Guide to Singapore's Best Heritage Shops
Singapore is a vibrant city where the past and present blend seamlessly. Among its rich cultural landscape, you'll find a collection of heritage shops that carry the essence of the nation's history, traditions, and craftsmanship. From local artisans to family-run businesses, these shops offer a deep dive into Singapore's heritage. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a lover of traditional crafts, here’s a guide to some of the best heritage shops you should visit in Singapore.
1. Chinatown
Chinatown is a haven for heritage shops that reflect the multicultural essence of Singapore. These shops not only offer traditional goods but also give visitors a glimpse into the lives of early immigrants.
Teo Chew Handmade Embroidery
What to Expect: This store offers intricate, handmade embroidery pieces, which are part of the Teochew heritage. The designs often feature traditional motifs such as flowers, birds, and landscapes.
Why Visit: The craftsmanship of the embroidery is astounding, and the pieces make for unique, culturally rich souvenirs.
Chinatown Antique Shop
What to Expect: This shop is brimming with antique furniture, trinkets, and collectibles from Singapore’s past. You’ll find everything from old Chinese furniture to rare porcelain and paintings.
Why Visit: If you're into history and love to explore unique antiques, this is the place to find rare gems.
2. Kampong Glam
Known for its Arab, Malay, and Muslim influences, Kampong Glam is home to some of the most iconic heritage shops in Singapore.
Haji Lane Shops
What to Expect: Along the colorful and vibrant Haji Lane, you’ll find a mix of traditional and modern shops. Some shops specialize in batik prints, Islamic art, and old-school textiles.
Why Visit: Haji Lane blends the old with the new, offering contemporary interpretations of traditional crafts and fabrics.
The Malay Heritage Centre Shop
What to Expect: The shop inside the Malay Heritage Centre offers traditional Malay handicrafts, such as songket textiles, beaded accessories, and wood carvings.
Why Visit: You can purchase one-of-a-kind pieces made by local artisans while learning about the Malay community’s rich cultural heritage.
3. Little India
Little India is a lively district full of colorful markets and heritage shops that showcase the traditions and culture of the Indian community in Singapore.
Krisna
What to Expect: Krisna is a heritage shop that offers a variety of Indian goods, including traditional clothing, jewelry, spices, and religious artifacts. You can find handcrafted saris, intricate bangles, and brass deities.
Why Visit: It’s an ideal place to shop for authentic Indian products and souvenirs that reflect the deep cultural roots of Singapore’s Indian community.
Sak D’Vine
What to Expect: Specializing in handcrafted Indian incense and oils, this shop is the perfect place for anyone interested in spiritual practices or looking for aromatic souvenirs.
Why Visit: The scents and the range of incense products connect you to Singapore’s rich Indian heritage, while also offering unique gifts.
4. Joo Chiat and Katong
These neighborhoods are rich in Peranakan (Straits Chinese) culture, a blend of Chinese and Malay heritage that is distinctly Singaporean.
The Intan
What to Expect: The Intan is a boutique museum and shop, specializing in Peranakan antiques, jewelry, and textiles. You can find elaborate beaded shoes, intricate porcelain, and colorful kebayas.
Why Visit: The shop is a treasure trove of Peranakan history, offering both historical insights and the chance to buy high-quality, traditional items.
Chia’s Peranakan Embroidery
What to Expect: A family-run shop that specializes in the delicate craft of Peranakan embroidery, featuring intricate floral patterns and motifs.
Why Visit: Known for its traditional skills, this shop offers a beautiful selection of handmade textiles that represent the intricate artistry of the Peranakan culture.
5. Arab Street
Arab Street and its surrounding areas are full of traditional Middle Eastern, Malay, and Islamic heritage stores.
Singapore's Oldest Turkish Delight Shop – Farrer Park
What to Expect: This charming heritage shop sells traditional Turkish delights, baklava, and Middle Eastern sweets, with a rich history that dates back several decades.
Why Visit: It’s a perfect stop for those who want to experience traditional Middle Eastern sweets in Singapore, where the family recipes have been passed down for generations.
Habib’s Jewels
What to Expect: Habib’s is one of Singapore’s oldest and most renowned jewelers, specializing in fine jewelry and gold, particularly traditional Islamic designs.
Why Visit: A prestigious brand, it showcases exquisite craftsmanship and offers a glimpse into Singapore’s Arab heritage through its elegant designs.
6. Tiong Bahru
This charming, art-deco neighborhood is filled with cozy cafes and hidden heritage shops that reflect old Singapore.
BooksActually
What to Expect: While BooksActually is primarily a bookstore, it is also a hub for Singapore’s literary heritage. The store offers books by local authors, as well as vintage titles and limited editions that highlight Singapore’s history.
Why Visit: For those interested in Singapore’s literary and cultural history, this is the place to find rare and local works.
The Original Sin
What to Expect: Originally a butcher’s shop, it now houses a collection of traditional provisions, including local snacks, candies, and vintage kitchenware.
Why Visit: The shop’s nostalgic atmosphere makes it an interesting stop for anyone keen on Singapore’s culinary heritage.
7. Other Notable Mentions
Kuan Yin Thong Cho Temple Shop (Bukit Pasoh Road) – A heritage shop near the iconic temple that offers Chinese cultural items, including incense, jade trinkets, and prayer items.
Sin Kuan Tong (Serangoon Road) – Specializing in traditional Chinese medicine, this shop has been serving locals for decades, offering herbal remedies and wellness products.
Singapore tips
Singapore’s heritage shops offer a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s rich cultural tapestry. Each of these stores provides an opportunity to explore the traditions and history of the different ethnic communities that make up the fabric of Singapore. Whether you are hunting for antiques, textiles, spices, or handcrafted goods, these heritage shops will make your visit to Singapore even more memorable.
