Hands up if you are a fan of anything pandan! An evergreen mainstay in our various cuisines and desserts, this distinct, fragrant flavour takes the cake as Singapore’s perennial favourite ingredient. One such pandan-infused creation is none other than the “OG” pandan chiffon cake — a classic childhood treat that every Singaporean would have grown up eating.
With dessert joints quickly hopping on the bandwagon to create nostalgic, pandan-themed desserts that will appeal to the masses (confirm plus chop!), pandan treats are now ubiquitous. Those craving for a taste of this aromatic flavour can find it available in a variety of artisanal cakes, tarts, and even cocktails.
Here is a guide to 14 best pandan desserts & drinks in Singapore that you can sink your teeth into! (Psst, they are definitely worth the calories.)
CHATTERBOX PANDAN CHIFFON CAKE
Chatterbox has recently reopened after a major renovation and you have to try their incredibly soft homemade Pandan Chiffon Cake which is paired with a scoop of pandan ice cream. This is available in limited quantity only.
333 Orchard Rd, #05-03 Hilton
Singapore 238867
Photo Credit: https://www.dgoodcafé.com/
D’GOOD CAFÉ SINGAPORE KAYA PANDAN CAKE
Revel in d’Good Café’s Singapore Kaya Pandan Cake, a modern rendition of the old-school chiffon cakes. A decadent, pillowy sponge cake infused with fresh pandan juice, the dessert is encased in a creamy kaya mousse and a thick, rich layers of kaya jam. It is then sprinkled with house-made coconut crumble for an extra touch of fragrance and crunch.
The caramelised toppings atop the fluffy cake add varying textural contrasts to the entire treat. Known to be one of the better kaya pandan cakes in Singapore, pandan lovers can look forward to savouring this sinful morsel.
d’Good Café
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard, #01-227
Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 6243 3188
Treat yourself to a sinful post-meal indulgence after hearty burgers with Shake Shack’s Pandan Shake! Made from a toothsome combination of vanilla frozen custard, blended pandan and coconut, the shake is then topped with a smattering of Gula Melaka Crumble.
This Singapore-exclusive is a hit with sweet tooths — inspired by the Ondeh Ondeh Kueh, the thick shake is chock full of luscious coconut and an intoxicating floral scent of pandan. The Gula Melaka bits also add an extra oomph of sweet, caramel flavour.
Shake Shack Singapore
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard, #02-256
Singapore 819666
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/taicheongsg/
TAI CHEONG BAKERY PANDAN EGG TART
Switch out your usual tea-time snacks for Tai Cheong Bakery’s Pandan Egg Tarts! A fantastic out-of-the-norm creation, these Singapore-exclusive egg tarts are a must-try. It features an extremely fragrant, pandan-imbued egg custard cradled in a buttery pastry shell. The filling is also soft and reminiscent of pudding.
The crust of the egg tart is also crumbly and flaky, melting into our mouths the moment we bit into it. A harmonious balance of both sweet and savoury, the Pandan Egg Tart is full-bodied with a strong pandan flavour.
Tai Cheong Bakery
Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road
Takashimaya Food Hall, #B208-5
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 8223 1954
Photo Credit: https://www.joeanddough.com/
JOE & DOUGH GULA MELAKA PANDAN CAKE
Joe & Dough’s crowd favourite Gula Melaka Pandan Cake needs no further introduction. One of their best sellers, they have been serving this dessert since 2014! Using only the freshest ingredients, their baked goods are all baked and handcrafted daily.
We can see why it is such a hit with their customers: this humble creation reminds us of home. The treat is an airy, chiffon butter cake slathered with Gula Melaka and generously sprinkled with grated coconut. It also has a mouthwatering toasty exterior atop a fluffy bed of green goodness!
Joe & Dough
Paya Lebar Quarter Mall
10 Paya Lebar Road, #02-25/26
Singapore 409057
Tel: +65 6909 5680
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/tolidosnook/
TOLIDO’S ESPRESSO NOOK PANDAN PANCAKES
Sink your teeth into a cloud of Pandan Pancakes here at Tolido’s Espresso Nook. Bid farewell to the typical usual butter pancakes and welcome this pillowy green version instead! Smothered in Gula Melaka sauce and crowned with a dollop of coconut or vanilla ice cream, this innovative creation does not disappoint.
The moment the pancakes arrive at your table, you will be greeted by a welcoming aroma of pandan and coconut. The pancakes are not overly buttery or bland, and the creamy nuttiness from the ice cream helped to elevate its sweetness and natural flavour.
Tolido’s Espresso Nook
462 Crawford Ln, #01-63
Singapore 190462
Tel: +65 6648 0178
Photo Credit: http://www.bengawansolo.com.sg/
BENGAWAN SOLO PANDAN CHEESE ROLL
Bengawan Solo is a prominent household name amongst Singaporeans and is esteemed for their extensive variety of birthday cakes, traditional kuehs and swiss rolls. One of their signature offerings includes the Pandan Cheese Roll: a delectable dessert steeped with pandan essence and streaked with savoury cheese.
Despite its unassuming appearance, the chiffon roll consists of a balanced blend of rich, savoury cream cheese and sweet pandan flavour. The cake is also spongy and luscious while the cream cheese smooth and light on the palate.
Bengawan Solo
NEX Mall
23 Serangoon Central, #B2-69
Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 6634 6155
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/violetoonsataybarandgrill/
VIOLET OON SATAY BAR & GRILL JADE BANGLE COCKTAIL
The grande dame of Singapore — Violet Oon — has, yet again, impressed us with one of her novel cocktail creations: Jade Bangle. Spinning her own playful twist to the beloved flavour, this local-inspired drink consists of floral, house-made Pandan essence and coconut milk before it is doused in Ketel One Vodka. It is then finished with a toasted coconut rim.
The dash of sweetness from the pandan essence and “lemak” coconut milk mutes the strong, bitter aftertaste of the vodka, making for an addictive pairing. A delightful alternative for Friday night drinks, diners can also pair their tipple with Violet Oon’s savoury sides.
Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill
3B River Valley Rd
Clarke Quay, #01-18
Singapore 179021
Tel: +65 9834 9935
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/keongsaikbakery/
KEONG SAIK BAKERY PANDAN BURNT CHEESECAKE
Keong Saik Bakery is famed for their Burnt Cheesecakes that are made from four different types of cheeses. The bakery has come up with their newest addition: Pandan Burnt Cheesecake.
Made from ground pandan leaves and coconut cream, the cake is remarkably aromatic. The top layer of the cake is also thoroughly burnt and crisp, resulting in a savoury, roasted aftertaste. Tuck into it and the morsel gives way to a creamy, wobbly middle that simply melts in your mouth.
Keong Saik Bakery
41 Keong Saik Rd
Singapore 089146
Tel: +65 6909 3199
Photo Credit: https://www.sinpopo.com/
SINPOPO BRAND PANDAN KAYA CAKE
Look to Sinpopo Brand for their beautiful, handcrafted speciality cakes guaranteed to leave your loved ones in awe. Sprucing up old traditional recipes while adding their own personal, modern touch, Sinpopo is best known for their homely creations. Their Pandan Kaya Cake is not to be missed.
A stunning cake comprising of alternate, fudgy layers of slow-cooked Kaya custard and blue butterfly pea flower glutinous rice, their Pandan Kaya Cake is a sight to behold with its varying swirls of blue and green.
Sinpopo Brand
458 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427671
Tel: +65 6345 5034
Photo Credit: https://thechalkfarm.com/
THE CHALK FARM KUEH SALAT
Partake in Chalk Farm’s take on Kueh Salat, a well-loved Nyonya delicacy. A beautiful ombrè cake made from two thick, distinct layers, the top is stacked with a rich, gelatinous layer of custard flavoured with pandan juice and coconut milk while its base consists of sticky rice suffused with fresh butterfly pea extract.
Upon each mouthful, you can taste a strong buttery flavour mixed with aromatic pandan nuances. It is also velvety smooth and curd-like. Perfect for any event, this cake is sure to wow your loved ones with its stunning presentation and scrumptious taste.
The Chalk Farm
Paragon Shopping Centre
290 Orchard Road, #B1-K24
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 6235 2872
Photo Credit: https://purepandan.com/
PURE PANDAN PANDAN KAYA PUFF
As its name suggests, Pure Pandan is a confectionary doling out pandan-only creations such as pandan chiffon cakes, swiss cream rolls and speciality beverages. Catching our attention are their Pandan Puffs — a bite-sized pastry sandwiched between homemade pandan-caramel kaya and fresh whipped cream.
A unique entrant to the pandan dessert scene, this pandan kaya puff has a crumbly, flaky crust that oozes whipped cream. The sweetness from the cream does not overwhelm the pandan essence, but instead, brings out its natural nuttiness.
Pure Pandan
264 South Bridge Rd
Singapore 058813
Tel: +65 6588 5788
Photo Credit: https://harrianns.com/
HARRIANNS NYONYA TABLE PANDAN CHIFFON CAKE
Crowned as Singapore’s National Cake in 2017, the pandan chiffon cake is acclaimed as the first original creation that started the pandan trend. A no-frills chiffon cake, this affordable ring of green is found all over Singapore and pairs impeccably well with a simple cup of Milo.
A winner with all ages, this fluffy goodness is a wonderful tea-time snack with its natural, woodsy taste. Despite being light and airy in texture, this homely cake is rich in pandan flavour and incredibly dense. It is also bound to call upon your sentimental childhood memories.
HarriAnns Nyonya Table
Suntec City West Wing
3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-416A
Tel: +65 6264 1900
FREDO’S BAKER GULA MELAKA PANDAN SCONE
We are certainly no stranger to plain scones or those baked with chocolate or mixed-fruits, but have you tried Fredo’s Baker Gula Melaka Pandan Scones? Spinning their unique local twist to the traditional British treat, the folks behind Fredo’s have decided to incorporate gula melaka and pandan flavour as their own special rendition.
Served with a dollop of butter on the side, the scones are perfectly crumbly and moist, breaking apart to reveal a soft, fluffy middle. The biscuits boast a buttery-sweet flavour with slight pandan nuances, making for a great snack. Do note that their Gula Melaka Pandan Scones are only available on Thursdays.
Fredo’s Baker
Clementi St 11
Block 109, #01-05
Singapore 120109