Mustafa Centre

Overview

Mustafa Centre is a legendary 24-hour department store in Little India, sprawling across two interconnected buildings. Its four floors stock an astonishing range of goods — electronics, gold jewellery, textiles, groceries, toiletries, luggage — at competitive prices, making it a round-the-clock shopping institution for locals, migrant workers, and in-the-know tourists.

Highlights

• Gold Section: A large jewellery department with competitive gold prices and a wide range of Indian designs.
• Electronics Floor: Smartphones, cameras, and gadgets at tax-free prices.
• 24-Hour Operation: One of the very few places in Singapore where you can shop at 3 AM.

History

Founded in 1971 by Mustaq Ahmad as a small textile shop on Sungei Road, the store expanded decidedly through the 1990s and 2000s. Today it's an institution — a rite of passage for every Singapore visitor looking for bargains or late-night retail therapy.

Visitor Tips

• Late-night visits are quietest: The crowds thin out after midnight.
• Cash in hand: Some sections offer small cash discounts.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.