Sweet Temptations: Chinese Dessert Recipes Singapore

Chinese desserts are known for their light and refreshing flavours, and they often incorporate ingredients like red bean, glutinous rice, and coconut milk. Many traditional Chinese dessert recipes have been passed down for generations, making them an important part of Chinese culture and cuisine.

In addition to traditional Chinese desserts, there are also many modern twists and fusion desserts to try in Singapore. These desserts often incorporate Western ingredients and techniques, resulting in unique and exciting flavour combinations. Whether you're looking for something classic or something new, there's sure to be a Chinese dessert recipe in Singapore that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese desserts in Singapore offer a unique and refreshing flavour experience.
• Traditional Chinese desserts have been passed down for generations and are an important part of Chinese culture.
• Modern twists and fusion desserts offer exciting flavour combinations to try.

Traditional Chinese Desserts

If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, traditional Chinese desserts are a great option. These desserts are typically light and refreshing, making them the perfect end to a meal. Here are a few popular traditional Chinese desserts to try:

Tang Yuan

Tang Yuan are glutinous rice balls that are typically filled with sesame, red bean, or black sesame paste. These sweet treats are often served in a sweet soup, such as green bean soup or sweet ginger soup. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try adding seafood to your tang yuan. Shrimp or crab meat can be a delicious addition to the filling.

Cheng Tng

Cheng Tng is a sweet soup that is made with a variety of ingredients, including dried longan, white fungus, and barley. This refreshing dessert is perfect for hot days and is often served chilled. You can also add fruits, such as lychee or pineapple, to your Cheng Tng for an extra burst of flavour.

Red Bean Soup

Red Bean Soup is a classic Chinese dessert that is made with red beans, sugar, and water. This sweet soup is often served hot and is perfect for cold days. You can add other ingredients to your red bean soup, such as rice dumplings or tapioca pearls, for a more filling dessert. Seafood can also be added to the soup, such as prawns or scallops, to give it a unique twist.

Traditional Chinese desserts are a delicious and refreshing way to end a meal. Whether you're in the mood for tang yuan, Cheng Tng, or red bean soup, there's a dessert out there for everyone. So why not try making one of these traditional treats today and satisfy your sweet tooth in the process?

Modern Twists and Fusion Desserts

If you're looking for a unique twist on traditional Chinese desserts, Singapore has plenty of options to choose from. Here are some modern and fusion desserts that you should definitely try.

Mango Pomelo Sago

Mango Pomelo Sago is a refreshing Hong Kong-style dessert that has become a popular dessert in Singapore. This dessert is made with diced mango, pomelo, and sago pearls, mixed with a sweet coconut milk syrup. It's a perfect dessert for hot and humid days.

For a fusion twist, you can add some seafood to your Mango Pomelo Sago. Shrimp or crab meat can add a delicious savoury flavour to this sweet dessert.

Durian Delicacies

Durian is a fruit that people either love or hate, but it's a staple in many Southeast Asian desserts. In Singapore, you can find a variety of durian delicacies such as Durian Puffs, Durian Ice Cream, and Durian Sago.

For a unique twist, try making Durian Seafood Soup. This soup combines the creamy texture of durian with the savoury flavour of seafood. You can add shrimp, crab meat, or even scallops to this soup for a delicious fusion dish.

Snow Ice Variations

Snow Ice is a Taiwanese dessert that has become popular in Singapore. It's a shaved ice dessert that has a texture similar to snow, hence the name. Snow Ice comes in a variety of flavours such as Mango, Strawberry, and Matcha.

For a fusion twist, try making Black Sesame Snow Ice. This dessert combines the nutty flavour of black sesame paste with the refreshing texture of Snow Ice. You can top it off with some diced mango or pomelo for an extra burst of flavour.

Singapore is a great place to try modern twists and fusion desserts of traditional Chinese desserts. With a variety of flavours and textures to choose from, you're sure to find something that satisfies your sweet tooth.

Dessert Venues in Singapore

If you are a dessert lover, then Singapore is the place to be. The city-state offers a wide range of dessert options that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are some of the best dessert venues in Singapore that you should check out.

Chinatown Sweet Spots

Chinatown is a great place to explore if you are looking for some sweet treats. The area is home to some of the best dessert stalls in Singapore. One of the must-visit dessert stalls in Chinatown is 115 Tang Shui. This stall offers a wide range of traditional Chinese desserts such as almond paste, sesame paste, and black sesame paste.

Another popular dessert stall in Chinatown is Mei Heong Yuen. This dessert stall has been around for over 70 years and is known for its traditional Chinese desserts such as peanut soup, red bean soup, and sesame paste.

If you are looking for something more modern, you can visit Ah Chew Desserts. This dessert shop offers a wide range of desserts such as mango sago, durian pancake, and yam paste.

Iconic Dessert Stalls

Apart from Chinatown, there are also other iconic dessert stalls in Singapore that you should check out. One of them is Ren Ren Desserts, located at Golden Mile Food Centre. This dessert stall is known for its traditional Chinese desserts such as green bean soup, red bean soup, and black sesame paste.

Another dessert stall that you should check out is Dessert First, located at Siglap Centre. This dessert shop offers a wide range of desserts such as mango pomelo sago, durian snow ice, and black glutinous rice.

If you are looking for something unique, you can visit DessertStory, located at Chinatown Complex. This dessert shop offers a wide range of desserts such as strawberry snow ice, durian pancake, and mango glutinous rice.

When it comes to incorporating seafood into your dessert recipes, you can try using coconut milk or pandan leaves, which are commonly used in Southeast Asian desserts. For example, you can make a pandan jelly with coconut milk and add some fruits such as lychee or mango. You can also make a sweet soup with red beans and sago, and add some diced sea coconut for a refreshing twist.

Singapore is a dessert lover's paradise, and there are plenty of dessert venues to explore. Whether you are looking for traditional Chinese desserts or modern desserts with a twist, you will definitely find something that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Dessert Ingredients and Preparations

Creating the Perfect Dessert Base

To create the perfect dessert base, there are a few key ingredients that you should always have on hand. Milk, coconut milk, and water are all commonly used in many Chinese dessert recipes. Rice flour is also a staple ingredient in many desserts, as it helps to create a thick and creamy texture.

Peanut and sesame paste are also commonly used in Chinese desserts, adding a nutty and slightly sweet flavour to the dish. Yam paste, almond paste, and peanut paste are other common ingredients that can be used to create a creamy and rich base.

If you're looking to add a bit of crunch to your dessert, seeds such as sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds can be added for texture.

The Art of Sweetening

Sweetening your dessert is an important step in creating the perfect dish. Sugar, of course, is the most common sweetener used in Chinese desserts. However, if you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can also use honey or maple syrup.

Green tea is another ingredient that can be used to sweeten desserts, adding a unique and slightly bitter flavour to the dish. Pandan leaves are also commonly used in Chinese desserts, adding a fragrant and sweet flavour.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding seafood to your dessert recipe. For example, you can use coconut milk and pandan jelly to create a delicious dessert with prawns or scallops. Pulut hitam is another dessert that can be made with seafood, using coconut milk and black glutinous rice to create a sweet and savoury dish.

Chinese desserts are a delicious and unique way to satisfy your sweet tooth. With the right ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can create a dessert that is both tasty and healthy.

Festive and Family Desserts

If you are looking for traditional Chinese desserts that are perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, there are many nostalgic treats that you can try. Here are some popular options that you can consider:

Nostalgic Treats for Gatherings

One of the most popular Cantonese desserts is the "Tau Foo Fah," which is a silky smooth beancurd pudding that is served with a sweet ginger syrup. This dessert is perfect for those who are looking for a light and refreshing option.

Another popular dessert is the "Bubur Cha Cha," which is a sweet and colourful dessert made with yam, sweet potato, and coconut milk. This dessert is perfect for family gatherings and is often served during the Chinese New Year celebrations.

If you are looking for something that is more spicy and flavourful, you can try the "Chinese Herbal Jelly," which is a dessert made with a variety of spices and herbs. This dessert is often served as a refreshing treat during the hot summer months.

Desserts for Special Occasions

For special occasions, there are many traditional Chinese desserts that you can choose from. One of the most popular options is the "Muah Chee," which is a sweet and chewy dumpling made with glutinous rice flour and coated with crushed peanuts. This dessert is perfect for those who are looking for a more savoury option.

Another popular dessert is the "Sweet Potato Ginger Soup," which is a warm and comforting dessert that is perfect for cold winter nights. This dessert is made with sweet potatoes, ginger, and rock sugar, and is often served during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

If you want something that is more indulgent, you can try the "Walnut Paste," which is a rich and creamy dessert made with ground walnuts and sugar. This dessert is perfect for those who are looking for something that is sweet and satisfying.

To add a unique twist to your traditional Chinese dessert, you can also consider adding some seafood. For example, you can add some fresh prawns or scallops to your "Yammy Chendol" to create a seafood version of this popular dessert. Alternatively, you can add some fresh crab meat to your "Bo Bo Cha Cha" to create a savoury and sweet dessert that is perfect for special occasions.

No matter what type of traditional Chinese dessert you are looking for, there are many options available that are perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a classic sweet treat to whip up from Singapore's Chinese cuisine?

If you're looking to whip up a classic sweet treat from Singapore's Chinese cuisine, you can't go wrong with making some Tang Yuan. These sweet glutinous rice balls are often filled with black sesame paste, peanut butter, or red bean paste, and served in a sweet ginger soup. They are a staple dessert during festivals like the Winter Solstice and Chinese New Year.

Could you suggest some straightforward Chinese desserts that I can make at home?

If you're looking for some straightforward Chinese desserts to make at home, you can try making some Osmanthus Jelly, which is a light and refreshing dessert made with dried osmanthus flowers, agar-agar, and rock sugar. Another easy-to-make dessert is Mango Sago, which is a chilled dessert made with fresh mangoes, sago pearls, and coconut milk.

Which dessert is often considered the go-to after a Chinese meal in Singapore?

After a Chinese meal in Singapore, the go-to dessert is often a bowl of Cheng Tng. This sweet soup is made with a mix of dried longan, barley, lotus seeds, and sweet potatoes, and is served chilled with a drizzle of syrup.

I'm looking for healthier options; what are some light Chinese sweets?

If you're looking for healthier options, you can try making some Red Bean Soup, which is a simple dessert made with red beans, rock sugar, and water. Another light and healthy dessert is Steamed Egg Custard, which is a silky smooth custard made with eggs, milk, and sugar.

What chilled desserts are a hit from the Chinese Singaporean dessert scene?

Chilled desserts that are a hit from the Chinese Singaporean dessert scene include Mango Pomelo Sago, which is a refreshing dessert made with fresh mangoes, pomelo, and sago pearls in a sweet coconut milk soup. Another popular chilled dessert is Grass Jelly, which is a cooling dessert made with grass jelly cubes, syrup, and shaved ice.

Are there any Indo-Chinese fusion desserts that have become a local favourite?

Yes, there are some Indo-Chinese fusion desserts that have become a local favourite in Singapore. One such dessert is the Durian Pengat, which is a creamy durian pudding made with coconut milk, gula melaka, and pandan leaves. Another fusion dessert is the Chendol Ice Cream, which is a modern twist on the traditional chendol dessert, featuring a scoop of pandan-flavoured ice cream on top of a bed of shaved ice, red beans, and chendol jelly.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try making some Sea Coconut Jelly, which is a refreshing dessert made with sea coconut, agar-agar, and rock sugar. You can also add some diced fresh fruits or seafood like lychees, strawberries, or prawns to make it more interesting.