Beat the heat with these 12 must-try chendol in Singapore
Chendol (or cendol, to some) is a popular Southeast-Asian dessert and refers to the green jelly made from rice flour and pandan juice — the key part of the dessert.
It has since been used to refer to the dessert itself, which combines four key ingredients: Creamy coconut milk, sweet palm sugar syrup (gula Melaka), chewy chendol, and fine, fluffy shaved ice. All of which come together to create a refreshing treat that is both delicious and texturally pleasurable.
You can also opt to add toppings such as red beans, attap seeds, durian, and even yam.
If that’s what you’re after, good news: We’ve rounded up some of our favourite places for chendol in Singapore, highlighting those crafted with top-quality ingredients. Dive right into our list of our favourite chendol spots in Singapore:
1. Old Amoy Chendol
One of the top chendol stores in Singapore, Old Amoy Chendol has earned many fans, locally and from overseas, and it’s easy to see why.
Every ingredient in its traditional chendol (S$2.80) is thoughtfully sourced and prepared by hand, and with such artisanal flair, too — the chendol is made fresh daily, the authentic Sarawak gula Melaka syrup is charcoal-brewed, and the coconut milk is cold-pressed every day.
But it is the Japanese azuki beans that give it a special oomph — they are cooked over charcoal until a rich, thick paste forms, with some beans left intact for a satisfying bite.
2. Jin Jin Hot Cold Dessert
One of the best chendol in Singapore can be found at Jin Jin Hot Cold Dessert, a well-loved stall at ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, famed for its refreshing icy treats.
The Power chendol (S$2.50) lives up to its name with the generous drizzle of extra thick gula Melaka syrup, perfectly balanced by the high mountain of soft shaved ice.
Apart from chendol, the Gangster ice (S$3.50) — a combination of fresh mango puree and a generous scoop of durian over finely shaved ice — is another crowd favourite for its bold, tropical flavours.
3. King of Chendol
King of Chendol is also a popular spot for those looking for good chendol in Singapore. Unlike many dessert stalls, King of Chendol offers just one thing on the menu — chendol (S$2.80) — so you can be sure they’ve really honed the recipe.
The chendol impresses with its housemade pandan jelly, which has a more natural, muted green tone, compared to the usual bright ones, as well as extra soft, fluffy shaved ice, which soaks up the fragrant coconut milk and earthy gula melaka syrup.
All of the elements come together in a well-balanced bowl with a sweetness that isn’t too cloying, meaning you can get more if you’d like!
4. Makan Melaka
If you’re craving chendol alongside a hearty meal, Makan Melaka is your place, with prices being very affordable across the board. The nasi lemak (S$4), for example, is a perpetual crowd favourite for its crispy hot fried chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a well-balanced sweet-spicy sambal.
But don’t get too distracted by the mains, the chendol is the focus of this article and spot — there’s a solid variety of eight options, from traditional (S$2) to red bean + corn (S$2.60) and glutinous rice + durian (S$3.50).
Regulars love that Makan Melaka’s chendol is on the lighter side. Couple that with finely shaved ice and premium gula Melaka syrup, and you’ve got a recipe that is simple yet dependable.
5. Ye Tang Chendol
Ye Tang Chendol’s classic bowl (S$2) stands out for its nostalgic, nonya style chendol that is not overly sweet.
The housemade ingredients are what keeps its regulars coming back — from the hand-pressed coconut milk, and robust gula melaka to the pandan-rich green jelly. The ice is finely shaved, making it a breeze even for those with cold-sensitive teeth to enjoy.
Fans of the brand swear by Ye Tang’s chendol for its softer consistency, creamier coconut milk and slightly smoky gula Melaka syrup. (The last bit alone has got us salivating and planning our next trip to Beauty World!)
6. Malaysia Boleh!
Malaysia Boleh! is a popular chain showcasing a variety of Malaysian street food, but among all of its dishes, it is its Penang-style chendol (from S$2.70) that consistently steals the show with its bold taste.
It features the usuals of gula Melaka syrup, thick coconut milk, tender housemade pandan jelly, and plump red beans, but trust us — the gula Melaka here is plenty robust.
Other crowd-pleasers here include the Penang-style fried kway teow (S$6.50), which boasts a wok hei imparting a nostalgic flavour, and the chilli ban mian (S$5.50), a comforting bowl with a spicy kick.
7. Cendol Geylang Serai
Cendol Geylang Serai is run by a third-generation owner using a family recipe that dates back over 70 years. Here, chendol is done the Indonesian way — a style that’s not often seen, compared to the more-common Singaporean and Malaysian versions.
Each chendol bowl (S$2.50) comprises just three homemade ingredients: Chendol, coconut milk, and gula Melaka syrup. They’re extremely generous with the coconut milk here, and it’s a good thing because the milk has a subtle savoury edge that balances the sweetness of the ingredients.
It’s easy to see why this no-frills style remains a favourite among the older generation!
8. The Coconut Club
Everyone goes to The Coconut Club for its Bib Gourmand-recognised nasi lemak but you best believe that for a place with “coconut” in its name, the coconut-heavy chendol (S$9) fares well, too. The version here is well-loved for its use of high-quality ingredients, which justifies the slightly elevated price tag.
The Coconut Club’s chendol (and its nasi lemak) uses coconut milk freshly extracted from Malaysia’s coastal regions, and is rich and aromatic. Its other ingredients are just as stellar — the gula Melaka syrup is bold in flavour, the homemade chendol has a nice bite, and there’s even large attap seeds.
All of these come together to give you a chendol that is refreshingly light and refined, and isn’t too sweet at all.
9. Yat Ka Yan Dessert
If there’s one spot you absolutely need to make time for (to eat and queue), it’s Yat Ka Yan Dessert, which has two outlets centrally located in Bugis.
This family-run concept, operated by the Tang family who used to run the well-loved, now-closed Ren Ren Desserts in Siglap Centre, is a local dessert gem that marries tradition and taste wonderfully.
The chendol (S$4) is adored by many for its smoky gula Melaka syrup, which complements the other sweet ingredients well, including the chendol jelly that has a special sticky-soft texture. Its durian chendol (S$7.50), with creamy but not overwhelmingly flavourful durian puree, is also a hit, winning over even those who usually avoid durian.
10. Hup Ka Foon
Just beside the stunning Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Hup Ka Foon welcomes visitors with a homely warmth. The chendol (S$3.50) is a standout, thanks to its incredibly rich, dense and viscous gula Melaka syrup that delivers just the right level of sweetness. The generous portion makes it all the more satisfying, with each spoonful feeling truly indulgent.
A lighter option among the richer offerings on the menu is the mango sago pomelo (S$5.50), which impresses with big, juicy chunks of mango that have a refreshing, natural sweetness.
11. Nyonya Chendol
Nyonya Chendol holds the honour of being the first chendol stall in Singapore to receive a Michelin recommendation, and for good reason, too. The red bean chendol (S$2.50) here is a must-try, with extra scoops of sweet, creamy red bean that add richness and texture to every bite.
For durian lovers, the D2 durian chendol (S$3.50) is a real treat. This luxurious version is topped with fresh D2 durian, known for its balanced flavour profile — creamy with a slight bitterness — offering a lovely contrast to the sweet gula Melaka syrup and coconut cream.
12. Chendol Coconut Dessert
When Chendol Coconut Dessert keeps it simple with just four menu items, you know things are going to be good. This stall is located in the ever-popular Maxwell Food Centre, and makes for a reliable dessert stop after you’re done with all the Maxwell must-eats such as Tian Tian Chicken Rice.
On the menu, there’s original (S$2), red bean (S$2.50), sweet corn (S$2.50) and durian (S$2.50), with the option to add attap seeds ($0.50).
Portions here are generous, with larger shaved ice flakes compared to other stores. Our tip? Wait for the ice to melt in the warm weather before enjoying it with the creamy coconut milk, fragrant gula Melaka syrup, and deliciously soft chendol.
For more places to eat around Singapore, read more about our guide to these must-try char kway teow spots and modern Thai restaurant Fi Woodfire Thai at Shaw Centre.
