8 Best Desserts In Singapore From Traditional To Innovative Treats

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If you’re asking me to choose between sweet or savory, hands down, I’m going with option number 1. I’m forever on the hunt for must-try desserts no matter which country or city I am in. 

If you’ve spent a lot of time in Asia, you’ve probably noticed that dessert after meals is usually more of a fruity vibe. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my fruit, but sometimes, when I want dessert, I want a pukka dessert. Luckily for you and me, Singapore is a city like Bangkok where it’s got an elevated food scene, influenced by the latest trends and Western countries. 

Best you believe that the best desserts in Singapore has you spoiled for choice. You’ll probably find better dessert around town than some places in countries like America or Europe. It’s that good! 

I’ve put together a list of eight of my top spots for dessert, and I have included some traditional Singaporean options, too. Just in case you are curious about what the locals have loved for decades. Enjoy – it’s a mouth-watering selection. 

1. Queic by Olivia: A cheesecake board awaits 

If we ever had to meet in person and you were coming over to my house for tea and happened to wonder what sweet treat to bring over … The answer would be: cheesecake! But it has to be baked…Naturally, Queic by Olivia’s signature blue cheese cheesecake is right up my alley. 

(I’m also a sucker for blue cheese; the stinkier the better!) 

Fun fact: Did you know that Basque cheesecake was invented in Spain?

It really gives it a distinct flavor, making this one of the best desserts in Singapore to try if you’re after something different. If the idea of blue cheese doesn’t quite sit well with you, there are plenty of other delicious cheesecake options to choose from. These include chocolate OR the internet-famous Dubai chocolate, a classic Basque burnt, Idiazabal, or cheddar Basque burnt cheesecake. 

Wait, there’s more: chocolate coulant, a classic New York (my favorite), black sesame, strawberry matcha, salted egg, plus others, and they often add new flavors. Or, try the cheesecake boards (!!!). 

2. Tofu G Gelato: Vegan and gluten-free options here  

Dead honest speaking, and I know this will be a controversial one for many, but I am not the biggest tofu girl around. I do eat it, but I’ve never gone crazy over it. However, that being said, I can totally get on board with tofu being used in dessert – and can see why. With its silk-smooth texture, I understand how it works. 

Over at Tofu G Gelato, as its name suggests, all of their ice cream is churned using tofu. The concept hails from Korea and has made its way to the Lion City. 

The best thing about this gelato is you can feel (somewhat) guilt-free whilst you indulge in this best dessert in Singapore, as it’s high-protein and low-fat. Flavors to test out? Pistachio, black sesame, sweet corn, sweet potato, and more!

The gelato shop also has some new dessert additions other than just ice cream, all made from tofu, including silky pudding and tiramisu! 

3. Dona Manis: A heritage bakery 

I bet you didn’t think that banana pie is synonymous with Singapore? Alas, it has become a traditional bake of the city, all thanks to Dona Manis. In operation since the 1990s, there are other traditional cake shops that now sell banana pie. But this one is the OG. Apart from their signature heritage pie, pick up a couple of other yummy treats, cakes and puds, like apple crumble, chocolate tarts, and a classic banana pudding. 

Another incredible one to visit for banana pie is Aunty Peng Banana Pie. Locals often debate which is best. Some say Aunty Peng’s rivals Dona Manis, whilst others still swear that Dona Manis makes the best in town. 

So why not grab a slice from both and do the comparison yourself? It can’t be that unhealthy…After all, it’s made from banana, which is technically a fruit, sooo – wink wink. 

4. Soft Spot Açaí: From Bangkok to Singapore   

How many of you actually know what açaí is? For those not in the know, the açaí berry hails from the Amazon. With its deep purple color, it reminds me of a cross between a blueberry and a grape. 

The popular açaí bowls originated in Brazil, although many people associate it with Hawaii. Now a trendy breakfast menu item, it was cities like California that I feel like really swung them on the food map, favored as a healthy alternative. I always think of these as a healthy smoothie bowl vibe. 

Anyway, short history lesson aside. At Soft Spot Açaí (a Bangkok original), arrive and enjoy a swirly wirly soft serve made from açaí berries. You get this flavor, but also other frozen Greek yogurt flavors, like Biscoff or one of the flavors of the month. For something a little closer to a bowl, order the açaí parfait constructed from the berries, granola, almond flakes, peanut butter sauce, fruit, and digestive crumbs. 

The dessert shop sometimes does collabs with some of Singapore’s beloved bakeries, like Pralet. I’m talking donut sundaes, people! 

5. Yat Ka Yan Dessert: For traditional Asian 

One of my ultimate bits about exploring the globe is taste-testing. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I feel like it’s kind of silly to visit a new country and not sample at least one traditional food – whether it be savory OR sweet. 

Over at Yat Ka Yan, a world of traditional Asian desserts awaits you, from chendol (comprising elements like green rice flour noodles, mung bean and coconut milk), avocado sago, durian mousse, and sweet chee cheong fun rolls. 

This traditional dessert shop is also renowned for its orh nee. With Chinese roots, it’s a sweet treat that has become a staple in Singaporean cuisine. It almost looks like a bowl of porridge and is made from taro, and then always finished off with a topping of ginkgo nuts. 

6. Whiskdom: For the love of cookies 

Calling all cookie monsters! For the most delectably chewy, gooey-filled gigantic cookies, drop everything and head directly to Whiskdom. I’d go as far as to call this spot masters in the cookie department. 

Cookies are one of those things that are similar to brownies (which they also specialize in here, FYI) and meringue. Everyone has their preference. For example, some (crazy) people prefer a harder cookie, closer to a British biscuit, if you will. It’s the same with meringues…Some prefer a cracking hard meringue, whilst others, like me, enjoy a chewier centre. 

I’d say the cookies at this best dessert in Singapore bakehouse are closest to American-style cookies. The flavors are mouth-watering. The texture of the cookie is on point, where the central filling literally oozes out, AND they have multiple branches around the city. 

P.S. A must-try dish is the chocolate chip cookie skillet finished off with a scoop of ice cream! YUM. 

7. Bengawan Solo: Arrive for the pandan chiffon  

Whilst scoping out the best dessert in Singapore, you can’t forget about the city’s pandan chiffon cake. Its iconic green sponge color is thanks to the pandan used in its baking – pandan itself is a Southeast Asian tropical plant. Chiffon cake refers to the texture of the sponge cake, and contrary to what some think, it’s not from England nor France, but the USA! It’s renowned for its ultra light yet fluffy texture. 

Bengawan Solo is a renowned traditional dessert, bakery, and confectionery house, where the smells wafting from this kitchen are all typically Singaporean. One quick Google search for pandan chiffon cake will point you in its direction. However, don’t limit yourself. Other classic Singaporean desserts to try here include pineapple tarts, lapis sagu, and kueh lapis.  

Another well-known spot for pandan chiffon cake in the city is Dulcet & Studio – a Japanese pastry shop. 

8. Birds of Paradise: Recommended by the Michelin Guide  

I can munch down on ice cream at any hour and in any season. In fact, I crave it more so in winter! The island’s famously hot, humid, and tropical climate means there’s no such thing as winter, and an ice-cold dessert goes down a real treat even more. 

Among the plethora of ice cream and gelato options, Birds of Paradise is one of my ultimates. Why? Because of the flavor options, which focus on botanical ingredients. To achieve this, they turn to using flowers, fruits, pods, herbs, and spices!   

Best-selling gelato flavors include white chrysanthemum, lychee raspberry, and pistachio. Other interesting ones to sample? Macadamia butterfly pea, sea-salt hojicha, roasted sesame, and Earl Grey and lemongrass (one of my favorites, but that’s because I am a sucker for Earl Grey anything). 

Whilst we’re on the topic, I have to give a shoutout to Burnt Cones – another gelateria in the city for the best dessert in Singapore. Their signature cones are purposefully “burnt,” i.e., extra-dark, for a more distinctly caramel taste. I go gaga for their flavors, which are also different from the usual. I’m talking ube, chrysanthemum goji berry, mandarin chocolate, Reese’s peanut butter, ondeh ondeh, and more!  

Oh, you best believe that as soon as I close my laptop, I am headed straight out to satisfy my sweet craving after all those yummy goods! Moving from the best dessert in Singapore to its top bakeries, here are some of my best bakery options for cakes, pastries, and more! There’s no better combo in my opinion than something sweet paired with coffee. Check out these best coffee shops in Singapore. 

For mornings around the island, my list of must-try breakfasts will serve you well. Or, when evening draws near, here is where to head for the city’s ultimate nightlife scenery. 

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