There’s something comdforting about Tang Yuan – those soft, glutinous rice balls that burst with sweet, nutty fillings the moment you take a bite.
For many, Tang Yuan isn’t just dessert; it’s a reminder of family gatherings, Lunar New Year celebrations, and the warmth of tradition.
In Chinese culture, Tang Yuan symbolises unity and togetherness. The round shape represents wholeness and the hope for family harmony.
Whether you are celebrating the Winter Solstice festival, Lantern Festival Yuan Xiao, or just craving something comforting and sweet, Tang Yuan is a must-have.
But where can you find the best Tang Yuan in Singapore? From hidden hawker gems to modern dessert cafes, here are 10 spots for this traditional treat:
75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup
Golden Mile Food Centre #01-75, 505 Beach Road, Singapore 199583
Opening Hours: 11am – 8:30pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 8:30pm (Sat – Sun)
75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup has over 70 years of history crafting glutinous tang yuan, paired with comforting house-made peanut soup and more.
It is located at several hawker centres, including Golden Mile and Chinatown Complex.
The stall’s offerings, once handmade but now factory-produced, still capture the nostalgia and warmth of tradition.
Their menu features a variety of fillings such as peanut, black sesame, red bean, yam, and green tea, catering to both classic and adventurous palates. the stall draws steady crowds, particularly during festive seasons like the Lantern Festival.
The highlight remains the signature peanut soup – fresh, not overly sweet, and brimming with tender, soft peanuts.
75 China Street Peanuts Soup
Maxwell Food Centre #01-57, 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184
Opening Hours: 7:30a – 2pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun
Another “75” brand, but this is a different stall located at #01-57 in Maxwell Food Centre.
Operating for over 30 years, this stall has maintained a simple yet focused menu, offering only three desserts: Peanut Soup, Red Bean Soup with Brown Rice, and Tau Suan.
Order the Peanut Soup or Red Bean Soup complemented by Tang Yuan, which are available with fillings such as black sesame or peanut paste.
The combination of the warm, subtly sweet soup and the chewy rice balls provides a comforting and satisfying treat.
Yat Ka Yan Dessert
9 Tan Quee Lan Street, #01-03, Singapore 188098
Opening Hours: 12pm – 12am (Mon, Wed – Sun), Closed Tues
Yat Ka Yan, initially celebrated for its local desserts at the Fortune Centre, has blossomed with a new outlet.
Since its humble beginnings in early 2020, the dessert shop has expanded its reach, now boasting additional space at its original location and a new outlet on Tan Quee Lan Street, near Bugis Junction.
The shop’s dedication to handmade, quality ingredients – from freshly squeezed coconut milk to handpicked gula melaka – elevates even the simplest desserts.
A recommended is their Tang Yuan Ginger Soup, a staple that blends tradition with comfort.
The glutinous rice balls, filled with fragrant black sesame or peanut paste, offer a pleasant contrast between their smooth, chewy exterior and rich, sweet centre.
The ginger soup, robust and aromatic, adds a gentle heat that enhances the overall flavour, making each bite both soothing and satisfying.
Read more at: Yat Ka Yan Dessert (Tan Quee Lan Street)
DDSD 大豆小豆
Hong Lim Food Centre #02-53, 531A Upper Cross St, Singapore 051531
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 3:30pm (Tues – Sat), Closed Sun, Mon
DDSD 大豆小豆 at Hong Lim Food Centre offers a fresh take on traditional tau huay (beancurd), combining silky smooth textures with innovative toppings.
One recommended is their Tang Yuan Beancurd, where soft, chewy glutinous rice balls filled with black sesame or peanut paste are delicately paired with the light, refined beancurd.
The subtle sweetness and velvety mouthfeel of the tau huay shine through, providing a perfect contrast to the rich fillings.
While some may find the flavours understated, this restraint is part of the stall’s charm, letting the natural essence of the soya bean stand out.
Siyuan Desserts 思源糖水铺
111D King George’s Avenue, Singapore 208559
Opening Hours: 1pm – 9:30pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
Siyuan Desserts 思源糖水铺 at Jalan Besar offers a nostalgic escape into traditional Chinese sweets with a modern twist.
Their menu features comforting classics like Almond Cream, Sesame Paste, and Cheng Teng, alongside chilled favourites like Chendol and Mango Sago.
The Yuan Yang bowl, which pairs silky Almond Cream with thick Sesame Paste, highlights the stall’s attention to texture and balance. Though some flavours lean towards subtlety, this allows the natural ingredients to shine without overwhelming sweetness.
You can order a top-up of the tang yuan for to enjoy the subtle sweetness of the glutinous rice balls.
Ah Chew Desserts
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)
Ah Chew Desserts, established in 2003, is a well-loved dessert spot celebrated for its extensive selection of traditional Chinese sweets and contemporary treats.
With outlets located at Liang Seah Street and 8 Grange Road (#01-03 Cineleisure), it has become a favourite for locals.
The menu at Ah Chew Desserts features over 50 varieties, including popular items like Mango Sago, Green Bean Soup, Yam Paste, and Egg Chestnut.
Their Tang Yuan filled with sweet fillings such as black sesame or peanut paste, are served in a warm, soothing ginger soup.
Ah Chew also serves a version of “Rice Ball Mochi”, chewy and soft, covered in crushed sugared peanuts.
Ji De Chi Dessert 記得吃甜品
(Various outlets around Singapore)
Ji De Chi Dessert 記得吃甜品 is a popular dessert chain in Singapore, serving up traditional Chinese and contemporary Asian sweets.
The name “Ji De Chi” translates to “Remember to Eat,” reflecting the brand’s emphasis on the enjoyment of dessert culture.
There are multiple outlets across Singapore, including locations at Paya Lebar Square, Jurong Point, and Westgate, so it is not difficult to find one.
At Ji De Chi, the Tang Yuan is served in a warm, fragrant ginger soup, creating a balance between the spicy broth and the sweet fillings inside the rice balls. Customers can choose from fillings such as black sesame or peanut.
Tong Shui Desserts
People’s Park Centre #02-58, 101 Upper Cross Street, Singapore 058357
Opening Hours: 11am – 8:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Tong Shui Desserts, located in People’s Park Centre at 101 Upper Cross Street, is a cherished spot for traditional Chinese desserts.
The name “Tong Shui” translates to “sugar water” a Cantonese term referring to sweet dessert soups, which are a highlight of their extensive menu.
These glutinous rice balls, are filled with sweet pastes like black sesame or peanut, are served in various bases including ginger soup, almond paste and peanut soup.
I like the warm, mildly spicy ginger-infused broth, offering a comforting and aromatic experience.
Xi Tang 囍糖
i12 Katong #01-21, 112 East Coast Road, Singapore 428802
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
Xi Tang 囍糖, located at i12 Katong, is a new dessert cafe specialising in Hong Kong-style sweets and savoury dishes.
For Tang Yuan, it is available in the form of Orange Peel Red Bean Soup with Lotus Seed ($6.50).
Or opt for top ups with fillings of black sesame or red bean.
In addition to desserts, Xi Tang offers savoury Hong Kong mains and sides, such as HK-style Curry Fish Balls and Braised Beef Brisket Noodles, providing a comprehensive dining experience for those seeking genuine Hong Kong flavours
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