Nelly’s Retro Snacks Singapore has opened a new humble outlet at a Toa Payoh HDB void deck, offering a treasure trove of old-school snacks like iced gem biscuits and ear crackers at wallet-friendly prices. The shop is a heartwarming continuation of a family legacy, run by Nelly, a 57-year-old single mother, and her daughter Laurel.
- More than 100 nostalgic snacks available from S$1.50
- Family-run shop continues a legacy of childhood treats
- New Toa Payoh outlet offers nostalgic charm at affordable rent
What happened
Nelly’s Retro Snacks Singapore, run by Nelly and her daughter Laurel, recently opened a new outlet at a Toa Payoh void deck on April 1, 2026. This new shop stocks over 100 kinds of nostalgic treats including iced gem biscuits, ear crackers, lemon puff biscuits, and sugar cookies. The shop’s simple, old-school décor features tins stacked from floor to ceiling, each labeled with handwritten price tags that evoke the charm of a traditional mama shop.
Previously, Nelly had operated outlets in malls like Century Square, which closed last month due to high rent costs. The move to Toa Payoh offers more affordable rent and allows the duo to maintain reasonable prices to serve their customers better, many of whom are elderly residents in the neighbourhood. The shop’s offerings start at just S$1.50 for 100g of iced gems, making these nostalgic favourites accessible to all.
Why it feels good
The story behind Nelly’s Retro Snacks adds a warm, personal touch to the business. Nelly, who immigrated from Indonesia and spent years selling clothes at outdoor stalls to support her family, embraced snacks to continue a cherished family tradition started by her father. Running the business with her daughter Laurel adds a wonderful generational bond, allowing both to share a piece of their heritage with Singaporeans today.
The nostalgic snacks evoke happy memories for older customers and offer younger visitors a chance to sample treats that have become rare or disappeared from mainstream retail. By keeping prices affordable and providing a no-frills, retro environment, Nelly’s helps preserve a cultural connection that resonates deeply, especially with long-time residents of the community.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors to the Toa Payoh outlet can enjoy a wide range of treats sold both by weight and in pre-packed options available at sister outlets in Junction Nine and Causeway Point. Bestsellers include iced gem biscuits, ear crackers, and pineapple jam-filled cookies. The mix of classic snacks alongside trendier sweets like Airheads and Sour Patch Kids at mall locations means there is something for every palate.
Looking ahead, Nelly and Laurel plan to continue nurturing this legacy by maintaining affordable prices and supporting the community. The move away from high-rent malls to neighbourhood void decks highlights a sustainable approach that balances business needs with preserving treasured childhood memories for future generations.