16 best dessert spots in Singapore to turn your frown upside down

As a certified sweet tooth, I’m often guilty of—but not sorry for—indulging in dessert after every meal. No matter how stuffed I am, I always make room for a sweet treat. Dessert goes to your heart and not your stomach, after all.

Ice cream cafes, bakeries, patisseries and old-school shops… Singapore’s dessert scene is the gift that keeps on giving. However, with an abundance of choices comes the ever-so-often dilemma of where to go next. 

Not to worry, though; the opposite of ‘stressed’ is desserts! Fellow sweet tooths, I’ve got you covered with this list of 16 best dessert spots in Singapore to turn your frown upside down.

1. Apiary

There is no better way to start off this list than with a crowd favourite. Apiary is a popular ice cream cafe that started out in the dessert haven of Tanjong Pagar in 2016 and has since opened outlets in Joo Chiat and Ang Mo Kio. Their speciality? None other than the perennial favourite combination of ice cream and waffles.

Apiary’s most attractive feature would probably be their extensive stretch of flavours available on rotation. Some notable ones include a classic Vanilla Bean (S$5), lightly-salted Blue Milk (S$5) and the titular Apiary (S$5.50) which stars honey ice cream and crunchy cacao nibs.

Their ice cream is handmade on the daily with natural and fresh ingredients. On its own or in a Cone (S$1), it’s enjoyable in any way, shape or form.

Alternatively, pair your ice cream with a warm and fudgy Brownie (S$8) or the ever-so-popular Waffles with Brown Butter (S$8) — crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. That is, if you can even make up your mind on one.

For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
Facebook | Instagram | Website

2. Ah Chew Desserts 

If you’re thinking of traditional desserts, Ah Chew Desserts should instantaneously come to mind. With an array of over 50 tantalising options, it’s arguably the king of our traditional dessert scene; you’re bound to find something you fancy here.

A warm bowl of Yam Paste with Ginko (S$3.50) is a mandatory order for many. The dessert’s star ingredient — the humble taro, is well-loved for its natural sweetness and earthy flavour. Ah Chew’s orh nee is thick, creamy and embedded with soft bits of yam that lend the smooth puree a pleasant textural contrast.

As someone who enjoys fruitier flavours, my go-to is the Durian Pomelo Mango Sago (S$6.60). The nectary sweetness of the mango chunks and soup are complemented by the slightly sour bits of pomelo pulp and creamy, aromatic durian flesh. This dessert truly is the epitome of indulgence.

Order Delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo 

1 Liang Seah Street, Liang Seah Place, #01-10/11, Singapore 189032
+65 6339 8198
Mon, Wed & Thur: 12.30pm – 12am
Fri: 12.30pm – 1am
Sat: 1.30pm – 1am
Sun: 1.30pm – 12am
Closed on Tue

8 Grange Rd, Cineleisure Orchard, #01-03, Singapore 239695
+65 6254 8198
Daily: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website

3. Tom’s Palette

Another ice cream parlour? Nah, Tom’s Palette is unlike any other. Having been around since 2005, this iconic cafe is well-loved as an OG of the ice cream scene. They pride themselves on offering a wide range of hand-churned gelato in both classic and unconventional flavours.

Now, when I say ‘wide range’, I mean it. You’ll be able to choose from an array of 32 flavours in-store at any one time, all derived from a ‘library’ of 180 flavours that rotate on a daily basis. Really, no two days at Tom’s Palette are the same.

Can’t decide? Trust in the wheel of fortune placed at the shopfront.

The line-up of flavours during my visit included interesting ones like Pipagao and Taiwanese Sesame Brittle. There were also plenty of crowd-favourite flavours like Sicilian Pistachio, Salted Caramel Cheesecake and Jamaican Rum & Raisin. You’ll be delighted to know that these popular flavours are permanent fixtures on the menu!

What I particularly love about Tom’s Palette—aside from their unapologetically unorthodox flavours—is that you’ll get to choose 2 flavours of gelato with every Cup (S$5.20/S$9.60). All are priced the same, too, with no ‘surcharge’ on ‘premium’ flavours.

Feeling adventurous, I opted for the Parmigiano Reggiano & Crackers in addition to Maple Pecan. 

The Parmigiano flavour was enjoyable, with pleasant notes of parmesan cheese that added a nuanced touch to an otherwise sweet flavour profile. The inclusion of gritty graham crackers provided a nice textural contrast to the smooth gelato. 

Similarly, the Maple Pecan hit the sweet spot, with syrup-soaked bits of pound cake and toasted pecans that made the milk gelato all the better.

If you’re dining with friends, opt for the namesake Tom’s Palette (S$29.80) complete with 6 flavours to relish. Alternatively, if you’re at their newly-opened Kovan outlet, get the exclusive King Pin’s Cone (S$7.80) which features putu mayam, red sugar and a refreshing scoop of Tekka Market Coconut Sorbet.

51 Middle Rd, Boon Sing Building, #01-01, Singapore 188959
+65 8815 8054
Tue to Thu & Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
Closed on Mon

212 Hougang St 21, #01-333, Singapore 530212
+65 8815 8054
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website

4. Dome Bakery

Dome Bakery delighted many while they were a home-based operation and even more now that they’ve got a full-fledged brick and mortar outlet on South Bridge Road. Their claim to fame? Only the fudgiest molten lava brownies that are sinful in the best way possible.

As a sucker for these dense chocolatey desserts, I couldn’t help but treat myself to a 70% Dark Chocolate Brownie (S$6.50). Just look at how that rich chocolate oozed out of the brownie after a few seconds in the microwave. The best part? It wasn’t cloyingly sweet; looks like heaven is a place on earth after all.

There’s a whole variety of other brownies for you to choose from, such as the sweet and tangy Raspberry Chocolate (S$7), the Matcha Chocolate (S$6.80) with a fragrant earthy core and the Oreo and white chocolate-filled Cookies & Cream (S$6.50).

That’s not all! Dome Bakery churns out other fresh bakes, too, including Banana Pound Cake (S$4) and Dark Chocolate Lava Muffin (S$5) — a fluffy, buttery muffin filled with oozy chocolate lava, making for a decadent breakfast. 

Additionally, there are Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Butter Cookies (S$18.80) and Pandan Coconut Butter Cookies (S$16.80) sold in jars — the perfect gift for your sweet-toothed friends.

Order Delivery: Deliveroo 

227 South Bridge Rd, #01-01, Singapore 058776
+65 8884 8893
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 7pm
Sat: 11am – 7pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website

5. Olá Açaí

Given the perpetually scorching weather, there truly is never a bad time to treat yourself to an ice-cold açaí bowl. If you’re looking to indulge in this refreshing dessert without burning a hole in your wallet, Olá Açaí is the answer.

Tucked away in the heartlands of Kovan, Olá Açaí is a quaint neighbourhood cafe with affordable açaí bowls. The Small bowl sets you back S$5.90 while the Medium and Large ones are priced at S$9.90 and S$12.90 respectively. Without a doubt, you’ll get bang for your buck.

As a huge açaí enthusiast, I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to sample Olá’s offerings myself.

I opted for a Medium-sized Island Gal (S$9.90). The bowl screams tropical, with a generous portion of smooth and tart açaí topped with granola, bananas, strawberries and a heaped serving of mango chunks. It’s finished off with a drizzle of your choice—mine being the decadent cookie butter—and a sprinkle of chia seeds.

Other signature bowls you can choose from include the no-frills Plain Jane which includes just banana, granola, cacao nibs and Biscoff crunch. There’s also Nuts for Nuts, packed with almond and pumpkin seeds in addition to the toppings found in the Plain Jane.

Açaí aside, Olá also has a delightful range of gelato flavours to satisfy your sweet cravings and cool down on a hot day in more ways than one. You can enjoy a Single Scoop (S$4) of French Vanilla or Thai Coconut on a Waffle (S$4), perhaps.

Order Delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo 

210 Hougang St 21, #01-273, Singapore 530210
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Instagram | Website

6. Madame Ooze

Situated on the ground floor of luxurious backpacker hostel Atelier is Madame Ooze, a cafe and dessert bar that exudes a charming bohemian vibe like no other. Bathed in warm yellow lighting, the space here is the epitome of classy comfort, decked out like a living room complete with sofas and plush armchairs.

Yes, we love everything about ice cream and waffles. Now, behold the CroCream — Madame Ooze’s signature offering of Butter Croissant (S$4.90) paired with Ice Cream (from S$6). 

Fuelled by curiosity and my love for both of these elements, I had to put the combi to the test. I paired my Butter Croissant with a scoop of Sicilian Pistachio (S$7.30).

It was love at first bite, or rather, crisp — the hefty Croissant was well-laminated and thus exceptionally flaky and crispy. The Pistachio ice cream was pleasantly nutty and sweet, serving as a great complement to the buttery croissant. The scoop was sizable, too; I didn’t have to ration out the ice cream as I worked my way through the dessert.

Croissant aside, there are various other fresh bakes for you to pair with your ice cream. These Vessels, as they call it, include the likes of New York Cheesecake (S$6.90), Sea Salt Chocolate Cake (S$7.90) and even Ondeh Ondeh (S$7.90).

259 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058808
+65 8854 7417
Daily: 8am – 11.30pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website

7. Lian Hup Heng

Tucked away in Amoy Street Food Centre, Lian Hup Heng is a humble hawker bakery that surprises with its refined collection of atas bakes. Think elegant treats like meticulously crafted tarts, cake loaves and fudgy brownies. These could very well pass for cafe fare, if you ask us.

All of the bakes cost S$3.80 a pop, making it straightforward to tally up the total cost of your order.

The tarts, priced more affordably than those you’d typically find in patisseries, are a definite must-try. Each piece has a crispy crust that isn’t too thick, with a pronounced buttery aroma that complements the respective filling. 

Chocoholics (like myself) will certainly gravitate towards Lian’s Dark Indulgence. It’s a dreamy tart that’s filled with rich, bittersweet dark chocolate that’s sure to satiate anyone’s chocolatey cravings. Old-school dessert aficionados need not look any further than the Orh Nee Tart. Creamy and earthy, it’ll be right up any taro lover’s alley. If you seek fruitier flavours, you’ll love the tangy and piquant Lemon Meringue Tart or the juicy Pear Tart.

Of course, the Fudgy Brownies and cake loaves in the likes of Yoghurt Cranberry and Walnut Banana Cake are worth a try, too!

7 Maxwell Rd, Amoy Street Food Centre, #02-128, Singapore 069111
Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 3pm
Closed on Sat & Sun
Facebook | Instagram

8. Whiskdom

If you’ve drooled over one too many reels featuring the famed Levain cookies from NYC, this one’s for you. Whiskdom is a popular bakery that specialises in thicc Levain-style cookies that spare you the hassle—and cost—of travelling across the globe to sink your teeth into one.

Originally a home-based operation, Whiskdom has expanded to multiple physical storefronts, including a cosy pink-hued cafe along North Bridge Road.

Their range of chunky cookies and equally indulgent brownies is irresistible, to say the least. Each piece is priced at S$6.50, while a box of 6 sets you back S$38. They may be a little pricey but are absolutely worth the splurge.

Choose from a range of 9 cookies in flavours like Matcha Lava, Dark Chocolate Overload or the classic Chunky Chocolate Chip. The Dark Cacao Speculoos, complete with fragrant speculoos spread, will surely be an instant hit among chocolate lovers.

Take the indulgence up a notch with some ooey-gooey lava brownies in flavours like Hojicha Cocoa, Raspberry Dark Chocolate and Oreo Peanut Butter, loaded with a decadent peanut butter filling and crushed Oreos.

Order Delivery: Deliveroo 

For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
Facebook | Instagram | Website

9. Xiao Gege Snowball Mochi

You’d probably be drawn to Xiao Gege Snowball Mochi’s hot pink storefront, if you weren’t already captivated by their display of colourful desserts. Nestled under an HDB block in Maxwell, this hidden gem of a dessert kiosk offers over 30 options on its menu, including mochi, cake boxes and cake rolls.

Xiao Gege’s 10-flavour selection of Snowball Mochi is bound to be any mochi lover’s weakness. There are refreshing fruit options like Mango (S$4.30), Grape (S$4.60) and even Musang King (S$7.20), along with indulgent options like Taro (S$4.50), Ferrero Rocher (S$4.50) and Oreo (S$3.80). Each hefty piece features a copious amount of fresh cream and your chosen topping, all encased in a delicate chewy mochi skin.

If you crave denser textures, their range of Cake Boxes is sure to please. Choose from the likes of Strawberry (S$10.80), Matcha Oreo (S$11.80) and Taro Tiramisu (S$13.80). These boxed cakes are certainly easy on the eyes and tongue, with layer upon layer of cream, toppings and moist cake.

Another option not to be missed would be the White Rabbit Swiss Roll (S$10.80 for Small, S$20.80 for Big) which you’ll have to pre-order to get your hands on. Packaged like the actual candy, this cake roll has its nostalgic milky flavour down to a tee as well.

Order Delivery: Deliveroo 

333 Kreta Ayer Rd, #01-25, Singapore 080333
+65 9852 0727
Daily: 11am – 6pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website

10. Ms Aiyu

Ms Aiyu catches the eye for several reasons. First, it boasts a colourful front that (literally) shines amongst the stalls at 409 AMK Market & Food Centre. Next, an expansive menu of desserts and drinks that is likely to make you do a double-take.

No, really. I foresee anyone getting floored by the array of 23 types of Taiwan-inspired desserts centred around homemade aiyu jelly and beancurd, in addition to a separate menu of 20 bubble tea options.

The stall is the namesake of the superwoman who single-handedly manages all of its operations. Ms Aiyu, or ‘爱玉小姐’ as she calls herself, handcrafts the bean curd and all 6 aiyu jelly variations in interesting flavours like red tea, blue pea and passionfruit.

The Chrysanthemum Aiyu Combo (S$2.80) does the trick for anyone seeking some icy cold relief. It features a delicate golden chrysanthemum tea-infused jelly resting atop a bed of shaved ice, topped with longan pieces, chewy tapioca pearls and QQ yam and sweet potato mochi pieces.

Something warm for the soul, perhaps? Go for the Soya Beancurd Deluxe (S$4.50). Though it may resemble chendol at first glance, this dessert consists of a bed of tau huay piled with tang yuan, roasted peanuts, red beans, pandan jelly and sweet potato mochi. You’ll leave with both your heart and belly satisfied.

409 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, 409 AMK Market & Food Centre, #01-16, Singapore 560409
Mon to Sat: 11am – 8pm
Closed on Sun
Facebook

11. Plain Vanilla

Now, where can I get a good cupcake in Singapore? In this arena, Plain Vanilla undoubtedly reigns supreme.

If you were anything of a netizen in the early 2010s, you might remember seeing your Instagram feed dominated by pictures of the bakery’s iconic brown boxes tied up with twine ribbon. These boxes housed—and still house—aesthetically pleasing yet delicious cupcakes that have been touted as one of Singapore’s best.

These famed cupcakes are priced from S$4.50 a piece. They come in a multitude of flavours from Vanilla Bean to Cinnamon Brown Sugar and Chocolate Hazelnut. There’s also a range of Specials in flavours that rotate monthly. Among them, my personal favourite is the fragrant Matcha White Chocolate, an exclusive flavour that makes a much-welcome reappearance every few months.

Not only are the cakes perfectly moist, they’re also true to their flavours and nicely complemented by a perfect swirl on each one. If you’re spoilt for choice or looking to share the joy, get a Box of 6 (S$27) or a trusty Box of 12 Mainstays (S$54).

Plain Vanilla has opened several outlets islandwide, each as Instagram-worthy as the next. With earthy tones and natural lighting, they provide conducive spaces for working or for friends to catch-up over coffee and cake.

For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
Facebook | Instagram | Website

12. Tian Wang 甜旺

It’s late, and you’re thinking of having dessert after drinks, supper or an intense mahjong session? Tian Wang is just the place.

Open until the wee hours of the morning, Tian Wang is a mahjong-themed traditional dessert cafe founded by local actor Li Nanxing. Previously situated in supper hotspot Jalan Besar, it recently found a new home along the centrally-located Keong Saik Rd. It offers a menu of fantastic dessert options perfect for night owls with a sweet tooth.

Fresh outlet, fresh menu. After their relocation to Keong Saik, Tian Wang introduced a line-up of desserts that weren’t previously available at their Jalan Besar outlet. 

Fruit fanatics will definitely enjoy the refreshing Mango Mousse (S$8.80) and Berry Blast (S$8.80). Otherwise, classic Chendol (S$8.20) and black sesame-filled Rice Balls with Ginger Soup (S$5.20) will be right up a traditional dessert purist’s alley.

Of course, OG fans of the dessert joint needn’t fret as you’ll still be able to indulge in items from Tian Wang’s previous menu.

Durian lovers, behold the dessert of your dreams: the Durian Mango Pomelo Sago (S$12.20). Think large chunks of sweet juicy mangoes paired with a heaping scoop of creamy mao shan wang flesh and tangy pomelo pulps. It is quite the epitome of a ‘triple threat’.

50 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089154
+65 9680 1628
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 2am
Sat & Sun: 3pm – 2am
Facebook | Instagram

13. dipndip

You can never have too much chocolate, am I right? Go ahead and feast your heart at dipndip, a viral dessert cafe in VivoCity with a menu of all things chocolate.

For the uninitiated, dipndip started out as a humble dessert kiosk in 2009 helmed by a chocolate-loving friend duo who aimed to spread their love for chocolate. Today, they have over 140 outlets in 20 countries worldwide.

Credit – dipndip SingaporeThough their Dec 2023 debut in Singapore might’ve seemed a little late, we now get to indulge in their assortment of delectable chocolate cakes, brownies, crepes and beverages made with only the ‘finest Belgian chocolate’, no less.

Treat yourself to the decadent Pancake Brownie Club (S$19.80) or Mighty Oreo Crepe (S$20.80), topped with luscious dark, milk and white chocolate from their iconic fountains. For a fluffier mouthfeel, opt for the Triple Chocolate Waffles (S$12.80) or the unique Fettuccine Crepe (S$17.80), which features pasta-esque strips of crepe served with ice cream and chocolate.

1 Harbourfront Walk, VivoCity, #01-51, Singapore 098585
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website

14. 75 Ah Balling  

I’ve loved eating tang yuan from a young age. Would it be a filling of molten black sesame or peanut? Each soft, chewy rice ball never ceases to surprise me.

With nearly 80 years of heritage, 75 Ah Balling is a pioneer in the realm of tang yuan. The baton of ownership has been passed down the generations, allowing it to remain a steadfast household name amidst the gradual modernisation of the desserts scene. They boast several stalls islandwide as well.

75 Ah Balling offers 5 different flavours of tang yuan. While they keep it classic with Peanut and Sesame, they haven’t shied away from putting a relatively modern spin on the delicacy with Yam, Red Bean and Matcha flavours. These morsels come in your choice among 4 types of comforting soup: Peanut, Almond Milk, Ginger and Longan Red Date.

A bowl of 3 pieces of tang yuan costs just S$2.20, while one with 6 pieces is priced at S$3.10. There is no better way to debunk the popular myth that all desserts are expensive.

Order Delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo 

505 Beach Rd, Golden Mile Food Centre, #01-75, Singapore 199583
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8.15pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 8.15pm

335 Smith St, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, #02-113, Singapore 050335
Daily: 8am – 8pm

1 Punggol Dr, One Punggol Drive Hawker Centre, #02-13, Singapore 828629
+65 8782 3610
Tue to Sun: 11am – 8pm
Closed on Mon

85 Bedok North St 4, 85 Fengshan Centre, #01-259, Singapore 460085
+65 8410 8665
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Facebook | Instagram

15. Rochor Original Beancurd 

Tau huay has got to be one of the most versatile desserts that can be enjoyed any time of day. Heck, I’m craving a bowl as I write this; the mere thought of slurping on some warm, silky beancurd already brings comfort to my stomach.

If your tau huay cravings have gotten rekindled too, Rochor Original Beancurd has you covered. This classic dessert spot is just the place if you’re looking for a light breakfast, snack or supper.

With a recipe refined over more than 60 years, the Traditional Beancurd (S$2) is one of the smoothest you can find in Singapore. It doesn’t leave an unpleasant fermented taste either. If you aren’t peckish, you can opt for a drink instead. They have Soya Bean Milk (S$1.50), Grass Jelly Drink (S$1.50) and my personal favourite combination of both: Soya Milk with Grass Jelly (S$2).

Rochor Original Beancurd also offers a range of old-school snacks like Curry Puff (S$1.50) and You Tiao (S$1.50) — known as the perfect complement to Soya Bean Milk. I can also vouch for the pairing of sweet, cold beancurd with a fragrant piece of Butterfly (S$1.50).

156/158 Sims Ave, Singapore 387478
+65 6741 7358
Daily: 10am – 10.30pm

2 Short St, Singapore 188211
+65 6334 1138
Mon to Thu & Sun: 10:30am – 11:30pm
Fri & Sat: 10.30am – 12.30am
Facebook | Website

16. Creamier 

Last but certainly not least is Creamier, a mainstay of our local ice cream cafe scene. I’d go as far as to say that they require no introduction. They had humble beginnings in Toa Payoh before moving on to open many more outlets islandwide. Perfect for us ice cream lovers!

They serve up nothing too over-the-top, with flavours like Blue Pea Vanilla, Cookies and Cream and Salted Gula Melaka (S$4.90 for a scoop, S$8.80 for double scoop). Just good ol’ ice cream that satisfies everyone.

You’ll be in for a treat if you fancy some crispy, fluffy waffles over dense and cakey ones. Known for being some of the fluffiest, Creamier’s Waffles (S$7.50) are simply irresistible. I mean, try saying ‘no’ to the buttery aroma that’ll waft into your nostrils the moment you step into any of their cafes. Spoiler alert: you won’t be able to.

Of course, you can pair your ice cream with a cone for no additional cost, or get the infallible combo of Waffles with a single scoop of ice cream for just S$10.90, with additional scoops priced at S$3.80.

Fun fact: they have ice cream that is totally safe for pets, too! Now, who needs a romantic date when you can have a lovely night out with your pet?

Order Delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo 

For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
Facebook | Instagram | Website

The post 16 best dessert spots in Singapore to turn your frown upside down appeared first on SETHLUI.com.