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| Credit: Dessert First |
Dessert. When you're sad you need it, when you're happy you deserve it.
Dessert shops are always a stone throw away, each claiming to be "the best", so which one is actually the best?
Today we will uncover the top 3 Chinese desserts in Singapore!
1. Dessert Bowl
Dessert bowl is a gem hidden in Serangoon Gardens. There is no better place to go to when it comes to durian dessert.
Speciality
1. The Durian Mousse $5
This is a must-try! The mousse is smooth and creamy, very easy to eat. The mousse also contains crunchy ice bits in them which gives further texture. They use genuine D24 durian for the puree which compliments the mousse incredibly. Generous portion at just $5, this durian mousse is an absolutely steal.
2. Mango Pomelo $4.50
The mango pomelo is an ice cold dessert, very refreshing and satisfying after a heavy meal. They serve a generous amount of mango and pomelo. The tangy puree is also made of real mango, hence it is not too sweet with a tinge of sour taste.
These are the 2 specialities I strongly recommend. However, if you are not a big fan of durian or just not in the mood for Mango, they have an extensive range of other desserts too. From crepes to shaved ice to milk custards, there is definitely a dessert for everybody.
Price Range
Desserts range from $3.5-$8.
Average Price per Pax: $5.
No service charge and GST.
Ambience
Lively and happening. Perfect place for youths or family who want to chill after a meal. They have sofa seats for bigger groups (approx. 7 people).
Service
The service is fast. We were seated within 10 minutes despite the long queue during the peak hour. Usually do not have to wait during off peak periods; approximate 10-15 minutes waiting time during peak hour (8pm-1030pm).
Location
80 Serangoon Garden Way, 555976
Buses Available: 73, 136, 315, 317
How to get there: Alight at Serangoon Garden Circus bus stop and walk about 1 minute.
Opening Hours:
Tues-Thurs: 1pm-1030pm
Fri-Sun: 1pm-12am
Closed on Monday
2. Ah Chew Desserts (Novena)
Ah Chew desserts is located in the quiet corner of Novena. It is the go-to place if you are looking for the full Chinese dessert experience. They have an extensive range of desserts from mango sago to walnut paste and steamed milk egg white, the list goes on. Despite the very traditional appearance of the place, they offer interesting hybrid desserts, for example durian green bean soup, chocolate milk egg white topped with chocolate cookies, etc.
Speciality
1. Durian Mango Sago with Pomelo $5.80
This hybrid dish offers you the best of both worlds - durian mousse and mango pomelo. The durian puree is extremely rich in flavour which was nicely complimented by the refreshing taste of mangoes. The pomelo pulps were slightly sour which added the punch to the combination. This is by far the only refreshing durian dessert I have tasted, definitely worth the money.
2. Yam Paste with Ginko Nut $3.30
I am not a big fan of yam but this dessert is undoubtedly delicious. Many places sell this dessert, but what makes it good is the texture of it - it should not be too thick such that it slicks in clumps, or too diluted. The texture of the yam paste here is done just right. Most yam paste make you "jelak" towards the end, on the contrary, the one here tends to get addictive with every mouthful.
They have a wide array of desserts to choose from, you will certainly be spoilt for choice. Here are some other recommended desserts: Durian sago, black glutinous rice and steamed milk egg white with chocolate cookies.
Price Range
Desserts range from $3-$6.50, except the bird nest with red date soup which costs $15.
Average Price per Pax: $5
No service charge and GST.
Ambience
We came during the off-peak period, hence it was quiet and peaceful. The place is well furnished with chinese lanterns, wooden stools and tables, even the utensils serve here are made of porcelain. I appreciate the fact that the aesthetics of the place goes with the food, thoroughly giving us a full traditional Chinese feel.
Service
Our orders came fast, approximately 5 minutes. Staffs are friendly, nothing much I can comment on.
Location
181 Thomson Road, Goldhill Shopping Centre, Singapore 307627
Buses Available: 21, 56, 57, 131, 141, 166, 851, 980
How to Get There: 5mins walk from Novena Station or 3mins walk from United Square bus stop.
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 12pm-12am
3. Ji De Chi (Bugis)
Looking for authentic Hong Kong dessert without breaking the bank? This place fits the bill. Masked by the bustling rows of shop houses along Bugis, this dessert shop can be hard to find without the help of GPS.
Speciality
1. Durian Sawdust Pudding $5.70
This is by far the best durian dessert I have eaten. The chilled cake has a mousse like texture and incredibly rich durian flavour. The cake melts instantly in your mouth. There are fine layers of sponge cake in between which add further points for texture and topped with fresh durian puree on top. Extremely satisfying, durian lovers will not be disappointed.
2. Almond Paste $3.55
After trying many heaty durian and mango desserts, this almost paste is the perfect cure for the throat. For those that usually give almond paste a miss due to its strong unique smell, this is the time to have your first try at this delectable treat. The almond paste has a mild aroma yet luscious taste. It is so smooth that it slides down your throat easily. Very edible, even for those who are fussy about the smell of almond.
If the above 2 desserts haven't made you drool, try out the other recommended desserts: Durian/mango snow ice and durian sticky rice roll.
Price Range
Desserts range from $3.50-$6
Average Price per pax: $5
No service charge and GST.
Ambience
Relatively small, good for a pit-stop to treat yourself to some authentic Chinese desserts.
Service
Waiting time is slightly longer than the previous two, but unquestionably worth the wait. Might be hard to get a seat during peak hours but the turnover rate is pretty fast.
Location
8 Liang Seah Street, #01-03 Liang Seah Court, Singapore 189029
Buses Available: 2, 7, 12, 33, 63, 80, 130, 133, 175, 197, 851, 960 and 980
How to Get There: 5mins walk from Bugis MRT or 3mins walk from Bugis Junction/Opp Bugis Junction bus stop
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun 11am-11pm
Ah Chew desserts is located in the quiet corner of Novena. It is the go-to place if you are looking for the full Chinese dessert experience. They have an extensive range of desserts from mango sago to walnut paste and steamed milk egg white, the list goes on. Despite the very traditional appearance of the place, they offer interesting hybrid desserts, for example durian green bean soup, chocolate milk egg white topped with chocolate cookies, etc.
Speciality
1. Durian Mango Sago with Pomelo $5.80
This hybrid dish offers you the best of both worlds - durian mousse and mango pomelo. The durian puree is extremely rich in flavour which was nicely complimented by the refreshing taste of mangoes. The pomelo pulps were slightly sour which added the punch to the combination. This is by far the only refreshing durian dessert I have tasted, definitely worth the money.
2. Yam Paste with Ginko Nut $3.30
I am not a big fan of yam but this dessert is undoubtedly delicious. Many places sell this dessert, but what makes it good is the texture of it - it should not be too thick such that it slicks in clumps, or too diluted. The texture of the yam paste here is done just right. Most yam paste make you "jelak" towards the end, on the contrary, the one here tends to get addictive with every mouthful.
They have a wide array of desserts to choose from, you will certainly be spoilt for choice. Here are some other recommended desserts: Durian sago, black glutinous rice and steamed milk egg white with chocolate cookies.
Price Range
Desserts range from $3-$6.50, except the bird nest with red date soup which costs $15.
Average Price per Pax: $5
No service charge and GST.
Ambience
We came during the off-peak period, hence it was quiet and peaceful. The place is well furnished with chinese lanterns, wooden stools and tables, even the utensils serve here are made of porcelain. I appreciate the fact that the aesthetics of the place goes with the food, thoroughly giving us a full traditional Chinese feel.
Service
Our orders came fast, approximately 5 minutes. Staffs are friendly, nothing much I can comment on.
Location
181 Thomson Road, Goldhill Shopping Centre, Singapore 307627
Buses Available: 21, 56, 57, 131, 141, 166, 851, 980
How to Get There: 5mins walk from Novena Station or 3mins walk from United Square bus stop.
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 12pm-12am
3. Ji De Chi (Bugis)
Looking for authentic Hong Kong dessert without breaking the bank? This place fits the bill. Masked by the bustling rows of shop houses along Bugis, this dessert shop can be hard to find without the help of GPS.
Speciality
1. Durian Sawdust Pudding $5.70
This is by far the best durian dessert I have eaten. The chilled cake has a mousse like texture and incredibly rich durian flavour. The cake melts instantly in your mouth. There are fine layers of sponge cake in between which add further points for texture and topped with fresh durian puree on top. Extremely satisfying, durian lovers will not be disappointed.
2. Almond Paste $3.55
After trying many heaty durian and mango desserts, this almost paste is the perfect cure for the throat. For those that usually give almond paste a miss due to its strong unique smell, this is the time to have your first try at this delectable treat. The almond paste has a mild aroma yet luscious taste. It is so smooth that it slides down your throat easily. Very edible, even for those who are fussy about the smell of almond.
If the above 2 desserts haven't made you drool, try out the other recommended desserts: Durian/mango snow ice and durian sticky rice roll.
Price Range
Desserts range from $3.50-$6
Average Price per pax: $5
No service charge and GST.
Ambience
Relatively small, good for a pit-stop to treat yourself to some authentic Chinese desserts.
Service
Waiting time is slightly longer than the previous two, but unquestionably worth the wait. Might be hard to get a seat during peak hours but the turnover rate is pretty fast.
Location
8 Liang Seah Street, #01-03 Liang Seah Court, Singapore 189029
Buses Available: 2, 7, 12, 33, 63, 80, 130, 133, 175, 197, 851, 960 and 980
How to Get There: 5mins walk from Bugis MRT or 3mins walk from Bugis Junction/Opp Bugis Junction bus stop
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun 11am-11pm
