I love local traditional dessert shops (or “tong shui”) which bring about a sense of sweetness and satisfaction after a meal.
Some of the familiar names around in Singapore (though not too many) include, Yatkayan (Middle Road), Ah Chew Desserts (Liang Seah), Wan Mei 碗美 (Katong), Jin Yu Man Tang (Chinatown), and Hup Ka Foon 合家歡 (Sago Street).
Yu Yi Tong Seoi 如意糖水 situated at 991 Serangoon Road (near Boon Keng MRT station), marks an attempt to tap into the local affection for traditional Chinese desserts and Malaysian-style Chinese cuisine.
Operated by Boon Keng New Taste 文慶新食代, a nearby shop known for specialising in Chinese Sichuan food, the establishment aims to create a nostalgic atmosphere with its vintage decorations and dessert offerings.
Upon entering, the immediate impression is one of simplicity.
The decor adorned with ‘vintage’ decorations printed on paper gives the place a certain ‘bare’ feel. So, one might feel that the aesthetic feels more makeshift than genuinely nostalgic.
With orders taken via QR code scanning and addition of “VIP pricing”, the lack of a physical menu for viewing did add unnecessary complexity. (A physical menu, complemented by online options, may have been better.)
The dessert menu seems to be a mixture of hits and misses according to online reviews.
The selection is broad, ranging from Bo Bo Cha Cha ($9.80), Stewed Peach Gum with Red Dates ($7.80), Home-made Yogurt with Nuts ($6.80), Green Bean Smoothie ($4.80), to Water Melon Sago with Milk Smoothie ($6.80).
The Purple Potato with Taro Crystal with Milk ($6.80) seemed to make for an interesting choice .
The softness of the taro and sweet potato chunks was commendable. However, the overall taste felt somewhat one-dimensional, leaving a lingering desire for more depth in flavor.
This sentiment echoed with the Red Bean Smoothie ($4.80), which was similarly ordinary and not memorable.
At least the shaved ice was smooth and milk rather rich. Okay if you need a dessert treat as there are not many other choices nearby.
A curious addition to the menu was the Gelato, priced at $5.80 for a single scoop.
However, its display left much to be desired, lacking the vibrancy and allure that one expects.
On another note, the addition of Malaysian-style Chinese cuisine such as Nasi Lemak ($10.80) and Sarawak Laksa ($13.80) brings an interesting twist. It provides more options for patrons seeking something other than desserts.
Yu Yi Tong Seoi 如意糖水
991 Serangoon Road, Singapore 328149
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Yatkayan (Middle Road)
Ah Chew Desserts (Orchard Cineleisure)
Wan Mei 碗美 (Katong)
Jin Yu Man Tang (Chinatown)
Hup Ka Foon 合家歡 (Sago Street)
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