Attar, a form of natural perfume, has held a special place in the Indian and Malay communities. Derived from plant-based sources like flowers, herbs, spices and woods, attar is distilled in a laborious process that yields rich, alcohol-free oils.
Traditionally used in Muslim practices, celebrations and daily grooming, attar is more than just a fragrance – it carries stories of culture and family heritage. Though modern perfumes have flooded the market, the allure of attar remains strong, especially in Singapore, where a few family-run businesses continue to thrive.
For many years, GN Juzzi in Syed Alwi Road has been a beloved part of the Indian Muslim community for their unique and exotic attar and oils.
The shop was founded in 1995 by Mr Shaik Abdul Kader Mohamed Ghazzali, a textile entrepreneur from Tamil Nadu who migrated here in 1981. His wife Noor Aysha had a relative who was a perfume seller and the couple learnt the trade through her.
The business, which gained a strong following over the years, is now run by their children – Juwairiya, Zubair, Zaydh, Imraan and Inamul.
“I’ll never forget my childhood memories of going to mosques and helping my father sell attar. This trade runs in our blood,” said Zubair, 30.
Apart from selling attar, GN Juzzi also carries popular Middle Eastern perfumes such as Rasasi and Lattafa. Customers can also opt for customised scents based on their preferences.
“I am very confident this trade will not die,” said Mr Ghazzali. “In an era where many family businesses vanish because the children were not willing to take it up, I am blessed to say I have planted the business mindset in mine.”
Royal Fragrances in Bussorah Street is known for its oudh oils, which is extracted from the heartwood of the aquilaria tree, and has an earthy, intense scent. They sell various blends of oudh, attar and customised scent blends.
The shop was started in 2007 by Mr Sheikh Abdulla, 54, who learnt about perfumes and the trade from his uncle.
“There are customers who ask us to blend fragrances on the spot,” Mr Sheikh said. “Once, an American tourist asked me if I could blend chocolate and orange fragrances. We had never blended the two fragrances before and so it was a new creation. We have customers who give us ideas too.”
Running the shop with his son Arshad, 29, Mr Sheikh said businesses like attar shops should be preserved so future generations will value the importance of heritage.
“I always wanted to become a pilot, but I got attracted to this perfume business mainly because of oudh,” said Mr Arshad. “I was fascinated by its scent and researched more about it. After a while, I found myself helping out with the business.”
