Shopping for traditional goods in Chinatown Singapore is likely the most fun activity you'll do during your visit. The area has vibrant street stalls, traditional stores, and bustling markets.
With that, you'll find nearly any kind of traditional item imaginable, from Chinese herbal medicines to traditional housewares and handicrafts like calligraphy and paper-cut art. Chinatown is an excellent place for traditional shopping and an unforgettable cultural experience.
To make the most of your shopping experience in Chinatown, here are some of the best traditional shops you can visit:
Must-Visit Shops Selling Traditional Goods In Chinatown Singapore
Traditional shops in Chinatown Singapore highlight immigrants' rich and colourful history in the city-state. For centuries, Chinese immigrants have been an integral part of creating the Singaporean culture, and their influence can be found in every shop and item. From traditional souvenirs to exotic spices, Chinatown is the place to go for authentic Chinese goods.
Shops Selling Traditional Housewares & Furnishings
Traditional Chinese housewares and furnishings boast intricate details and ornate designs that add a lively addition to your home's interiors. Moreover, many of these things may be challenging to find anywhere else at the same quality and price. So, why not take advantage and check out Chinatown's unique offerings?
Bao Yuan Trading Pte Ltd
Bao Yuan Trading is a purveyor of pottery, garden decor, interior decor, and traditional Chinese miniature teapots, making it the go-to place for quaint and decorative household items. The store is filled with options, and you'll likely spend a lot of time going through their selection. Those who love beautifully painted or carved collectables can find them here. Plus, you'll be able to grab a few gift items for family and friends back home!
Frontage of Bao Yuan Trading Pte Ltd
Soon Thye Cheang Pte Ltd
Soon Thye Cheang is a speciality shop selling high-quality ceramic and porcelain crockery. You'll find a complete selection of beautifully painted and shaped kitchen and dining ware suited for adding to your collection. Aside from glassware, travellers can also find a selection of cutlery and utensils to complete the set! Regardless of what you're looking for, the traditional applications and intricacy in design will add colour and character to your home's appeal.
Window display of Soon Thye Cheang
Lau Choy Seng
Lau Choy Seng directly distributes over 35 well-known brands in tableware, barware, cutleries, Chinese, Japanese and Western Kitchenware, and Food Service equipment. With that, you'll find everything you need in one place, ranging from decorative plates and bowls to a full suite of cookware and professional kitchen equipment.
Lau Choy Seng also has a wide selection of glass, porcelain and ceramic dinnerware sets that will bring sophistication to any dining table. So whether you're looking for an everyday set or something more exquisite, they'll have something to fit your needs.
Shop front of Lau Choy Seng
Huls Gallery Singapore
Huls Gallery Singapore is home to Chinatown's finer traditional houseware and furnishing selection. Their gallery specialises in Japanese-style furnishing, with an extensive range of products from renowned Japanese manufacturers.
With a beautiful selection of dishes and tableware in various materials, their collections add the perfect touch to any home. Not only do they offer traditional housewares, but also some unique and contemporary pieces that will complement any modern décor.
Minimal interior of Huls Gallery
Shops Selling Traditional Jewelry, Souvenirs and Handicrafts
Singapore's Chinatown has no shortage of beautiful jewels, souvenirs, and handicrafts to collect. You'll find ample choice in nearly every location you visit, like Pagoda Street, Smith Street, and Trengganu Street, to name a few! But if you're looking for the most highly recommended places to start your shopping experience, check out these top places!
For more information about jewelry shops in Chinatown, read our article on Best Jewellery Shops In Chinatown Singapore. Similarly, if you want to search for handicrafts in Chinatown, read our article Where To Shop For Handicrafts In Chinatown Singapore.
On Cheong Jewellery
On Cheong Jewellery opened its doors in Chinatown Singapore in 1936. Since then, they have provided patrons with unique and expertly crafted jewellery. Their tagline, "Elegant Creatures for Timeless Appreciation, " summarises the jewels you'll find at this shop. Because of their beautiful pieces, On Cheong Jewellery is the Singapore Heritage Brand Award recipient.
Take your time and explore their exquisite collection of necklaces, rings, and earrings. Each piece reflects expert craftsmanship and decades of perfecting the trade. Who knows, you may find the perfect gift for the special person in your life.
On Cheong Jewellery - The Guardian of Prosperity II, image credit: oncheong.com
All About Jade
Jade jewellery and goods have grown in popularity over the past few years. However, getting good quality and exquisite pieces is more challenging than it seems. Luckily, All About Jade has sourced and crafted top-quality jade goods from Burma that will catch your eye. All About Jade specialises in all manner of jade goods, making it the go-to spot for those looking to get unique finds to bring back home. What's better than authentic jade items to add a beautiful tone to your collection?
All About Jade - Green Bangle (Round), image credit: allaboutjade.com.sg
Shops Selling Traditional Herbs, Spices, And Health Products
From People's Park Complex to Ann Siang Hill's Shops, visitors to Chinatown Singapore will always find the best authentic Chinese products. But, aside from the usual shopping mall experience, you can find the best things along the busy streets! So, during your walking tour along the beautiful and historic streets, keep an eye out for shops selling traditional herbs, spices, and health products!
Anthony The Spice Maker
Anthony The Spice Maker has been making high-quality traditional Singaporean spices since 1986. From his shop in Chinatown, visitors can find a wide variety of spices ranging from popular ingredients like ginger and five spice to more exotic items like dried durian. Anthony also makes some of the best modern spice mixes to attract the younger generation into the world of delicious cooking.
No matter the type of recipe you have in mind, Anthony The Spice Maker will have the flavour you are looking for. While he does focus on creating traditional spices mixes, visitors to his shop can talk to him and request a one-of-a-kind mix, even for western cooking cuisines. So, drop by and explore the wide variety of spices and flavours handmade by one of Singapore's experts in the field!
Anthony The Spice Maker - Bak Kut Teh Spice Mix, image credit: anthonythespicemaker.com
Bao Zhi Ling Medical Hall
Bao Zhi Ling Medical Hall is located near the Chinatown MRT station along Sago Street, distributing traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine has been the mainstream healthcare provider in Singapore since colonial times. While it has evolved throughout the generations, traditional remedies and treatments are still offered in this store.
Bao Zhi Ling Medical Hall offers traditional Chinese medicine for various ailments and health supplements and herbal remedies to ensure visitors find the right solution for their needs. With knowledgeable staff on hand, it is an ideal place to visit if you need advice or guidance on how to treat a particular condition or health issue.
Bao Zhi Ling Medical Hall
Beijing Tong Ren Tang
Beijing Tong Ren Tang is more than just a shop selling traditional Chinese medicine to support overall health and well-being. Their shop also has a team of highly qualified TCM physicians to provide healthcare consultations. In addition to their extensive range of Chinese herbal medicines, they also offer a variety of beauty treatments and therapies. It is the perfect one-stop-shop for anyone looking to maintain or improve their health.
Entrance of Tong Ren Tang
Chop Wah On
Chop Wah On along Upper Cross Street, is a long-standing expert in making medical oils that alleviate aches and pains. The shop was founded in 1916 by Mr Tong Chee Leon and is now managed by the 3rd generation of descendants. In that time, Chop Wah On has become the go-to TMC shop for every generation.
Their medicated oils and balms have garnered Singapore Heritage Brands. They now sell over 25 signature medicated oils and balms, including its famous Shake Hand Brand Crocodile Oil, Bee Apitherapy, Eucalyptol Balm and Huo Luo Oil.
Chop Wah On
Fong Moon Kee
Fong Moon Kee has been around since the early 1900s, providing TCM cures for common ailments for young and old. Those looking for traditional goods can also find a range of special rattan mats with hemmed PVC edges, a store staple since it opened. The oils and balms sold here have also garnered the Singapore Heritage Brand because of their quality and expertise in the industry.
Owner of Fong Moon Kee standing at the entrance of his shop
Other Places To Explore For More Traditional Chinese Goods!
Chinatown Singapore is full of traditional shops. But, aside from the shops listed above, visit each street to find unique items you can only find in Singapore!
South Bridge Road
South Bridge Road is full of traditional shops like herbal and well-being clinics, souvenir finds, and even a few retail stores. Tourists and visitors can find a variety of traditional Chinese medicines, herbs, and even oils.
Pagoda Street
Pagoda Street is located at the heart of Chinatown. It is known for its numerous stalls selling everything from food to souvenirs. At Pagoda street, tourists can stumble upon traditional goods like herbal soap and incense sticks. Other than that, they can also experience the traditional hawker fares being sold in the area.
Smith Street
Smith Street is another popular attraction. It is known for its restored shophouses as well as a variety of restaurants and bars.
Chinatown Street Market
Singapore's Chinatown is full of stalls selling traditional goods. The Chinatown Street Market is the perfect place for last-minute shopping! You'll find all goods like Chinese tea, herbal medicines, clothing, souvenirs, and trinkets. It's a great place to pick up traditional Chinese items you won't find anywhere else in Singapore.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is one of the most iconic landmarks in Chinatown, and it houses a relic of the tooth of the Buddha. This is a must-see for any visitor to Chinatown, as it's filled with beautiful statues, artwork, and the tooth relic itself. In addition, the accompanying museum showcases Buddhist artefacts from around the world and offers visitors an insight into Buddhism and its history.
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
For those of you looking to try traditional Singaporean cuisines, drop by the Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Amoy Street Food Centre and Maxwell Food Centre. Aside from delicious Chinese food like dim sum, you'll also find street food carts selling fresh ingredients that you can use for your recipes back home!
Take Your Traditional Shopping Experience To The Next Level At Chinatown Singapore!
No matter where you end up in Chinatown Singapore, you'll find the best items to shop for. Each street and shop specialises in different items like clothes, souvenirs, jewellery and even Chinese-style furniture. So check out the street markets for some of the best deals around town. Or, if you want to ensure your purchases are authentic, try out one of the many independent stores scattered around the area!
