The Mad Hatter-inspired cafe, Hatter Street in Kovan has rebranded to Hooloo—a new cafe serving rice bowls, bagels, desserts, waffles and ice cream.

Hooloo is having a soft launch and will only be serving only desserts, waffles and ice cream for now. It will officially open on 10 October 2021 and the new menu will include savoury mains as well.

Hatter Street has got us feeling like we fell down the rabbit hole alongside Alice with its thematic interior and whimsical desserts. The new Hooloo is completely different; they opted for a holographic decor.

Hooloo has taken over the space in Kovan while Hatter Street will pivot as an online cake shop.

What you can look forward to at Hooloo by Hatter Street:

• Delicious waffles with generous scoops of ice cream
• There is a selection of savouries including rice bowls and bagels
• Dogs are allowed at the two outdoor tables
• Muslim consumer compliance verified

If you love Hatter Street’s signature waffles and ice cream, you will be glad to know that Hooloo will be offering them on the new menu. A single scoop of ice cream is priced at S$4.50 while you can get the waffles with a scoop of ice cream at S$9.90.

Some of the ice cream flavours at Hoo Loo include:

• Lavender
• Milo Dinosaur
• Toasted Marshmallow
• Milk
• Pandan
• Coconut Sorbet

Hooloo is also offering coffee using beans from Toby’s Estate and the options include Latte (S$6.50), Chai Late (S$7.50) and Hot Chocolate (S$7.50).

Hooloo
212 Hougang Street 21 #01-333
Singapore 530212

Read our guide to cafes in Kovan and Lorong Ah Soo to explore.

Located along the same stretch as Yaowarat Thai Kway Chap, Punggol Nasi Lemak, Ding Te Le and Qi Wei Chicken Claypot, Naked Ice Cream is a new waffle and ice cream cafe in Kovan which opens until 2am daily.

Kovan is home to many eateries and food places and Naked Ice Cream is the latest addition to the neighbourhood.

Naked Ice Cream has officially opened to the public on 25 June 2021.

Like most ice cream cafes in Singapore, you can have your ice cream in a cup, cone or with a waffle. There are two waffles to choose from—Plain Waffle (S$3.80), or Charcoal Waffle (S$4.80). For drinks, you can choose from coffee, tea and house special fizzies.

Some of the ice cream flavours at Naked Ice Cream include:

• MSW Durian
• Pistachio
• Earl Grey Tea
• Cookie Monster
• Hokkaido Milk
• Hojicha Green Tea

Photos credit: Naked Ice Cream

Drop by Naked Ice Cream for ice cream and waffles after having supper in Kovan. Do note that there are only limited tables available for dine-in.

You can also get their pints to go (S$16 for classic flavours and S$19 for premium flavours).

Naked Ice Cream
957 Upper Serangoon Rd
Singapore 534717
2pm – 2am

Tampines folks, you’re in for a treat. From fancy churros to old-school chendol, we’ve hunted down the 10 best dessert spots in your hood for that quintessential post-meal indulgence.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you but for those of you who are trying to watch your diet, proceed with caution.

19TEA

19Tea is a dainty little South Korean cafe offering a range of soufflé pancakes and milk tea drinks. Their interior is dressed in vibrant pinks and minimalistic touches, providing customers with a youthful, bright atmosphere.

Their pancakes come in various flavours — Original, Tiramisu and Matcha. Their Original Snow Pancake ($S3.90) is soft and airy, finished with a liberal slathering of thick, milky cream. As for their beverage selection, take your pick from boba milk teas and refreshing fruit teas.

1 Tampines Walk, Tampines Hub, #01-82
Singapore 520940
Tel +65 6340 3636
Sun – Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tampines

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/churrosrepublic/

CHURROS REPUBLIC

Churros Republic is changing the game of the churros scene. What were once Spanish deep-fried dough bites have been transformed into full-fledged artisanal desserts in the hands of Faizar Hussein. The amount of thought that goes into each dish and level of finesse in plating will have you feeling like you’re in a fine dining establishment.

His genius takes on churros sees groundbreaking creations such as Creme Brulee (S$7.90) churros and Banoffee Pie with a churro crust. If you’re not about that fancy life, they offer classic, no-frills churros as well.

Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk, #B1-K28
Singapore 528523
Tel +65 8809 4134
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tampines

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/haritts.sg/

HARITTS DONUTS & COFFEE

Got cravings for some donuts? Haritts Donuts & Coffee will satisfy you with their soft and slightly dense donuts. Founded and popularised in Japan, their donuts are all handmade and made fresh daily to ensure optimal texture and quality.

WIth flavours like Matcha, Earl Grey and Cream Cheese, you’re going to have a hard time deciding. We would recommend their Cream Cheese and Matcha renditions.

10 Tampines Central 1, Tampines 1 #02-K02
Singapore 529536
Tel +65 8777 1033
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tampines

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/mocafesingapore/

MØ CAFE

Are your legs drained from walking around Courts? Take a break at MØ Cafe, a cosy corner within the mega-store that you wouldn’t have thought much of. But trust us, their cakes are delicious and their coffee is seriously legit.

Their signature MØlacca coffee (S$5.90, +S$1 for iced) is a must-order. Made from Mandheling coffee beans, the coffee brags of a deep robust flavour and is lightly sweetened with gula melaka. Pair it with their Rose Lychee Cake (S$7.20), a fragrant fruity indulgence that’s light on the palate.

50 Tampines North Drive 2, Level 2
Singapore 528766
Mon – Fri: 10.30am – 7pm
Sat – Sun: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

Photo Credit: www.instagram.com/jay.v_lee/

PENANG A1 CHENDOL

There are just some unbearably hot days when all you want to do is wolf down some ice — we get it. And so does Penang A1 Chendol. This hole-in-the-wall shop certainly knows how to do a mean bowl of Chendol.

Their no-frills Traditional Chendol (S$3) has got all the usual suspects of gula melaka, coconut milk, pandan jelly and kidney beans. They are pretty generous with the ingredients, ensuring a satisfying spoonful every time. If you’re in the mood for a drink instead, they do a solid D-24 Durian Smoothie (S$4.50/regular, S$5/large).

822 Tampines Street 81
Singapore 520822
Tel +65 9092 9480
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tampines West

Photo Credit: www.instagram.com/qesfood.sg/

SUGARLOAF

Run by the students from Temasek Polytechnic’s Culinary Academy, Sugarloaf is a training cafe that dishes out a variety of hot savouries and desserts. While you may not think much of a training cafe, you’d be very wrong in this case.

Sugarloaf’s desserts could camouflage themselves in any respectable patisserie, with their level of presentation and quality. Try for yourselves, whether it’s their Fruit Tart or Opera Cake.

Block 31 Tampines Avenue 1, Temasek Polytechnic, Level 1 Temasek Culinary Academy
Singapore 529757
Tel +65 6780 6363
Mon – Fri: 10.30am – 2.30pm
Nearest Station: Tampines West

THREE’S A CROWD

The waffles-and-ice-cream craze may have mellowed out a little but Three’s A Crowd is giving us every reason to bring it back. This neighbourhood dessert cafe serves up fresh ice cream in mostly classic flavours and spectacular house-made cakes.

Their best-selling Dark Chocolate (S$4.50 for a single scoop) will leave its imprint with its intensely rich cocoa profile. Pair it with their airy, crispy Classic Waffle (S$6) for the ultimate indulgence.

Let’s not forget about their cake selection which offers unique flavours, from Speculoos Cheesecake to Ondeh Ondeh.

802 Tampines Ave 4, #01-11
Singapore 520802
Tel +65 6702 0700
Sun – Thurs: 12pm – 10.30pm
Fri – Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tampines West

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/tipsypenguinsg/

TIPSY PENGUIN

A dapper sports bar located just opposite Tampines Hub, Tipsy Penguin brings together sports, live music and great grub together in a lively, groovy communion. Their establishment is armed with snazzy lights and chic decor, serving as a conducive backdrop for a chill dessert spot.

Their dessert selection is armed with decadent treats, such as Their Accidental Cheesecake (S$10). Their tastefully burnt rendition is ultra-creamy and infused with a nice hint of smokiness.

300 Tampines Ave 5, #01-02A
Singapore 529653
Tel +65 8223 2983
Mon – Thurs: 12pm – 1am
Fri: 12pm – 2am
Sat – Sun: 5pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Tampines

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/twohanasg/

TWO HANA

What do you get when you meld Korean and Western flavours together? Two Hana knows the answer best. Apart from innovative mains, they also have an inventive dessert selection with offerings from milkshakes to ice cream.

Play it safe with their Berry Choco Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream (S$10) or go wild with their Honey Butter Sweet Potato Fries with Vanilla Ice Cream (S$8). Their ice cream range has pretty intriguing flavours as well, such as Doenjang Caramel and Honey Yucha (S$5.50/single, S$9/double).

Century Square, #01-21, 2 Tampines Central 5
Singapore 529509
Tel +65 6260 4321
Sun – Thurs: 11am – 10pm
Fri – Sat: 11am -10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tampines

Catching our attention is the newly-opened kómma Social Café, which recently opened its doors just last year in December at Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ). Boasting an open-concept interior, the minimalistic space is adorned with plush cushions, seats, and shelves of artisanal crafted goods, making it a casual hangout spot for one to chill and sip on a cuppa with their pals.

They also host monthly workshops and activities, aiming to start conversations amongst the creative community.

kómma serves up a selection of pastries and coffee, offering only small bites for the casual diner.

We tried the Chocolate Banana Waffle (S$10); you can choose between a half and full waffle and complement them with either sweet or savoury toppings.

The Chocolate Banana waffle is first toasted, laden with chopped roasted banana slices, butter and then sprinkled with cocoa nibs and sugar. The thick waffle also came with a Nutella spread. But to be honest, we thought that the waffle was very underwhelming; they were soggy and undercooked.

Just stick to drinks and forget about the waffle.

Get your caffeine fix with their Iced Latte (S$5.50)! For coffee enthusiasts, kómma has collaborated with Huggs Coffee, offering coffees made from speciality coffee blends.

The beverage was smooth and creamy, leaning towards the lighter, milkier side. If you are a mild coffee lover and prefer something less strong and bitter, then you will definitely like this drink.

kómma Social Cafe
Paya Lebar Quarter Mall
10 Paya Lebar Road, #01-20
Singapore 409057
Mon to Fri: 8:30am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10:00am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

Everton Creamery, a hidden café nestled in Tai Seng’s iconic BreadTalk IHQ Mall, has some really good desserts. They specialise in premium gelato flavours, alongside waffles and a small selection of coffee.

Located right smack in the middle of neighbouring offices, Everton Creamery is one of the go-to ice cream shops in Tai Seng. We were immediately attracted to its cute storefront, boasting pastel décor, ice cream posters and a dazzling array of gelato flavours.

Check out what we thought about the place!

We decided to go for their Waffle with Double Gelato scoops, topped with two dollops of premium flavours: Belgium Chocolate, and Durian (S$13.50). Albeit on the pricier side, the quality of their ice cream and waffles are worth every penny.

The waffle had a buttery aroma, and was crispy on the outside and airy in the middle. Ice cream wise, we chose the Belgium Chocolate and it boasted a creamy and rich texture. It had just the right amount of sweetness, with a luscious, chocolatey taste.

The Durian gelato was super fragrant and rich. It had a velvety texture, although we thought it resembled a thick durian paste instead of ice cream! It was not overly cloying either, but decadent in flavour.

You’re definitely in for a treat when you visit Everton Creamery! This is a great spot to chill with your friends or co-workers after a long day, so do drop by and give them a try.

Everton Creamery
Breadtalk IHQ Mall
30 Tai Seng Street #02-01A
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 8869 1885
Mon to Fri & Sun: 12pm – 9:30pm
Sat: 12pm – 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

The west of Singapore, to many people, is an often-unexplored area with jokes of passport-requirements being thrown around. Cafes in the west are a novelty and we have found yet another hidden gem tucked away in Taman Jurong Shopping Centre.

Ice-Cream Man and Friends is a circus-themed ice cream parlour, decked in whimsical decor and over 20 flavours of ice cream to choose from. Westies will now have a new place to beat the sunny Singaporean heat!

Stepping into Ice-Cream Man and Friends, you’ll be transported to a whimsical wonderland of circus-themed decor. Their extensive menu will have you spoilt for choice – not to mention their 28 flavours of multi-coloured ice creams!

You can choose from their signature Buttermilk Waffle (S$6), the ever-popular Charcoal Waffle (S$7) or their Red Velvet Waffle (S$7). We chose to have a Charcoal Waffle topped with two scoops of ice cream (S$7.60) – Red Velvet Cookies and Speculoos Cookie Butter.

We found the waffle to be nice and fluffy with a slightly crisp exterior. The waffle was first drizzled with sweet caramel sauce before the ice cream was scooped atop it, adding an extra sweet touch.

The ice cream, on the other hand, was good but not exactly spectacular. The Red Velvet Cookies ice cream tasted more like regular cookies and cream ice cream despite the bright red colour.

We also felt the Speculoos Cookie Butter flavour was more sweet than flavourful. There were a few crumbs of cookie inside, but it lacked substantial flavour. Perhaps we would have had better luck with the rest of the ice cream flavours!

Ice-Cream Man and Friends
Taman Jurong Shopping Centre #01-23
399 Yung Sheng Road
Singapore 610399
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Lakeside

Taking over the space of the now-defunct D’Zerts Cafe is the newest hidden gem in the East of Singapore, The Forage Cafe by Thirteen Honey in Simpung Bedok. Their extensive menu features a plethora of all-day brunch, pasta and mains. What’s great is that they also are trying to incorporate their own farmed honey (from Malaysia) into all their dishes as a sugar replacement!

That’s not all! If you were a fan of D’zerts Cafe’s sweet creations, you’ll be happy to know that D’zerts still supplies bakes and desserts to The Forage Cafe.

First up at the table was their Granchio Pasta (S$20) that is made with linguine pasta and a sauce consisting of shredded crabmeat, white wine, tomato cream and parmesan cheese. Also strewn into the mix were a few leaves of baby spinach.

We were pretty happy with the generous portion of pasta and crab meat, given the rather hefty price point. The pasta was mouthwateringly flavourful – sweetness from the crab meat complemented the slight acidity of the tomato sauce base.

We also tried their Smoked Salmon & Egg Grilled Waffle Sandwich (S$17). Two fluffy waffles are sandwiched together, containing a generous filling of egg, cheese and smoked salmon. On the side were sautéed mushrooms, a salad, fruits and Thirteen Honey’s Multifloral Honey.

The waffle was nicely crisped and had a fluffy yet almost chewy texture. We were also very impressed by the copious amounts of cheese and smoked salmon inside this innovative sandwich. What we enjoyed the most was how well the honey paired with the waffles, giving this savoury dish a hint of complex sweetness.

Of course, we love a sweet ending to our meals, so we chose to try their Kahlua Tiramisu (S$8). Biscuits are directly soaked in the coffee liqueur, so it may be a little strong for those who aren’t used to having alcohol in their desserts.

We loved how light and creamy the marscapone filling was, mellowing out the strong taste of alcohol and providing a pleasant, mildly sweet base to the dessert.

Other than just the mains, The Forage Cafe also sells the farm-to-table honey from Thirteen Honey off the shelf. If you’re looking for unique gifts or are a honey-lover, you can even sample their various kinds of honey blends.

The Forage Cafe
30 Jalan Pari Burong
Singapore 488696
Tue to Sun: 10am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Simei