Homesickness can sneak up on you anywhere. Sometimes it’s the weather. Sometimes it’s the silence. And sometimes it’s the fact that you haven’t had a curry puff in three months. That’s where snacks come in. When luggage space is tight and cravings are louder than jet engines, having the right stash makes all the difference.
Some snacks just pack better than others. Some turn to crumbs. Others hold up like champs. The ones that matter most are the ones that remind you of home after you land.
Biscuits That Don’t Crumble Under Pressure
Old-school biscuits tend to travel best. Iced gem biscuits, khong guan assortments, and childhood staples like lemon puffs never try too hard, but always deliver. Most come in tins or sealed plastic packs, which hold up inside luggage with a bit of padding. Just avoid squishing them under shoes.
Healthy cookies are also worth considering. Many are made with oats, seeds, and just enough sweetness to make them feel like a treat without the sugar crash. They travel well and survive bumpy flights, making them a practical addition to any snack stash.
Pineapple tarts are trickier but not impossible. Opt for the firmer, rolled versions rather than open-faced types. They last longer, crumble less, and still bring that sweet-tangy punch.
Chips and Crackers With Staying Power
Keropok, whether made from prawn or fish, travels surprisingly well. Wrapped tightly in plastic or foil bags, they’re light, crisp, and full of crunch. Banana chips, tapioca chips, and murukku also make the list. These dry snacks don’t spoil easily and stay edible for weeks if kept sealed.
Just a heads-up: anything pungent will catch attention. If you’re packing hae bee hiam rolls, double-bag them. Your fellow passengers will thank you.
Sweets That Stick (In a Good Way)
Preserved plums and sour sweets don’t melt in transit and make excellent carry-on treats. Dodol and coconut candy, though sticky, hold their shape as long as they’re individually wrapped.
For something with bite, traditional peanut brittle or sesame snacks last well and don’t need refrigeration. Local snacks in Singapore often mix sweetness with crunch, and these are easy to share, even if you’re thousands of kilometres from the source.
Kueh No, Dry Yes
Most fresh kueh doesn’t travel well. The textures don’t survive cabin air and temperature swings. But baked or dry versions like kueh bangkit and kueh bahulu can make the trip. These aren’t just festive treats. They’re bite-sized comfort food that holds up on long journeys.
The key is packaging. Look for airtight tins or packs with built-in seals. Once opened, they go fast, so maybe don’t open them all at once unless you’re planning to share (or binge).
Coffee and Tea for the Taste of Home
While not a snack per se, sachets of kopi-o or local teh tarik blends are easy to carry and even easier to crave once you’re abroad. These instant mixes don’t take up much space, and sipping one can feel like a mini teleport back to the kopitiam. Some brands even sell vacuum-packed kopi beans if you’re feeling fancy.
You can also throw in packs of Milo or Horlicks, both of which double as snacks when drunk thick. Not everything has to crunch to count.
Multipacks, Minis, and Mess-Free Wins
The trick to packing well isn’t finding one perfect snack. It’s finding a bunch of small ones that travel light, last long, and survive a bag toss. Multipacks of individually wrapped items give you flexibility. You can ration them out, stash them in different bags, or hand them out as casual souvenirs.
Many local snacks in Singapore now come in travel-friendly packs thanks to increased demand from overseas fans. That means better seals, lighter packaging, and fewer crumbs on your shirts.
Customs, Storage, and Other Snack Facts
Always check customs rules for packing snacks before you load your suitcase with goodies. Most dry snacks clear without issue, but fresh items, meat floss, or anything with real dairy might be stopped. Some countries have strict rules even on processed goods, so it’s worth checking the official website before packing.
Avoid anything with too much moisture or filling. Sticky rice cakes and custard buns might pass visual inspection but can spoil mid-flight. Choose snacks that are clearly packaged, clearly labelled, and preferably commercial.
Heat is another enemy. Avoid chocolate-dipped anything if you’re flying long-haul. Cabin temperatures vary, and melted snacks make a mess before they even make it to your mouth. Stick to what stays solid and dry even in a stuffy overhead bin. If in doubt, eat it before you land. That’s the safest plan. It also makes for one of the tastier ways to pass the time before touchdown.
Snacks Make Distance Feel Smaller
A snack from home offers comfort, memory, and just enough taste to bring back the familiar when everything else feels far away. It quiets the homesick part of the brain. It’s the sudden joy of tasting something familiar when everything else is new. It’s the comfort of knowing that no matter how far you go, Singapore is just one bite away.
The good news is you don’t need a suitcase full of curry puffs to stay connected. A few smart snack choices, packed with care, can go a long way in making airports feel warmer and new places feel less foreign. From crispy keropok to chewy coconut candy, every item has a memory baked into it. Pack smart. Eat slow. Share if you want to, or keep it all for yourself. Just don’t leave without that ziplock of home. Visit Taste of SG to find more local snacks in Singapore worth carrying across continents.
