If you are looking for some delicious desserts here in Singapore, you’re in luck! Singapore is known for its delightful blend of traditional heritage treats and modern fusion innovations.But with so many choices, which sweet treat should you try first?
To help you on your culinary quest, here are the most popular desserts in Singapore you simply cannot miss:
1. Chendol – A Royal Gula Melaka Masterpiece
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Chendol is a simple yet profoundly satisfying bowl of bliss, it is a traditional sweet that is made from pandan jelly, red beans and coconut milk that is served covered with delicious gula melaka and shaved ice.
Chendol’s symphony of textures and temperatures is what really makes it stand out since you can simultaneously experience the exquisite chewiness of the pandan jelly, the soft bite of the tender beans, the rich, silky coconut milk, and the crisp, refreshing crunch of ice
Perfect for a sweet, satisfying, and affordable end to any meal.
2. Tau Huay (Soya Beancurd) – Silky Smooth Goodness
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Tau Huay, a popular traditional dessert, is created with soft bean curd and served with a little syrup of sugar. Its silky texture and gentle sweetness make it a wonderfully light and soothing indulgence.
Enjoyed either hot on a cool evening for a comforting, soupy experience, or chilled for a refreshing treat on a sunny day, its gentle sweetness is a perfect, subtle end to any meal.
3. Pandan Chiffon Cake – The National Cake of Singapore
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The Pandan Chiffon Cake is an undisputed Singapore icon, it is a status that was cemented when CNN named it Singapore’s national cake. It’s a light-as-air sponge made with the fragrant juice of pandan leaves, which gives it a signature green hue and a wonderfully unique, grassy-vanilla taste.
What truly elevates the Pandan Chiffon Cake is its sublime, cloud-like texture, which delivers a soft, moist crumb that allows the distinct pandan aroma to shine through in every unforgettable bite.
Making it a perfect dessert for an afternoon tea break or as a light, guilt-free dessert.
4. Ondeh-Ondeh – A Symphony of Coconut and Palm Sugar
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Ondeh-Ondeh are delightful little green spheres, a beloved traditional kueh and a classic Singaporean sweet treat. They are made from sticky rice flour mixed with pandan juice, then rolled in fresh grated coconut.
The moment you bite into one, the chewy outer layer gives way to an explosion of warm, molten gula melaka (palm sugar) that floods your mouth with its deep, smoky sweetness. This “burst-in-your-mouth” experience is a delightful contrast of textures: the chewy dough, the liquid sugar, and the soft coconut coating.
Perfect for those who love a sweet, surprising treat. It’s best to eat them whole in one bite to enjoy the full flavour explosion without making a mess.
5. Ice Kachang – Colourful Ice Mountain
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The Ice Kachang is another local favorite here in Singapore, a towering mountain of finely shaved ice that is drenched in the rainbow-coloured syrups and filled with a lot of hidden treasures. It’s more than just a pretty treat; it offers a nostalgic taste that brings together texture, flavour, and fun.
What makes Ice Kachang so iconic is its playful contrast between cold and creamy, crunchy and chewy, all served in one joyful bowl.
Perfect for beating the tropical heat and reliving childhood memories, one spoonful at a time.
6. Mao Shan Wang(MSW) Durian Ice Cream
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Singapore wouldn’t be complete without facing the King of Fruits: the durian. And when it comes to durians, Mao Shan Wang (MSW) stands as pure royalty, celebrated for its creamy texture and complex, bittersweet flavour.
MSW Durian Ice Cream offers the perfect introduction. This velvety treat captures the pure, unadulterated essence of Mao Shan Wang. The cold temperature gently tones down the durian’s famously pungent aroma, leaving you with a rich, custard-like ice cream that’s intensely flavourful and smooth.
Each bite brings a burst of tropical flavor that lingers on your taste buds.
7. Mango Sago Pomelo – A Taste of the Tropics
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Mango Sago Pomelo is one the modern classics that is a vibrant sun-drenched bowl that perfectly balances indulgence with refreshment.
The base is a smooth sauce made from sweet, ripe mangoes. Mixed in are small, chewy sago pearls that are fun to eat. The best part is the pomelo fruit. You get little juicy bits of it, which add a fresh, tangy taste that balances out the sweetness.
Every spoonful is a great mix of sweet and tangy flavours in a cold soup. It’s an excellent way to cool yourself and tastes like the tropics. You can find this popular dessert almost everywhere in Singapore.
8. Souffle Pancakes
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Soufflé Pancakes are one of the most loved modern desserts in Singapore, and it’s easy to see why. These fluffy, jiggly stacks are light as air and look just as dreamy as they taste.
Inspired by a beloved Japanese delight, these pancakes are made by carefully whipping egg whites into soft peaks, allowing them to puff up like clouds when cooked. The texture is pillowy, soft, and has a hint of custardiness in the middle. They’re often topped with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or syrup, and each bite melts gently on your tongue.
A perfect pick for brunch, dessert dates, or when you just want to treat yourself to something soft and indulgent.
9. Tang Yuan – Sweet Glutinous Rice Balls in a Bowl
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Tang Yuan is a traditional Chinese dessert that holds a special place in Singaporeans. These soft, chewy glutinous rice balls are often filled with black sesame or red bean paste and served in a light sweet soup that is made from ginger or osmanthus.
With its comforting texture, each bite reveals a burst of rich, nutty flavor from the filling, perfectly paired with the smooth, chewy rice balls and the fragrant warmth of the sweet soup, making this dessert feel like a gentle hug in a bowl.
A soothing, nostalgic dessert that brings warmth to both the heart and tastebuds.
10. Kueh Lapis – Colourful Layers of Joy
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Kueh Lapis is a nostalgic favourite in Singapore, known for its bright, rainbow-like layers and soft, chewy texture.
The real charm of Kueh Lapis lies in its layers, each one steamed individually to create that iconic colourful stack. With its bouncy, slightly sticky texture and subtle coconut aroma, this dessert is as playful as it is delicious.
Perfect for sharing, snacking, or simply taking a tasty trip down memory lane.
In the end, whether you have a sweet tooth for traditional favourites or a craving for modern treats, Singapore’s dessert scene offers something truly special for everyone. So next time you’re exploring Singapore, be sure to indulge in these must-try sweets as your taste buds will thank you later.
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