10 best black sesame food spots for die-hard fans
I still recall my first traditional Chinese dessert — black sesame paste. Its deep nutty flavour and vivid fragrance still remains etched in my mind. Since then, I spiralled into a phase to seek out the best black sesame desserts.
It is simply intriguing how such a small ingredient can evolve into multiple forms of desserts and beverages. To make things simple, the list starts off strong with the most robust (or gao) black sesame dessert before introducing milder flavours. Here are 10 best black sesame food spots for die-hard fans!
1. Coffee Break
Any conversation about top-tier black sesame desserts would be incomplete without acknowledging Coffee Break.. The famed hawker stall sets itself apart from the rest with creative food and drink options. You guessed it right, we’re talking black sesame toasts and lattes.
Resembling the iconic kaya butter toasts from Ya Kun Kaya Toast, the team behind Coffee Break swapped out kaya for an even stronger flavour — black sesame paste. Each Black Sesame Toast (S$3.50) slice is extremely thin, ensuring that a full flavour is attained.
I brought my adventurous spirit to this visit and found myself ordering a Black Sesame Latte (S$4). They also sell Black Sesame Kopi (S$3) and Teh (S$3.20) for those who prefer traditional local tastes.
Personally, I found the pairing too much for one sitting. The black sesame paste used was slightly bitter and hence would go better with a sweeter drink. Nonetheless, if you’re crazy about black sesame, I reckon you will absolutely love it!
For list of outlets and opening hours, please click here
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2. Crescent Coffee
Another affordable black sesame treat found in another form — waffle. The opening of Crescent Coffee has most definitely increased the number of persons entering Fortune Centre.
While an extensive dine-in menu of food and drinks are also available on site, customers often come for their most popular item — Black Sesame Waffle (S$2.80). Just this item alone is bound to make office workers in the area turn green with envy.
The pandan-infused green-hued batter is made into a thick yet fluffy waffle adorned with griddle marks. My favourite waffle flavour is pandan so it is no surprise that I enjoyed this. The addition of fragrant black sesame only made the dessert more addictive.
I mean, who doesn’t love steaming hot bakes with lava-oozing decadent paste? Pair your treat with one of their signature beverages and that’s afternoon tea settled.
P.S. Each waffle is freshly made, so you won’t be seeing a pile of stale waffles sitting around!
190 Middle Road, Fortune Centre, #01-17, Singapore 188979
Tue to Sun: 8am – 3pm
Closed on Mon
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3. Munchi Pancakes
Boasting a near perfect 5-star rating on Google review for all outlets, Munchi Pancakes stands as one of the top hawker stalls in Singapore. Not only do fans love their hefty fillings sandwiched between fluffy pancakes, a second fanbase exists solely to glorify their unique flavours.
Fillings wise, you can choose from traditional flavours such as Peanut with Original Skin (S$1.60) and Red Bean with Original Skin (S$1.60). These flavours are done right — perfectly sweetened and rich. However, customers should opt for more adventurous flavours, too.
An explosion of fragrance is achieved with the pairing of their Black Sesame with Green Tea Skin (S$2.20). A heap of chunky black sesame paste ensures an incredibly strong nutty taste is obtained. This item is truly a must-get when visiting this hawker gem!
Other options include Strawberry Cheese (S$2.20), Belgian Chocolate (S$2.20) and Black Sesame (S$2.20). The crew pairs these creative fillings with various pancake flavours. Possessing the same pillowy and light texture as the Original Skin, Charcoal Skin and Green Tea Skin are also available.
For list of outlets and opening hours, please click here.
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4. Poh Cheu Soon Kueh and Ang Ku Kueh
One does not need to look Google up to locate one of the best ang ku kueh shops in Singapore. Poh Cheu Soon Kueh and Ang Ku Kueh has a longstanding history of more than 30 years and coupled with The Michelin Plate hung proudly on their achievements list.
Prices are kept affordable with each kueh being sold at S$1.40.
Traditional meets modern as the team explores flavours that suit the taste buds of the younger generation. I am perfectly content with their Peanut, Green Bean and Salted Bean options. Although, I must insist on ordering one of their best-seller flavours — Black Sesame.
Encased within a chewy mochi-like skin that isn’t too dense, silky smooth black sesame filling is generously stuffed into the dessert ‘dumpling’. Similar in taste to black sesame glutinous rice balls, this bigger and more fragrant version is another must-get item in this list!
Go crazy with their #YOLO series featuring Coffee and Durian or try their Pineapple and Mango found in the Fruity series. Either way, you won’t regret your purchase.
127 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-222, Singapore 150127
+65 6276 2287
Tue to Sat: 8am – 6pm
Closed on Sun & Mon
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5. Nesuto Singapore
Nesuto Singapore is one of (if not the most, if I may say so myself) sought after patisserie for delicate cakes. I was only able to get my hands on their Japanese Goma (S$9.50) on my second visit.
Staring at the grey-coloured cake slice, I could see why their cakes have gained such popularity. Sections of Japanese black sesame ‘fluff’ chiffon sponge and creme diplomat create extremely intricate and perfectly symmetrical layering. It looked too good to eat!
To top off the delicate art piece, Japanese sesame streusel introduces the necessary crunch element into the construction. A full black sesame flavour is expected here, so this one should be reserved for the biggest black sesame fan.
Oh and did I mention, the cafe does an excellent beverage pairing with their cakes. Choose from coffee, tea or alcohol (yes, you read that right); your experience here will certainly be a unique one!
For a list of outlets and opening hours, please click here.
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6. Hvala
In my search for the best sesame desserts, I simply could not leave Hvala out of this list. As one of the pioneers in SG’s cafe scene, this establishment has rapidly expanded to multiple outlets across the island.
The decision to choose just 1 dessert from the extensive black sesame options was difficult, to say the least. The selection included cake, tart, beverage and gelato. I paced between the gelato counter and cakes display before settling on Dairy-free Waffles with Goma Gelato (S$15.80).
I stared in awe at the sheer colour of the gelato — it was pitch black. Initially, I was hesitant to make the purchase as its colour suggested a bitter and intense black sesame flavour. I prefer my desserts to be sweet.
A single taste, and my initial hesitation vanished into thin air. The black sesame flavour was undoubtedly pronounced but there was enough sugar to counter the natural bitterness of the oilseed. I loved the consistency too — rich and stretchy — which made the perfect pairing with cinnamon-infused waffles.
For a list of outlets and opening hours, please click here.
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7. Lola’s
One of the veterans in SG’s cafe scene, Lola’s sees long queues even during non-peak hours at both its outlets. Dine in for robust coffee brews, stellar yet comforting brunch items and must-get housemade desserts.
I cannot blame one for taking up some time to browse through the extensive food menu alone— there simply are too many great options to choose from! My intention for my visit was clear, though — to order their Black Sesame Tart (S$7).
I love the biscuit-like tart base that is sturdy enough to hold back the black sesame white chocolate ganache. The creamy lava flow focuses everyone’s attention onto the dessert and invites diners to quickly take a bite.
Japanese matcha cookie tops the construction and introduces an earthy flavour in contrast to the bold black sesame taste.
Complete your afternoon tea sesh with a Hot White (S$5.50) using their house blend coffee beans supplied by Dutch Colony Co..
For a list of outlets and opening hours, please click here.
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Food delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo
8. NOWAFTER Cafe
Following the likes of multiple cafes across SG offering black sesame beverages such as September Coffee, NOWAFTER Cafe is the latest cafe addition to the lot. The Korean-inspired cafe has integrated local tastes into their beverage options and joined in on hype involving black sesame treats.
Despite the recent opening, the cafe has already garnered much attention for their Black Sesame Einspanner (S$9.50). Possessing the same colour palate as the cafe’s interior design, the grey and white drink focuses solely on the black sesame flavour.
A black sesame mixture is added to cold milk and forms a beautiful gradient, enticing diners to take a sip instantly. I loved the nuttiness from the black sesame infusion which was adequately sweetened — perfect for an afternoon treat.
To amp up its creaminess and consistency, dollops of whipped cream finish off the beverage. This coffee-less iced beverage is surely a quick respite from the humid weather!
250 Orchard Road, #03-01, Singapore 238905
Daily: 9am – 6pm
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9. Chinese Tofu Magician
With the rapid influx of foreign beverage and dessert brands into SG’s food scene, Singaporeans have the privilege to taste multiple beverage concept brands. Case in point, Hunan-based brand Chinese Tofu Magician focuses on soy milk beverages.
Chinese Tofu Magician explores more trendy flavours and incorporates them into their items, such as matcha, taro and black sesame.
Go for the signature Black Sesame Soymilk Tea with Sesame Mochi Balls (S$6.20). Black sesame jellies are found at the base while black sesame cream foam tops the soy milk.
The refreshing beverage is then completed with glutinous rice balls coated with black and white sesame seeds. The creation undeniably boasts a potent nutty flavour but isn’t too heavy to down.
As one of the most popular breakfast staples, soy milk drink and pudding are familiar amongst Singaporeans. Give these unique drink creations a shot to savour the best mix of traditional and modern flavours!
For list of outlets and opening hours, please click here.
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Food delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo
10. DDSD Beancurd
I discovered the newly-opened hawker stall DDSD Dessert at Hong Lim Complex. The business has gained popularity for its creative spin on traditional soybean pudding.
The base of this dessert bowl — soybean pudding — is made fresh daily. Possessing a bouncy and jelly-like form, the silky smooth pudding does not contain any preservatives or gypsum powder.
As an avid fan of black sesame-flavoured items, I was naturally drawn to the Black Sesame Beancurd (S$2.10) and Black Sesame Sauce Beancurd (S$2.40). While the former features a black sesame infused beancurd pudding, the latter includes the regular soybean pudding topped with black sesame paste.
Alternative sweeteners including Ginger Sugar, Gula Melaka and Chrysanthemum Sugar are also available for an additional S$0.50.
Lastly, you can choose from a long list of toppings to fully customise your dessert bowl. Options include Grass Jelly, Glutinous Rice Balls, Peanuts and Longan, which are available at different prices.
531A Upper Cross Street, Hong Lim Complex, #02-53, Singapore 051531
Mon to Fri: 8am – 2:30pm
Sat: 9:30am – 2:30pm
Closed on Sun
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