5 Authentic Chinese Groceries In Singapore

Moving to Singapore is an adventure, a wild ride into a city that’s a dazzling mix of cultures, languages and most importantly, flavours. As an international student, especially from China, you're probably craving a taste of home. That familiar spice, that specific brand of noodles or the snacks that just hit different—they’re more than just food; they’re comfort.

But let’s be real, finding authentic ingredients in a new country can feel like a treasure hunt without a map. You’re ready to whip up your favourite hometown dish but the local supermarket just doesn’t have what you need. This guide is your cheat sheet to the best Chinese grocery stores in Singapore. Get ready to stock your pantry because your delicious home-cooked journey starts now!

Why Shop At A Chinese Grocery Store?

Singapore's food scene is legendary, with hawker centres and Michelin-starred restaurants serving up a storm. But nothing beats a home-cooked meal. Local supermarkets like FairPrice and Cold Storage are great for daily essentials but for those specific ingredients that make a dish truly authentic—think "doubanjiang" (fermented broad bean paste), specialty soy sauces or regional spices—you need to go to the source.

These specialty stores are portals to the provinces of China. They stock an incredible range of products you won’t find elsewhere, ensuring your "mapo" tofu tastes just like your grandma’s and your hot pot is perfectly fiery. Plus, it's a great way to connect with the local Chinese community and maybe even discover new ingredients to experiment with.

Our Top 5 Picks For Chinese Groceries

Ready to start your culinary exploration? Here are five of the best Chinese grocery stores in Singapore that will have you feeling right at home.

1. Scarlett Supermarket (思家客)

Scarlett Supermarket is a massive crowd-pleaser and has exploded in popularity, with over 20 outlets across the island. It’s a one-stop shop for everything you could possibly need, from viral internet snacks to niche regional ingredients. Walking into Scarlett is like stepping into a modern supermarket in China.

What makes it stand out is its vast and well-organised selection. You'll find aisles dedicated to different types of noodles, an impressive array of hot pot bases and dipping sauces and a freezer section filled with everything from dumplings to ready-to-eat meals. They also have a fresh produce section with vegetables that are staples in Chinese cooking but harder to find elsewhere.

• Best for: Viral snacks, hot pot essentials and a massive variety of everyday Chinese ingredients.
• Locations: Multiple outlets including Chinatown Point, Jurong East and Bedok. Check their website for the nearest location.

2. Yue Hwa Chinese Products (裕华国货)

Yue Hwa is an institution. Located in a historic building in the heart of Chinatown, this department store is about much more than just groceries. It offers everything from traditional Chinese medicine and silk garments to tea and of course, a comprehensive food section.

Their grocery department is a treasure trove of premium and traditional Chinese foodstuffs. You’ll find high-quality teas, rare herbs, artisanal soy sauces and vinegars. They also have a fantastic selection of preserved and dried goods. It’s the perfect place to find ingredients for traditional recipes or to buy a special gift for a foodie friend. While it might be a bit pricier than other supermarkets, the quality is undeniable.

• Best for: Premium ingredients, traditional Chinese medicine, high-quality tea and gifts.
• Address: 70 Eu Tong Sen Street, Singapore 059805
• Website: www.yuehwa.com.sg

3. Shine Korea Supermarket

Wait, a Korean supermarket on a Chinese grocery list? Hear us out. Shine Korea has become an unexpected hero for students from China, especially those from the northeastern provinces. Its offerings of instant noodles, frozen dumplings and certain vegetables often overlap with what you'd find back home.

Many Chinese international students flock here for specific brands of "mala" flavoured instant noodles, spicy kimchi that complements Chinese dishes and a variety of frozen goods perfect for a quick and easy meal. It's a testament to the cultural exchange in Singapore and a handy spot if you’re looking for ingredients common to both cuisines.

• Best for: Instant noodles, frozen foods and ingredients popular in northeastern China.
• Locations: Multiple outlets island-wide. Visit their website for the nearest location.

4. Tian Ma Group (天马)

Tian Ma Group offers a slightly different, more localised experience. It feels like a friendly neighbourhood grocery store and has several outlets conveniently located in residential areas. While smaller than giants like Scarlett, Tian Ma packs a punch with its curated selection of popular Chinese products.

You'll find all the essentials here: snacks, drinks, instant noodles and basic cooking ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick grocery run when you don’t want to travel all the way to a larger supermarket. The prices are competitive and they often have great deals on their house-brand products.

• Best for: Everyday essentials, convenience and neighbourhood grocery shopping.
• Locations: Multiple outlets in areas like Bedok, Yishun and Hougang. Visit their website for the nearest location.

5. Mustafa Centre

While technically not a Chinese grocery store, the legendary 24-hour Mustafa Centre in Little India deserves a special mention. This sprawling shopping mecca stocks an unbelievably diverse range of products from all over the world and its grocery section is no exception.

Hidden within its labyrinthine aisles, you'll find a surprising amount of Chinese ingredients, often at some of the lowest prices in Singapore. From various types of soy sauce and chilli oil to different flours and dried mushrooms, it's a great place for budget-conscious students. It takes some patience to navigate but the thrill of finding a bargain makes it a rewarding adventure.

• Best for: Budget-friendly prices and late-night grocery runs.
• Address: 145 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207704
• Website: www.mustafa.com.sg

Your Kitchen, Your Rules

Finding a taste of home is one of the best ways to settle in and thrive in a new city. With these grocery stores, you’re all set to recreate your favourite dishes, experiment with new recipes and maybe even host a dinner party for your new friends. Living abroad is an adventure and that includes what you cook in your own kitchen.

So grab your shopping list, explore these stores and fill your pantry with the flavours that make you happy.