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20 Best Traditional Childhood Snacks & Biscuits In Singapore

Ever wondered what snacks filled the schoolyards and homes of Singapore in years gone by?

From traditional biscuits in Singapore to old-school snacks that spark a trip down memory lane, the variety and flavours are as rich as the history they carry.

These snacks, including the ever-popular mini chocolate cakes and various school snacks, satisfied the taste buds and stitched together fond memories for many.

Dive into the world of old-school childhood snacks, and you'll find a delightful mix of sweet, savoury and everything in between that has brought joy to generations of Singaporeans.

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1. Tutu Kueh

A traditional steamed rice flour cake filled with shredded coconut or peanut, often enjoyed fresh and warm from local markets.

Tutu Kueh is a classic traditional snack in Singapore, known for its distinctive steamed texture and delightful fillings. This small, round cake is made from rice flour and has a soft, slightly chewy consistency.

Typically, it's filled with either shredded coconut sweetened with palm sugar or finely ground peanuts mixed with sugar, offering a pleasant contrast in textures.

Served hot and fresh from steaming, Tutu Kueh is commonly found at local hawker centres and markets, where it's steamed on the spot in uniquely shaped moulds. There are also services where you can have a live Tutu Kueh station for your events!

This snack not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also provides a warm, comforting treat that connects generations of Singaporeans to their cultural heritage.

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2. Iced Gem Biscuits

These are small biscuits topped with a dollop of hard icing sugar, recognised for their colourful appearance and sweet taste.

The base of each biscuit is crisp and slightly buttery, providing a perfect complement to the crunchy, sugary icing.

Iced Gem Biscuits are a hit, especially at children's parties and family gatherings, appealing to everyone with their vibrant colours and fun size.

They are often enjoyed as a delightful treat with tea or simply as a sweet snack to brighten the day, bringing a touch of nostalgia to those who grew up munching on them.

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3. White Rabbit Candy

A classic milk-flavoured chewy candy with an edible rice paper wrapper, often associated with a dose of nostalgia for its unique taste and texture.

Beloved across generations, White Rabbit Candy has a creamy and comforting flavour that many compare to sweetened condensed milk.

It's a common treat during various festivals and celebrations, symbolising a sweet and prosperous life.

Additionally, this candy is known for its distinctive packaging, featuring the iconic White Rabbit logo, which has become a symbol of childhood for many worldwide.

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4. Mamee Monster Noodles

A snack that mimics the look of instant noodles, enjoyed dry and seasoned with a flavorful sachet of spices. Mamee Monster Noodles are a playful twist on traditional instant noodles, designed to be eaten straight from the packet without cooking.

They offer a crunchy, satisfying texture and come in various flavours, making them a popular choice for a quick and tasty snack.

Shaking the uncooked noodles with the spice mix adds an element of fun and appeal, especially to children and those looking for a nostalgic snack experience.

This beloved treat remains a staple in snack drawers and school lunchboxes, cherished for its convenience and distinctive, savoury taste.

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5. Pola Snacks

These crunchy, hollow, animal-shaped crackers offer a mix of sweet and delightfully salty flavours, making them a favourite among kids.

The unique hollow shape adds fun to the snack and enhances the crunchiness, making each bite satisfyingly crispy.

Often enjoyed as a light snack or included in school lunchboxes, Pola Snacks are a delightful treat that brings a smile with its playful shapes and delicious taste.

Their nostalgic appeal also makes them popular with adults who grew up enjoying these crackers.

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6. Hiro Chocolate Cake

A sponge cake covered in a chocolate layer is often remembered for its presence in school canteens.

Hiro Chocolate Cake is a beloved snack for its moist texture and rich chocolatey coating, evoking fond memories of school recess treats. It was popular for its convenience and the joy of unwrapping it for a quick, sweet bite.

This snack was not just a treat but a staple in many childhood experiences, serving as a sweet comfort during school days and a favourite at children's parties. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its simple, satisfying appeal.

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7. Ring Pops

Candy is a wearable plastic ring with a large candy jewel, popular for its novelty and flavour. Ring Pops have been a hit at parties and gatherings, especially among kids, due to their unique design that combines a fashion statement with a tasty treat.

They are fondly remembered for turning every young sweet tooth into a temporary "jewellery" owner, making snack time fun and fashionable. The vibrant flavours add to their appeal, ensuring each Ring Pop looks dazzling and tastes delightful.

This playful candy continues to be a favourite for themed events and as a fun way to enjoy a sugary snack.

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8. Potato Wheel Crackers

Wheel-shaped, potato-based crackers are known for their salty taste and crunchy texture.

Potato Wheel Crackers are cherished for their unique design and satisfying crunch, making them popular for snacking among all age groups.

These crackers are often enjoyed alone or paired with dips to enhance flavour.

The distinctive wheel shape makes them visually appealing and fun to eat, especially for children who enjoy playing with their food as much as eating it.

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9. Chilli Tapioca Chips

Spicy and sweet, these chips are a staple snack that can be addictive.

Made from sliced tapioca that is deep-fried until crispy and then seasoned with chilli and sugar, Chilli Tapioca Chips offer a unique taste experience that balances heat with a hint of sweetness.

Their crunchy texture and bold flavour profile make them a favourite at gatherings and are perfect for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

These chips are popular as a casual snack and serve as a festive treat during various celebrations, embodying Singapore's rich and diverse culinary traditions.

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10. Dahfa Dried Fish Fillet

It is a savoury snack that might divide opinions due to its strong fishy flavour but is loved by many for its unique taste.

Dahfa Dried Fish Fillet is also known for its chewy texture and rich, salty-savoury flavour profile, which makes it a distinctive treat among Singapore's traditional snacks.

Often enjoyed as a standalone snack or used to add a punch of flavour to other dishes, it embodies the traditional preservation techniques of seafood in Asian cuisine.

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11. Haw Flakes

Made from the fruit of the Chinese hawthorn, these are small, tangy discs that come packaged in thin cylinder shapes.

Haw Flakes are a beloved traditional Chinese snack, valued for their sweet and slightly tart flavour and their supposed health benefits, including aiding digestion and improving cardiovascular health.

Children and adults often enjoy the compact, bright pink flakes, which hold a nostalgic charm for many who grew up eating them.

These simple yet flavorful discs remain popular, often shared among friends or enjoyed as a quick, natural sweet.

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12. Buttercream Cake

Once a staple at every neighbourhood bakery, this simple sponge cake with a rich buttercream frosting was a beloved treat. Its soft, airy sponge is paired with a creamy, sweet frosting that can be flavoured with vanilla, chocolate or fruit essences.

Buttercream cakes were a frequent highlight of birthday parties, weddings and other celebrations, often decorated with sprinkles or delicate piping.

The nostalgia associated with buttercream cakes makes them a sought-after comfort food, reminding many of their childhood or special family occasions.

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13. Choki Choki Chocolate Paste

This chocolate paste comes in small tubes and is often enjoyed straight from the packet, offering a sweet and creamy chocolate fix.

The convenience of its packaging makes it an ideal snack for on-the-go moments, allowing kids and adults alike to enjoy a quick burst of chocolatey goodness anytime, anywhere.

Choki Choki is particularly popular for its smooth texture and rich flavour, making it a favourite treat to squeeze onto bread, crackers or directly into the mouth for a decadent experience.

Its longstanding presence in the market has made it a nostalgic item for many who relish the memories of enjoying it during their childhood.

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14. Tora & Ding Dang Chocolate

Known for their surprise toy inside, these chocolate treats were favourites for the excitement of the toy as much as for the chocolate itself.

The anticipation of discovering which toy lay hidden inside each box made Tora & Ding Dang chocolates a thrilling treat among Singaporean children.

This element of surprise, combined with the joy of collecting different toys over time, cemented their status as a beloved old-school favourite.

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15. Apollo Chocolate Wafers

These layered wafers with chocolate filling were common in many children's snack boxes. Apollo Chocolate Wafers are beloved for their crisp wafer layers that perfectly complement the smooth, rich chocolate cream between them.

Easily shared and enjoyed piece by piece, they became a staple at school parties and family gatherings.

Their long-standing presence in the market has made them a nostalgic treat for many Singaporeans, who remember them as a simple yet delightful snack during their school days.

The combination of taste, texture and the joy of sharing them with friends has kept Apollo Chocolate Wafers a favourite.

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16. Egg Ball Snacks (Tamago Boro)

These small, round, egg-flavoured biscuits melt in the mouth and are addictive enough that you can't stop at just one. Tamago Boro biscuits are a classic favourite, particularly because of their light, airy texture and subtly sweet taste that appeals to all ages.

Their popularity extends beyond simple snacking; they are often given to children as a gentle treat due to their easy-to-eat size and digestibility.

The enduring appeal of Tamago Boro comes from both their simplicity and the nostalgic connection they hold for many Singaporeans, who might remember enjoying them during snack times or as a comforting treat from parents or grandparents.

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17. Frozen Ice Lollies

Frozen Ice Lollies, also known as ice pops, are an essential part of childhood in Singapore, offering a sweet respite from the sweltering climate.

Available in various flavours, these icy treats were popular among students and a beloved memory for many adults today.

The ease of purchase and the joy of selecting from various colourful options made them an enduring favourite at school events and neighbourhood stores.

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18. Coloured Jelly Cups

Tiny plastic cups filled with brightly coloured jellies were a hit at parties and often came in various fruit flavours.

Coloured Jelly Cups became an old-school favourite among Singaporeans due to their fun, vibrant appearance and the sweet, fruity taste that appealed to kids and adults alike.

They were especially popular as a festive treat during birthdays and school events, where the convenience of individual servings added to their appeal.

The nostalgia tied to these jelly cups continues to make them a cherished snack, reminding many of their youth's joyous and carefree days.

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19. Spectacle Chocolate

Also known as Eyeglasses or Bangle Chocolate, these were fun to play with and eat, often shaped like glasses or other playful forms.

Spectacle Chocolate captured the imagination of children in Singapore, who enjoyed the novelty of pretending to wear the chocolate glasses before eating them.

This playful aspect made the chocolates memorable and popular for party favours and small gifts.

The combination of imaginative play and a sweet treat embodied the essence of childhood, making them a cherished snack among young Singaporeans.

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20. Chilli Tapioca Chips

Chilli Tapioca Chips have a spicy kick and satisfying crunch, making it a go-to snack for festive occasions and daily enjoyment. 

These chips are crafted from tapioca root, sliced thin and fried until they achieve a perfect crispness.

They are then seasoned with a blend of chilli spices that delivers a strong and zesty flavour profile. This snack is favoured for its bold taste that caters to those who appreciate a little heat in their snacks.

Its popularity reflects Singaporeans' love for intense, flavorful, traditional and versatile snacks.

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Conclusion About Traditional Biscuits/Snacks In Singapore

The popularity of these snacks continues as they evolve with modern tastes while maintaining their nostalgic appeal. 

They serve as a quick bite and a cultural symbol, reminding locals and educating tourists about Singapore's vibrant history through taste.

This delightful mix of old and new ensures that traditional Singaporean snacks will continue to be enjoyed for generations.

If you want to bring a taste of Singapore's traditional snacks and biscuits to your next event, consider contacting a local event planning company.

At FunCo, we have live food stations in Singapore where you can choose from scrumptious snacks, sweet treats, pastries or carnival food.