There are perhaps fewer ways to truly enjoy Singapore than to go on a culinary journey across the Lion City. The restaurants, food shops, and hawker centres that dot the island offer an array of authentic dishes that deliciously capture the nation’s multicultural identity. However, not everyone has the time to explore the city’s food scene in depth. Travellers who are visiting Singapore for a few days or just stopping over may find themselves short on time to sample it all.
Luckily, Changi Airport brings a taste of Singapore’s best to one convenient location. Many Changi Airport shops carry a wide range of gourmet products and local delicacies, giving foodies and shoppers a chance to enjoy the city’s culinary highlights without even leaving the terminal. If you happen to be in Changi Airport and are looking for something delicious to bring home or have as a quick bite before your flight, here are seven Singapore treats you should definitely try.
1) Bak Kwa
A perennial festive favourite, bak kwa is a sweet and savoury barbecued meat delicacy that’s typically likened to jerky. However, bak kwa has a tender, smoky richness that sets it apart from other preserved meat products. Made from marinated pork slices that are grilled over charcoal, bak kwa delivers a mouth-watering balance of umami, sweetness, and a hint of caramelisation. While this treat is often exchanged as a gift around Lunar New Year, it’s enjoyed year-round by locals and visitors alike.
You can pick up premium bak kwa at Bee Cheng Hiang in Changi Airport. This heritage brand offers vacuum-packed versions of bak kwa, perfect for travel and gifting.
2) Roast Duck Buns
Roast duck buns are a flavourful nod to Singapore’s Chinese culinary roots. These pillowy-soft steamed buns are filled with succulent roast duck, typically cooked Cantonese-style with a sweet glaze and aromatic spices. The combination of tender meat and fluffy bao makes for a satisfying, grab-and-go bite—ideal for travellers looking for something warm and hearty before a flight.
You can savour these rich, meaty flavours at Kam’s Roast in Changi Airport, a Michelin-acclaimed brand known for its expertly roasted duck and authentic Hong Kong-style recipes.
3) Salted Egg Flavoured Chips
Singapore’s love affair with salted egg yolk has given rise to a wildly popular snack trend: salted egg flavoured chips. These crispy delights are coated in a rich, buttery salted egg yolk seasoning with hints of curry leaves and chilli, delivering a unique, addictive taste that locals can’t get enough of.
The best shop to grab a bag (or several) of these delectable chips is at Irvin’s Salted Egg. Their signature packaging makes them easy to spot, and the snacks are conveniently travel-ready, perfect for gifting or indulging mid-journey. Irvin’s Salted Egg has a store in each of Changi Airport’s terminals.
4) Kaya Jam
Kaya is a traditional coconut and egg jam infused with fragrant pandan leaves. It has a smooth yet rich texture with a gently sweet taste, and these qualities give it a comforting and distinctive flavour. Kaya is often spread on buttered toast and served alongside soft-boiled eggs and coffee. As such, it has become a beloved breakfast staple in many Singaporeans’ diets.
With its nostalgic appeal and cultural significance, a jar of kaya is an easy way to bring a taste of local breakfast culture home with you. For high-quality kaya, visit Ya Kun Kaya Toast at Changi Airport, where you can purchase jars of their signature jam, made using a time-honoured family recipe.
5) Pandan Chiffon Cakes
Pandan chiffon cake is often considered to be Singapore’s official national cake, and for good reason. Its soft, airy, and lightly fragrant sponge carries subtle notes of pandan, lending it a unique and refreshing flavour. It also boasts a melt-in-your-mouth texture that delights the palate with every bite. Plus, slicing it reveals a bright green hue, adding a vibrant and appealing visual that makes the eating experience more enjoyable.
At Changi Airport, you can find beautifully packaged pandan chiffon cakes at Bengawan Solo. This well-loved heritage brand uses traditional methods and natural ingredients to craft this timeless treat.
6) Pineapple Tarts
Another sweet treat you can get at Bengawan Solo is the pineapple tart. Typically enjoyed during festive seasons, pineapple tarts are a symbol of prosperity and are highly sought-after for their perfect balance of richness and fruitiness.
Bengawan Solo prepares their pineapple tarts with fresh ingredients and a buttery, crumbly shell. They also package their tarts in travel-friendly boxes, making them ideal gifts or souvenirs.
7) High-Quality Teas
If you’re looking to bring home a refined and distinctly Singaporean gift, high-quality tea is a perfect choice. Tea holds a special place in the country’s food culture, as it reflects the country’s mix of traditions and tastes.
Local tea makers offer a range of elegant blends that appeal to both seasoned tea drinkers and casual sippers alike. From rich black teas to delicate floral infusions, the flavourful profiles of Singapore’s teas deliver a sophisticated yet approachable experience.
The best place to find high-quality teas in Changi Airport is TWG. This beloved homegrown brand carries a wide selection of premium loose-leaf teas, as well as beautifully packaged gift sets. Their Singapore Breakfast Tea, in particular, is a popular pick due to its bold and aromatic flavour that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
Whether you’re hunting for last-minute souvenirs or simply indulging your taste buds before take-off, Changi Airport has got you covered. With its range of specialty shops offering beloved local snacks and artisanal delicacies, it’s easy to sample Singapore’s culinary diversity not too long before take-off or after your arrival.
