Think you know your local labels? Think again! We reveal world-class brands you probably didn't know were Singaporean.
Singapore is a paradise for shoppers, foodies and travellers alike. But in between the big fashion labels, best restaurants and swanky hotels, homegrown brands have quietly sneaked onto our radar. Yes, we’re talking about local businesses that have made it big. Here, we reveal well-known brands that were established in Singapore. Gotta love local!
Famous brands founded in Singapore
1. Gryphon Tea Company
Gryphon’s roots go back almost 100 years. Starting out as a tea importer in 1918, Lim Lam Thye Pte Ltd still exists to this day. In 2006, Lim Tian Wee, the fourth-generation owner of said tea importer, launched Gryphon Tea Company. And the rest is history. Its artisanal blends have reached Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei and even France.
Gryphon Tea Company, shop online
2. Crocodile
France has Lacoste and we have Crocodile. Yes, this international fashion brand was founded in Singapore in 1947. Pretty cool, right? Fun fact: the first store opened at 6 North Bridge Road, where the Parliament House is now located.
Crocodile, multiple locations including VivoCity and Changi City Point
3. Browhaus
Brows on fleek? Yes, please! Browhaus is a household name in Singapore for brow and lash grooming. Founded by Cynthia Chua of Spa Esprit Group, which carries other great brands like Strip and We Need a Hero, this homegrown brand has extended its reach to cities like Bangkok, London, Hong Kong and Beijing.
Browhaus, multiple locations including Paragon and Plaza Singapura
4. Pearlie White
Bet you didn’t know this toothpaste brand comes from our little red dot! Its roots date back to 1869 with Dr. Cheong Chun Tin, who happens to be the first practitioner of dentistry in Singapore. So the next time you reach out for your usual toothpaste, choose this one. ‘Cos #localpride.
Pearlie White, available at multiple locations including Cold Storage and Watsons
5. Banyan Tree
Established in 1994, this company got its start when the founders came across a massive coastal land in Phuket that was polluted. They spruced it up by planting over 7,000 trees and built the first Banyan Tree resort, a place for travellers to indulge in luxury while appreciating nature. Now, the hospitality brand manages more than 40 resorts and hotels, 64 spas, 74 retail galleries, and three championship golf courses in 28 countries.
Banyan Tree, multiple locations including Austria and Maldives
6. Akira
The name might sound Japanese but this electronics brand is very much Singaporean. Launched in 1994, Akira products have been sold locally and worldwide across the Middle East, Africa, Russia and East Asia. From air conditioners to televisions to kitchen appliances, these folks do it all. Plus, we gotta say, the stuff is pretty affordable.
Akira, #03-00, 49 Sungei Kadut Avenue, Singapore 729673
7. Thai Express
Who remembers heading to Thai Express during those school days for a fuss-free meal of basil chicken with rice? Known for putting out familiar Thai plates, the homegrown chain restaurant was founded in 2002 and has since opened other branches overseas in places such as China, Maldives and Thailand.
Thai Express, multiple locations including AMK Hub and Raffles City
8. Fish & Co.
We’re still dreaming about the Glass House branch of Fish & Co. Back in the day, going to this seafood joint was a big deal. It opened in 1998, when Ricky Choo and Lambert Yeo left their jobs at Singapore Airlines to run their own restaurant out of passion. Now, you can find Fish & Co. across the waters in UAE, Kuwait and Myanmar.
Fish & Co, multiple locations including Waterway Point and Novena Square
9. The Soup Spoon
It’s safe to say that this soup specialist store has opened our eyes (and stomach) to how soup dishes can make for a hearty meal. Founded in 2002 by a trio of uni mates who love – you guessed it – soup, the brand opened its first store at Raffles City. Now, there are over 20 outlets across Singapore. You can also find its tasty soups sold in convenient packets at supermarkets.
The Soup Spoon, multiple locations including Paya Lebar Square and Tiong Bahru Plaza
10. Honeycombers
Yes, we cheekily included ourselves on this list! In case you didn’t know, Honeycombers was founded in Singapore by Chris Edwards in 2008. A gateway to all things local (check out our first-ever Love Local Awards that debuted this year), we share with you tips on how to live the sweet life in the Lion City.
So, which famous Singaporean brand surprised you with its local roots?