Every true blue Singaporean a) loves good food; and b) loves bargains. But really, good food at discounted prices sets just about everybody’s heart aflutter (and mouths awatering). And what could be more fun than scouting for food deals in no-frills settings in remote industrial areas? With the holiday season fast upon us it’s also time to stock up on goodies for the year-end festive feasting.
THE LOWDOWN
There are a number of food manufacturers and importers that sell their wares direct to the public at their factories, and often at wholesale prices. The main food factory haunts are the Woodlands industrial area, Fishery Port Road in Jurong for seafood (where Singapore’s largest wholesale fish market is), Pandan Loop in the West Coast and the Gourmet East Kitchen industrial building in Bedok North which houses many food suppliers and catering companies.
There was some concern a few years ago about the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) clamping down on factories retailing to consumers from their warehouses given that they don’t have the requisite permits to do so, however happily the authorities seem to be closing an eye towards this practice which is becoming increasingly common in Singapore.
The Woodlands Industrial area, although somewhat out-of-the-way unless you stay in Singapore’s north, is home to a few popular food factory outlets. Many die-hard foodie bargain hunters have become regulars who make the pilgrimage north every few months to stock up on bargain food products, especially frozen items.
The food factories are located along Woodlands Terrace, Woodlands Link and in the Woodlands East Industrial Estate multi-storey building at 15 Woodlands Loop. Although not all factories retail direct to consumers, there are plenty that do and wandering around looking for food items at discount prices makes for a fun activity.
VISITING
On Saturday mornings the Woodlands area takes on a carnival-like atmosphere, especially in the run up to the festive period when the factories set up outdoor tents to offer festive goodies to the large crowds. There are factory outlet tour groups and other community groups arriving by the busloads, and the area is busy with bargain hunters spilling out onto the roads. I visited a few of the larger, more popular outlets offering primarily gourmet western fare on Woodlands Terrace recently, however there are many other factories offering Asian food items in the area as well.
Fassler Gourmet
An undisputed crowd favourite is the Fassler Gourmet factory. Started in the late 1990s as a producer of smoked seafood items such as salmon and trout, Fassler today sells all kinds of frozen seafood as well as other accompanying products like fresh mushrooms. They have a large factory on site and conduct pre-arranged group factory tours as well. Their smoked salmon is delicious and good value, and their frozen soups are almost as good as home-made. Checking out what offerings they have in their large, arctic temperature cold room is quite a thrill, especially for the young ones.
Wan Foong Foodstuff (Saucisse House of Gourmet)
The company founder was a butcher many moons ago, and today Wan Foong specialises in deli meat items such as cold cuts and sausages. For Christmas and other festive occasions they offer turkeys, hams and other prepared roast meats.
Melvados Offers
Foodedge Gourmet / Melvados
A manufacturer and supplier of gourmet food products to hotels, restaurants and airlines, Foodedge Gourmet also sells food items to consumers under their Melvados brand. They opened a retail outlet in Joo Chiat Road earlier this year, and have an online store as well. Some of the “frozen food and desserts” they specialise in include cakes, breads, ice cream, pizzas, pies, wraps, sauces etc.
Their Woodlands factory outlet has a small store chock full with their produce. Although prices at their warehouse outlet are the same as at their retail and online stores, the big draw here are the monthly free food sampling sessions held the last Saturday of every month, where apparently they don’t stinge on giving out the free stuff.
KSP Food Suppliers / Marketing
KSP is a family business that started out in pig farming in the 1940s and have progressed to become a premium Australian pork importer today. KSP has now expanded to offer other kinds of meat and meat products. High end meat selections include chilled wagyu or Angus beef, Kurobuta pork belly, smoked duck breast and frozen foie gras.
Fassler frozen soups (Smoked Salmon Chowder and Boston Clam Chowder): S$3.80 each
LOCATION
Fassler Gourmet
46 Woodlands Terrace
Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat: 8am – 1pm
Note: Check their website for their extended festive season opening hours. Pre-Christmas and Chinese New Year they often open till later on weekdays, and on Saturday afternoons as well.
Wan Foong Foodstuff (Saucisse House of Gourmet)
48 Woodlands Terrace
Foodedge Gourmet / Melvados
26 Woodlands Terrace
Mon – Fri: 10am – 4pm
Sat: 10am – 2pm
Note: They also have a retail outlet at 216 Joo Chiat Road, with prices the same as at their Woodlands factory outlet.
Fassler Smoked Salmon: S$8.90
KSP Food Suppliers / Marketing
10 Woodlands Terrace
Mon – Sat: 9am – 6pm
HOW MUCH TIME
At least a couple of hours to check out the main food factory outlets; more if you are a hardcore bargain hunter and want to comb the entire area.
TIDBITS
- Although a sleepy border town deep in the HDB (Housing Development Board) heartlands now, Woodlands is set to become a thriving business hub in about 10-15 years’ time according to the latest URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) Draft Master Plan released recently.
- Seafood lovers who want the thrill of buying fresh seafood direct from the fishermen can visit the wholesale markets at either of Singapore’s 2 fishery ports – Jurong Fishery Port or Senoko Fishery Port. This is not for the faint-hearted though as you will have to wade through the sloshy market floor at ungodly pre-dawn hours. Go only if you are buying in bulk, or if you genuinely want to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a bustling fish market a la Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market.
Senoko Fishery Port Wholesale Market – Photo by Angela Low
TAKE NOTE
- Bring cash with you as most of the outlets do not accept credit cards or NETS.
- DO NOT park in the factory driveways and obstruct the entrances. There is street parking along the roads.
USEFUL LINKS
UnTourist Singapore 