Guide to shopping at FairPrice Xtra in VivoCity

We still have a long way to go when it comes down to cutting down on plastic and packaging but we have to start somewhere – and FairPrice has added two zero packaging carts in the middle of the supermarket floor. Bring your own jars to fill with grains, oats and nuts, or use the paper bags provides at the cart. There's also a bonus feature at this outlet where fresh nut butter is churned at the carts – which you can sample and buy. 

If you like your vegetables fresh, it doesn't get any fresher than picking them straight from the farm. Partnering with rooftop farmers ComCrop, veggies are grown in-store using a hydroponic farming system and automatic water pumping system. You can even see the vegetables grow in front of you at the store. 

Find the best of local and international produce and products at the supermarket. Upon walking in the store, you'll see that whole sections dedicated to the best of local products. From merlion chocolates to Prima Taste laksa spice mix, you can get ideas on what's cool locally. Over at the international section, pick up snacks, sauces, instant noodles, canned food and more from Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, UK, USA and China. 

To better enhance the shopping experience, customers can pick vegetables and then arrange for it to be cut in-store before bringing it home, ready for cooking. Skip meal prep time and get your veggies cut, sliced or diced at no cost so you can go home and get with the cooking already. 

Shopping should be an enjoyable activity and if it gets too stressful – take a break. Stop for a coffee or kombucha at local coffee place at Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee or a beer from Tiger and Archipelago Brewery. Check out the cool beer dispensers here – the beer comes out from below the mug rather than from the top. 

If you're choosing cuts at the butchery or picking out fresh fish at the seafood section and suddenly get major hunger pangs, you can get your meats grilled on the spot and enjoy it there and then. The Kitchen in the middle of the supermarket space is where you can grab a bite to eat – or feast – while doing some people watching. The best part is that you choose your own meat (or seafood)!

The selection of beers, wines and spirits is pretty impressive – find all sorts from all over the world, including assorted craft beers, Vina Maipo Limited Edition Syrah from Chile, Saltaire Blonde Pale Ale from the UK and Kura 12 Years Single Malt whisky from Japan. 

For another sort of treat, the ice cream collection is vast and goes beyond the usual Ben & Jerry's to include all sorts of sorbets, ice lollies and even Mao Shan Wang ice cream from local brand Four Seasons.

On top of just food essentials, this FairPrice outlet is also where you can pick up a bicycle. Choose one for your commute to work or a sports one for hitting the trails on weekends. You can also get your bikes fixed or repaired at the in-store bicycle workshop.  

Keep the kids occupied in the playground area in the children's section. There's a giant castle the kids can run in and out of while the parents do a quick round stocking up on household needs. For nursing mothers, there is also a designated room where they can sit in peace in a supermarket with some privacy.