Bengawan Solo: A Singapore Favourite for Cookies and Local Treats
Founded in Singapore, Bengawan Solo is one of the country’s best-known confectionery brands and a popular choice among visitors looking to take home a taste of Singapore.
Bengawan Solo at a Glance
The Story Behind the Brand
Founded in 1979 as a small confectionery shop on Singapore’s East Coast, Bengawan Solo has grown into one of the country’s best-loved homegrown brands.
The founder, Anastasia Liew, named the brand after an Indonesian folk song from her homeland. “Bengawan Solo” means “Solo River”, with “bengawan” being an old Javanese word for “river”.
Bengawan Solo’s treats are made without artificial preservatives, using premium ingredients and traditional methods. They remain popular with Singaporeans and visitors alike.
Outlets Across Singapore
Bengawan Solo has more than 40 outlets across Singapore.
The following locations are particularly convenient for visitors, with outlets in several of Singapore’s main tourist areas.
Although Bengawan Solo has no outlet at Marina Bay Sands, it has two in the Marina Bay area: one at Raffles City and the other at The Arcade.
At Changi Airport, Bengawan Solo has outlets in all four terminals, as well as one inside Jewel, the large shopping complex next to the airport.
These locations are ideal for picking up some last-minute souvenirs before departure.
Top Picks at Bengawan Solo
Best-Selling Cookie Tins
Bengawan Solo’s best-selling products are its cookie tins, often stacked high near shop entrances and on display shelves.
With colourful packaging adorned with floral designs, these tins also make lovely souvenirs from Singapore.
There are around 10 varieties available at any given time, including cookies made with almonds, cashews, macadamias and pistachios, as well as options featuring cornflakes or oats.
One variety worth trying is Sugee Cookies, a traditional treat with Indian roots. Made with semolina flour, known as suji or sooji in northern India, these cookies have a wonderfully delicate, crumbly texture that melts in the mouth.
They are also a much-loved festive treat in Singapore, particularly during Deepavali and Chinese New Year.
Cookie tins typically range from $26.50 to $30.80, depending on the variety.
If the decorative tin isn’t a priority, larger plastic containers offer a more economical option.
Signature Pineapple Tarts
Another popular choice is the pineapple tart, an oblong pastry generously filled with sweet and tangy pineapple jam.
Bite-sized and easy to enjoy, these little treats pair perfectly with a cup of tea.
These come in plastic containers only rather than tins, with the small size priced at $28 and the large at $52.
Final Thoughts
Handcrafted with care using traditional recipes, Bengawan Solo’s crowd-pleasing treats come in beautifully designed tins and larger packs.
They make ideal souvenirs for family and friends, as well as thoughtful gifts for colleagues back home.
Bengawan Solo
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