Singapore is a paradise for food lovers, but beyond its world-famous hawker dishes, the city-state is also home to an incredible range of snacks and desserts that carry rich cultural heritage. From Chinese pastries and Malay kuih to Indian sweets and Peranakan delicacies, Singapore’s snack culture reflects its multicultural identity. For first-time visitors, exploring these sweet and savoury treats is one of the best ways to experience the local lifestyle, flavours, and traditions.
In this guide, we highlight 20 popular Singapore snacks and desserts that every visitor should try at least once. Whether you’re exploring a hawker centre, visiting a traditional bakery, or walking through vibrant neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam, you’ll find these delights everywhere—fresh, flavourful, and unforgettable.
1. Kaya Toast
Kaya toast is one of Singapore’s most iconic breakfast snacks. Freshly toasted bread is layered with creamy coconut jam (kaya) and cold butter slices. The combination is rich, sweet, and fragrant. Locals usually enjoy it with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of traditional kopi, making it a must-try for tourists looking for an authentic breakfast experience.
2. Ondeh Ondeh
A beloved Peranakan sweet, ondeh ondeh features soft, chewy glutinous rice balls filled with melted palm sugar (gula melaka). Once you bite into it, the sweet syrup bursts into your mouth—creating an unforgettable flavour. The balls are coated in shredded coconut, giving an extra layer of aroma and texture.
3. Ice Kachang
A colourful mountain of shaved ice topped with syrup, red beans, jelly, sweet corn, and attap seeds—ice kachang is Singapore’s version of a refreshing shaved ice dessert. Its bright colours and variety of toppings make it one of the most visually appealing desserts for first-time visitors.
4. Chendol
Chendol is one of the most popular desserts in Singapore, especially on hot days. It features pandan-flavoured green jelly noodles, red beans, shaved ice, coconut milk, and rich gula melaka syrup. The combination is sweet, creamy, and incredibly refreshing.
5. Pandan Cake
Known as the “Green Cake of Southeast Asia,” pandan cake is light, fluffy, and infused with fragrant pandan leaves. This chiffon-style cake is a favourite snack for locals and is easy to find in bakeries and supermarkets. It’s a simple yet addictive treat perfect for tea time.
6. Curry Puff
A savoury pastry filled with curried potatoes, chicken, and egg, curry puffs are the Singaporean version of empanadas. Crispy on the outside and spicy inside, they make a satisfying snack anytime of the day. Popular chains like Old Chang Kee have mastered this iconic street snack.
7. Popiah
Popiah is a fresh spring roll filled with turnips, eggs, peanuts, and savoury sauces. It is a healthier street snack that blends crunch, sweetness, and umami flavours in one bite. Many hawker stalls prepare it fresh in front of customers, adding to the experience.
8. Muah Chee
Muah Chee consists of soft glutinous rice dough coated with crushed peanuts and sugar. It’s similar to Japanese mochi but prepared with traditional local flavours. Freshly made muah chee is warm, soft, and delightfully chewy.
9. Pisang Goreng
This crispy Malay snack features bananas coated in batter and deep-fried until golden brown. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft sweet inside makes it irresistible. Some modern stalls add toppings like cheese or chocolate for extra flavour.
10. Tau Huay
Tau huay is a silky smooth soybean pudding served warm or chilled. It’s light, delicate, and often paired with sugar syrup or brown sugar. Many locals enjoy tau huay as a comforting late-night dessert from famous stalls like Rochor Beancurd.
11. Durian Puffs
For visitors curious about Singapore’s love for durian, durian puffs offer a more approachable introduction. These choux pastries are filled with creamy durian puree, giving a strong aroma but a soft, creamy texture. A must-try for adventurous eaters.
12. Kueh Lapis
Kueh lapis, or layer cake, is a beautifully crafted Peranakan dessert made from coconut milk, rice flour, and pandan. Visitors can peel each colourful layer one by one, making it both nostalgic and fun to eat. The texture is soft and slightly sticky with a sweet coconut aroma.
13. Roti Prata with Sugar
Roti prata is usually eaten as a meal, but many locals enjoy it as a sweet snack by simply sprinkling sugar on top. Crispy, buttery, and slightly chewy, prata becomes a dessert with just a little sweetness added. It’s a perfect treat for tea or supper.
14. Mango Pomelo Sago
A refreshing dessert featuring ripe mango, pomelo, and chewy sago pearls in a creamy, chilled milk base. This fruity Hong Kong-inspired dessert is widely popular in Singapore due to its tropical flavour and refreshing finish.
15. Egg Tarts
Influenced by Chinese and Portuguese baking traditions, Singapore’s egg tarts feature buttery pastry filled with smooth, lightly sweet custard. They’re popular in bakeries and dim sum restaurants, making them one of the easiest snacks to find across the city.
16. Goreng Pisang Cheese
A modern twist on traditional fried bananas, goreng pisang cheese adds grated cheese and condensed milk for a sweet-salty flavour explosion. This snack has gone viral among younger crowds and is a fun option for tourists looking to try something trendy.
17. Teochew Yam Mooncake
A flakier and more delicate version of mooncake, the Teochew yam mooncake is filled with purple yam paste and sometimes salted egg yolk. The layers of crisp pastry make it visually stunning and delicious.
18. Putu Piring
Putu piring is a soft steamed rice cake filled with melted palm sugar and topped with fresh grated coconut. It’s made fresh at many hawker stalls, and the aroma of steaming cakes draws crowds instantly. This traditional Malay dessert is light, sweet, and comforting.
19. Ice Cream Sandwich
One of the most iconic street treats in Singapore, the ice cream sandwich features thick slices of ice cream wrapped in colourful bread or crispy wafers. Whether you choose durian, yam, or classic chocolate, it’s the perfect on-the-go snack for tourists exploring the city.
20. Kacang Putih
Often sold outside malls and cinemas, kacang putih is a nostalgic snack made of roasted nuts, peas, and crackers. Vendors traditionally serve it in rolled paper cones. It’s simple, crunchy, and perfect for snacking while walking around.
Top Singapore Snacks and Their Flavours
| Snack Name | Type (Sweet/Savoury) | Key Ingredients | Why First-Time Visitors Love It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaya Toast | Sweet | Kaya, butter, toasted bread | Classic Singapore breakfast with rich coconut aroma |
| Ondeh Ondeh | Sweet | Glutinous rice, gula melaka, coconut | Burst of melted palm sugar in every bite |
| Curry Puff | Savoury | Potato, chicken, curry spices | Crispy, spicy, and very filling |
| Popiah | Savoury | Turnip, egg, peanuts, sauces | Fresh, light, and packed with flavour |
| Muah Chee | Sweet | Glutinous dough, peanut, sugar | Soft, chewy, and nostalgic |
| Ice Kachang | Sweet (Cold) | Shaved ice, beans, jelly, syrup | Colourful, cooling, and refreshing |
| Chendol | Sweet (Cold) | Coconut milk, gula melaka, green jelly | Perfect tropical dessert for hot weather |
| Pandan Cake | Sweet | Pandan, eggs, flour | Soft, fluffy, and fragrant |
| Tau Huay | Sweet | Soybean pudding, syrup | Smooth, light, and comforting |
| Durian Puffs | Sweet | Durian puree, choux pastry | Best intro to Singapore’s famous fruit |
Tips for First-Time Visitors Exploring Local Snacks
Visit hawker centres
Places like Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Old Airport Road offer multiple versions of these treats in one place.
Try both traditional and modern stalls
Some vendors keep heritage recipes alive, while others offer innovative versions that are trendy and Instagram-worthy.
Be adventurous
Snacks like durian puffs or ondeh ondeh may be new to you—but they’re a part of Singapore’s food identity.
Go during off-peak hours
Popular dessert stalls often have long queues. Visiting earlier or later helps avoid crowds.
Where to Find Popular Singapore Snacks
| Snack/Dessert | Best Places to Try | Recommended Area/Hawker Centre |
|---|---|---|
| Kaya Toast | Ya Kun Kaya Toast, Toast Box | Chinatown, Raffles Place |
| Ondeh Ondeh | Traditional Peranakan stalls | Joo Chiat, Katong |
| Ice Kachang | Dessert stalls | Golden Mile, Old Airport Road |
| Chendol | Famous dessert shops | Geylang Serai, Tekka Centre |
| Curry Puff | Old Chang Kee | All over Singapore |
| Popiah | Fresh popiah stalls | Newton Food Centre |
| Tau Huay | Rochor Beancurd | Bugis, Balestier |
| Kueh Lapis | Peranakan bakeries | Katong |
| Ice Cream Sandwich | Street vendors | Orchard Road |
| Putu Piring | Traditional Malay stalls | Haig Road |
Conclusion
Singapore’s snack and dessert culture is vibrant, diverse, and bursting with flavours from different ethnic communities. For first-time visitors, exploring these treats is more than just a food experience—it’s a journey into the country’s multicultural roots. From traditional Peranakan sweets to modern creations found in trendy cafes, each snack tells a story of heritage, passion, and innovation.
Whether you are touring hawker centres or discovering hidden dessert shops, these Top 20 popular Singapore snacks and desserts will help you experience the true essence of Singapore’s culinary charm.
FAQs
1. What are the most popular Singapore snacks for first-time visitors?
Some of the most popular snacks include kaya toast, curry puff, ondeh ondeh, popiah, muah chee, roti prata with sugar, and the famous ice cream sandwich. These treats offer a mix of sweet, savoury, and traditional flavours that represent Singapore’s multicultural food heritage.
2. Where can I find the best Singapore snacks and desserts?
The best place to find local snacks and desserts is at hawker centres such as Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, Chinatown Complex, and Old Airport Road. You can also try traditional bakeries, Peranakan shops, and modern dessert cafés for updated versions of classic treats.
3. Are Singapore desserts very sweet?
Many traditional desserts like chendol, ice kachang, and kueh lapis are sweet, but their sweetness level varies by vendor. Some modern stalls offer healthier or less-sweet versions, making them suitable for visitors who prefer lighter flavours.
4. What dessert should I try if I’m visiting Singapore for the first time?
Chendol, pandan cake, ice kachang, tau huay (soybean pudding), and ondeh ondeh are top recommendations for first-time visitors. These desserts highlight Singapore’s unique flavours, from pandan and coconut to gula melaka and tropical fruits.
5. Is it safe for tourists to eat street snacks in Singapore?
Yes — Singapore is known for having one of the safest street food cultures in the world. Hawker stalls are regulated and must meet strict hygiene standards, so tourists can enjoy snacks and desserts without worry.
6. Are there vegetarian or vegan snack options in Singapore?
Absolutely. Vegetarian snacks like kueh lapis, muah chee, popiah (veg version), pandan cake, and many Malay kuih are plant-based. Vegan travellers can also enjoy desserts made with coconut milk, rice flour, and gula melaka.
7. Which dessert is best for hot weather in Singapore?
Cold desserts like ice kachang, chendol, and mango pomelo sago are especially refreshing on hot days. They are widely available in hawker centres, dessert stalls, and food courts.
8. What snacks should I bring back as souvenirs from Singapore?
Popular take-home snacks include pandan cake, bak kwa (barbecued meat slices), pineapple tarts, kueh lapis, and packaged curry puffs. Many shops sell travel-friendly versions that stay fresh longer.
9. Do Singapore snacks contain allergens?
Some snacks use peanuts, coconut, dairy, eggs, or gluten. Visitors with allergies should ask vendors about ingredients. Many traditional stalls are happy to guide you or recommend alternatives.
10. Are Singaporean snacks expensive?
Not at all. Most snacks in hawker centres cost SGD 2–5, making them affordable for tourists. Desserts in cafés or specialty shops may cost slightly more but remain reasonably priced compared to many global cities.
