Nifty Fifty is a new series where the Time Out Singapore team spends $50 any way they want around town – and we share the experience. Whether it's a secret joint for a boozy night out, a budget (but ace) omakase place, or an interesting item we've been eyeing at the shops, we let you in on the cool stores, eateries, places and activities you should be spending at.
Snacks – a must-have in the office and at home to power through the post-lunch slump, or simply to accompany a favourite Netflix series. Thai snacks, in particular, really hit the spot with a perfect balance of sweet, savoury and spicy flavours. There aren't many Thai supermarkets in Singapore, so when we heard of a relatively new mini supermarket in Jalan Besar that exclusively sells Thai snacks and goods – we just had to check it out.
Verdict: Rama Bear Mart is truly Thai snack wonderland. They have two whole floors full of snacks, sweets, dried foods, drinks, and condiments – so you can easily spend a half hour browsing. I was feeling pretty rich stepping into the shop with my $50 note, but soon found myself growing both more excited and dismayed at the breath of choice. As a savoury snack lover, I picked up Thailand's popular Chao Sua rice cracker with crispy pork ($6.50), Manora fried crab chips ($5.50) and Lays Shrimp Chilli Chips ($2.80). To round it out with some sweets, I also added Jele Beautie ($4.50), My Chewy Taro sweets ($6.50) and a cool Spy Wine Cooler Black ($4.50) to the haul. And what I loved best? The food station where you can order hot bites like Thai grilled pork collar and crab rolls, as well as refreshing Thai milk tea ($3.80). Frankly, Rama Bear Mart is not the cheapest out there – Thai Supermarket at Golden Mile and online shops will probably get you a better deal – but it's a cute little space with a great selection of items in one place. Totally worth the visit.
READ MORE:
Nifty Fifty: A day trip to Johor Bahru ($45)
6 best Japanese supermarkets and grocery stores in Singapore
7 places that Queen Elizabeth II stepped foot in during her visits to Singapore