While Singapore is a hot pot of various groups with different cultural roots, there is one thing that binds us all together – the love of food. One of the benefits of living in a multi-cultural society is the chance to indulge in a range of cuisines, and to enjoy the birth of new flavours.
Here are some of the most unique desserts that you can only find in Singapore, and nowhere else in the world:
Peranakan Khek
It’s not common to find handmade Peranakan desserts these days, which is why Peranakan Khek’s goodies are such precious finds! This dessert store is run by Chef Sharon Low, a professional pastry chef who is determined to keep Peranakan traditions alive. Her desserts follows recipes that have been passed down from generations before and ingredients like coconut, gula melaka, among others, give her sweets an authentic flavour.
One of the must-trys here is the Kueh Putugal, a Peranakan kueh of both local and Portuguese influence.
#01-03, 11 Cavan Road.
Opening hours: 11am-5pm, Wednesdays to Sundays
Antoinette
Love French pastries and desserts? You’ll love Antoinette. The Parisian pâtisserie has been around for some time but it hasn’t lost its popularity. Desserts here are intricately designed and taste just as good as they look.
Their milk chocolate mousse, also named Antoinette, is a real crowd pleaser. The chocolate dessert is infused with earl grey tea and topped with raspberry coulis, chocolate biscuit, and earl grey tea crumble.
30 Penhas Road; and 333A Orchard Road.
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, daily
2am: dessertbar
Janice Wong, founder of 2am:dessertbar, found her love for pastries while studying in Economics in Australia. Her zeal for pastries eventually led her to study in the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu, an institution that specialises in culinary arts.
One of the prettiest and most delectable desserts here is Shades Of Purple. Made from purple fruits, vegetables and flowers, the sweet and tangy dessert is a lovely treat that’s almost too beautiful to be eaten.
21A Lorong Liput, Holland Village.
Opening hours: 3pm-2am, Tuesdays to Sundays
Candlenut
World’s first Michelin Star Peranakan restaurant will definitely impress you with their dishes. Having grown up with Peranakan cuisine, Chef Malcolm Lee continues to preserve the tradition of Peranakan flavours in his restaurant.
One of the most famous items on its menu is the Buah Keluak ice cream. This unique dessert is made using buah keluak, Valrhona chocolate foam, salted caramel, and chilli flakes.
17A Dempsey Road.
Opening hours: 12-3pm; 6-10pm, daily
Corner House
Every Singaporean is familiar with Kaya toast, but you may not have tried Chef Jason Tan’s “My Interpretation Of Kaya Toast”. Corner House’s version of Kaya Toast is a one-of-a-kind interpretation, turning the breakfast dish into a fancy dessert.
Located in the Botanic Gardens, Corner House is a one Michelin star restaurant that serves a range of botanical-inspired dishes.
1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Opening hours: 12-3pm and 6:30-11pm, Tuesdays to Sundays
Non-Entree Desserts
Another dessert place that serves intricately crafted creations, Non-Entree Desserts’ sweets are one-of-a-kind. Drawing inspiration from simple childhood treats like Angku Kueh, many desserts are shaped to look like local treats in the “Back To The Future” series.
A must-try dessert here is their Avalance dessert where an explosion of matcha or chocolate fillings flow from a lava cake that’s balanced on top of a cup by a waffle.
From modern creations to traditional flavours, there’s a whole world of unique desserts to try! The next time you have a craving for sweets, you’ll know where to head to.
