Sweet Singapore: 6 Local desserts & where to enjoy them

Karen GEORGE

28 May 2015

updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:03

1/6
Cendol
A popular dessert in most of Southeast Asia, you'd be hard pressed to find a person who doesn't have their favourite cendol store. Creamy and refreshing, the basic ingredients of cendol include coconut milk, green starched jelly noodles with pandan flavouring and palm sugar. Although Singaporeans have been known to top theirs with red beans, corn and grass jelly.
Where to eat it: Mei Heong Yuen Dessert, No. 63 - 67 Temple Street
Photo: Mei Heong Yuen Dessert
2/6
Soya bean
Soya bean has received quite the upgrade throughout the years. Once a dessert sold exclusively at night markets, the silky soft, melt-in-your-mouth pudding has become the main draw at Mr Bean and various other soy bean outlets catering exclusively to the dessert. Whether you like yours hot or cold, served traditionally or in modern pudding form, this is one dessert that has stood the test of time in Singapore.
Where to get it: Lao Ban, 51 Old Airport Rd
Photo: Facebook/Lao Ban
3/6
Ice kacang
This brightly-coloured dessert is known by a few names – the most popular of which is ABC (ais batu campur, shaved ice or mixed ice).
The mountain of finely shaved ice is topped with red beans, brown sugar, peanuts, corn, various syrups, and condensed milk. Refreshingly delicious, this is one dessert that is a treat for the eyes and the tastebuds!
Where to get it: Annie's Peanut Ice Kacang, 01-35, Ghim Moh Market and Food Centre, 20 Ghim Moh Road.

Photo: Facebook/Annie's Peanut Ice Kacang
4/6
Tutu Kueh
This local delicacy made by steaming rice flour and powdered sugar in special moulds is sure to bring back many childhood memories. The cakes are filled with sweetened peanut or coconut, and are commonly had during tea breaks.
Where to get it: Queensway Lau Tan Tutu Kueh, Queensway Shopping Centre, #02-47
Photo: Facebook/Lau Tan Tutu Kueh
5/6
Durian
Most Singaporeans enjoy the taste of durians and their love for the king of fruits is expressed in pies, puddings, cakes and ice cream that features the pungent fruit as the main ingredient.
Where to get it: Dessert Bowl, 80a, Serangoon Gdn Way
Photo: Facebook/Dessert Bowl
6/6
Peanut Paste
Peanut paste is the chicken soup of Singaporean desserts: warm, comforting and wonderfully familiar. Made from peanuts blended with milk and sugar, this dessert is a great way to end a meal.
Where to get it:Mei Heong Yuen Dessert, No. 63 - 67 Temple Street
Photo: Mei Heong Yuen Dessert

From ice kacang to peanut paste, Singapore’s dessert scene has much to offer. Dig in for the best places to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Korean bingsu may be all the rage at the moment but you only need to take a spoonful of ice kacang to know that the Singaporean version is just as delicious and good enough to counter the stifling heat here.

Local desserts run the gamut from sugary sweet to savoury treats and while they may not get the same Instagram attention as foreign treats, make no bones about it, Singaporeans have a special place in their hearts (and tummies!) for local treats.

Here we’ve compiled 6 of our favourite classic Singaporean desserts and the best places to find them. It’s time to get ready for a walk down memory lane with some of these treats!

Karen George

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Sweet Singapore: 6 Local desserts & where to enjoy them

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