Talk about one of Singapore’s most known local dessert shops, and Ah Chew Desserts 阿秋甜品 would be a shoo-in.
It started humbly at a small shop space at Liang Seah Street near Bugis Junction, and is one of the longest-standing F&Bs in this area. (Fun-fact: Ah Chew Desserts was my first ever food blog post way back in 2008.)
Here’s one in the heart of town: it has officially opened at Orchard Cineleisure (and closed its Novena branch).
(Also read: 10 Traditional Dessert Shops In Singapore)
To find the outlet, it is on the ground floor where Keisuke Ramen used to be (nearest Scape), and operates up to 11:30pm daily for late-night dessert goers.
When I asked them, they mentioned that prices remain the same (as Novena). The only difference is collection is now self-service.
However, depending on where you sit, some customers may not be able to see the flashed-queue number, and this is probably the team needs to work on.
Owner “Ah Chew” was very fascinated by old Chinese arts and crafts and its heritage.
Therefore, you would find wooden furniture, carved doors, lanterns were sourced by him from China and shipped to Singapore.
Many of the Chinese handicrafts on display are from his personal collections.
The décor goes well with the offerings and would remind many of dessert stores found in Hong Kong.
Some of the recommended Ah Chew signatures include the Mango Pomelo Sago ($5.20), Yam Sago ($4), Steamed Milk Egg White with Red Bean Topping ($4.50), Hashima Hawaiian Papaya Boiled with Fresh Milk ($10), Green Bean Soup with Seaweed ($3), Water Chestnut with Egg ($3.80), to Grass Jelly with Mixed Fruits ($5.80).
Items under the snack section include the Ginger Soup with Rice Ball ($3.40), Rice Ball Mochi ($2.80) and Mango Platter ($7).
Its classic Mango Pomelo Sago ($5.20) is probably the most popular dessert bowl, included with fresh mango cubes and crushed ice.
In this variation, a touch of coconut cream is added on top of the usual evaporated milk, giving it fragrance and extra texture.
The sweetness of the ripe, juicy mango chunks would complimented by the refreshing, citrus pomelo pulps that bursts and crunch at every mouthful.
Another popular item is the Fresh Milk Steam Egg White ($4 onwards), so smooth that it may just trickle down your throat.
You have the option of having with chocolate cookie crunch or red bean ($4.50) which would give it some bite.
For local favourites, the Yam Sago ($4) was inspired by the owner after a trip to China.
If you can forget about your calorie count, the yam was velvety and tasty, and the coconut milk adding some light creaminess and sweetness.
One of my usual orders is the Green Bean Soup ($3), as it is one of the versions around which include seaweed.
However, the bowl I had in Cineleisure was unfortunately more diluted and usual, and didn’t seem to include seaweed.
After feedback, they mentioned that the pot was not stirred properly, so perhaps there are still some consistency issues at the beginning.
I am glad that there is a dessert place like this in town (don’t seem to have many). The prices are reasonable and portions are considered generous. Always craving for some refreshing Ah Chew treats.
Ah Chew Desserts – Orchard Cineleisure
Orchard Cineleisure #01-03, 8 Grange Road, Singapore 239695
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 11:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Ah Chew Desserts – Bugis
1 Liang Seah Street, #01-10/11 Liang Seah Place Singapore 189032
Opening Hours: 12:30pm – 12am (Mon, Wed – Thurs), 12:30pm – 1am (Fri), 1:30pm – 1am (Sat), 1:30pm – 12am (Sun, PH)
Other Related Entries
10 Traditional Dessert Shops In Singapore
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Wan Mei 碗美 (Katong)
Jin Yu Man Tang (Chinatown)
Hup Ka Foon 合家歡 (Sago Stret)
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