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Anyone who has visited the Joo Chiat area before would remember it for its colourful buildings, quality cafes and range of food choices. This corner of Singapore is worth visiting just for its vibes alone, but the Don’t Runaway Grocer Pop-up might just give you the reason you need to actually make a trip down this month.
Located at 320 Joo Chiat Road and open every Thu to Sun till 21 Dec, this retro-inspired grocery store stands out, even from the outside. What instantly caught my attention was the design of the place, with its blue checquered floors, shopping baskets and vintage-looking posters. Stepping in, I was instantly presented with interesting products on shelves and fridges. What’s also cool is finding out from the staff that most of these are locally produced! #supportlocal
Whether it’s coffee capsules, cream cheese or unique mini-croissant snacks, you will find tasty artisan products you’ll be glad to have on your own kitchen counter. If you want to try these products first before deciding on your purchase, you can also request free samples for most of them.
After sampling some of the products, I would personally recommend buying back some of the cream cheese to have with your bread or bagels, especially the Scallion Cream Cheese (S$7.50) and Shiokonbu & Chive Cream Cheese (S$10). The taste of these was excellently savoury, yet not too overpowering.
Talking about bagels, you can also purchase Plain or Sesame ones straight from the counter, for S$2.50 each or for S$7 for 3. The store also serves drinks like Kombucha (S$7.90) and other soft drinks.
The highlight of my visit would have to be the sandwiches, though. Together with a friend, I tried both the ‘standard menu’ items — the Cacio E Pepe Grilled Cheese (S$15) and the Turkey Cranberry Melt (S$16). Beyond these sandwiches that are always available, they also have special limited-time items every weekend. For example, a Summer Verde Shroomwich will be available through a collaboration with Butter Days on 6 & 7 Dec.
Out of the 2 sandwiches I had, I preferred the Grilled Cheese. Its combination of double gouda cheese, cacio e pepe cream cheese and delicious smoked pork collar, sandwiched between crunchy miso sesame sourdough, was sublime. Though I must say the price tag of these sandwiches is quite steep, considering the portions aren’t that big. You’ll leave with oily hands, a small hole in your wallet and a craving for more.
On your way out, after dining in or choosing to take away, you can also check out some of the Don’t Runaway Grocer merchandise. From the Canvas Tote (S$9.90) to the Pantry Staple Cap (S$25) to the Orange & Lemon Candles (S$5) and more, there are plenty of ways for you to bring home a piece of this pop-up with you.
If anything at this grocer sounds interesting to you, you have until 21 Dec to visit! Note that it is only open from Thu to Sun, 10am – 7pm. Don’t Runaway hosts pop-ups like that almost monthly, with each featuring different themes and collabs. So don’t run away and miss their final pop-up of 2025!
Make sure to also follow them on Instagram for more updates about the grocer and future pop-ups.
