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Where to Get the Tastiest Local Desserts in Singapore
It’s no secret that Singapore is a culinary haven, but did you know it’s also a paradise for dessert lovers?
Today, we’re unraveling the mysterious local treats that every visitor has to add to their list of Singapore must-tries. We’re straying away from the popular Orchard Road treat, the ice cream sandwich, and venturing down the road less traveled.
From refreshing mango sago to the chewy mua chee, know the best places to indulge in the best local desserts!
1. Ah Chew Desserts
Website: https://www.ahchewdesserts.com/
Address: 1 Liang Seah St, #01-10/11 Liang Seah Place, Singapore 189032
Contact details: +65 6339 8198
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 12:30 PM to 12 AM
- Tuesday – closed
- Friday – 12:30 PM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 1:30 PM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 1:30 PM to 12 AM
Ask any local where to get some delicious local desserts and they’ll most likely mention Ah Chew Desserts, among many others. This locally renowned Chinese-style dessert chain offers a plethora of tasty treats, all of which are quite affordable.
A popular choice is the mango sago which features chewy tapioca pearls and milk aside from the tropical fruit, of course. It’s a refreshing sweet delight, perfect as a refreshing indulgence on a hot day.
The highlight of Ah Chew Desserts is that they’re open quite late for a dessert shop – and we’re not complaining!
2. Yat Ka Yan Dessert
Website: https://www.instagram.com/yatkayan
Address: 190 Middle Rd, #02-08 Fortune Centre, Singapore 188979
Contact details: +65 8798 9292
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 1:30 PM to 10 PM
- Tuesday – closed
- Friday to Sunday – 1:30 PM to 11 PM
Finding a delicious solution to your dessert craving at Yat Ka Yan Dessert is no secret among locals. This Singaporean gem used to be a foodie’s secret spot, but they had no trouble gaining popularity in recent years.
Now they have several locations across the country! Of course, it’s our duty to not miss out on something phenomenal like this one.
The yammy chendol is a crowd favorite for a reason.
It’s definitely an indulgent choice, considering its decadent ingredients like coconut milk, gula melaka, pandan jelly, and red beans.
If you’re familiar with Korean shaved ice, it’s just like that – tasty toppings on top of shaved ice, creating a pleasant and refreshing dessert.
3. Jin Jin Hot/Cold Dessert
Media credit: @nusfatclub
Website: http://www.jinjindessertclub.com/home/
Address: 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-21 ABC Brickworks Market Food Centre, Singapore 150006
Contact details: +65 9093 2018
Operating hours:
- Monday, Thursday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Tuesday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Wednesday – closed
Jin Jin Dessert is another sought-after dessert shop where you can indulge in local desserts. It’s a great choice if you also want to immerse yourself in the bustling ambiance of a hawker centre.
The power chendol is extremely popular here, especially due to Singapore’s warm climate. That said, it might not suit your palate if you’re not a fan of sweet treats.
However, if you’re on the hunt for local desserts, chances are, you have a sweet tooth, right?
The prices here are also quite affordable, making it an appealing choice for those on a budget.
4. 75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup
Website: https://www.facebook.com/75ahballing/
Address: 505 Beach Rd, #01-75 Golden Mile Food Centre, Singapore 199583
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 8:15 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 8:15 PM
75 Ah Balling Peanut Shop is an unassuming dessert hotspot, offering indulgent rice flour dumplings filled with exciting sweet fillings.
While they don’t have a wide variety of choices to explore, they do have a selection of classic flavors that will never go out of style including red bean, peanut, sesame, matcha, and yam.
As for the soup, customers can choose from four tasty options such as peanut, almond milk, ginger, and longan red date.
5. Hougang Muah Chee
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WnUWbeSqRs9XUNfSA
Address: 480 Lor 6 Toa Payoh, #B1- 01, Singapore 310480
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday – 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Wednesday – closed
- Friday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Situated inside Gourmet Paradise, Hougang Muah Chee is an accessible dessert place not too far away from the Toa Payoh MRT station.
As you can tell from the name, they’re well-loved for their delectable muah chee, which is a popular local dessert made from glutinous rice flour that’s chewy like Japanese mochi.
However, in contrast to its Japanese counterpart, this one’s coated with black sesame or grated peanuts, offering a tasty blend of textures. Both flavors are available at this hawker stall, but the sesame one seems more of a popular choice.
Ultimately, we think it depends on your taste buds so feel free to try both!
6. Borobudur Snacks Shop
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Eyu1gShqaqwkg6pf7
Address: 537 Bedok North Street 3, #01-523, Singapore 460537
Contact details: +65 6442 7637
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 6 PM
Borobudur Snacks Shop is a modest takeout stall well-loved for its ang ku kueh – a comforting and filling dessert made with peanut filling.
It’s a delicious mixture of sweet and nutty, providing a delightful contrast with every bite.
Additionally, the ondeh ondeh is a popular choice for its chewiness and aromatic coconut flavor.
If you’re looking for a spot that locals frequent, this is definitely a place you should add to your itinerary.
7. Kia Xiang Du Du Nyonya Kueh
Media credit: @sg.foodbuzz
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DnA7qRgUZ3xMiB9fA
Address: 38A Beo Cres, #01-88, Singapore 169982
Contact details: +65 9838 8194
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Sunday – 6:30 AM to 2 PM
Kia Xiang Du Du Nyonya Kueh is an unpretentious hawker stall that has managed to fly under the radar, even among local foodies.
What really sets them apart from other dessert shops is their extreme affordability, so people can enjoy their tasty treats without breaking the bank. The tutu kueh, for example, is just $0.50!
Of course, the allure isn’t limited to its cheap pricing. This old-school treat is also delicious and well worth the visit.
It’s a chewy delight that marries sweet and savory flavors, offering a comforting taste, especially for those who grew up enjoying this nostalgic treat.
8. Moghul Sweet Shop
Website: https://www.moghulsweets.com
Address: 48 Serangoon Rd, #01-16, Singapore 217959
Contact details: +65 9230 9400
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 9 PM
Moghul Sweet Shop is a nice addition to Little India, beckoning to anyone looking for classic Indian desserts.
While it’s a savory choice, the samosa is a popular snack option known for its flavorful filling. However, it’s worth noting that it noticeably shrunk in size compared to the ones we know and love years ago.
Despite this, we still revere it for its delicious taste.
Other menu options also include chum chum, motichoor, plain burfis, and many more.
9. 115 Tang Shui
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/F6ZxKPknUb6csSdW8
Address: 335 Smith St, #02-206, Singapore 050335
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – closed
- Thursday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Located in the bustling Chinatown, 115 Tang Shui is another popular hotspot for sweet desserts in Singapore. That said, we find that this dessert shop usually doesn’t fall under visitors’ radar, making it a well-kept secret among locals.
Anyway, if you managed to stumble upon this article, the secret’s already out!
The sesame paste is a highly recommended dish, which is the ultimate best seller. It’s not the most appetizing dish out there, but you might just be surprised with how tasty it is.
Its richness and creaminess make it a favorite among locals.
That said, we find that some people prefer peanut paste, so don’t be afraid to try that one too.
10. Chao Shan Cuisine
Media credit: @fatsochef
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gMHQxYYMigrcAG1Z7
Address: 17 Phillip Street #01-01/02 Grand Building, Singapore 048695
Contact details: +6563362390
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Despite being a restaurant and not a dessert shop, it will be a disservice to this list if we don’t include Chao Shan Cuisine.
Aside from serving mouthwatering Chinese dishes, they’re also known for their dessert menu, which features today’s star of the show – the yam paste with gingko nuts.
This traditional creamy treat has a smooth texture and a slightly sweet taste, thanks to the yam and coconut milk. The gingko nuts also add another layer of flavor and texture.
