Findingfresh, organic, nasty-free producein Singapore has become one helluva lot easier thanks to a growing band of stores and websites promoting all things healthy. And if like us, you’re tired of dropping $50 in Cold Storage on a punnet of mouldy strawbs, you need to start shopping at these brilliant alternatives instead. From meat, poultry, and fish, to fruit, veggies, and unusual ingredients, it’s time to switch up your shopping habits, stat.
What can we say; we heart Little Farms. For the best nut milk, coconut yoghurts, gluten-free and sugar-free substitutes, plus some of the freshest fruit and veggies in town, this is a must-visit. It’s main store on River Valley Rd is our fave (we can’t resist stopping by the in-store cafe for a cuppa and a healthy sweet treat) – look out for their newly renovated store come 2020.
Gym freaks, this one’s for you. Find every protein powder under the sun, niche ingredients (lucuma, anyone?), plus a myriad of herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, grains (we could go on…), iHerb is the one-stop online shop that you need to save to your browser. It’s also hard to beat when it comes to price; there are bargains aplenty to be had and delivery is always speedy.
A stalwart of Dempsey Hill, Hubers is our go-to whenever a BBQ is on the horizon. The butcher’s counter downstairs is a carnivore’s dream; prime cuts of beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and gazillions of uniquely flavoured sausages await. While upstairs expect delicious charcuterie, cheeses, crackers, and other nibbly things you won’t have realised you need in your life but can’t live without once you’ve tried ‘em.
The concept of fruit and veg box delivery is nothing new, but Avo & Co win our vote because of its brilliant service and ease of use. Sign up online to receive your box (there are several combos to choose from depending on how many people in your household), then add extras like meat, poultry, or cheese, and select your delivery slot. Simples! There’re no strings attached, so if you want to try it just once, it’s fine by them. You’ll also get handy reminders when your delivery is due. And the produce in each box is top quality (tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes canfinallybe sourced in Singapore!).
Taking over 20,000 sq ft of real estate in Kallang, this behemoth of a complex is a must-visit for health food junkies. Make no mistake, this isn’t your average grocery store; it’s a ‘lifestyle’ space featuring studios for yoga classes, open kitchens for cookery classes, restaurants and cafes, and, of course, a store brimming with fresh and healthy produce. Mahota aspires to be the healthiest grocer in Singapore, and it’s definitely up there. What’s more, it has its own farm in Shanghai that grows all of its produce meaning it can keep its price point lower than other premium grocers. Block out a Saturday morning and pay it a visit.
Love baking? You need to know about Phoon Huat. It stocks everything from nuts, fruits, and butter, to flours, icing, and flavourings (and pretty much anything else you might need to whip up any form of baked deliciousness). There are bargains aplenty to be had here and the price point is lower than your average grocery store. With multiple outlets islandwide, if there isn’t one on your doorstep we recommend heading to one of the larger stores (we like the one in Buona Vista).
The fromage gods have been listening and The Cheese Ark answered all of our cheesy prayers when it opened. We love that it flies the flag for artisanal and ancient cheeses from around the world that are slowly dying out due to mass-production. When visiting give yourself plenty of time and let the team guide you through the available produce. They will make recommendations to suit your taste based on the ripest cheese they currently have in stock. It’s great if you want to try something new, but aren’t sure where to start.
Whether you visit the store on Bukit Timah Road or order online you’re guaranteed top-notch fresh, clean, and sustainably sourced fish and meat flown in from Australia and New Zealand. We prefer hitting up the store and browsing the myriad of rubs, sauces, spice mixes, and anything else that takes our fancy. If you’re hosting a dinner party and need to guarantee quality produce on a specific date, The Fishwives is a reliable choice.
Though the Providore has several stores, it’s the largest one in the OUE Downtown building that we find ourselves wandering around at least once a week (UJ HQ is conveniently around the corner). Aside from the brilliant and regular cheese and wine tasting events, it also stocks a myriad of delicious things to eat (we defy anyone who can walk past the bakery section without picking up a fresh pastry). Bakery aside, there’s a cheese room, a deli counter, a juice bar, a grocery store stocking niche products, a cafe, and a ton of lifestyle products (think beautiful glassware, cookery books, serving platters) to peruse. Expect to emerge with a significantly lighter wallet.
OpenTaste is an online marketplace for fresh food that will revolutionise your life in SG! Consider it a global farmer’s market where you’re connected directly to farmers and foodmakers around the world; you can buy their products and have it delivered to your home in less than 36 hours. With over 200 farms in six countries, you’re guaranteed the freshest in-season produce you can lay your hands on. The best part? It operates a wholesale price agreement so there are serious bargains to be had.
