Anna’s Gourmet Singapore Review

Anna’s Gourmet Singapore: The Finest Eastern European Delicacies

Anna’s Gourmet is Singapore’s go-to destination for high-quality food and drink from Central and Eastern Europe. Located at 11 Sam Leong Rd, #01-01, Singapore 207903, the store offers an extensive selection of authentic products, ensuring expatriates and food enthusiasts alike can enjoy the familiar tastes of their homeland. Having personally visited the shop with Emőke Sasi, Executive Director at CEEC.org.sg, I met with Anna Jaeger, the passionate owner dedicated to bringing fine food from the region to Singapore.

The Rich Food Heritage of Central and Eastern Europe at Anna’s Gourmet

The cuisines of Poland, Hungary, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, and Georgia are deeply rooted in history and tradition, reflecting centuries of cultural influences and culinary innovation. Many dishes have evolved through time due to changing borders, trade routes, and local adaptations. Staples such as rye bread, fermented dairy, smoked meats, pickled vegetables, and hearty stews have been a part of the region’s diet for centuries, providing sustenance in cold climates.

One of the most significant aspects of Central and Eastern European cuisine is its emphasis on fermentation and preservation techniques, which date back to medieval times. Methods such as pickling, curing, and smoking were historically used to store food during harsh winters. These traditions continue today, shaping many of the products available at Anna’s Gourmet.

Anna’s Gourmet – Bakery

Eastern European bread is renowned for its distinct taste and texture. Anna’s Gourmet stocks a wide range, including the popular Borodinsky bread, a dense rye loaf infused with coriander seeds, and Latvian rye bread, known for its rich, tangy flavour. Customers can also find Lavash flatbread, a soft, thin bread ideal for wraps or eating with dips.

For those looking for a crunchy snack, Sooshki (bread rings) are available in various flavours, including vanilla and poppy seed glazed varieties.

Anna’s Gourmet – Dairy & Cheese

Anna’s Gourmet offers Singapore’s most diverse selection of Eastern European dairy products. Popular options include:

• Kefir & Ryazhenka – Fermented milk drinks known for their probiotic benefits.
• Cottage Cheese – Available in multiple fat contents, catering to different dietary needs.
• Sour Cream & Crème Fraîche – Essential ingredients for traditional Eastern European dishes.
• Curd Cheese Bars – A favourite snack, often coated in chocolate.
• Smoked Cheese Braid & Kashkaval – Signature cheeses from the region, perfect for platters and cooking.

Dairy has played a crucial role in the cuisines of Poland, Lithuania, and Russia, where fermented milk products have been consumed for centuries due to their health benefits and long shelf life. In countries like Romania and Bulgaria, cheese-making traditions stretch back over a thousand years, resulting in famous varieties like Telemea and Sirene.

Anna’s Gourmet – Pantry Staples

Emőke insisted I try a green pickled tomato, a rare find in Singapore, known as Grüne Fasstomaten. She also recommended some pickled chilis, adding a tangy and slightly spicy element to any meal. Anna’s Gourmet has an extensive range of pantry items, including:

• Buckwheat & Barley Grits – A staple for hearty Eastern European meals.
• Ajvar & Zakuski – Traditional vegetable spreads made from roasted peppers and aubergines.
• Sunflower Seeds & Pumpkin Seeds – Perfect for snacking or adding to salads.
• Condensed Milk & Fruit Preserves – Sweet additions to breakfast or desserts.

A particularly well-known pantry staple is Ajvar, a red pepper and eggplant spread that originated in the Balkans, where it remains a beloved accompaniment to grilled meats and bread. Likewise, buckwheat and barley, widely used in Russia and Ukraine, are essential components of traditional porridge and dumplings.

Anna’s Gourmet – Fish & Caviar

Anna’s Gourmet is the only shop in Singapore to offer both Black and Red Caviar, according to Anna Jaeger herself. This exclusive selection ensures customers can experience the finest caviar varieties typically found only in high-end restaurants and specialty markets.

The store offers caviar in multiple formats, catering to different preferences:

• Premium Caviar in Jars – Fresh and ready to eat, including Ikroff Traditional Salmon Caviar and Russian Caviar House Osetra Classic Caviar.
• Caviar in Tins – A traditional format for those who prefer to consume in one serving, as the tin cannot be resealed.

• Frozen Caviar – Available in bulk packaging like Imperial Crown Keta Caviar (400g), maintaining high quality while ensuring longer shelf life.

Anna’s Gourmet is also well-known for its selection of fish products, particularly:

• Santa Bremor Herrings – Available in oil, herbs, or special brine.
• Dried Fish – Options like roach, bream, and mackerel.
• Osetra & Beluga Caviar – Luxurious delicacies for special occasions.
• Canned Fish – Sprats, cod liver, and mackerel varieties.

Caviar, once reserved for Russian nobility, remains a delicacy, with Osetra and Beluga varieties being the most highly prized.

Anna’s Gourmet – Meat & Sausages

During my visit, I purchased a variety of Kabanossi and Salami to enjoy at home. These thin, flavourful sausages are a staple in Eastern European cuisine, perfect for snacking or as part of a charcuterie board. A wide variety of cured and smoked meats can be found at Anna’s Gourmet:

• Kabanossi & Salami – Thin, spicy sausages ideal for snacking.
• Doktorskaya Sausage – A popular Eastern European favourite.
• Halal Sausages & Chicken Options – Catering to different dietary preferences.
• Lard & Speck – Traditional Eastern European cured meats.

The importance of sausages in Central and Eastern Europe cannot be overstated. In Poland, Kielbasa is a national staple, while Hungary is known for its richly spiced salamis. The Balkans are famous for their Ćevapi, a small grilled sausage often served with flatbread and sour cream.

Anna’s Gourmet – Drinks, Vodka & Wines

From traditional Eastern European beverages to premium spirits, the selection includes:

Premium Russian Vodka at Anna’s Gourmet

Anna’s Gourmet stocks an exclusive range of high-quality Russian vodka, known for its smoothness, purity, and rich distilling traditions. Some standout options include:

• Imperial Gold Vodka – A luxurious premium vodka with a smooth, refined taste, distilled multiple times for exceptional clarity.
• Czar’s Original Vodka – A well-balanced vodka known for its crisp and clean finish, perfect for sipping or mixing.
• Ladoga Vodka – A premium selection, ideal for those who appreciate traditional Russian distillation methods.
• Qiz Qalasi Brandy – Aged and rich, this Azerbaijani brandy is an excellent alternative to Cognac.
• Kvint VSOP Brandy – A smooth and aromatic brandy with deep, fruity notes.

Russian vodka has been central to Slavic culture for centuries, often enjoyed in Poland, Russia, and Ukraine alongside traditional zakuski (small appetisers). The careful distillation process ensures a high level of purity, making Russian vodka one of the finest spirits in the world. Whether you prefer it neat, in a cocktail, or paired with caviar, Anna’s selection offers something for every vodka enthusiast. From traditional Eastern European beverages to premium spirits, the selection includes:

• Kvass – A refreshing fermented rye drink, perfect for Singapore’s heat.
• Georgian & Moldovan Wines – Featuring unique varietals like Saperavi and Kindzmarauli.
• Vodka & Brandy – Premium selections from Russia, Ukraine, and Poland.
• Borjomi Mineral Water – Famous for its unique taste and health benefits.
• Eastern European Teas & Coffees – Including renowned brands like Julius Meinl.

Must-Try Eastern European Wines

Anna’s Gourmet stocks a carefully curated selection of award-winning and lesser-known wines from across Eastern Europe. Some highlights include:

• Carpe Diem Fetească Regală – A bright and aromatic Romanian white wine with crisp acidity and floral notes, perfect for those who enjoy Sauvignon Blanc.
• Sol Negru Chardonnay – A Moldovan white wine with a delicate balance of oak and fruit, offering a rich yet refreshing finish.
• Taraboste Cabernet Sauvignon (2011) – A premium aged wine from Moldova, known for its deep red fruit flavours, structured tannins, and long finish.
• Château Vartely Ice Wine Muscat Ottonel (2011) – A rare and decadent sweet wine from Moldova, ideal for dessert pairings.
• Carpe Diem Cabernet Sauvignon (2013) – A bold and complex red wine with deep blackberry and chocolate notes, perfect for red meat dishes.

Kvass, a mildly alcoholic beverage made from fermented rye bread, has been enjoyed in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus for centuries. Georgian wines, produced using Qvevri clay vessel fermentation, date back over 8,000 years, making Georgia one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world.

Why Shop at Anna’s Gourmet?

Anna’s Gourmet stands out for its commitment to quality, authenticity, and sustainability. Customers benefit from:

• Same-day delivery options.
• Exclusive gourmet rewards through the “Gourmet Family” programme.
• Environmentally friendly packaging, including glass jars for easy resealing and reusability.

Visit Anna’s Gourmet Singapore

Anna’s Gourmet is open from Monday to Saturday, 12–7 PM (closed on Sundays). For inquiries, call 8184 1575. Whether you’re craving authentic Eastern European products or curious to try something new, Anna’s Gourmet has something for everyone.