Best Chinese Dessert in Singapore
Traditional Chinese desserts — known collectively as tong sui (糖水, 'sugar water') in Cantonese — are some of the most underappreciated sweets in Singapore. These are the warm bowls of black sesame paste, peanut soup, almond cream, cheng tng with longan and barley, ice kacang, mango pomelo sago, douhua, red bean soup, and the dozens of other recipes that older generations grew up eating after dinner. The best Chinese dessert houses are in Geylang, Chinatown, Bukit Merah, and parts of the East — many are family-run for two or three generations, serving the same recipes their grandparents made. Bowls are usually $3–7, the air-conditioning is questionable, and the queue moves fast.
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Chinese Dessert near me
Little Nonya’s Cookies
Multiple Locations across Singapore
Specialities include Prosperity Pineapple Tarts, Lucky Almonds, Green Pea Cookies, and charcoal-baked Kueh Bangkit, all made from 3-generation Peranakan recipes and fresh premium ingredients.
Yat Ka Yan Dessert
Multiple Locations across Singapore
Specialities include yammy cendol, creamy yam paste, and a wide variety of hot and cold traditional Chinese desserts.
So Sweet Dessert
134 Jln Besar, #208852 Singapore 208852
Focuses on traditional Chinese desserts, including herbal jelly, snow fungus soup, and classic sweet soups.
Chow Zan Dessert 超赞甜品
Multiple Locations across Singapore
Specialities include durian chendol, mango pomelo sago, and a broad selection of traditional and modern Chinese desserts.
Tong Shui Desserts
11 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-4456, Singapore 150011
Offers a wide selection of traditional Chinese sweet soups and hot desserts, including red bean soup and peanut paste.
Mdm Ling Bakery
10 Ang Mo Kio Street 65, #03-15 Singapore 569059
Offers over 35 varieties of cookies including chocolate almond and pineapple tarts, all Halal-certified and freshly baked with premium ingredients for authentic flavor and texture.
Jin Yu Man Tang Dessert
Multiple Locations across Singapore
Known for ginger milk pudding, black sesame paste, and a variety of classic tong sui and hot dessert soups.
Yuen Yeung
133 New Bridge Rd, #B1-13 Chinatown Point, Singapore 059413
Specialises in modern and traditional Chinese desserts, including mochi bowls and milk puddings.
Chun Chun Tian Mi Desserts
66A Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555962
Serves traditional Chinese desserts with a modern twist, including orh nee, tang yuan, and cheng tng in a nostalgic setting.
Tong Heng Traditional Cantonese Pastries
Multiple Locations across Singapore
Specialities include diamond-shaped egg tarts with a thin, flaky lard-based crust and smooth, light, dairy-free custard, handmade daily using traditional methods
Duke Dessert (糖伯府）
Multiple Locations across Singapore
Offers a wide range of traditional Chinese desserts, including herbal jelly, sweet soups, and signature durian desserts.
Mei Heong Yuen Dessert
Multiple Locations across Singapore
Famous for snow ice, almond paste, and a large variety of traditional Chinese desserts and sweet soups.
Ah Chew Desserts
Multiple Locations across Singapore
Specializes in traditional Chinese desserts, including soup desserts, steamed egg puddings, pastes, and durian treats.
Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries (Chinatown)
18 Sago St, Singapore 059012
Staple for Hong Kong-style egg tarts with a flaky crust and creamy, aromatic custard, offering a classic and authentic rendition.
Frequently asked about chinese dessert in Singapore
What is tong sui?
Tong sui literally means 'sugar water' in Cantonese, and refers to the broad family of sweet Chinese soups and pastes typically eaten as dessert or supper. Examples include black sesame paste, peanut soup, almond cream, red bean soup, cheng tng, and dozens of others. Most are served either hot or cold.
Where are the best Chinese dessert shops in Singapore?
Geylang has the densest concentration of traditional tong sui houses, many open very late. Chinatown, Bukit Merah, and the East (around Joo Chiat and Bedok) also have long-running family-run shops. Many of the best are 30+ years old and well outlast the trends around them.
How much do Chinese desserts typically cost?
Most bowls at traditional shops are $3–7. Newer cafes and modern interpretations charge $7–14 for similar items. The cheapest end is often the best — the no-frills, cash-only places with vinyl tablecloths are usually the ones doing it right.
Can I find Chinese desserts late at night in Singapore?
Yes — Geylang in particular has several tong sui shops open until 1–2am or even 24 hours, which is part of the late-night supper tradition. See our late-night map for the open-now options.