Kaldi Top 10 Food Must-Haves: Ultimate Gourmet Shopping Guide for Singaporeans
Discover Japan's beloved specialty food store! Kaldi Coffee Farm offers an incredible selection of imported and Japanese gourmet foods, from artisanal coffee to unique snacks you won't find anywhere else. Your ultimate guide to the top 10 must-buy food items that will elevate your Singapore pantry.
Kaldi Top 10 Food Must-Haves: Ultimate Gourmet Shopping Guide for Singaporeans
Discover Japan's beloved specialty food store! Kaldi Coffee Farm offers an incredible selection of imported and Japanese gourmet foods, from artisanal coffee to unique snacks you won't find anywhere else. Your ultimate guide to the top 10 must-buy food items that will elevate your Singapore pantry.
Why Kaldi is Every Foodie's Paradise in Japan
Kaldi Coffee Farm is Japan's premier specialty food retailer, offering a curated selection of international and Japanese gourmet products. With over 450 stores across Japan, Kaldi has become synonymous with quality imported foods, artisanal coffee, and unique snacks that food enthusiasts crave. For Singaporean travelers, it's a treasure trove of products either unavailable back home or significantly cheaper than Singapore prices.
Key advantages for Singaporean food lovers:
- Unique selection: Products not available in Singapore supermarkets or specialty stores
- Competitive pricing: 20-40% cheaper than imported food stores in Singapore
- Quality assurance: Kaldi's strict selection standards ensure premium products
- Seasonal exclusives: Limited edition items that rotate throughout the year
- Gift-worthy packaging: Perfect for bringing home as omiyage (souvenirs)
- Free coffee samples: Complimentary coffee tasting at most stores
1. Kaldi Original Blend Coffee Beans
Price: ¥598 (~S$5.40) per 200g
Singapore Price: Comparable specialty coffee ~S$12-15 per 200g
Savings: ~S$6.60-9.60 per pack (55-64% off)
Kaldi's signature coffee blend is legendary among Japanese coffee enthusiasts. This medium roast combines beans from Brazil, Colombia, and Guatemala, creating a balanced flavor profile that's perfect for any brewing method. Freshly roasted in small batches, the beans arrive at stores within days of roasting.
Why Singaporeans love it: At S$5.40 per 200g, this is cheaper than supermarket coffee in Singapore, yet the quality rivals specialty roasters charging S$15-20. The resealable bag with one-way valve keeps beans fresh in Singapore's humidity.
Key features:
- Medium roast (perfect balance of acidity and body)
- Freshly roasted (roast date printed on package)
- Whole beans or ground (specify when purchasing)
- One-way valve packaging for freshness
- Suitable for drip, espresso, or French press
- No artificial flavors or additives
Best for: Daily coffee drinkers, home baristas, and anyone who appreciates quality coffee without the specialty cafe markup.
2. Mochi Puffs (Mochi Mochi Corn Snack)
Price: ¥198 (~S$1.80)
Singapore Price: ~S$4.50-5.50 (imported Japanese snacks at Don Don Donki)
Savings: ~S$2.70-3.70 per bag (60-67% off)
These addictive mochi-textured corn puffs are Kaldi's best-selling snack. The unique texture combines the crunch of corn puffs with the chewiness of mochi, creating an irresistible snacking experience. Available in multiple flavors (original, cheese, chocolate), they're made with real mochi rice for authentic texture.
Singapore comparison: Don Don Donki sells similar Japanese snacks for S$4.50-5.50, making Kaldi's price an incredible bargain. Stock up on multiple flavors - they're lightweight and perfect for filling luggage gaps.
Key features:
- Unique mochi-corn puff texture
- Made with real mochi rice
- Light and airy (not greasy)
- Multiple flavor options
- Resealable bag
- No artificial colors
- Addictively crunchy-chewy
Best for: Snack lovers, office desk drawers, movie nights, and gifts for friends who love Japanese snacks.
3. Truffle-Infused Olive Oil
Price: ¥980 (~S$8.90)
Singapore Price: ~S$22-28 (gourmet stores like Huber's Butchery)
Savings: ~S$13.10-19.10 per bottle (59-68% off)
This Italian truffle oil is a game-changer for home cooking. Made with real white truffle essence and extra virgin olive oil, a few drops instantly elevate pasta, risotto, or even scrambled eggs. The 250ml bottle lasts months since you only need a small amount per dish.
Why it's worth the luggage space: Truffle oil in Singapore costs S$22-28 for similar quality. At Kaldi's price, you can afford to use it generously instead of saving it for special occasions. The flavor intensity rivals oils costing twice as much.
Key features:
- Real white truffle essence (not artificial flavor)
- Extra virgin olive oil base
- 250ml bottle (perfect size for travel)
- Dark glass bottle protects from light
- Intense truffle aroma
- Versatile for finishing dishes
- 12-month shelf life after opening
Best for: Home cooks who want restaurant-quality finishing touches, pasta lovers, and impressive hostess gifts.
4. Japanese Curry Roux (Premium Blend)
Price: ¥298 (~S$2.70) per box
Singapore Price: ~S$5.50-6.50 (Japanese curry roux at FairPrice Finest)
Savings: ~S$2.80-3.80 per box (51-58% off)
Kaldi's premium curry roux is a step above supermarket brands. This Japanese curry base creates restaurant-quality curry in 30 minutes - just add meat, vegetables, and water. The blend includes apple, honey, and over 20 spices for complex flavor that tastes like you spent hours simmering.
Singapore household essential: Japanese curry is comfort food for many Singaporean families, but quality roux is expensive here. At S$2.70 per box (serves 6-8), this is both economical and delicious. Stock up on multiple boxes - they're lightweight and shelf-stable.
Key features:
- Premium spice blend (20+ spices)
- Contains apple and honey for natural sweetness
- No artificial MSG
- Makes 6-8 servings per box
- Three spice levels available (mild, medium, hot)
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Shelf life: 18 months
Best for: Busy families, meal prep enthusiasts, and anyone who loves Japanese curry but doesn't have hours to cook from scratch.
5. Artisanal Pasta Sauce Collection
Price: ¥398 (~S$3.60) per jar
Singapore Price: ~S$8-10 (imported Italian sauces at Cold Storage)
Savings: ~S$4.40-6.40 per jar (55-64% off)
Kaldi's curated selection of Italian pasta sauces includes authentic recipes from small Italian producers. From classic pomodoro to sophisticated porcini mushroom cream, these sauces taste homemade because they're made in small batches using traditional methods. No artificial preservatives - just real ingredients.
Why Singaporeans should stock up: Imported Italian sauces at Cold Storage or Huber's cost S$8-10 per jar. Kaldi's prices make gourmet pasta nights affordable for weeknight dinners, not just special occasions. The 350g jars are perfect for 2-3 servings.
Key features:
- Made in Italy by small producers
- No artificial preservatives or colors
- Real ingredients (you can see vegetable chunks)
- 350g jar (2-3 servings)
- Multiple varieties (tomato-based, cream-based, pesto)
- Suitable for pasta, pizza, or dipping
- Glass jar (recyclable)
Best for: Busy professionals who want quality meals quickly, pasta lovers, and anyone tired of bland supermarket sauces.
6. Premium Matcha Powder (Culinary Grade)
Price: ¥680 (~S$6.20) per 30g
Singapore Price: ~S$15-18 (culinary matcha at specialty tea shops)
Savings: ~S$8.80-11.80 per tin (59-66% off)
This culinary-grade matcha from Uji, Kyoto is perfect for lattes, baking, and smoothies. While not ceremony-grade, it's significantly better than supermarket matcha powder, with vibrant green color and authentic flavor. The tin packaging preserves freshness and makes it easy to measure.
Singapore matcha lovers rejoice: Quality matcha in Singapore is expensive, often S$15-18 for 30g at specialty shops. Kaldi's price makes daily matcha lattes affordable. The Uji origin guarantees authentic Japanese matcha, not the cheap substitutes sold at some stores.
Key features:
- Grown in Uji, Kyoto (premium matcha region)
- Culinary grade (perfect for lattes and baking)
- Vibrant green color (sign of quality)
- Finely ground powder
- Resealable tin packaging
- No additives or sugar
- 30g tin (makes 15-20 lattes)
Best for: Matcha latte enthusiasts, home bakers, smoothie lovers, and anyone who wants cafe-quality matcha at home.
7. Assorted Nuts and Dried Fruits Mix
Price: ¥498 (~S$4.50) per 200g
Singapore Price: ~S$9-12 (premium nut mixes at supermarkets)
Savings: ~S$4.50-7.50 per bag (50-63% off)
Kaldi's signature nut and dried fruit mix is a customer favorite. The blend includes almonds, cashews, walnuts, cranberries, and raisins - all premium quality with no added sugar or oil. The nuts are roasted to perfection, and the dried fruits are naturally sweet without being overly sugary.
Healthy snacking made affordable: Premium nut mixes in Singapore cost S$9-12 for 200g. Kaldi's price makes healthy snacking accessible for daily consumption instead of an occasional treat. The resealable bag maintains freshness in Singapore's humidity.
Key features:
- No added sugar or oil
- Premium quality nuts (large, whole pieces)
- Naturally sweet dried fruits
- Roasted for maximum flavor
- Resealable bag
- High in protein and fiber
- 200g bag (perfect snack size)
Best for: Health-conscious snackers, office desk drawers, hiking trips, and guilt-free TV snacking.
8. Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Price: ¥780 (~S$7.10) per 250ml
Singapore Price: ~S$16-20 (authentic Modena balsamic at gourmet stores)
Savings: ~S$8.90-12.90 per bottle (56-65% off)
This authentic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (IGP certified) transforms simple salads into gourmet experiences. Aged in wooden barrels for complex flavor, it's sweet, tangy, and syrupy - perfect for drizzling over salads, grilled vegetables, or even strawberries. The 250ml bottle lasts months since a little goes a long way.
Singapore gourmet cooking essential: Authentic Modena balsamic costs S$16-20 in Singapore. Kaldi's price makes it affordable to use regularly instead of saving for special occasions. The IGP certification guarantees authenticity - no cheap imitations.
Key features:
- IGP certified (authentic Modena origin)
- Aged in wooden barrels
- Sweet and tangy flavor profile
- Syrupy consistency
- 250ml glass bottle
- Versatile for salads, meats, desserts
- 3-year shelf life
Best for: Home cooks who love Italian cuisine, salad enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to elevate everyday meals.
9. Japanese Rice Crackers (Senbei) Variety Pack
Price: ¥398 (~S$3.60)
Singapore Price: ~S$7-9 (Japanese senbei at Don Don Donki)
Savings: ~S$3.40-5.40 per pack (48-60% off)
This variety pack includes six different types of traditional Japanese rice crackers (senbei), from soy sauce-glazed to seaweed-wrapped. Each cracker is individually wrapped for freshness, making them perfect for portion control or sharing. The authentic flavors showcase traditional Japanese snacking culture.
Perfect for Singapore tea time: Japanese rice crackers pair perfectly with tea and are less sweet than Western snacks. At S$3.60 for a variety pack, they're cheaper than buying individual flavors at Don Don Donki. The individually wrapped crackers stay fresh in Singapore's humidity.
Key features:
- Six different senbei varieties
- Individually wrapped for freshness
- Traditional Japanese flavors
- Low in sugar (savory snacks)
- Crispy texture
- Made with Japanese rice
- Perfect for sharing
Best for: Tea lovers, office pantries, healthier snacking alternatives, and experiencing authentic Japanese flavors.
10. Instant Miso Soup Variety Pack
Price: ¥498 (~S$4.50) for 20 servings
Singapore Price: ~S$9-12 (Japanese instant miso at FairPrice Finest)
Savings: ~S$4.50-7.50 per pack (50-63% off)
Kaldi's instant miso soup collection includes four varieties: classic tofu and wakame, nameko mushroom, shijimi clam, and vegetable. Each serving comes in individual packets with freeze-dried ingredients that rehydrate instantly with hot water. The miso paste is authentic Japanese miso, not the watered-down versions in some instant soups.
Singapore breakfast/lunch revolution: At S$0.23 per serving, this is cheaper than coffee shop soup while being infinitely more nutritious. Perfect for office lunches, late-night snacks, or quick breakfasts. The variety pack prevents flavor fatigue.
Key features:
- Four miso soup varieties
- 20 individual servings
- Authentic Japanese miso paste
- Freeze-dried ingredients (tofu, seaweed, mushrooms)
- Ready in 30 seconds (just add hot water)
- Low calorie (30-40 calories per serving)
- 12-month shelf life
Best for: Office workers, students, busy mornings, late-night cravings, and anyone who wants authentic Japanese miso soup instantly.
Shopping Tips for Kaldi Coffee Farm
Store Locations
- Tokyo: Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, and most major stations
- Osaka: Umeda, Namba, Tennoji
- Kyoto: Kawaramachi, Kyoto Station
- Over 450 stores nationwide - easy to find in any major city
Best Time to Shop
- Weekday afternoons (2pm-4pm) for fewer crowds
- Avoid weekends and lunch hours
- New products arrive on Thursdays
- Seasonal items rotate monthly
Money-Saving Tips
- Look for "Sale" stickers (20-30% off clearance items)
- Buy multiple packs for better value
- Check expiry dates for longer shelf life
- Bring your own bag (some stores charge for bags)
Free Coffee Samples
- Most Kaldi stores offer free coffee samples at the entrance
- Try before you buy different coffee blends
- No purchase necessary
- Great way to warm up while shopping
Payment Methods
- Cash preferred at smaller stores
- Credit cards accepted at most locations
- Mobile payment (PayPay, LINE Pay) available
- Tax-free shopping NOT available (prices already include tax)
Packing Tips
- Coffee beans and instant items are lightweight
- Glass jars (sauces, vinegar) need bubble wrap
- Distribute heavy items across luggage
- Keep receipts for customs (food items)
Bringing Food Products Back to Singapore
Customs Regulations
- Packaged food products: Generally allowed for personal use
- Limit: Reasonable quantities (1-2 months supply)
- Must be commercially packaged with labels
- Declare all food items at customs
Prohibited Items
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat products (unless commercially canned)
- Dairy products (check current regulations)
- Homemade or bulk items without labels
Packing Strategies
- Pack liquids (oils, sauces) in ziplock bags
- Place glass jars in the center of luggage surrounded by clothes
- Keep coffee beans in original sealed packaging
- Consider vacuum-sealing soft items
Shelf Life Considerations
- Check expiry dates before purchasing
- Prioritize items with longer shelf life for luggage delays
- Store coffee beans in freezer upon arrival in Singapore
- Keep opened items in airtight containers
Conclusion
Kaldi Coffee Farm is a must-visit destination for food lovers traveling to Japan. With prices 20-40% lower than Singapore and a curated selection of products you won't find elsewhere, it's worth dedicating time to explore their offerings. From their signature coffee beans to gourmet imported foods, every item reflects Kaldi's commitment to quality and value.
Whether you're stocking your Singapore pantry with everyday essentials or searching for unique gifts for foodie friends, Kaldi delivers an unbeatable combination of quality, variety, and affordability. The lightweight nature of most products makes them perfect for filling luggage space, and the long shelf life means you can enjoy your Japanese food finds for months after returning home.
Pro tip: Visit Kaldi early in your trip to identify favorites, then return before departure to stock up. This strategy prevents buyer's remorse and ensures you don't miss out on must-have items. Many travelers dedicate an entire carry-on bag to Kaldi purchases - that's how good the deals are!
Happy shopping, and enjoy bringing a taste of Japan back to Singapore! ☕🍝