Known for being a treasure trove full of discount shopping, Mustafa is a go-to megastore for the foreign workers in the area and many locals alike. You can practically find anything you possibly need; from groceries to clothes to electrical appliances.
Mustafa Centre spans over 2 buildings and 6 levels but don’t be surprised when you encounter their iconic cramped interiors and the very confusing isles. The new and old buildings are joined by a bridge, but only on Level 2. You might not even know you’re “crossing over”, though – there are goods stacked in every available space so the bridge area feels like any other part of the building.
This retail giant in the heart of Little India also operates round the clock — making it the perfect pit-stop for any last minute errands or a midnight rendezvous. For first-timers, entering Mustafa Centre unprepared can be quite an overwhelming experience. This guide will highlight the different sections in Mustafa that you shouldn’t miss — especially if you’re looking to get a good bargain for some of the surprising things items which you can get much cheaper in Mustafa, than at any other local supermarket.
Keeping prices as low as possible has always been a mainstay of Mustafa — and the reason why we keep flocking back even with the never-ending crowd that throngs the mall.
For Interesting Grocery Finds- Level 3
Venture beyond their extensive assembly of staples in the Indian cuisine and you’ll discover the grocery section on level 3.
Here, you can expect to see exotic snacks from around the world and family-sized items of almost everything at very affordable prices. There’s a ridiculously large variety of chocolate for sale, from cheap bars that taste like chocolate flavoured candy to the real stuff such as Lindt.
It’s also an open secret that Mustafa is now the go-to place for hard-to-get snacks such as those Snickers Milkshake, Maltesers Spread and gourmet chips at a fraction of the price compared to the price outside.
And, if you’re into healthy eating — Mustafa also doubles up as a health store. Items like almond milk, coconut oil, chia seed from a particular brand retail for much less here than compared to similar brands from other health outlets.
For Electronic Goods – Basement 2
It’s common knowledge that prices for cameras, mobile phones, TVs, and other tech-y stuff in Mustafa are approximately 10 to 20% cheaper than elsewhere. With a full range of consumer electronics at lower prices compared to its counterparts, this is the next best place for electronics besides the annual IT roadshows.
The electronics sections are extensive, selling things from kitchen gadgets and computers to hardware and yes, eclectic spy gadgets such as thumb-sized video recorders and surveillance tools. Mustafa’s electronics department is perhaps the busiest part of the mall, especially on weekends where the counters will be full of people pushing their way through to the front. It’s a reliable place to get your hands on electronics, though prior research regarding the price is recommended to ensure that you don’t get ripped off by the salesmen.
For The Best Forex Rate In Singapore – Level 1
If you’re the kind of person who scrambles to exchange money at the airport an hour before your flight, we highly suggest you reconsider your traveling habits – unless you don’t mind losing precious dollars. There’s plenty of debate on where to go for the best exchange rates in town, but we definitely recommend Mustafa’s 24-hour money changer. Most of the money changers are located outside the building and in the basement, separated from the department store thus saving you from having to battle the hordes of human traffic.
For Your Health & Beauty Fix – Level 1, Entrance 2
Women and young ladies will scream with joy when they see the large inventory of branded perfumes and cosmetics on sale here. You can find brands like Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Issey Miyake, YSL, Lancome, JPG, Gucci, Maybelline, Loreal, etc. The prices here are up to 20% cheaper than what you can get from the boutiques in town. Beauty junkies will love trawling the shelves for never-before-seen Indian beauty products — especially those which incorporate natural ingredients like coconut oil, henna, and ayurvedic herbs.
Besides the variety of perfumes, this level is also a well stocked drugstore with isles of herbal supplements, medications, and vitamins. A 24-hour pharmacy is also available on the same floor where you can buy over-the-counter medicine as long as a doctor’s prescription is produced.
For Rewarding Meal With A Scenic View – Level 7
At the end of it all, reward yourself with a delicious spread of authentic Indian food at their rooftop in-house restaurant, Kebabs n’ Curries.
Expect the usual spread of North and South Indian cuisine, along with vegetarian and indo-Chinese options in a surprisingly romantic location. The soft breeze, trickling water from the nearby fountain, and flickering candle lights will fool you into thinking that you’re miles away from the hustle and bustle of Little India. It’s also open till 2 am, a nice upgrade from the usual pratas you have for supper.
Mustafa Centre
145 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207704, p. 6295 5855. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week