Traditions and everyday life in SingaporeFestivals, family customs, favourite places and everyday traditions, written by members of Global Penfriends who live in Singapore. Each cultural keepsake is a short note about life where they are.
28 keepsakes from Singapore
Chouchou (臭臭) is a small, usually cylindrical bolster that became a familiar part of growing up in Singapore. It is especially associated with babies and young children, often becoming a child’s favourite comfort object.A lot of…
Shared by Xotequilaxo
In Singapore, one of the most beloved cultural traditions is the making and sharing of kueh (also spelled as kuih). It's a variety of bite-sized snacks and desserts that are enjoyed across different ethnic communities. What Makes…
Shared by Heraaaaa
The Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. It was designed as a symbol to represent Singapore’s origin as a fishing village when it was called Temasek, which means "sea town" in Old…
Shared by xelslove
Long before styrofoam cups, we had an ingenious takeaway for beverages. In sepia-tinted early Singapore, these nondescript condensed milk tins were recycled with coffee or tea to go. The raffia string strung delicately through a…
Shared by Divania
Ice kachang and ice ball are desserts made from shaved ice and have existed as street food in Singapore from as early as the 20th century. Ice kachang (Malay for “nut” or “bean”) contains jellies, red beans and attap chee (seeds…
Shared by SagittaZen
Even though Singapore is a small country and I stay very near to my university, we still have an option to stay in the university hostel. This is to inculcate a sense of responsibility away from our family, as well as to be part…
Shared by Suzz
every year, hindu devotees will go to this particular temple at Tank Road, typically fulfilling their vows and carrying paal kudams or milk pots, or kavadis, which are wooden or metal structures with milk offerings, into the Tank…
Shared by mushroomspore
Chinese New Year is the start of a new year on the lunar calendar. It is celebrated by most Chinese not only in Singapore but all over the world. It’s usually in February but that depends on the lunar calendar. Chinese New Year…
Shared by faithndrea
The all elusive packet of tissue paper, famed for its amazing abilities to... help you hold your table in a food hall?! An unspoken agreement, a sigh of defeat during the lunch hours — this mighty powerful thing is the one…
Shared by phyyu
Chendol is one of the most beloved multiracial desserts in our country. I hardly came across anyone of any race that had real hatred for it and it’s sold by all four “national” races here. It’s a Singapore loved dessert, truly. I…
Shared by TerryX
In Singapore, a lot of cafes and photobooths as well as thrift stores are getting more popular so that is there we mostly hang! There is a street called Haji lane where a lot of the popular places are, there are photobooth shops…
Shared by SteamPunkJun
This is a menu from the “Tze char” restaurant which you can find in most coffee shops in HDB estates in Singapore. “Tze char” roughly translates to “stir fry”. You can order a variety of dishes for dining in or take out -…
Shared by shermint
Most Singaporeans eat rice and in a Malay household...these are some of the dishes served along side with white jasmine rice. Salted Duck Eggs Fried Chicken Fern leaves cooked in coconut stew Sambal goreng( a spicy dish with…
Shared by Farhani
Singapore independence is when it celebrates its separation with Malaysia and become its own country. Most Singaporeans wear red to school and at home.Singapore flags would be hang outside houses. Celebration would be held and…
Shared by Belle Thong
A beautiful mall located in town, it is known for its luxury goods and expensive location, as well as its surrounding buildings (57-storey tall hotel, a huge museum, a concert hall where Sabrina Carpenter & the 1975 have…
Shared by n1col3y
lunar / chinese new year is celebrated in my country by the chinese! We usually have a dinner with our families (kinda like christmas) called the reunion dinner. “Auspicious” food is usually served like fish, meat and expensive…
Shared by yellowlemonbunny
A small keepsake capturing the spirit of Singapore — from the iconic Merlion, the dazzling Marina Bay skyline at night, to the beautiful Gardens by the Bay. A little memory of the Lion City to share with you.
Shared by WhiteGhost
Along Orchard Ion mall street path towards Ngee Ann City, there are several ice-cream stalls on motorbike with huge umbrellas. Do try the bread and ice-cream combo, which will cost around SGD 2.
Shared by Shakzillala
Escorting the bride and groom to the altar is done by a group of people playing a music instrument called Kompang. Kompang is a drum type instrument used by the palm.
Shared by Zub
Every month, we would have at least an family gathering to a certain restaurant where just have lunch/dinner together and catch up with each other and just bond.
Shared by xiaoray
singaporeans are constantly afraid of losing(kiasu) to anything and dying(kiasi). always want to be the first and best in anything.
Shared by adwin
Singapore just opened its new Bird Paradise and its amazing. Do catch their daily shows as well cos they are so good.
Shared by CrystalLover23
Singaporeans favourite past time. Food, food and more food. We just love our hawker food. U name it we have it.
Shared by StickerJuls
Happy Chinese New Year. This is the Rooster year and we have a lights-up ceremony in Chinatown in Singapore.
Shared by Jen Shannon lee
A really nice place to visit. You can take a lot of pictures here or do daily activities like cycling
Shared by Myhyooo
We do all sorts of things as a family! Don’t worry, friends included~
Shared by The Waterdoodler
The virtual waterfall at the newly renovated Changi Airport Terminal 2
Shared by Raphael Francis A
To take off our shoes :) and say “peace be upon you” when entering
Shared by vcorisWant to hear about life in Singapore first-hand? Write to a penpal who lives there.
Find penpals in Singapore
