Top 17 'Pandan-Perfect' Cafes to order from for a modern twist on local desserts in Singapore - Goh Ling Yong
Ah, the scent of pandan. If Singapore had a national fragrance, this would be it. That sweet, grassy, and subtly floral aroma instantly transports us to our grandmother's kitchen, where a pot of coconut jam is bubbling away or a tray of freshly steamed kueh is cooling on the counter. It's the smell of comfort, of heritage, and of pure, unadulterated deliciousness.
For generations, pandan has been the undisputed queen of local desserts. But in a city that's constantly innovating, our beloved pandan leaf has gracefully evolved beyond traditional kueh lapis and chiffon cakes. Today, Singapore’s vibrant cafe scene is buzzing with creativity, transforming this humble ingredient into spectacular modern creations. Think pandan-infused burnt cheesecakes, delicate pandan kaya cruffins, and gravity-defying pandan soufflés. It's a culinary renaissance, and our taste buds are the lucky beneficiaries.
This isn't just about flavour; it's about identity. These creations are a delicious dialogue between the past and the present, a testament to how our local food culture is thriving. So, I’ve taken on the tough (but tasty) job of curating the ultimate guide for fellow dessert lovers. Here are 17 'pandan-perfect' cafes you absolutely must order from for a modern twist on local desserts in Singapore. Get ready to drool!
1. Sinpopo Brand
A champion of local heritage, Sinpopo Brand isn't just a cafe; it's a nostalgia trip. They masterfully elevate old-school Singaporean flavours into sophisticated desserts that still feel wonderfully familiar. Their outlets are designed to evoke a sense of a bygone era, but their bakes are undeniably contemporary and perfect for the modern palate.
Their star attraction is, without a doubt, the Pandan Kaya Cake. This isn't just any cake; it's a multi-layered masterpiece. Imagine soft, moist pandan sponges sandwiching generous layers of house-made, hand-whipped kaya. But the magic doesn't stop there. The entire cake is frosted with a light coconut cream and finished with a crunchy topping of toasted desiccated coconut, delivering a delightful textural contrast in every bite. It's the epitome of a modern local dessert done right.
Pro-Tip: While you're there, don't miss their Gula Melaka Cake or the Dar Bo Bo Cha Cha Cake. If you're ordering for a celebration, the Pandan Kaya Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will impress both young and old.
2. Chalk Farm
Chalk Farm has earned a cult following for its elegant and impeccably crafted cakes, and their Kueh Salat Cake is legendary. They took the beloved Nyonya kueh, with its distinct layers of glutinous rice and pandan custard, and reimagined it as a sophisticated, full-sized cake. It’s a genius move that has won them countless fans.
The cake features a base of steamed glutinous rice, beautifully marbled with blue pea flower extract for that iconic look. This is topped with a thick, impossibly smooth, and wobbly layer of rich pandan and coconut custard. The custard is the hero here—creamy, fragrant, and not overly sweet, allowing the natural pandan flavour to shine. It's the perfect blend of tradition and modern baking artistry.
Pro-Tip: Their Kueh Salat Cake sells out incredibly fast, especially on weekends. It's wise to pre-order online to avoid disappointment. A slice of this pairs beautifully with a simple black coffee or a light oolong tea to cut through the richness.
3. Keong Saik Bakery
Nestled in the trendy Keong Saik neighbourhood, this bakery is famous for its playful and inventive pastries that often incorporate local flavours. They are masters of the "crossover" bake, and their pandan creations are a testament to their skill. Walking in feels like stepping into a hip, modern version of a traditional bakery.
Their must-try pandan item is the Chendol Delight, a gorgeous entremet that deconstructs the classic dessert. It features a light pandan mousse, gula melaka jelly, and red bean paste, all sitting on a coconut biscuit base. Another standout is their "Sor Hei," a black-and-white Danish pastry that sometimes comes with a pandan kaya filling. It's a delightful surprise that blends European technique with Singaporean soul.
Pro-Tip: Keep an eye on their social media for seasonal specials! They frequently experiment with new flavour combinations, and you might just stumble upon a limited-edition pandan masterpiece.
4. Luna Patisserie
LUNA is a sleek, minimalist patisserie that has taken the dessert scene by storm with its stunningly beautiful and delicious cakes. Their creations are works of art, meticulously crafted and often featuring unique flavour pairings. They are a go-to for anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion with a cake that tastes as good as it looks.
While their menu evolves, they are known for creations that feature local ingredients. Their Orh Nee Cake, for example, often incorporates a subtle pandan element to complement the yam and coconut. They also offer a Gula Melaka Pandan creation, featuring airy pandan sponge, coconut mousse, and a luscious core of molten gula melaka. It’s an explosion of textures and familiar flavours presented in a refined, elegant package.
Pro-Tip: LUNA's whole cakes are perfect for birthdays. Pre-ordering is essential. Their sliced cakes are available for walk-ins, but popular items sell out by late afternoon, so head down early.
5. The Hainan Story
More than just a bakery, The Hainan Story is a multi-brand concept that celebrates Hainanese culinary heritage. Amidst a sea of savoury delights like chicken rice and curry puffs, their bakery section churns out some fantastic, locally-inspired bakes that are perfect for a comforting tea break.
Their standout pandan offering is the simple yet sublime Pandan Waffle. Made fresh to order, these waffles are crispy on the outside and wonderfully fluffy and chewy on the inside, with a beautiful green hue and an intoxicating pandan aroma. You can have them plain or, for the ultimate indulgence, get them with a generous spread of their traditional kaya and a slab of butter. It's a classic snack, perfected.
Pro-Tip: Pair the pandan waffle with a cup of their traditional Kopi C Siu Dai for a truly authentic and satisfying Singaporean afternoon tea experience. It's simple, affordable, and incredibly comforting.
6. Fluff Bakery
This halal-certified bakery in Kampong Glam started the cupcake craze in Singapore and continues to be a trendsetter. Fluff Bakery is known for its bold flavours, creative weekly menus, and a fun, vibrant attitude. They’ve built a loyal following who eagerly await their menu announcements each week.
Their Ondeh Ondeh Cupcake is an icon. It features a fluffy pandan-infused cake with a surprise molten gula melaka centre, topped with a light coconut cream frosting and a dusting of desiccated coconut. Biting into it is a glorious experience as the palm sugar syrup oozes out, perfectly mimicking the sensation of eating the traditional kueh. It’s one of the best modern interpretations of a local dessert you can find.
Pro-Tip: Fluff Bakery operates on a weekly menu, so the Ondeh Ondeh Cupcake might not always be available. Check their Instagram or website before heading down. When it's on the menu, buy a box—one is never enough!
7. Old Seng Choong
Founded by renowned local pastry chef Daniel Tay, Old Seng Choong is a tribute to his father's original bakery from the 1960s. The brand specialises in nostalgic cakes and cookies, using time-honoured recipes and premium ingredients. This is the place to go for high-quality, classic bakes that taste of home.
While they offer many modern creations, their Pandan Chiffon Cake is a masterclass in classic baking. It’s unbelievably light, airy, and moist, with a powerful, natural pandan fragrance that comes from using real pandan juice, not artificial flavouring. The texture is cloud-like, and it has just the right amount of sweetness. Sometimes, you don't need a modern twist; you just need a classic perfected.
Pro-Tip: This cake makes an excellent gift, especially for older relatives who appreciate traditional flavours. Their beautiful packaging adds a touch of elegance. It's also a fantastic, lighter option for an everyday tea cake.
8. Konditori Artisan Bakes
Tucked away near Bugis, Konditori is a European-style bakery that has won hearts with its flaky, buttery pastries. While their croissants and kouign amanns are the main draw, they cleverly infuse local flavours into their bakes, creating unique and addictive treats.
You must try their Pandan Kaya Croissant. They take a perfectly laminated, buttery croissant and fill it with a generous amount of smooth, fragrant pandan kaya. The result is a beautiful marriage of French technique and Singaporean flavour—the crispy, savoury pastry is the perfect vessel for the sweet, creamy kaya. It’s an indulgent breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack.
Pro-Tip: Go early in the morning when the pastries are fresh out of the oven. The Pandan Kaya Croissant is a popular item and can sell out quickly. Grab a coffee to go with it for the perfect start to your day.
9. Tigerlily Patisserie
Helmed by a fine-dining pastry chef, Tigerlily is where you go for desserts that are both visually stunning and technically brilliant. They blend European patisserie techniques with unique Asian flavours, resulting in creations that are complex, surprising, and absolutely delicious. This is dessert as high art.
Their Gula Melaka Coconut Cloud is a pandan lover's dream. It's a delicate and intricate dessert featuring a light pandan sponge, coconut mousse, pandan jelly, and a gula melaka caramel centre. The whole creation is often encased in a beautiful white chocolate shell, resembling a cloud. Each spoonful offers a different combination of textures and flavours, making it an exciting dessert to eat. My colleague Goh Ling Yong raves about their technical skill, and I completely agree.
Pro-Tip: Tigerlily's offerings are seasonal and change frequently. It’s best to check their current menu online. These are delicate pastries, so they are best enjoyed fresh at the cafe if you have the chance.
10. Cat & The Fiddle
Known for its extensive range of gourmet cheesecakes, Cat & The Fiddle is Singapore's first online cheesecake specialist. They offer a dizzying array of flavours, from classic New York to Asian-inspired creations, all available for delivery right to your doorstep.
For a local flavour fix, their "Gula Me Gusta" is a must-try. This cheesecake pays homage to the beloved ondeh ondeh. It features a pandan-infused cream cheese base on a grated coconut and biscuit crumble. To top it all off, it's sprinkled with more toasted coconut and comes with a side of rich gula melaka sauce to drizzle over. It's a decadent, creamy, and satisfyingly local take on a classic cheesecake.
Pro-Tip: Can't decide on one flavour? Opt for their "Fickle Feline" assortment, which allows you to try 10 different slices in one cake. It's a fantastic way to sample their range, and you can often find the Gula Me Gusta included.
11. HarriAnns Nonya Table
With roots stretching back to the 1950s, HarriAnns is a family-run establishment dedicated to preserving the art of handmade Nyonya kueh. While they are famous for their traditional sweets, they have also embraced modern forms, applying their decades of expertise to create contemporary bakes.
Their Pandan Chiffon Cake is a standout, often hailed as one of the best in Singapore. Made with freshly squeezed pandan juice and coconut milk, it’s incredibly soft and fragrant. But what truly sets them apart is their Rainbow Lapis Swiss Roll. This visually striking roll features the colourful, chewy texture of lapis sagu wrapped around a pandan-flavoured cream, offering a completely new way to enjoy a traditional favourite.
Pro-Tip: HarriAnns is a fantastic one-stop shop for both traditional kueh and modern pandan bakes. It's the perfect place to pick up a variety of treats to satisfy everyone's preferences.
12. Mad Roaster
Mad Roaster is a coffee shop with a huge heart. They are a social enterprise that supports refugees, with all their bakes and coffee art created by individuals seeking asylum. Beyond their commendable mission, their coffee and bakes are genuinely excellent.
Their Pandan Brioche is a hidden gem. It’s a beautifully soft, buttery brioche loaf swirled with a fragrant pandan and coconut filling. When toasted, the aroma is simply heavenly. It’s not overly sweet, making it a perfect breakfast bread. Slather it with a bit of butter or extra kaya for an indulgent treat. It’s a comforting bake that also supports a great cause.
Pro-Tip: Their lattes are fantastic, so grab one to go with your brioche. As they are a small-batch bakery, popular items can run out. It's a good idea to visit earlier in the day to get the best selection.
13. The Durian Bakery
As the name suggests, this bakery is a haven for durian lovers. But they don't just stop at the king of fruits; they expertly pair it with other complementary local flavours, and pandan is a natural partner. Their bakes are known for being incredibly rich and packed with high-quality durian pulp.
Their Signature Pandan Durian Cake is the ultimate indulgence. It features layers of soft pandan sponge cake filled with a thick, luscious layer of pure Mao Shan Wang (MSW) durian pulp. The fragrant pandan perfectly cuts through the richness of the durian, creating a balanced yet decadent flavour profile. It's a truly show-stopping cake for any durian aficionado.
Pro-Tip: This cake is very rich, so a little goes a long way. It's perfect for a big celebration or for sharing among a group of serious durian enthusiasts. Make sure to order in advance as they are made to order.
14. Nesuto
Nesuto, which means "nest" in Japanese, is a patisserie that combines Japanese baking sensibilities with French techniques. The result is cakes that are light, delicate, and exquisitely balanced in flavour. They are known for their minimalist aesthetic and their focus on high-quality ingredients.
While their menu is often seasonal, they frequently feature a Pandan Gula Melaka Soufflé Pancake on their dine-in menu. This is a dessert experience. The pancakes are cooked to order, arriving at your table impossibly tall, fluffy, and jiggly. They are infused with a subtle pandan flavour and served with a side of gula melaka syrup and coconut ice cream. It’s a light, airy, and interactive dessert that is absolutely delightful.
Pro-Tip: The soufflé pancakes take about 20-25 minutes to prepare, so order them as soon as you sit down. This is a dine-in exclusive, so you'll have to visit their beautiful cafe to enjoy it.
15. La Levain
La Levain is an artisanal bakery that pushes the boundaries of bread and viennoiserie. Helmed by an award-winning baker, they are known for their creative use of sourdough and their exciting range of laminated pastries. This is the place for bakers who appreciate technique and innovation. The whole idea for this blog post was sparked during a chat with my friend Goh Ling Yong about where to find the most innovative pandan bakes, and La Levain was at the top of his list.
Their must-have is the Pandan Kaya Cruffin. A hybrid of a croissant and a muffin, the cruffin is tall and cylindrical, with countless flaky layers. At La Levain, they pipe a generous amount of rich, homemade pandan kaya into the centre. The combination of the crispy, buttery pastry and the sweet, creamy filling is simply divine.
Pro-Tip: Cruffins are best eaten on the day they are made. If you're taking away, you can refresh it in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that delightful crispiness before you dig in.
16. Ambling Turtle
Located in the charming Katong neighbourhood, The Ambling Turtle is a modern Peranakan cafe that offers a contemporary take on Nyonya cuisine. Their menu features updated classics, from savoury dishes to delightful desserts, all served in a cozy, heritage-inspired setting.
Their Pandan Gula Melaka Waffles are a highlight. Similar to the ones at The Hainan Story but with a Peranakan twist, these waffles are thick and fluffy with a distinct pandan flavour. They are served with a scoop of coconut ice cream and a generous drizzle of smoky gula melaka syrup, then topped with toasted coconut flakes. It’s a comforting and indulgent dessert that perfectly captures the essence of the neighbourhood.
Pro-Tip: The cafe can get quite busy, especially on weekends. Consider making a reservation if you plan to dine in. Their Pulut Hitam Tart is another excellent modern dessert worth trying.
17. Bengawan Solo
No list of pandan desserts in Singapore would be complete without paying homage to the OG, Bengawan Solo. This household name has been our go-to for traditional cakes and kueh for decades. While they may not be a "modern cafe," their unwavering quality and classic offerings set the benchmark against which all others are measured.
Their Pandan Chiffon Cake is an institution. It is the quintessential version of this cake—fluffy, fragrant, and consistently delicious. It's the taste of countless childhood birthdays and festive gatherings. Buying a cake from Bengawan Solo is a Singaporean tradition, and its inclusion here is a reminder that sometimes, the original is still the best. It's the perfect baseline for understanding what makes a great pandan bake.
Pro-Tip: If you're introducing a tourist or a friend to Singaporean flavours, a Pandan Chiffon from Bengawan Solo is the perfect, can't-go-wrong starting point. It's easily accessible with outlets all over the island.
The Sweet Conclusion
From humble chiffon cakes to avant-garde entremets, pandan has proven its incredible versatility. It’s the flavour of our collective memory, now being celebrated and reimagined by a new generation of talented bakers across Singapore. These 17 cafes are just the beginning of the pandan-perfect journey you can embark on. They showcase the creativity, passion, and pride that define our amazing food city.
So, the next time you're craving something sweet, why not explore one of these spots? Whether you're ordering a cake for a special occasion or just grabbing a pastry for a midday treat, you'll be supporting local talent and indulging in a taste of modern Singapore.
Now, I'd love to hear from you! What are your favourite spots for modern local desserts? Did I miss any of your go-to pandan cafes? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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