SG60 Local Gems IV: Our Favourite Snacks & Gifts
We’ve saved the best for last! For the final chapter of our SG60 Local Gems series, we’re spotlighting some of the most unique homegrown snacks and gifts. From old-school munchies that taste like our childhoods to teatime gift sets that will make any recipient wish they could open them on the spot, there’s no shortage of local gems worth hoarding (or gifting, if you’re feeling generous).
Whether you’re stocking up for a stay-home marathon or just want to flex your I-know-the-good-stuff street cred, here are our top picks for the yummiest bites and most thoughtful gifts that you can enjoy all year round.
1. 7‑Eleven
Photo from 7‑Eleven
What’s more Singaporean than dabao-ing your favourites? In case you haven’t noticed, 7-Eleven has a limited-edition Dabao Flavours of Singapore 2.0 series, featuring a stunning lineup of grab-and-go meals.
These homely comfort bites have been reimagined for your everyday convenience: packaged, portable, and ready whenever cravings strike. Think Chicken Curry Rice, Sambal Spaghetti with Chicken Chop, and our favourite: the indulgent Milo Lava Cake!
From now till 26 August, you can still score a cute tote bag with an $18 spend to stash your haul in. These are designed by local illustrator Natasha Elle (aka @sadshrimps), which channels nostalgic delights like Slurpees, onigiri, and the iconic mashed potato cup.
2. wheniwasfour
Photo from wheniwasfour
For gifts that tug at your heartstrings and tickle your funny bone, look no further than wheniwasfour. This proudly local lifestyle label transforms the little quirks of Singaporean culture into everyday objects you’ll actually use.
These include notebooks designed like exercise books from our good ol’ school days, mugs that resemble those old “Good Morning” towels, plus cute and colourful keychains shaped like curry puffs and kueh!
Photo from wheniwasfour
Their offerings are perfect as non-cringey souvenirs for overseas friends or even just as cheeky home decor for your pad. Plus, everything is affordably priced, with most items going for $10-30. Whether you’re shopping for a retro-loving bestie or looking to sprinkle some local flavour into your desk setup, wheniwasfour will give you that warm, fuzzy “eh, I remember this!” moment every time.
Shop: wheniwasfour.com
3. CHAGEE
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Fans of milk tea who have yet to try this one, you’re missing out! CHAGEE has always been about elevating tea culture for the modern sipper, but this year they’ve brewed something truly special for Singapore. We’re talking about the Orchid Biluochun Milk Tea, a Singapore-exclusive blend created in celebration of SG60.
Delicate Biluochun green tea forms the base, layered with soft floral notes of orchid, rounded chestnut, and a touch of jasmine — comforting yet elegant, a little like our national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim. The result is smooth, fragrant, and just lightly sweet so you don’t feel jelak.
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And now, you can wear your love for it too! As part of the SG60 celebrations, CHAGEE has launched the Where We Bloom Tee Bundle, pairing a large Orchid Biluochun Milk Tea with a limited-edition tee inspired by the everyday beauty of our neighbourhoods. These are now available at CHAGEE stores islandwide.
Shop: CHAGEE stores islandwide
4. Cat Socrates
Photo from Cat Socrates
If there’s one store that proves shopping local can be both quirky and cool, it’s Cat Socrates! With physical stores in Joo Chiat and Yong Siak, this eclectic gift shop is like stepping into a treasure trove of curiosities. From cat-themed merch (think tees, mugs, and tote bags) to indie books, puzzles, and stationery, everything here is designed to surprise, delight, and spark a smile.
Photo from Cat Socrates
Not to be missed is the Singapore-themed gift collection, which includes shophouse-pattern notebooks, Peranakan-inspired accessories and tableware, playful pins, and cheeky magnets that make perfect little souvenirs.
Photo from Cat Socrates
Cat lovers will also be thrilled by their dedicated ‘Cat Zone’, stocked with plushies, homeware, and gifts that celebrate our favourite feline friends. And if you’re after something budget-friendly, their curated picks are a lifesaver when you need a thoughtful present without breaking the bank.
5. Hock Wong
Photo from Hock Wong
Bak kwa may be a Chinese New Year must-have, but Hock Wong makes it perfect for snacking on and gifting all year round! Their signature honey-roasted pork slices are charcoal-grilled the old-school way for that juicy, smoky flavour, without any preservatives or artificial colours. And because every slice is individually vacuum-sealed, you can toss it in your work tote, bring it on road trips, or stash it in your snack drawer without worrying it’ll go stale.
Photo from Hock Wong
Their standouts? The Minced Dried Pork Bak Kwa Snack Pack, a zip bag filled with bite-sized, individually vacuum-sealed bak kwa that you can enjoy anytime. Their Crispy Seaweed Bak Kwa Tissue is another marvel that’ll stop you in your tracks. This ultra-thin, crispy reinterpretation of the classic is snackable, addictive, and refreshingly light, giving traditional bak kwa a modern, textural twist. Perfect for when you want something familiar but also a little unexpected.
Photo from Hock Wong
That’s not all, because they also have a stunning selection of Mid-Autumn mooncakes! These buttery baked-skin creations are filled with luscious Hunan lotus seed paste. You can go classic, or have the best of both worlds with their convenient mooncake + bak kwa bundle sets. Best of all, the packaging here is always luxe and gift-ready, so you’re set to impress anyone — whether it’s your fussy mum, your picky boss, or your bestie who “doesn’t eat carbs” (but will 100% break that rule for these).
Shop: hockwong.com.sg/shop/
6. Sembawang Confectionery
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If old-school charm had a taste, it would be Sembawang Confectionery. This humble neighbourhood bakery has been whipping up sweet treats since the ’60s, and the best part? Nothing’s overcomplicated, just good, honest bakes that hit you right in the childhood feels.
Must-try items include their nostalgic buttercream jam cakes, made with soft sponge, vanilla buttercream, and colourful jam that somehow makes everything taste better. Don’t even get us started on the sugar-dusted doughnuts, which are soft, pillowy, and dangerously addictive. And if you’ve got a soft spot for buns, their butter rolls and custard buns are absolute must-haves, perfect for sharing with the fam (or hoarding quietly at home, we won’t judge).
But wait, there’s more! Pandan cakes, kaya buns, and other local classics make regular appearances, so every visit feels like a mini taste-of-Singapore adventure. Bonus: the prices are budget-friendly, which means you can snag a box or three without much guilt.
Shop: 6 Beach Road #01-4869, Singapore 190006
7. Amacha
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Looking for a milk tea that’s more than just a sugar rush? Here’s an option that really takes BBT to a whole new level. Amacha in Chinatown is Singapore’s first herbal milk tea spot, blending traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles with modern flavours. Each drink is crafted with premium herbs and natural ingredients, slow-brewed for eight hours to ensure both flavour and nourishment.
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Their signature drinks include the aptly named Grandma's Remedy, a comforting blend of chrysanthemum, bamboo leaf, dandelion, monk fruit, milk blend, and herbal jelly; Qi Booster, featuring ginseng, astragalus, codonopsis, jasmine green tea, and luscious bird's nest jelly; and Rosy Radiance, a radiant mix of rose, dried longan, goji berries, red dates, roselle, rose black tea, and peach gum jelly.
Whether you're seeking a health-conscious treat or a traditional spin on your fave drinks, Amacha might just be the spot to check out!
Shop: 46 Pagoda St, Singapore 059205
More adorable finds and gift ideas:
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