If you have a sweet tooth, Singapore is the perfect place to indulge in a wide array of delicious and unique desserts. The city’s rich multicultural heritage has led to a blend of traditional and innovative desserts, with flavors ranging from rich coconut to fruity and tangy. Here’s your sweet lover’s guide to some of the must-try desserts in Singapore:
1. Chendol
- Where to Try: Dessert stalls at hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre or Chinatown Complex Food Centre.
- What it is: A classic Singaporean dessert, chendol is a refreshing, icy treat made from shaved ice, coconut milk, green pandan jelly (the “chendol”), and palm sugar syrup (gula melaka). It’s sweet, creamy, and perfect for Singapore’s hot weather.
- Why You Should Try It: The combination of textures and flavors is absolutely addictive – sweet, creamy, and cooling!
2. Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs
- Where to Try: Ya Kun Kaya Toast or Killiney Kopitiam.
- What it is: A traditional Singaporean breakfast that’s loved as a snack or dessert. Kaya toast consists of toasted bread slathered with kaya (a sweet coconut and egg jam) and butter, served with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of coffee or tea.
- Why You Should Try It: It’s a sweet and savory snack with a rich, comforting texture that’s been a part of Singapore’s heritage for decades.
3. Durian Desserts
- Where to Try: Durian Stalls at Geylang or Awfully Chocolate.
- What it is: Known as the “king of fruits,” durian has a strong, distinctive flavor that people either love or hate. For those who are daring enough to try it, Singapore has a range of durian-inspired desserts like durian ice cream, durian pastries, and durian mousse.
- Why You Should Try It: If you’re a fan of durian, these desserts offer a rich, creamy, and indulgent way to enjoy the fruit’s unique flavor.
4. Mango Sticky Rice
- Where to Try: Violet Oon or Thai Express.
- What it is: A popular Thai dessert that’s widely enjoyed in Singapore as well. It consists of sticky rice served with ripe, sweet mango slices, and drizzled with coconut milk.
- Why You Should Try It: The sweetness of the mango paired with the creamy, slightly salty coconut milk and chewy sticky rice is a winning combination!
5. Ice Kachang
- Where to Try: Raffles Place Food Centre or Newton Food Centre.
- What it is: A colorful and fun dessert consisting of shaved ice topped with an assortment of ingredients like sweet corn, red beans, agar-agar, jelly, and a drizzle of rose syrup. It’s often served with a scoop of ice cream on top.
- Why You Should Try It: It’s refreshing, fun to eat, and full of different flavors and textures – perfect for cooling off on a hot day!
6. Pandan Cake
- Where to Try: Tong Heng or Bengawan Solo.
- What it is: This soft, spongy cake has a delicate flavor of pandan, a fragrant plant that’s common in Southeast Asian desserts. It’s typically light and fluffy and can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from layered cakes to chiffon cakes.
- Why You Should Try It: The subtle aroma of pandan combined with the light texture of the cake makes it a sweet but not overwhelming treat.
Singapore’s dessert scene offers something for everyone, whether you love rich, creamy flavors or light, refreshing treats. If you’re in the city, these desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Are there any specific desserts you’re eager to try first?
