When it comes to sari shopping in Singapore, Little India is the first place that comes to mind for most people. But with countless stores selling these graceful and colourful garments, finding the right place and a sari that meets your expectations can be tricky. Here’s a list of our recommendations.
For fans of bricks-and-mortar shopping: Nalli Pte Ltd
If an in-store shopping experience is your thing, then we suggest making a beeline for Nalli Pte Ltd. Nalli is well-known for its beautiful collection of wedding and bridal wear, and party and event attire, and it offers saris that are a reflection of the rich Indian tradition in textiles. Customer service is good, the prices are acceptable, and you’ll find a decent variety of saris – in silk, sico and gagra. On top of that, the store is just a few minutes’ walk from Little India MRT station, so it’s super convenient.
Nalli Pte Ltd | 10 Buffalo Road, Singapore 219784 | 6299 3949
For those on a budget: Mustafa
Mustafa: Saris of different colours, prints and materials, as well as footwear to go with your outfit, can be found at basement one of this 24-hour shopping mall, with prices starting from around $20. You’d be able to find bindis of different colours and designs here too, and prices start from $2. A good time to visit this mall without having to deal with crowds would be late nights and/or early mornings.
Mustafa Centre | 145 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207704 | 6295 5855
For online shoppers: Mangalam Shop
If you’d rather avoid the heat and the crowds and do your sari shopping at home, then Mangalam Shop will be your best friend.
This online store sells a wide range of saris, from silk and designer party-wear sari, bhagalpuri saris to casual-wear – something for just about every occasion.
Mangalam Shop delivers via SingPost Registered Post and it usually takes two to three working days. Free shipping is available in Singapore too if your order is over $50. Otherwise, a nominal $2 will be charged during checkout.
Mangalam Shop | 8132 2481 | info@mangalamshop.com
For something pricier: Minora Centre and Jewel Palace Pte Ltd
If you don’t mind splashing the cash on a more expensive sari, then the Minora Centre in Little India is the place to go. This store offers a variety of Indian fashion clothing – from exclusive designer and kids’ saris to a collection of silk saris that are perfect for festive occasions.
And here’s a bonus: this Indian fashion house also sells salwar suits, men’s sherwani and even Indo-Western attire. So add this one to your little black book if you’re planning on buying more than just a sari.
Jewel Palace Pte Ltd shouldn’t be missed too, that’s if you’re planning to splurge. This store offers a selection of saris made from silk, silk cotton and cotton. Some of the designs are subtle but they carry designer and fancy collections if you’ve got more of a loud taste.
Minora Centre | 202 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218069 | 6341 7977
Jewel Palace Pte Ltd | 6 Buffalo Rd, Singapore 219782 | 6291 1845
For tailoring services: Tekka Trends and Hari Om Tailors
If your sari doesn’t fit you just right and the store you bought it from doesn’t provide tailoring services, fret not! There are tons of tailors in Little India, especially at the Tekka Market area. So to save you the trouble, we’ve picked out two places to go – Tekka Trends and Hari Om Tailors.
Tekka Trends specialises in Indian ethnic tailoring services. They stitch sari blouses, readymade saris, salwar suits, lehengas as well as customise designs upon request. Other than having a physical store where you could drop by in person, Tekka Trends also offers pick-up and home delivery services.
Hari Om Tailors offer similar services too, except the home pick-up and delivery option. They offer made-to-measure clothing, and sell a wide range of exclusive sari and Punjabi suit materials.
Tekka Trends | Blk 665, #02-16, Buffalo Road, Singapore 210665 | 8302 0124, 8189 8985, 8310 1062
Hari Om Tailors | Blk 662, #01-24, Buffalo Road, Singapore 210662 | 6291 5915
For accessories: Ishtara Jewellery and Joyalukkas
If you’re looking for accessories to pair with your sari, we would recommend Ishtara Jewellery. Here, products range from anklets, bangles, bracelets to necklaces, earrings, rings and chains. Customisation services and free consultation on gem stones are also offered, should you wish to be more creative with your designs. Customer service is pleasant here too, with employees being attentive, patient, and helpful to your wants and needs.
Joyalukkas, on the other hand, is recognised as one of the most popular jewellery retailers worldwide. They carry jewellery of all sorts – gold, diamond, platinum and pearl, as well as an array of designs from different collections, leaving you spoilt for choice.
Ishtara Jewellery | 111 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218016 | 6291 2774, 6295 5565
Joyalukkas | 412 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218124 | 6295 1800
By Jayme Chong
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