There’s so much to eat (murtabak at Zam Zam or Victory), see (Sultan Mosque), and do (shop for textiles up and down Arab Street) in Singapore’s bustling Kampong Glam neighborhood. Our favorite stop, however, is Sifr Aromatics, run by third-generation perfumer Johari Kazura. His darkly elegant boutique sells an intoxicating line of small-batch scents, delicate Czech-glass perfume bottles, and glamorous vintage atomizers. Some of his creations go on subtle and glow warmer over time; others hit you straight away with fierce top notes. Petite bottles of essential oil start at 40 SGD ($28 USD) and everything is wrapped lovingly in muslin and satin.

If you have 90 minutes to spare, make an appointment with Johari for a custom scent-blending session. (He makes both perfumes and colognes.) The process starts with a simple conversation and questions about your olfactory likes and dislikes. It’s helpful to come armed with a list of your favorite perfumes, or just ingredients you like (amber, vanilla, bergamot, ylang-ylang, oud, and so on). If you’re not sure, talk in broader strokes: floral, woodsy, masculine, romantic, etc. Prices start at 200 SGD ($142) for a good-sized bottle and can climb as high as 600 SGD, depending on the rarity of the chosen ingredients. If budget is a concern, mention it before you get started.

Aside from purchasing some of our all-time favorite perfumes from this shop, we highly recommend a custom blending session as the ultimate Singapore souvenir. (Treat yo’self!) Johari is a terrific conversationalist and he knows the neighborhood inside and out. Both he and his shop are one-of-a-kind.

42 Arab St., Singapore; +65-6392-1966, info@sifr.sg.