5 calming dessert spots to check out in Singapore’s east

This is the fourth instalment of a five-part series on calming dessert spots in Singapore. Here, we check out places in eastern Singapore.

Dreamy marine oceanscapes and soothing bakes? A taste of the world’s best pistachio? Sinful brownies? Eastern Singapore has no shortage of dessert spots where you can sit back, relax and let your worries melt away.

1. East Coast Commune

Marine Cove, 01-03, 1000 East Coast Park
Nearest MRT station: Eunos
Open: Wednesday to Monday (8.30am to 6pm)

There’s so much to love about East Coast Commune at the Marine Cove enclave, a gorgeous space featuring tall trees and teal walls that pay homage to the surrounding landscapes of East Coast Park.

Dreamy jellyfishes line the wall, part of the marine-themed artwork by local artist Wu Yanrong. And of course, the wholesome fresh bakes and sweets. Follow the cafe on social media to find out when its next pop-up market is, too!

Have a try of its forest berries sourdough waffles — a unique pairing of torched berry meringue, oat-almond crumble, compote, fresh berries, and yoghurt gelato — while sipping away on oat masala chai.

What to order: Granny’s apple tart (S$12), forest berries (S$17)

2. Dr Kitchen

20 Siglap Drive, 01-01
Nearest MRT station: Kembangan
Open: Wednesday to Sunday (10am to 5pm)

If we could stress-eat without limits, brownies would be the answer to a bad day. Specifically, Dr Kitchen’s brownies.

Starting off as a home-based business during the pandemic, it has since expanded its operations to a brick-and-mortar bakery in Siglap. Each brownie is lovingly made from scratch using Valrhona Guanaja 70 per cent dark chocolate, so it doesn’t come off as too sweet.

One of the most sought-after flavours is the hazelnut Nutella brownie, which comes with a beautifully molten Nutella centre. Other favourites include the sea salt and speculoos brownies. Or you could just go nuts and order the whole original box of six.

What to order: Hazelnut Nutella so black brownie (S$6), sea salt so black brownie (S$6)

3. Coexist Coffee Co

Lifelong Learning Institute, 01-02, 11 Eunos Road 8
Nearest MRT station: Paya Lebar
Open: Monday to Sunday (8.30am to 10.30pm)

Every Coexist Coffee Co store is an Instagrammer’s dream — from Hillview with its striking red-and-white interiors, Keong Saik’s midnight-blue colour palette to the Paya Lebar branch’s moody industrial vibes. The massive two-storey cafe in Singapore’s east is its third and largest outlet.

The bright and airy space highlights a circular counter in the middle of the room. Elevated pavements on dark-grey gravel and a backlit mountainscape bring a little of the outdoors in to complement the cafe’s recognisable industrial decor.

Its offerings are equally photo-ready: The extensive dessert selection includes entremets, plated desserts and Swiss rolls. For a light and simple finish, we’d recommend the hojicha Swiss roll filled with purple sweet potato and hojicha cream, or the bellini, a white peach mousse with champagne jelly, raspberry and vanilla sponge.

What to order: Hojicha swiss roll (S$6), Japan — choya pebbles, hojicha ice cream, matcha crumble, and dark chocolate snow (S$16)

4. Haus217

217 Lavender Street
Nearest MRT station: Bendemeer
Open: Hours differ (see website)

For the most part, Haus217 functions as an event space for weddings and the like. But on other days, the gorgeous spot doubles up as a pop-up cafe with art installations.

Inspired by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which urges one to embrace and appreciate the beauty in imperfection, the soothing interiors feature natural materials such as stone and wood. The use of large textured glass also allows natural sunlight to light up the spacious venue.

Depending on when you visit and what’s available, munch on various sweet treats and bakes, cups of joe and premium tea.

Behind this unique concept are the folks at Asylum Coffeehouse in Jalan Besar and novelty dining experiences such as Around the World in 80 Days and Restaurant Absurdities.

You’d have to first book slots on the Haus217 website, though, with tickets at S$8 per person that can be used as credits.

What to order: The menu changes constantly, so check with members of the service staff for what’s available.

5. Pistachio Everything

Kensington Square, 01-18, 2 Jalan Lokam
Nearest MRT station: Bartley
Open: Saturday (10am to 5pm), Sunday (11am to 3pm)

We can’t get enough of anything pistachio-related. So when we had a taste of Pistachio Everything, we were instantly sold.

For founders Kenneth Yong and Laureen Goh (the husband-and-wife team of private-dining outfit The Mixtape Chef), their visit to Sicily, Italy took them to Bronte, arguably the home of the best pistachio in the world.

Pistachio Everything started off as a home-based business and has now expanded to a space in Paya Lebar (an online shop, with a brick-and-mortar operation on weekends).

Its rich and punchy pistachio ice cream comes in three flavours — classic, chunky and roasty. Don’t miss its other pistachio creations, including tiramisu, crisps, shokupan (Japanese milk bread), and pistachio spread.

What to order: Sicilian pistachio ice cream — roasty (S$28), pistachio spread (S$22)

East Coast Commune and Coexist Coffee Co are on the GrabFood delivery service. You can also book a ride to these places.