild flavours like nasi lemak, kaya butter, and chilli crab, every crunchy bite is a surprise twist on local favourites.
Brands like Kamariah Ibrahim’s Empire are turning popcorn into a full-on flavour adventure. Once you try a handful of Hainanese chicken rice popcorn, you’ll never look at regular popcorn the same way again!
Pro tip: Mix flavours like kaya butter and nasi lemak for a sweet-savoury contrast.
Artisan Cookies
– Media from as_global_education
Snack type: Sweet/savoury
Where to buy: The Cookie Museum
Price: $$
Imagine biting into a cookie and tasting laksa, chilli crab, or even Hainanese chicken rice—sounds crazy, but it works. Artisan cookies in Singapore take familiar flavours and turn them into crunchy, buttery bites of nostalgia.
Brands like The Cookie Museum have mastered the art of transforming local dishes into gourmet treats. It’s weird, it’s wonderful and makes some of the best food souvenirs to bring home!
Pro tip: Artisan cookies from The Cookie Museum are great for international tourists—lightweight, travel-friendly, and packed with bold Singaporean flavours.
Ondeh Ondeh
– Media from cccdaccc
Snack type: Sweet
Where to buy: Lina Confectionery and Trading
Price: $
Ondeh ondeh is the ultimate sweet surprise in every bite. The moment that rich palm sugar (gula melaka) oozes out, you know you’ve hit the jackpot.
Coated in freshly grated coconut for the perfect balance of texture and taste, these little green gems are dangerously addictive. Soft, chewy, and bursting with molten sweetness, it’s the perfect ending to any meal.
Pro tip: Pop a whole ondeh ondeh in your mouth—don’t bite halfway—or risk an unexpected gula melaka explosion all over your fingers.
Kueh Salat
– Media from wheresthekueh
Snack type: Sweet
Where to buy: Ollella
Price: $
Kueh salat is a perfect two-layered bite of heaven. The subtle sweetness and fragrant pandan make it impossible to stop at just one slice.
With its vibrant green hue and rich, silky texture, this Peranakan favourite is as pretty as it is delicious. You can easily spot it with its smooth, creamy pandan custard on top, and sticky, coconut-infused glutinous rice below.
Pro tip: Kueh salat is a festive favourite, so you’ll likely find it served at weddings, birthdays, and Peranakan celebrations.
Curry Puff
– Media from where.is.karl
Snack type: Savoury
Where to buy: J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff
Price: $
Curry puffs are basically Singapore’s answer to the ultimate comfort snack. One bite and you get that perfect mix of buttery pastry and spicy, savoury goodness.
Flaky, crispy, and stuffed with curried potatoes, chicken, and egg, what’s not to like? It’s a bit of a mess to eat but with all the yumminess it comes with, who’s complaining?
Pro tip: Pair your curry puff with a hot cup of teh tarik or kopi C. The creamy, slightly sweet tea or coffee balances the spicy, savoury filling perfectly.
Keropok
– Media from krackerking.sg
Snack type: Savoury
Where to buy: Kracker King
Price: $
Light, crispy, and dangerously addictive, keropok is the snack you start munching on and suddenly realise the whole bag is gone. Whether it’s prawn, fish, or even tapioca-based, every bite packs a satisfying crunch with just the right amount of savoury goodness.
Dipped in chilli sauce or eaten straight from the bag, keropok is the ultimate anytime snack. Once you hear that first loud, satisfying crack, there’s no stopping!
Pro tip: For a healthier version of keropok, look for baked, air-fried, or wholegrain options.
Putu Piring
– Media from northpointsg
Snack type: Sweet
Where to buy: Haig Road Putu Piring
Price: $
Putu piring is like a little pillow of happiness that melts in your mouth. The combination of warm rice flour, caramelised palm sugar, and freshly grated coconut makes every bite pure comfort. This traditional Malay treat is a must-try for any dessert lover.
Pro tip: Putu piring is best eaten fresh, as the soft texture and gooey gula melaka filling don’t hold up well over time.