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

Tucked away on Bukit Pasoh, the vibrant and lively Casa Poncho is a new Latino restaurant and bar that serves some of the best churros and cocktails in the area. Inspired by Latin American cuisine, the dishes are designed to be shared and feature a whole array of rustic nosh synonymous with Mexican comfort food.

If fresh ceviche, sinful churros and devilish Mezcal-based cocktails are things you fancy, then this new kid on the block is sure to spice up your evening as you watch the sun slowly set and kiss the workday goodbye.

For a little bit of Mexico in the heart of Singapore, drop by Casa Poncho be it for a full-on meal or an end-of-work tipple.

Decked out in vibrant colours and with groovy Latin music booming in the background, Casa Poncho is the sort of place you should definitely come with your best buddies for a night out of zero restraint. Armed with a cocktail in hand, the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere will have you feeling transported straight to Cuba.

If like us, you go absolutely mental at the sight of a grilled octopus leg, then allow their El Pulpo, an insanely tender grilled octopus topped with chilli ranchera salsa, pumpkin seeds, and a dash of scallion oil, to delight your taste buds.

To get yourself and your mates in the mood for a fiesta (and fast), consider one of their Mezcal-based cocktails. Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from an agave plant native to Mexico and much like the infamous spirit, tequila, it really packs a mean punch.

Casa Poncho
14 Bukit Pasoh Road,
Singapore 089828
Tel: +65 6224 5466
(Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Tue to Sat: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

All photos are credited to Casa Poncho Singapore.

Gula Melaka, or otherwise known as palm sugar, is a popular type of sweetener in Southeast Asia. Made from the sap of flower buds from coconut trees, the liquid is boiled until it thickens and then left to cool for it to solidify.

Since many people love its deep caramel flavour, Gula Melaka is a popular dessert option as it gives off a lovely sweet taste that enhances the dessert. That is also why more cafes in Singapore are now offering Gula Melaka desserts as part of their dessert menu.

From scones to waffles and even churros, here are 8 Gula Melaka Desserts In Singapore You Must Try.

ALL THE BATTER – AVOCADO GULA MELAKA SLICE

If you happen to love avocados, you will definitely enjoy the Avocado Gula Melaka Slice (S$5.90) from All The Batter—what you get is sweet Gula Melaka cream on top of moist avocado batter cake.

17 Jasmine Road
Adelphi Park
Singapore 576585
Tel: +65 8510 6313
Sat & Sun: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

Photo Credit: All Things Delicious

ALL THINGS DELICIOUS – GULA MELAKA SCONES

We all know the usual Gula Melaka desserts in Singapore but did you know that there is Gula Melaka scone? That’s right, you can get that at All Things Delicious and they are going at S$3.50 each.

34 Arab Street
Singapore 199733
Tel: +65 6291 4252
Mon: Closed
Tue to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

BUTTER STUDIO – SALTED GULA MELAKA CUPCAKE

Specialising in a variety of Halal-certified cupcakes and whole cakes, Butter Studio’s main outlet is located along Jalan Besar where you can find Salted Gula Melaka Cupcakes (S$3.50). While many substandard cupcakes out there are dry, you should be pleased to know that cupcakes at Butter Studio are moist and comes full-flavoured.

Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the generous Gula Melaka fillings inside the cupcake.

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147 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208865
Tel: +65 6294 7115
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri: 12pm – 12 Midnight
Sat: 10.30am – 12pm
Sun: 10.30am – 10pm
Tue: Closed
Nearest Station: Lavender

CHURROS FACTORY – ONDEH CHURROS

Churros Factory needs no further introduction—having four outlets in Singapore and pop up booths at events in Singapore offering delicious and satisfying churros. Choose among Original, Pandan, Charcoal and Chocolate flavours for your churros and get the Gula Melaka dip.

A cup of three churros will set you back at S$7 (churros – S45.50, dip – S$1.50).

112 East Coast Road
#B1-26, 112 Katong Mall
Singapore 428802
Tel: +65 8500 0700
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

HATTER STREET – GULA MELAKA AND PANDAN WAFFLE

Located in a HDB estate—just a few units away from popular Thai eatery Nakhon Kitchen—Hatter Street offers desserts with a twist.

They have a few waffle options but being Gula Melaka addicts, we would recommend their waffle with pandan ice cream and Gula Melaka sauce (S$9.50).

#01-333, Block 212 Hougang Street 21
Singapore 530212
Tel: +65 6988 4591
Daily: 1pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

MOOSH – ONDEH ONDEH SOFT SERVE

Situated along Haji Lane, Moosh Softserve is where you should head to if you are looking for some refreshing sweet treats to cool off in the sweltering heat.

The Ondeh Ondeh soft serve (Regular: S$4.50 / Large: S$6.90) features a gula melaka soft serve base, lined with pandan sauce and topped with desiccated coconut, coconut flakes and even more pandan sauce. Despite all the different elements added, the soft serve was extremely silky and creamy without being too sweet.

44 Haji Lane
Singapore 189237
Mon to Thu: 12am – 8pm
Fri to Sun: 12am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

SINPOPO – GULA MELAKA CAKE

Fans of Awfully Chocolate may find the presentation of this cake familiar as the style of layering is similar to the ever-popular Super Stacked Cake from Awfully Chocolate.

If you are worried that Sinpopo Brand’s Gula Melaka cake might be overwhelmingly sweet, you will be happy to know that this cake spots just the right amount of Gula Melaka and is fragrant as it can be.

458 Joo Chiat Rd
Singapore 427671
Tel: +65 6345 5034
Mon: Closed
Tue to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Dakota

SUNDAY FOLKS – SEA SALT GULA MELAKA ICE CREAM

Café hoppers and foodies alike flocked to the spacious café to sample Sunday Folks’ delectable offerings of freshly baked Belgian waffles and mouthwatering ice cream. Waffles will only be baked after your order is taken and the same applies to the preparation of the freshly churned ice cream.

Get their Sea Salt Gula Melaka Ice Cream in a cup (S$7.20) or handmade cone (S$7.20).

44 Jalan Merah Saga
Chip Bee Gardens #01-52
Singapore 278116
Tel: +65 6479 9166
Mon: Closed
Tue to Fri: 1pm – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

Glorious golden sticks of deep-fried dough pastry, coated in sparkling sugar and cinnamon. Churros have been a hit in Singapore ever since they were first served in restaurants and cafes a couple of years ago, but for us, our affair with churros date way back.

Churros have slowly crept their way to the top of must-try snacks everywhere. The perfect combination of the fried dough and cinnamon sugar is undeniably amazing; it is one love we will not soon divorce. Churros are sometimes served with a side of sauce or jam – most commonly a chocolate dip. Yes please, chocolate dip!

Please join us in worshipping Churros! To get you started, here is a list of the Best Churros in Singapore That Are Worth Getting Fat For.

#1 ALEGRO CHURROS BAR

Alegro Churros Bar at Clarke Quay is pretty loved by the night crowd there. The churros they sell serve a great purpose of filling one’s stomach alongside the range of beers and liquor.

If you love Spanish street food, they have quite a selection too, but their signature churros should still be your focus.

#01-13 3D Clarke Quay
River Valley Road
Singapore 179023
Tel: +65 9177 5193
Mon & Tue: 6.30pm – 2.30am
Wed & Thu: 6.30pm – 3.30am
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 4am
Sun: 7pm – 2.30am
Nearest Station Clarke Quay

#2 CHURRO101

This Korean churro concept has been making waves in our local social media scene, ever since it first opened over a month ago. They currently have two outlets – Bugis+ and 313@Somerset.

Our picks are the Dark Chocolate-dipped Churros and their filled churros. Best eaten warm for that satisfying crunch.

201 Victoria Street
#04-01 Bugis+
Singapore 188067
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#3 CHURROS FACTORY

Ondeh Ondeh Churros with Gula Melaka Dip? While some might pass these gems off as gimmicky, many who have tried it cannot stop raving about them. Putting a local twist to international desserts is certainly nothing new but we loved how Churros Factory aces their take on the Ondeh Ondeh Churros with Gula Melaka dip.

The Raspberry Churros are also lip-smackingly scrumptious when dipped into chocolate sauce.

180 Kitchener Road
#B2-K21 City Square Mall
Singapore 208539
Tel: +65 85000 700
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

#4 COMMON MAN COFFEE ROASTERS

We love how the Churros (S$12) at Common Man Coffee Roasters is both delicious and inexpensive. There is no over-the-top flavours or dips here – just the classic tossing in cinnamon sugar with a side of chocolate sauce.

The platter is great to share among two. Or just yourself if you are a glutton like us; we will not judge.

#01-00 22 Martin Road
Singapore 239058
Tel: +65 6836 4695
Daily: 7am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#5 GRUB

Served hot and straight out of the deep fryer, try the Churros (S$8) at Grub. Crisp on the outside and dense on the inside, what delightful pleasure it is to dip them sticks into the chocolate sauce!

A nice treat in a park, you say?

510 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1
Singapore 569983
Tel: +65 6459 5743
Mon – Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Sat – Sun: 9am – 4pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio

#6 HABITAT COFFEE

With so many restaurants and cafes along Upper Thomson Road, you might be hard pressed to decide on where to dine at. A place that we like to return to is Habitat Coffee, which serves good coffee, and well-cooked dishes at sensible prices.

First-timers to the cafe have to get the Churros (S$9) - fried dough fritters coated with cinnamon sugar and served with a warm chocolate ganache.

223 Upper Thomson Road
Tel: +65 6456 2567
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

#7 OCTAPAS SPANISH TAPAS BAR

Now, this is one amazing find and we really need you to know that Octapus’ Churros (S$10++) has been too underrated. This Spanish tapas bar serves up one of the most authentic Spanish cuisine, and their churros had us really addicted.

Yes, the churros with hot chocolate can be a main if you love it as much as we do!

#01-08, Block D
Clarke Quay
Singapore 179023
Tel: +65 6837 2938
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 1am
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#8 MISCHIEF

Big, fat and sweet churros. We love Mischief’s version so much.  This tub of crispy batons features a fragrant cinnamon batter, and is presented with a thick chocolate dip – a classic pairing that we can never get sick of.

But of course, it is always more fun eating churros at Mischief – with a glass of beer, that is.

8 Raffles Avenue
Esplanade Mall #01-12
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 6532 0481
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 3am
Sun: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade/Promenade

#9 MR. CHURRO

Mr. Churro is another Korean churro concept that is pretty similar to Churro101. However, the stark difference is the presentation – Mr. Churro cuts up their churros and have them served in a cone takeaway holder, making it easier to eat on the go.

They are no less lip-smackingly delicious, especially with the nuts for the added crunch!

ION Orchard #B4-61, 2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#10 SABIO TAPAS BAR

Offering a 1-for-1 tapas promotion on Mondays, get two servings of their churros for the price of one! This Spanish bar offers a range of authentic Spanish tapas dishes and also wines and spirits.

Churros and alcohol; sounds like best of both worlds to us.

5 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089591
Tel: +65 +65 6690 7562
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#11 THE COFFEE ACADEMICS

The insides of The Coffee Academics’ churros are very crumbly, unlike the usual dense sticks. Nonetheless, the churros here is a real treat for all of you with sweet tooth.

Coated with a lot of sugar, and served with a scoop of TCA blend gelato and chocolate fudge, the Academics Cinnamon Churros are priced at S$16. A tad pricey, but it made us happy with the sugar rush.

Lvl 2 Scotts Square
6 Scotts Road
Singapore 228209
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best desserts in Singapore.

Oh how we love the comeback of churros. Churro101 has arrived in Singapore just a couple of weeks back and its reception has been very successful. After an old wave of churros slowly disappeared in Singapore, some smart entrepreneurs decided to rekindle it, and this time, in a Korean style – because anything Korean seems to work, no?

Truth to be told, we are suckers for Korean food and food concepts, so Churro101 was a must-try on our list. They have a big range of different churros, but the ones that appealed to us the most on our first visit were their filled churros and churros coated with dark chocolate.

The churros are deep-fried fresh and served to us a la minute. We picked the Dark Chocolate Churro with Strawberry Crunch (S$5.90). The dark chocolate range is also available in two other coatings – almond and coconut.

The churro was served warm, and tasted no less exquisite with the dark chocolate surrounding it, melted very delightfully with every bite.

Churro101 also offers other options such as filled churros – think Cream Cheese-Filled Churro (S$4.70), Chocolate-Filled Churro (S$4.50) and even Milk Mustard-Filled Churro (S$4.50).

You can also go with the original taste for the classic Cinnamon Churro (SS$3.50), but can we say that the flavoured ones are more exciting?

As much as we love churros, we have to disagree with Churro101′s tagline of Korean “Better Than Boyfriend” Churros. Food always taste better when you have something to share it with. Make sure to bring along your loved ones here and share the churros (and calories). 

Churro101 first opened in Bugis+ and 313@Somerset is their second outlet. And we are guessing there will be more to come!

Churro101 Singapore
313 Orchard Road
B3-49 313@Somerset
Singapore 238895
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Located at the basement of ION Orchard where the food hall is, the newly opened Mr. Churro is seeing crazy queues, even at 3pm on a Monday! One can only imagine what peak hours and weekends would be like.

This popular Korean churro chain has many outlets in Seoul, but this new shop in ION Orchard is their first one in Singapore. As with any pretty dessert comes hordes and hordes of people.

We foresee that new Mr. Churro outlets will be springing up island wide. Meanwhile, we had a taste of it already and definitely loving it!

We picked the Nutty Churro (S$5.90) as it looked the most appealing. Other options here include the classic churro option at S$4.50, and Churro with Ice Cream (S$6.50). The churro was served to us evenly cut up, with chocolate sauce and nuts very generously drizzled on top.

The portion is a pretty huge one, and you will definitely get your money’s worth. The churros are very chewy and the dough is most definitely tasty when eaten warm, and even better with chocolate sauce.

It is a must-try for all churro lovers and we dare say that it is worth the hype.

Mr. Churro
ION Orchard #B4-61, 2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

2015 is coming to an end, and with that, we celebrate a year of amazing food and also fresh new trends that have landed on our sunny island. Of course, trends come and go but the really good ones shall stay on.

In this piece, we explore the trends that have invaded Singapore this year. The rubrics are simple – a) Photogenic and hence, hyped up on social media, b) more than one store riding on the trend, c) so delicious and/ or innovative that it is no surprise they are labeled as a ‘trend’.

Here are 13 Food Trends in Singapore in 2015 that you probably already know about. We pay homage to some of the best food that graced our nation this year.

#1 KOREAN BINGSU

What better way to curb this awful humidity than with a Korean Ice Kachang? This Korean shaved ice dessert is well-loved by many. We love how it comes in a variety of flavours, but for us, we would choose anything with injeolmi for sure!

#2 ‘BLACK’ DISHES

‘Black’ is always sexy and many have caught on to this trend. With black steamed buns, black waffles and black pastas, the chefs mainly use either squid ink or charcoal to make this happen. However gimmicky it may be, we have to say that this trend most definitely got our attention and our hearts!

#3 OVER-THE-TOP CAKE SHAKES

A small bakery in Canberra first started serving these insane milkshakes and now you can find them at many cafes around the world, including Singapore.

The Cake Shake includes crazy things ingredients such as macarons, slices of cakes, biscuits and more in a milkshake. However pretty they look in pictures, it is still a tiny bit ridiculous to us. Calories aside, aren’t cake shakes a little too massive that they don’t blend well?

#4 COCONUT ICE CREAM

These Thai-style coconut ice cream were everywhere for awhile. Served in a half coconut shell, coconut ice cream is usually paired with other condiments such as jelly or fruits. It worked really well here because anything that can save us from the heat is marvelous. But of course, they are pretty too!

#5 COLLAGEN HOTPOT

Collagen has been a trend for a long time. However, collagen in steamboats or hot pots have only been popular recently. With the most popular being Tsukada Nojo, the collagen is first served in a jelly form and it will slowly liquify into a collagen soup over high heat, resulting in a creamy, rich broth that is so sweet and addictive.

#6 FLAVOURED LAVA CAKES

From red velvet to matcha to all kinds of interesting flavours. We always welcome a classic molten chocolate lava cake, but these unique creations can be great too – but it all depends on how good the pastry chef is.

#7 ICE CREAM ROLLS

Ice Cream Rolls first became a thing when people started sharing cool videos of street vendors making it in countries such as Thailand. When Hari Raya season rolled up, people started setting up booths, and the queues were almost an hour of wait! Now, you can see permanent stores in a few places in Singapore selling this cool new technique of serving ice cream.

#8 JUICE CLEANSE – COLD-PRESSED JUICES

Whether juice cleanses actually work, it is subjective and varies from consumer to consumer. This year, there was a sudden influx of cold-pressed juice places in Singapore. However, juices like these can be pricey, so if you want to splurge, make sure you are truly disciplined to adhere to the programme for optimal results.

#9 KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN

This needs no introduction because it is basically everywhere and it is a trend that we foresee will stay a long long time. With so many restaurants specialising in this dish in Singapore, that shows just how much Singaporeans love this classic Korean dish. And, give us beer please.

#10 SALTED EGG YOLK EVERYTHING

Well, we would not say this is a new trend but rather, an ongoing one and one that is so strong this year. Salted Egg Yolk brings life to just about any dish and truth be told, we can never get sick of it. Salted Egg Yolk Chicken, Squid, Prawns… anything. We love them all!

Read: The Best Salted Egg Yolk Dishes in Singapore.

#11 SHIBUYA THICK TOAST

Thick toasts were first made popular on social media by Taiwanese cafe chain, Dazzling Cafe when they opened its doors here in Singapore. Now, so many cafes and dessert parlours have started to serve and further popularise it. And yes, they are very photogenic.

#12 SOFT-SERVE ICE CREAM

This is nothing new but 2015 has seen a spike in people going for soft-serve ice cream as more and more restauranteurs start to get creative with flavours and plating. The Korean ones are usually very well received too.

#13 CHURROS

Churros aren’t new for sure, but Singaporeans have fallen head over heels in love with them this year alongside the sudden influx of churros stalls/ kiosks sprouting out in Singapore. Are you a fan of the classic ones with cinnamon sugar, or the Korean versions with lots of fillings on the inside?

As you might have seen on the papers or your Instagram feed, many have been flocking to this year’s Ramadan Bazaar at Geylang Serai for some interesting street food.

Flavoured churros? Yes please! With a growing trend of churro-lovers, you can find more than just one stall here selling these highly Instagrammable deep-fried doughs.

Remember those ice cream rolls you had while you were in Bangkok? Good news because they are now here in Singapore too. Not sure what to try at this year’s Ramadan Bazaar? Here are 5 highlights from this year’s Ramadan Bazaar at Geylang Serai.

#1 FLAVOURED CHURROS

Trust us when we say that these are a must-try when you head down to the bazaar this year. The wide array of flavours include Pandan Churros with Gula Melaka Sauce (S$4.50), Red Velvet Churros with Salted Caramel Sauce (S$4.70) and the classic Churros (S$4.20) coated with cinnamon sugar.

The churros here are made fresh and we highly recommend munching on these immediately after receiving them – or after snapping a photo or two, if you must (and you must). There is a nice crunch to the churros and we could not stop raving about the sauces, especially the Gula Melaka one!

#2 THAI COCONUT ICE CREAM

We were delighted to find this gem of a store located at the side nearest to Paya Lebar MRT. Reminiscent of the ones at Chatuchak in Bangkok, this ice cream was topped off generously with corn, red rubies, atap seeds and also juicy young coconut flesh.

For just S$4, you get your dollars worth as this is a perfect choice to combat the heat and humidity there at the bazaar. There is also a range of other Thai food served here such as coconut pancakes and mango sticky rice.

#3 ICE CREAM ROLLS

Shared thousands of times on our Facebook pages, these ice cream rolls made fresh are a treat for everyone. As the most crowded stall in the bazaar, they even have an automated queue system and the wait ranges from 30min to 1 hour if you come after 7pm (post-breaking fast for Muslims).

You can choose between two ingredients for your ice cream rolls and these ingredients range from fresh fruits to chocolatey picks such as oreo. For S$5 a cup, we are definitely not complaining!

#4 DEEP-FRIED OREOS

This snack needs no introduction and we can all agree that it is one of the most delicious street food snacks we have ever eaten. And if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?

Coated in batter then deep-fried to a golden brown, these Oreo bites, drizzled with some chocolate sauce, is our definite guilty pleasure. They also have fried Mars bars and other mouth-watering snacks here!

#5 TAKOYAKI

While Takoyaki certainly isn’t something new at bazaars, the one at this year’s Ramadan Bazaar is probably one of the most delicious and value-for-money renditions yet. For just S$2.50, you get a portion of six takoyaki balls, sprinkled generously with bonito flakes and sauces.

You can choose different fillings such as the classic tako (octopus) and others like prawn, etc. The portion makes it an ideal sharing item. Save some tummy space for the other yummies ya?

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

Very often, we are strapped of choices when it comes to dining at tourists’ attractions. The restaurants are either too expensive, or the food just isn’t good altogether. Sometimes, they are not family-friendly, and kids have nothing suitable to eat. But being here in Singapore means we do not have to worry about all that, because we have trusty establishments to always bring the bests to us.

The newly opened PISCO South American Kitchen & Bar at Resorts World Sentosa is one that has made it to our chart of best family-friendly restaurants. Managed by Deliciae Hospitality Management in partnership with Resorts World Sentosa, this 76-seat outlet sits in the heart of the Integrated Resort.

Dishing out quality South American food, PISCO resembles a carnival – the happy colours of the interior and furnishing make it a joy to dine at, and has an extensive menu that is sure to whet everyone’s appetite. Here are some of their signatures, and our favourites from the menu.

PISCO features traditional dishes from Peru, Chile, and other countries in the South American continent, and the menu is divided into several categories: Bocadillos (homemade light snacks), Ceviches, Los Pinchos (grilled skewers), A La Parrilla (the grill), and Postres (desserts). In short, expect a good mix of dishes with a melange of textures, colours and flavours influenced by the Native American cuisine.

With so many dishes on PISCO’s menu, you should certainly pace yourself so that you can try a bit of everything.

Start off with snacks like Nachos (S$11) with spicy guacamole, and Empanadas (S$14) – minced beef in corn dough parcels. We would also suggest going for the Quesadillas (S$9.50 for 2 pcs), tortilla of manchego cheese that is simply done, and a great way to kick start your meal. Oh, if you are up for trying something different, go for the Arepas Venzolanas (S$13 – S$15) – Venezuelan sandwiches made of corn flat bread filled with toppings like shredded beef, black beans and corn.

Having a cocktail (or two) is the best way to enjoy the snacks. Pisco is the national drink for Peruvians, and with this, the drinks to order at PISCO is its variety of pisco cocktails – like Cocoloco Flip, Negroni Pisco, and the iconic Pisco Sour – which gives the restaurant its name. Besides pisco cocktails, the bar also offers delicious daiquiris, margaritas and mojitos in exhilarating variations. On Thursday to Saturday nights, you can enjoy the cocktails while listening to music from a live band.

Ceviches, for the uninitiated, are chilled seafood dishes. They are hugely popular, and is considered one of the staples in South American cuisine. Made from raw fish marinated in a tangy citrus juice, and spiced with chilli peppers, ceviches are as appetising as they look. PISCO offers six different variations; each with something to offer.

Amongst the ones that we have tried, we love the Gambas (S$13) – prawns dunked with mixed citrus fruits- and the result is a refreshing and tantalising combination of freshness and tanginess. The other noteworthy ceviche is Conchas Borrachas (S$15) – sea scallops drowned with Pisco and passionfruit sauce. This is another great example of how a simple dish done well can be so addictive. Octopus lovers must not miss out on the Pulpo (S$13) – octopus in olive oil and capers sauce.

Served with three sauces – mint salsa, salsa criolla, and amarillo chili – the grilled kebabs is the star of PISCO, and a meal here would not be complete without at least a serving of these perfectly grilled meat that come hanging gloriously on shiny metal skewers.

The meat options include Chicken Thigh (S$13), Pork Belly (S$14), Lamb Shoulder (S$18), and Beef Ribeye (S$23). There are also seafood choices such as Squid (S$15), Salmon (S$16), Seabass (S$17), and Octopus (S$23). The easiest way is to go for a combo (S$45++) – which gives you one meat, one seafood, and one vegetarian kebab.

The Chicken Thigh was succulent and juicy, and the Pork Belly proved to be even better. We were also impressed by how the Salmon was grilled to a perfect texture with the fish’s moisture retained. But the limelight was stolen by the Beef Ribeye – well-marinated and every bite tasted like heaven.

If you are with a big group, order the mains from the grill. Grilled Ribeye Steak (S$39), Whole Red Snapper (S$30) cooked in banana leaves, and Grilled Lamb Chop (S$24) are some satisfying options to fill your tummies.

To complete your meal, well, it has got to be desserts. And while the list may not be longer than your typical algebra equation, every one weighs a significant impact. If there could only be one pick, we’d say go for the Churros (S$9). Fans of Sabio Spanish Tapas Bar will be delighted to know that this is the exact same recipe, the legendary recipe that we might just proclaim it to be the best in Singapore.

Another pleasing dessert is the Encenelado de Pisco – a cake with pisco and cinnamon syrup baked to a sponge-like texture. It sounds more than simple and less than impressive, but it ticked all the right boxes. Else, the adventurous ones can try the Spicy Rice Pudding (S$9), which gives your palate a punch with its dimensional flavours.

PISCO has an excellent value-for-money set lunch available daily from 11.30am – 3pm. For S$18++, it comes with a soup of the day or Quesadillas, a Chicken/Salmon skewer, and steamed olive rice or grilled corn. There is an option of adding S$5 for the to-die-for churros.

‘Like’ PISCO on facebook for more updates. See you there!

PISCO South American Kitchen & Bar
26 Sentosa Gateway, The Forum #01-231/232
Resorts World Sentosa Singapore
Tel: +65 6795 4720
Sun to Wed: 11.30am – 12 midnight
Thu to Sat: 11.30am – 1am
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

This post is brought to you by PISCO.

Spanish food has been making big waves on the food radar, with new tapas bars popping up every month. If you are a fan of tapas, Salt Tapas & Bar at Raffles City by celebrity chef Luke Mangan is one place that you should check out. It serves Aussie-style tapas with the freshest ingredients.

Many people have the perception that Salt Tapas & Bar is very expensive. This is true. Most of the tapas are in the $20 to $30 range, and you can easily spend at least $100 for a meal here. But what you might not know that it has a fantastic lunch set for just $33.50++/pax. It includes a flat bread to share, and 3 tapas per person. When you consider the fact that most of the dishes on the set lunch menu are from the ala carte menu, you will agree that it is a very good deal.

The set lunch menu is essentially a scaled down version of the main menu. Both are divided into different categories: ‘Nibbles’, ‘Butcher’, ‘Garden’, ‘Sea’, ‘Paddock’ and ‘Sweets’, Below are some of the dishes that we ordered from the set lunch menu. I have also included the ala carte portion prices.

Salt Tapas & Bar has several options under their ‘Garden’ menu which include Heirloom Tomato Salad ($11), Beetroot & Red Capscium ($12) and a Rocket & Pear Salad ($9).

We started off with a superb Tuna Tartare ($19 for small, $27 for large) with wasabi mayo and ruby grapefruit from the ‘Sea’ menu.

We also had the Crispy Soft Shell Prawns ($15) with chilli and garlic aioli, and while it was not a scene stealer, it did not disappoint with its crisp and crunchy texture.

Another dish that was even more addictive than the Soft Shell Prawns is the Salt & Pepper Squid ($20) with lime mayo. The crunch squid was well-seasoned with salt and pepper, and it was perfect with lime mayo. Simply put, I’d not leave Salt Tapas & Bar without trying this.

From the ‘Paddock’ menu, we had the Wagyu Sausage, Sumac Spiced Veal and Confit Pork Belly. The Confit Pork Belly ($27) with lentils and chorizo was a let-down. It was a tad too tough and not as tender as I’d hope it would be.

The Wagyu Sausage ($14 for small, $25 for large) with polenta, capers and tomato was good, but what stood out was the accompanying polenta. We suspect they added in a lot of cream and butter to give the polenta a creamy and smooth and velvety texture. Also good was the Sumac Spiced Veal & Meatballs ($14 for small, $22 for large) which came with a very yummy fontina mash.

Desserts are also worth a mention. Not many places serve good churros in Singapore, and if you have been looking for it, you must try Salt Tapas & Bar’s Churros & Chocolate ($11). It is one of the few that has managed to impress me so far.

You also cannot go wrong with the Gooey Hot Chocolate Tart with caramelised banana and white chocolate ice cream ($14).

Salt Tapas & Bar
252 North Bridge Road
#01-22A Raffles City Shopping Centre
Tel: +65 6837 0995
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

I am in love with tomatoes. It may sounds crazy, but I’m head over heels in love, and addicted to them. Who the hell eats tomato as snack while watching TV? Me. The irony is, I remember my mother used to force me to eat tomatoes when I was young and back then, I gave all sorts of excuses not to eat them. I only started to like them after the beauty blogger told me about the benefits of having tomatoes. Okay I digress, but there’s a reason why I’m talking about tomatoes — Spanish cuisine makes heavy use of ingredients like potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, beans and mushrooms. Honey, we are having Spanish food today!

Zsofi Tapas Bar is a quirky and fun Spanish restaurant located in the heart of Little India, Singapore. I know it’s a rather strange place to go for Spanish food, but hey, there’s French food in Little India too!

Look at that beauty up there. Tell me, who can resist not eating the Spanish Paella?

I think the Spanish Paella is an amazing creation. It may seem simple enough to throw in a variety of ingredients like prawn, mussel, tomatoes, chorizo, saffron into a pan, but preparing a good paella is never easy.

I like the Paella Valecia ($35) from Zsofi Tapas Bar. Tasty isn’t exactly an appropriate word to describe it since there are so many flavors within. I’m not too sure if this is the best Spanish paella in Singapore since I haven’t tried that many before, but it is definitely one of the better paella.

Be it with a group of friends, or in the company of loved ones – I love the idea of having Sangria with a few Spanish tapas and Paella after a long day of work.

One day, I’m going to fly to Spain and take lots of photos to make all of you jealous. But until then, I can only visit the Spanish restaurants in Singapore to satisfy my cravings for paella, chorizo, churros and Spanish Tapas.

Sometimes, it’s good to step out of our comfort zone and explore new places and experience new cuisine. If you have never tried Spanish Cuisine before, it’s time to read my list of Spanish restaurants in Singapore. Zsofi Tapas Bar serves a free tapas with the purchase of every alcoholic drink.

Restaurant Review
Zsofi Tapas Bar
68 Dunlop Street Singapore
Tel: +65 6297 5875

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If you buy me an air ticket, I will immediately fly off to Spain. I have always read about the Spanish culture, and I think that the whole idea of bar-hopping is brilliant. Unfortunately, we do not have that many Spanish restaurants and tapas bars in Singapore and it doesn’t make sense to cab from one end of Singapore to the other. But hey, I think it will be really cool to find a group of friends for a night of tapas-bar-hopping.

Here’s a list of Spanish Restaurants in Singapore:

Catalunya
82 Collyer Quay
The Fullerton Pavillion
Tel: +65 6534 0188
Daily: 11am – 2am

Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant

Don Quijote at Dempsey Hill is a nice place to go to if you are craving for Spanish food. While prices are not cheap, they are not too exorbitant – it is on par with most of the better Spanish Restaurants in Singapore.

Be it a nice date with your partner; or a birthday party celebration with a big group of friends – Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant is the ideal place if you like tapas, paella and sangria.

Blk 7 Dempsey Road #01-02
Dempsey Hill Singapore
Tel: +65 6476 2811
Nearest Station: Orchard

La Viva Spanish Bar & Tapas
30 Victoria Street #01-12/13/14
Chijmes Singapore
Tel: +65 6339 4290

My Little Spanish Place
619 Bukit Timah Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6463 2810

Octapas Spanish Tapas Bar

Formerly known as The Tapas Tree, Octapas Spanish Tapas Bar launched back in August this year. If you are in the Clark Quay area, drop by Octapas to satisfy your Spanish food cravings.

3D River Valley Road #01-08
Clarke Quay Singapore
Tel: +65 6837 2938

Onion Restaurant & Bar

791 Bukit Timah Road
#01-01 Singapore
Tel: +65 6763 0398

Sabio Tapas Bar

Housed within a shop house on Duxton Hill, Sabio Tapas Bar has been designed to represent an authentic tapas bar in Spain. It is a good place to chill out with a group of friends. Fans of Sabio will be happy to know that it has recently opened a second outlet, Sabio by the Sea at Quayside Isle.

5 Duxton Hill Singapore
Tel: +65 6223 4645

Salt Tapas & Bar

If you are a fan of tapas, Salt Tapas Bar at Raffles City by celebrity chef Luke Mangan is one place that you should check out. It serves Aussie-style tapas with the freshest ingredients.

Many people have the perception that Salt Tapas & Bar is very expensive. This is true. Most of the tapas are in the $20 to $30 range, and you can easily spend at least $100 for a meal here. But what you might not know that it has a fantastic lunch set for just $33.50++/pax. It includes a flat bread to share, and 3 tapas per person. When you consider the fact that most of the dishes on the set lunch menu are from the ala carte menu, you will agree that it is a very good deal.

252 North Bridge Road
#01-22A Raffles City Shopping Centre
Tel: +65 6837 0995
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Sabroso Tapas Wine Bar

Sabroso Tapas bar at Holland Village has a Spanish Tapas Buffet Dinner which features 16 tapas at $32++ per head, from Sun to Thu from 6pm – 10pm.

26A Lorong Mambong
Holland Village, Singapore
Tel: +65 6766 0053

Serenity Spanish Bar & Restaurant
1 HarbourFront Walk #01-98/99
VivoCity Singapore
Tel: +65 6376 8185

Sol Tasca
3 Fullerton Road # 01-04
The Fullerton WaterBoatHouse
Tel: +65 6533 8913

Zsofi Tapas Bar

Most people probably won’t associate Spanish Tapas with Little India, but that’s exactly where Zsofi Tapas Bar is located. The whole area may be a little sleazy, but Zsofi Tapas Bar is cosy and unpretentious, and most importantly the Spanish food is affordable.

68 Dunlop Street Singapore
Tel: +65 6297 5875