Don’t you just hate it when you’re feeling gutsy and determined to whip up an exotic cuisine to impress your date, but realise that that the very important ingredient you need for that ambitious dish isn’t on the shelves of most grocery stores? “How to overcome this situation,” you ask? Well, it’s time to get acquainted with these international grocers in Singapore. Whether you’re planning to make kimchi fried rice or spicy mutton briyani (or something even more outlandish), these supermarkets can help you to find the necessary grocery essentials you need. Here are 12 international grocers where you can get your hands on food and other related products from France, Germany, Korea, Japan and more.
For French groceries – Quartier
Fancy anything (and everything) French? Then take time out of your busy schedule and visit Quartier, the French grocer in Singapore. Offering over 1,700 essential affordable French goods in Singapore, you can certainly stock up on the fundamental food items that all French households have in their well-decorated kitchens. Be it homemade, traditional or ready-to-eat food products, they have it all.
Hot Seller: Here, you can find wines from different regions priced at only $29-$40 per bottle, including the 75cl Pouilly Fume Domaine De Congy-Sauvignon 2013 and Domaine De Cibadies 2011-Chardonnay Oak Barrel-Blanc 75cl. To complement your wine purchases, Quartier also sells an array of goat and pressed cheeses.
Quartier, 2 outlets at Serangoon Gardens & The Grandstand Pasarbella.
For German groceries – German Market Place
Looking for ingredients to make your very own Apfelstrudel? Then it’s time to make your way to German Market Place at Bukit Timah Road. From meat and dairy to beer and wine, German Market Place provides an extensive collection of specialised products from Germany. They also import products from Sweden, Denmark and South Africa, and even have an online store that’s handy-dandy for that German-themed dinner party.
Hot Seller: Give its Bauer Premium Joghurts a shot, and don’t forget to put the delightful round thin waffles sandwich (Stroowafels) into your shopping cart!
German Market Place, 609 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269710, p. 6466 4044. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 9am-5.30pm. Closed on Sun & PH.
For Korean groceries – Shine Korea
Craving for some good ol’ Korean ramyeon after binge-watching the latest melodramatic K-drama sensation, Descendants of the Sun? Fret not! Shine Korea is definitely your one stop supermarket for authentic Korean products at affordable prices. Here, you can get a wide range of items such as confectionery, noodles, beverages, alcohol, frozen food, canned food, sauces, seasoning and even utensils.
Hot Seller (literally): If you’re a brave foodie who can handle spicy food, you might wanna buy the Samyang Hot Chicken Ramen that was made famous through the viral Spicy Ramen Challenge online – good luck!
Shine Korea, 9 outlets including Marina Square and Bugis Village.
A slider with the ID of 723 doesn't exist.For Japanese groceries – Meidi-ya Supermarket
Meidi-ya Supermarket at Liang Court Shopping Centre is the go-to grocery store for Japanese food lovers. This second international outpost of Meidi-ya offers a wide variety of fresh food imported directly from Japan. Here, you can definitely find grocery essentials like meat, fish, vegetables, dairy fresh, chilled food, frozen food and more.
Hot Seller: Check out Meidi-ya’s original in-house products such as its “My Syrup” and “My Jam”. You can even find wagyu and Kobe beef at its delicatessen!
Meidi-ya Supermarket, #B1-50 Liang Court Shopping Centre, 177 River Valley Road, Singapore 179030, p. 6339 1111. Open daily 10am-10pm.
For Swedish groceries – IKEA
It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of IKEA – its functional, versatile (not to mention, cutting-edge) furnishings have flooded our homes for years. But aside from that, we also love IKEA for its offerings of Swedish delicacies. It’s our favourite spot for some tastes of Sweden.after a hearty shopping spree!
Hot Seller: You can definitely get the oh-so-popular Swedish meatballs and salmon which are frozen-packed, so it’s very convenient to bring a little bit of Sweden back to your humble abode.
IKEA, 2 outlets at Alexandra & Tampines.
For Indian groceries – Mustafa Centre
Curry, spice, and everything nice – Mustafa Centre is the place if you’re planning to conjure up an Indian feast. Mustafa makes whipping up a Maharaja-worthy meal that much easier with its mind-boggling selection of ingredients, snacks, and produce imported from the Motherland. Fluffy basmati rice served with a side of lamb rogan josh and kulfi ice-cream for dessert, anyone? Psst…you might also stumble upon food items from the Middle East here.
Hot Seller: Kohinoor Ready-made Kashmiri Rogan Josh Gravy ($1), Hunter Indian Petite Poppadoms ($2.20), Haldiram’s Kaju Burfee ($10.50), and Wagh Bakri Masala Chai Tea ($5.50).
Mustafa Centre, 145 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207704, p. 6295 5855. Open 24 hours.
For Thai groceries – Yen Supermarket
Tucked away at Golden Mile Complex, Yen Supermarket specialises in importing products from Thailand. As the biggest direct importer of Thai products in Singapore, Yen Supermarket provides an extensive selection of value-for-money grocery essentials, regional specialty foods, beverages and more.
Hot Seller: You can find Tom yum paste for tom yum goong, or crispy shrimp chilli paste for Thai fried rice..
Yen Supermarket, #02-64 Golden Mile Complex, 5001 Beach Road, Singapore 199588, p. 6295 1723.
For Argentinian groceries – BoCHINche
Aside from being recognised as the exciting Argentinean restaurant in Singapore, Bochinche also has a Gourmet Market that’s perfect for foodies. Following the success story of Abasto Butcher & Wine Merchant in London, Bochinche’s Gourmet Market features nearly 100 specialty products and 80 bottles of wine that are thoughtfully curated by Bochinche’s head chef himself, Chef Diego.
Hot Seller: At the Gourmet Market, you’ll find grass-fed Argentinean beef in various cuts such as fillets, ribeye, sirloin, and burgers. Bochinche’s signature Provoleta cheese and French cheeses are also available. Stocking up on pantry basics? The Gourmet Market also offers a variety of olive oils, vinegars, condiments, spices, organic jam and honey.
BoCHINche, 22 Martin Road, #02-01, Singapore 239058. p. 6235 4990.
For Australian groceries – Jones The Grocer
This food emporium is your go-to spot for your Australian grocery shopping. Home to the best gourmet produce for everyday living, Jones The Grocer stocks meats, antipasto ingredients, chocolates and wines – a satisfying shopping fix after a sesh of coffee and brunch!
Hot Seller: Swing by their walk-in cheese room (a Utopia for cheese lovers!) to sniff out their range that’s sourced from the best cheese makers in the world. And while you’re at it, take part in their regular tastings and cheese appreciation events for the full 101 on how to become a cheese connoisseur.
Jones the Grocer, 2 outlets at Dempsey Road & Mandarin Gallery
A slider with the ID of 724 doesn't exist.For British groceries – Marks & Spencer
The closest Brit grocer you’ll ever get in Singapore is probably Marks & SpencerFrom party food and platters to delicatessen and main courses, you can definitely throw a Brit-themed party with Brit-centric nosh with the help of Marks & Spencer. Its food and wine section also caters to a diverse range of dietary preferences; you can get both gluten-free and vegetarian products.
Hot Seller: if you are at Marks & Spencer, you’ve to get the oh-so-delicious All Belgian Chocolate Chunk Cookies, and of course, its award-winning wines like Burra Brook Chardonnay and Bellante Sparkling Rosè.
Marks & Spencer, 9 outlets including Marina Square & Paragon.
For Norwegian groceries – Snorrefood
Few things make us happier than a good ol’ Singaporean seafood feast – but what gives us shivers of delight is fresh, quality seafood from Norway. Not sure where to find the freshest seafood, you ask? Check out Snorrefood – importers of seafood from Europe’s largest fishing nation, providing freshest fresh fish and shellfish from Norway and from around the region.
Hot Seller: Time to treat yourself to good quality seafood and buy its new premium pasterized swimming crabmeat, king scallop, as well as the fresh salmon atlantic.
Snorre Food, 25 Fishery Port Road, Jurong, Singapore 619739, p. 6538 3303.
For African groceries – African Market Place
Want to elevate your culinary skills by tackling African cuisines next? Time to familiarise yourself with the African Market Place, located in Bukit Timah Plaza. Here you can find South African and African grocery products, as well as wine and liquor at great deals. If you’re too busy (or plain lazy) to head over to the physical store, you can shop online too.
Hot Seller: Check out South African favourites including Mrs Balls Chutney, Crosss & Blackwell Mayonaise, Maize Meal, Castle Lager, Klipdrif and Ouma Rusks, just to name a few.
African Market Place @ Springbok Bazaar, 1 Jalan Anak Bukit #02-42, Bukit Timah Plaza, Singapore 588996, p. 6463 3641.