If you’re visiting Singapore, Changi Airport isn’t just a place to catch your flight - it’s one of the best spots to discover authentic local products. From iconic snacks to wellness remedies, fashion, and souvenirs, you can pick up gifts that truly represent Singapore.
As a local, I always tell my friends and tourists: skip the generic duty-free chocolates and fragrances - here’s where you’ll find items that feel uniquely Singaporean, easy to pack, and fun to bring home.
Must-Buy Singapore Brands at Changi Airport
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Bee Cheng Hiang - Sweet and Smoky Pork JerkyWebsite: beechenghiang.com When you think of Singaporean snacks, bak kwa (barbecued pork jerky) has to be on the list. Bee Cheng Hiang has been making this sweet and smoky treat since 1933. The texture is tender, the flavour perfectly balanced, and it comes in travel-friendly packs. |
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Bengawan Solo - Traditional Cakes and CookiesWebsite: bengawansolo.sg Bengawan Solo is Singapore’s answer to classic pastries. Known for layered cakes (kueh lapis), butter cakes, and cookies, it’s elegant, tasty, and gift-ready. The flavours feel familiar yet distinct, making them perfect souvenirs. |
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IRVINS - That Famous Salted Egg Fish Skin SnacksWebsite: irvinsaltedegg.com If you love bold, addictive flavours, IRVINS is a must-try. From salted egg fish skin to potato chips, these snacks have become a global phenomenon. Locals love them, and tourists often bring multiple packs home. |
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Kele - Premium Pineapple PastriesWebsite: kele.sg Pineapple tarts are a staple in Singapore, and Kele elevates them with buttery pastry and balanced sweetness. The compact, elegantly packaged boxes make them perfect for gifting or sharing at home. |
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Kim’s Duet - Singapore Coffee and TeaWebsite: kimsduet.com Singapore’s coffee culture is unique, and Kim’s Duet brings it to life in giftable form. They offer roasted coffee blends and specialty teas inspired by traditional kopitiams. |
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Kwong Cheong Thye - Heritage SaucesWebsite: kct.com.sg For food lovers, this is a hidden gem. Kwong Cheong Thye has been making sauces for over a century, including barrel-aged soy sauce and artisanal condiments. Locals use them daily. |
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Ya Kun Kaya Toast - Singapore’s Breakfast IconWebsite: yakun.com Before you leave, stop for a taste of Singapore. Ya Kun Kaya Toast is famous for kaya (coconut jam) on toast, soft-boiled eggs, and traditional coffee. You can also buy jars of kaya to bring home. |
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Feifah - Wellness EssentialsWebsite: feifah.com Feifah is a heritage Singaporean wellness brand that locals trust. They make medicated balms, crocodile oil products, and bee venom skincare. Compact and practical, these are ideal for travellers. |
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Charles & Keith - For the FashionistaWebsite: charleskeith.com Did you know this global fashion brand started in Singapore? Known for trendsetting shoes and handbags, buying Charles & Keith here is often more affordable than overseas. It’s the perfect stop for a chic, wearable souvenir. |
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Local Fashion and DesignJewel is not just about food - Singapore has some great design-led fashion brands: These brands give you a modern view of Singaporean style; practical, design-conscious, and stylish souvenirs. |
Shopping Tip: Don't Miss Your GST Refund! Spend more than S$100? Don't forget to claim your 9% Goods & Services Tax (GST) refund at the Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS) kiosks before you fly.
Changi Airport Smart Shopping Tips
GST Refund Guide
Don’t forget that visitors can claim back the 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on eligible purchases. It’s quick and easy at the eTRS kiosks located at Changi Airport. Simply follow three simple steps: validate your receipts, scan your passport, and collect your refund before you depart. This ensures you save on your shopping without any hassle.
iShopChangi Online Shopping
Want to save time and guarantee your favourites are in stock? With iShopChangi, you can shop online up to 30 days in advance and pick up your purchases at the airport. It’s the perfect way to breeze through your last-minute shopping while securing those must-have Singaporean treats.
Jewel vs. Transit Shops
It’s good to know the difference between Jewel and the transit area. Jewel is a public, landside zone, so you can visit it before checking in for your flight. Other stores are located within the transit area, accessible only after clearing security. Planning your stops accordingly helps you make the most of your time and ensures you don’t miss out on unique souvenirs.
Authentic Singaporean Eats You Can’t Miss at Changi
For a truly authentic and affordable experience that few tourists find, you should head to the Staff Canteen in Terminal 2. Although it is technically for airport staff, it is open to the public and offers a genuine hawker center atmosphere with prices significantly lower than the main terminals. To find it, go to Terminal 2, Level 3, follow the signs to Car Park 2A, and take the lift to Level 3M. Once there, you can enjoy excellent Hainanese Chicken Rice, Nasi Padang, or handmade Ban Mian noodles without the usual airport markup.
If you are currently in the transit area and cannot pass through immigration to visit Jewel, the Singapore Food Street in Terminal 3 (Level 3) is your best option. Designed to resemble a 1960s food alley with pushcarts and Peranakan decor, it gathers famous local hawker names in one convenient airside location. It is the perfect spot to grab a bowl of pork rib soup from Sin Ming Road Rong Cheng Bak Kut Teh or a plate of Old Airport Road Fried Kway Teow before your next flight. For a more refined sit-down meal,
Violet Oon in Jewel offers an elegant setting to enjoy Peranakan (Straits Chinese) cuisine. The restaurant is celebrated for its rich, spicy, and aromatic dishes that blend Chinese and Malay influences, such as their signature Dry Laksa or Beef Rendang.
Alternatively, if you have time for a feast, JUMBO Seafood in Jewel is the place to go for Singapore’s iconic Chilli Crab. Be sure to order deep-fried mantou buns to mop up the sweet and spicy sauce, or opt for the Black Pepper Crab if you prefer a drier, peppery heat. For casual but high-quality local bites in Jewel,
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh in the basement serves a Michelin Bib Gourmand-worthy version of pork rib soup. The clear, peppery broth is refillable and pairs perfectly with braised peanuts and dough fritters. You might also enjoy The Hainan Story Chapter Two, a colorful cafe celebrating Hainanese culinary history with dishes like Curry Rice and British-Hainanese Pork Chops.
Finally, for the quintessential local breakfast or tea break, stop by Ya Kun Kaya Toast for crispy toast slathered in coconut jam and butter, served alongside soft-boiled eggs and local coffee.
Discover Singapore Before You Depart
Changi Airport is more than just a place to catch a flight. It is a reflection of Singapore itself, where nature, innovation, food, shopping, and culture come together in one destination. From the breathtaking Rain Vortex at Jewel to the thoughtfully designed terminals filled with local brands and flavours, the airport offers visitors a final and memorable taste of the country.
Before heading to your gate, take some time to explore. Snap a photo with the iconic Control Tower outside Terminals 1 to 3, then make your way to Jewel to admire the Rain Vortex and its evening Light and Music Showcase. At Terminal 2, catch The Wonderfall, an immersive digital waterfall show that runs every 30 minutes. If you are in transit, visit the Butterfly Garden at Terminal 3 or unwind at the Sunflower Garden in Terminal 2. For a fun keepsake, stop by Flap Pix and capture a photo on the nostalgic flight information board. As you wander through Jewel and the terminals, you will discover gifts that are practical, meaningful, and truly Singaporean.
From local snacks and wellness products to unique souvenirs and thoughtful keepsakes, each item reflects Singapore’s heritage, creativity, and modern spirit. These are not just last-minute purchases, but lasting reminders of your journey. Be sure to leave some space in your luggage. You may find more than one treasure worth bringing home.
* Photos courtesy of Changi Airport Facebook Page
