If there’s one food trend that has never died down, it is Japanese Green Tea – Matcha. In every cafe, you’re 90% likely to see a Matcha Latte or a Matcha-infused dessert somewhere on the menu. However, we would like to introduce you to Matcha’s just-as-delicious but less-talked-about counterpart – Hojicha.

Hojicha is kind of roasted green tea that carries a strong toasty, smoky flavour that is super delicious and earthy. It’s a unique flavour that you won’t forget once you try it! So here’s a list of the best Hojicha desserts in Singapore that will get you hooked onto this underrated flavour.

108 MATCHA SARO – HOJICHA MINI PARFAIT

The Hojicha Mini Parfait is our favourite dessert from 108 Matcha Saro! The dessert comes with a swirl of Hojicha soft-serve, a scoop of sweet red bean paste, chewy mochi balls and a generous drizzle of syrup. The toppings paired impeccably with the flavourful soft-serve – especially the mochi balls!

108 Matcha Saro
5 Temasek Boulevard
Suntec City, #B1-K5
Singapore 038985
Tel: +65 6259 4704
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Esplanade

Photo Credit: Creme Maison

CREME MAISON BAKERY – HOJICHA HAZELNUT PRALINE

First on our list is from one of the best cake shops in Singapore, Creme Maison Bakery. If you’re a fan of hojicha and really want a nice fluffy cake to sink your teeth into, their Hojicha Hazelnut Praline cake is the perfect dessert.

The earthy hojicha-infused brown sugar sponge is layered with sweet hazelnut praline and topped off with more hazelnuts; a real sweet treat!

Creme Maison Bakery
30 Tai Seng Street #08-03B
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 8181 3689
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

DOPA DOPA CREAMERY – HOJICHA ICE CREAM

Located in the heart of the CBD, Dopa Dopa has made many fall for their silky smooth gelato. It’s hard to miss with their bright yellow interior and decor. One of their best flavours would definitely be their smoky Hojicha. It packs a huge punch of flavour without being grainy or too overpowering.

Dopa Dopa Creamery
29 South Bridge Road, #01-01
Singapore 058665
Tel: +65 6535 3539
Mon to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

HVALA – HOJICHA CAKE

Hvala’s Hojicha Cake features a light and airy Hojicha-infused sponge, layered with fresh cream, adzuki beans and a generous drizzle of thick Hojicha sauce. We loved how the smoky aroma of Hojicha was amplified by the bitter Hojicha sauce and the adzuki beans speckled through the layers gave a nice textural contrast to the cake!

This is the cake you can pass the time with, with a book in hand and a matcha latte to sip on.

Hvala
111 Somerset Road
TripleOne Somerset
Singapore 238164
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Photo Credit: Instagram

KATASUMI KOOHII – HOJICHA CHIFFON

Hidden in Bukit Pasoh is a Katasumi Koohii, a Japanese-inspired book cafe serving up fresh bakes and cakes. One of which is a cloud-like Hojicha chiffon perfumed with the fragrant roasted tea. It’s also topped with a fluffy hojicha whipped cream to enhance the flavour!

The cafe is so cosy that you can spend hours with just a cake and cuppa, forgetting about the world for just a moment.

Katasumi Koohii
25 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089839
Mon, Wed to Sat: 12pm – 8pm
Sun: 12pm – 6pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Outram Park

MIAM MIAM – HOJICHA PANCAKE

Miam Miam is known for their delicious fusion-style pasta and mains but not many know that they have just-as-splendid desserts on their menu as well! One of their desserts happen to be a Hojicha Pancake, consisting of a fluffy pancake, Hojicha whipped cream, azuki beans, mochi and brown sugar syrup.

The fluffy pancake absorbs the thick syrup, making it ultra decadent. Paired with the hojicha cream, red beans and chewy mochi, it’s a great Japanese fusion dessert that you’ll definitely enjoy.

200 Victoria Street
#02-14 Bugis Junction
Singapore 188021
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

3 Gateway Drive
#01-21/22 Westgate
Singapore 608532
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

NANA’S GREEN TEA – HOJICHA PARFAIT

What’s better than a scoop of hojicha ice cream? A scoop of hojicha ice cream with mochi balls, tea jelly, whipped cream, hojicha paste and cereal crumble! That’s everything in Nana Green Tea’s Hojicha Parfait. It’s intricately layered to give you maximum satisfaction so if you’re a big hojicha lover, you absolutely have to put it on your list of “must-eats”!

The Atrium @ Orchard, Plaza Singapura
60B Orchard Road
#03-80/82
Singapore 238891
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

SUGAR THIEVES – HOJICHA CROISSANT

With their ever-changing croissant line-up, Sugar Thieves keeps their fans constantly on edge for their new releases. One of our favourites has to be their Hojicha Croissant – a buttery, flaky pastry filled generously with thick, luscious hojicha-infused cream. It’s then dusted with more hojicha powder on top, making it a roasted-tea flavour bomb!

Sugar Thieves
Blk 333, #01-23
Kreta Ayer Rd
Singapore 080333
Tel: +65 9850 4377
Wed to Sat: 12pm – 6pm
(Closed Sun – Tue)
Nearest Station: Outram Park

TSUJIRI – HOJICHA ROLL CAKE

This fluffy, cloud-like cake was packed with so much hojicha flavour, you couldn’t imagine it until you try! Seemingly simple, this roll cake is anything but. The delicious roasted aroma of hojicha is contrasted by the whipped cream and sweet azuki beans it’s served with. Tsujiri is one of Singapore’s “OG”, most well-loved, matcha cafes and when you taste their desserts, you’ll know why.

176 Orchard Road
The Centrepoint, #01-101
Singapore 238843
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

TWENTY GRAMMES – HOJICHA SOFTSERVE ON WAFFLE

Launched for their 2nd anniversary and remaining as a popular menu item, Twenty Gramme’s Hojicha Softserve on Waffle is a must-try Hojicha dessert. The soft serve sits nicely in a cup with bite-sized waffle pieces, and is decorated with beautiful lavender-coloured edible flowers.

We loved the taste of the Hojicha soft-serve and waffle bits. Intense roasted flavours were present but not overpowering; just the way we like it!

Twenty Grammes
753 North Bridge Road
#01-01
Singapore 198721
Tel: +65 6717 1733
Mon to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Bugis

Treasure hunts are always fun, especially if it’s for good food! Well, we now have a new quest for you hungry foodies with an insatiable sweet tooth.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best hidden patisseries and bakeries in Singapore that serve up really amazing pastries, cakes and bakes! Here’s a treasure hunt for the grown-ups and for those who simply love good desserts.

P.S. You might just develop an even sweeter tooth for the finer bakes in life after this!

CIEL PATISSERIE

A heartland patisserie that boasts a menu of French desserts, Ciel Patisserie is a hidden gem. Unassuming but very surprising, this small patisserie has a wholesome range of cakes and tarts that are mostly priced under S$6.

We have said this before and we will say this again—Ciel Patisserie’s Lemon Meringue Tart (S$4.50) stands out for its perfect balance of sweet and tart.

124 Hougang Avenue 1
#01-1444, 530124
Tel: +65 6383 0803
Tue to Thu: 11am – 8pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 3pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Photo Credit: Instagram

DONA MANIS CAKE SHOP

Tucked away in Katong Shopping Centre is Dona Manis, one of Singapore’s traditional bakeries. Famed for their sweet Banana Pies, it’s a must-visit if you have a penchant for good ol’ day bakeries! Other than their pies, try their rich Chocolate Tarts (S$4.50 for 5) or their fluffy Cream Puffs (S$3.50 for 5)!

865 Mountbatten Road
#B1-93, Katong Shopping Centre
Singapore 437844
Mon: 9am – 5pm
Tue to Sat: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Eunos

Photo Credit: Instagram

FOLKS & STORIES

Specializing in all sorts of cookies with quirky toppings and infusions is Folks & Stories. Their humble storefront is neatly nestled away in the quiet streets of Queenstown. Set up by SMU Alumnus Jody Ang, each cookie has distinct and unique personalities.

Their range of cookies (S$3.50) include the Quirky Tastemaker (Rosemary Dark Chocolate), the Curious Merrymaker (Cream Cheese Dark Chocolate) and the Inquisitive Wanderer (Green Tea White Chocolate).

Block 163 Stirling Road, #01-1238
Singapore 140163
Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 6pm
Sat: 10.30am – 4.30pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Queenstown

FREDO’S BAKER

Settled snugly in Sunset Way is Fredo’s Baker. This fairly new kid on the block features a delectable selection of pastries, cakes and tarts that are made with quality ingredients and the utmost passion from its pastry chef and owner, Alfred Chan.

We especially loved their Yuzu Meringue Tart (S$8.50)! While the yuzu creamy custard can come across overtly sour on its own, the sweetness of the meringue helped to counteract its tartness, which resulted in an all-round refreshing after-taste.

Block 109, #01-05
Clementi Street 11
Singapore 120109
Mon to Sat: 8am – 8pm
Sun & Public Holiday: 8am – 6pm
Nearest station: Clementi

KURA

Tucked away in The Herencia at Kim Yam Road is Kura that serves up delectable Japanese pastries at wallet-friendly prices. Even so, they don’t compromise on quality and offer up some mouthwatering cakes.

Kura’s Tiramisu (S$4) is an absolute must-try! It’s a mix of coffee-soaked sponge and mascarpone cream sitting inside a mini dark chocolate cup. The mascarpone filling was light – not too creamy nor heavy. You’ll finish this in mere minutes!

46 Kim Yam Road
The Herencia
Singapore 239351
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning
(There’s a two-way shuttle bus from Somerset MRT to The Herencia)

LEE’S CONFECTIONERY

The West of Singapore isn’t so bad after all because it’s home to Lee’s Confectionery. Hidden away in the residential area of Chinese Garden, Lee’s Confectionery is minimalistic patisserie that serves hand-crafted desserts and pastries.

Tart (S$8) was the our favourite of their pastries. The base of its crisp tart shell was lined with almonds and layered with cream that had a citrus flavour without any artificial taste. Its tanginess, nuttiness, and baked cookie flavour was a very pleasant combination.

343 Jurong East Street 31, #01-59
Singapore 600343
Tel: +65 9183 8447
Wed to Mon: 12pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Chinese Garden

Photo Credit: Instagram

NICHER

Located in the humble neighbourhood of Tiong Bahru, look past the hipster cafes and you’ll find Nicher. This bakery, opened by an ex-MBS chef, serves up artisanal loaf cakes at a wonderfully affordable price point of S$14 to S$16 for a full loaf!

They have more traditional flavours like Banana and Chocolate, but more modern flavours as well – Earl Grey Berries and Matcha Azuki!

71 Seng Poh Road
Singapore 160071
Mon to Wed, Fri & Sat: 11am – 3pm
(Closed on Thursdays and Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

Photo Credit: Instagram

PANTLER

Opened by chefs who met through working at the prestigious Grand Hyatt and Joel Robuchon Singapore, hidden patisserie Pantler brings a delightful plethora of intricately-crafted cakes to the table. From choux puffs to glazed cakes and croissants, Pantler has them all.

It has recently moved to a bigger space at 474 River Valley Road on 20 Feb 2021.

One of our favourites would be the Hojicha (S$8.50) – a milk chocolate and hojicha mousse cake with orange jelly and crunchy feuilletine.

Pantler
474 River Valley Road
Singapore 248359
Tuesday – Sunday 10:30 – 18:30
(Closed on Monday)

PATISSERIE CLÉ

First established as an online pâtisserie in 2018 by local pastry chefs Germaine Li and Joy Chiam, Pâtisserie CLÉ (clé is French for ‘key’) specialises in French cakes, tarts, and bakes.

The local brand opened its first physical space in Paya Lebar Office and the second outlet will be located in Lucky Heights neighbourhood where fans can get a range of tarts and
entremets as well as a new selection of viennoiseries.

Pâtisserie CLÉ
79 Lucky Heights, Singapore 467627
Tel: +65 8127 3925

SUGAR THIEVES

Hidden away in the quiet streets of Kreta Ayer is the small, cosy bakery—Sugar Thieves. They can be easily missed so keep a look out for their modern wooden-panelled exterior and white signboard. Or just try spotting their freshly baked croissants sitting near the window.

Try their Strawberry Watermelon Cake (S$8.90). Normally, sweet cream gets rather jelak after a while, but this cream was cloud-like and complimented the overall cake well. Topped with fresh fruits and perfumed with rose, it’s truly a delight!

Blk 333, #01-23
Kreta Ayer Rd
Singapore 080333
Tel: +65 9850 4377
Wed to Sat: 12pm – 6pm
(Closed Sun – Tue)
Nearest Station: Outram Park

VOYAGE

Voyage Patisserie is located along Outram Road serving French desserts.

The patisserie’s signature cake, Cynthia (S$9), is named after the owner’s girlfriend as it was the first-ever rose he gave to her. It’s definitely as sweet as the story behind it – consisting of a rose chantilly cream, lychee chunks, raspberry compote and vanilla sponge, all in the shape of a pretty rose.

249 Outram Road
Singapore 169048
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru/Outram Park

WHISKIT BAKERY & CAFE

 From colourful Rainbow Cheesecakes to more local-inspired pastry such as Kaya Ondeh tarts, Whiskit Bakery & Cafe is definitely one to mark down on your list of cafes you have to try in Singapore.

Try their Lemon Meringue Tart (S$6.50)! It’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet – a fluffy torched meringue sits on top of a lemon curd-filled tart. It’s one of the best lemon tarts in Singapore, for sure!

11 Biopolis Way, Helios Building, #01-08
Singapore 138667

Read our guide to the 17 best patisseries and cake shops in Singapore.

Cafes come and go but we can tell you that this hidden gem of a bakery is currently one of the best patisseries in Singapore. Despite its tiny space, it is comfortable and smells of fresh croissants with a hint of dried roses.

Sugar Thieves, opened in December last year, is a local bakery that specializes in mousse cakes and croissants. Their desserts are not just pleasing to the eye, but taste absolutely ambrosial on your tongue too.

Tucked away in the quiet streets of Kreta Ayer is the small, cosy bakery—Sugar Thieves. They can be easily missed so keep a look out for their modern wooden-panelled exterior and white signboard. Or just try spotting their freshly baked croissants sitting near the window.

The moment you step inside, all you can smell is the buttery aroma of their croissants. They have many flavours and they do change occasionally; this includes flavours such as Houjicha (S$6.50), Hokkaido Milk (S$5.50) and even a Truffle Parmesan flavour (S$7)!

We tried the Houjicha Croissant and it did not disappoint. It was crispy, flaky and most importantly, stuffed full of light and fluffy Houjicha cream. We initially had our doubts on how strong the tea flavour would turn out to be but it exceeded expectations.

Trying the Strawberry Watermelon Cake (S$8.90) was truly a pleasure. It was light, fluffy and refreshing. The sweetness was just right, offset by the fresh strawberries, grapes and watermelon.

Normally, sweet cream gets rather jelak after a while, but this cream was cloud-like and complimented the overall cake well. There was also a hint of rose to the cake and the perfumed taste of watermelon and rose lingered on quite a while after we had finished the cake.

Saving the prettiest for last, we had their avocado mousse cake, coined the “Avo” (S$8.90). It was a pretty petite piece that made us do a double take; it looked so much like an actual avocado! Well, they used an actual avocado peel for the base.

Taking a scoop of the creamy avocado cheesecake mousse revealed the chocolate sponge cake underneath. The addition of the “seed”—a macadamia nut praline—brought the cake to a whole new level, adding an element of savoury to it. This is the kind of cake you bring home to mama.

Sometimes, when food looks too good to be eaten, they usually don’t taste all that great but Sugar Thieves has got the best of both worlds with their bakes.

One thing to note is that although we had their cakes in-house, they have a very small space and only have limited seating options. So, it may be better to take those cakes and croissants home to enjoy.

Sugar Thieves
Blk 333, #01-23
Kreta Ayer Rd
Singapore 080333
Tel: +65 9850 4377
Wed to Sat: 12pm – 6pm
(Closed Sun – Tue)
Nearest Station: Outram Park