Singapore Vegan Bakeries: 5 Spots for Cake & Dessert
The wide boulevards of Paris and winding alleys of Naples may spring to mind when you think of delectable desserts and plush pastries. But I invite you to join me on a culinary journey far from the traditional baking powerhouses of Europe, to somewhere we’ll turn up the heat (quite literally), as I introduce you to a city full of vegan delights.
The jewel of Southeast Asia, an unassuming culinary king, Singapore should not be slept on. Singapore has enough vegan bakeries and desserts to satisfy even the sweetest of sweet tooths. And luckily for you, I’ve eaten my way through as many as I possibly could.
So come with me on an exploration of irresistible ice cream, comforting croissants, and local treats that’ll make you want to cancel your flight home.
A Recipe for Success: Vegan Bakeries in Singapore
Desserts in Singapore are a beautiful blend of traditional (many accidentally vegan) recipes that rely heavily on coconut milk and pandan, mixed in with some traditional baking styles from the colonial years, and a sprinkle of modern creativity and vegan ingenuity to top it all off. Let’s be honest, it was always going to be good, wasn’t it? So, without further ado, let’s dig in as I share my top five spots for vegan bakeries in Singapore.
Lilac Oak Café & Bakes
71 Oxley Rise, Unit 01-01, Singapore 238698
Vegan cafe & bakery outside the city center.
Tucked away on a quiet street near Dhoby Ghaut, one of the city’s main transport hubs, I stumbled across Lilac Oak completely by accident. Looking for somewhere to escape the heat of the day, I noticed “Happy foods brought to you by plants” while perusing the menu, the rest was history. Two hours later, I left sugared, caffeinated, and very satisfied. Everything is completely vegan, from the chewy taro tart that tastes like sweet clouds, to the smooth matcha lattes served in beautiful ceramic cups.
The café itself is tiny with only a handful of tables, so you may have to be patient if it’s busy, but the wait is so worth it. Their almond croissants, golden and crisp on the outside with a gooey marzipan center, should not be missed. And if you’re after something savory, they have a huge menu, the creamy mushroom pasta and Thai green curry caught my eye, but sadly I didn’t have time to indulge. So, whether you’re dropping by for a quick sweet treat or settling in for a full meal followed by dessert (highly recommend), Lilac Oak is the perfect retreat during a busy day in Singapore.
Delcie’s Desserts & Cakes
Blk 34 Whampoa West #01-83 Bendemeer Ville, Singapore 330034
Vegan bakery with excellent cake options.
Cakes are for every day, not just birthdays. And nowhere knows this better than Delcie’s Desserts & Cakes, an absolute gem found in the unassuming neighborhood of Boon Keng. But don’t be fooled by the charming local vibe, Delcie’s is packed with everything from huge showstoppers layered with berries and tropical fruit spreads, to elegant gluten-free macarons and cookies, as well as fresh tarts and creamy cheesecakes. You’d better go with an empty stomach because you won’t be leaving with one.
But the best thing? It’s all completely vegan. I shared a slice of the red forest cake and a chocolate mud fudge cupcake, washed down with a perfect iced americano to contrast all that sweet with something cool and bitter. Both cakes were amazing, but I couldn’t recommend just one thing. Go for whatever takes your fancy and I have no doubt it’ll hit the spot. And although Boon Keng may not be a regular tourist spot, Delcie’s should be on any hungry vegan’s itinerary, it’s nice to get away from the busy center and see how the locals live at a calmer (slightly) pace.
Greendot Patisserie
60 Paya Lebar Rd #02-21 Paya Lebar Square, Singapore 409051
Vegan bakery & cafe.
If Lilac Oak feels like a secret garden café and Delcie’s a neighborhood classic, Greendot Patisserie is where vegan baking gets fancy. I felt slightly out of place in my sliders and shorts, sweat on my brow and an uncontrollable sigh of relief when the AC hit. But the lovely staff at Greendot made me feel very welcome, and I was at complete ease the second I took my first bite. From local classics to flaky croissants and cakes that look too perfect to eat, they have it all. They even serve pizzas, bento boxes, and much more, that is if you’re in need of a proper meal. But who said two portions of cake can’t do the job?
I sat by the window with a pumpkin kaya bun (a nostalgic nod to Singapore breakfasts) and a flat white, switching between reading my book and people watching. I can safely say that it is one of my favorite places in the city. So, if you’re exploring Paya Lebar or heading toward Joo Chiat’s colorful shophouses, Greendot is well worth a visit. Come as you are, flip-flops and frizz, and let Greendot make your day.
Kind Kones
Multiple Locations
Vegan ice cream shop & cakes made to order.
With average daily highs of up to 90°F, you’d be forgiven for not wanting to dive head first into a rich piece of chocolate cake midway through your daily escapades. You would, however, get some funny looks if you turned down an ice cream from Kind Kones. Thankfully, this fine establishment has several branches across Singapore, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I’ve visited all of them.
Whether you’re strolling through Westgate with a cone piled high with cookies and cream, or watching the world go by next to the river with a tub of mango raspberry swirl, there’s always a time and a place for Kind Kones. Everything is plant-based and naturally sweetened, and their flavors are creative without trying too hard. Durian is my guilty pleasure, and I’m well aware of the fruit’s infamous nature, and divisive reputation. But it just hits a spot I didn’t know needed hitting. Why not give it a go? It’s a gentle entry that won’t break the bank if you’re not quite ready for the real thing. Regardless, whatever flavor you go for and whatever the weather, Kind Kones is an absolute vegan treat.
Accidentally Vegan Desserts to Enjoy
Now although ‘Accidentally Vegan’ may sound like the perfect name for cute little coffee shop full of vegan goodies, what I’m actually going to end on in some encouragement for you to go out and explore Singapore’s local dessert scene for yourself. No specific recommendations, just some guidance for what to look in those bustling, fragrant labyrinths, also known as hawker centers.
Chendol
Look for bowls piled high with shaved ice and green, worm-like jelly noodles, and you’ll have found chendol. But no worms have been harmed, the green bits are made from pandan, which has a floral, almost grassy sweetness. The base is rich coconut milk and smoky palm sugar syrup, it’s so moreish and the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. Search for signs reading “Ice Chendol” or“Cendol Melaka” to confirm you’re in the right place. Some sellers may add condensed milk or a scoop of dairy ice cream on top, so make sure you communicate that you want it vegan and keep an eye to make sure, levels of English vary but Google Translate is always your friend.
Ondeh-Ondeh
Made from glutinous rice flour and infused with fragrant pandan (a common theme throughout all of these Singaporean desserts), ondeh-ondeh are soft, chewy delights coated in grated coconut. What you’re not expecting is a center of warm, dark palm sugar that bursts the second you bite. What you can expect is to be absolutely blown away, one is never enough. You’ll often find them displayed alongside bright pink layered cakes and pastel-colored dumplings at stalls in hawker centers. They’re usually sold in small boxes or paper trays, and are normally completely vegan, though a quick check never hurts. Grab a pack and eat them while they’re still warm if you can.
Kueh Dadar
Singapore’s answer to a crepe, kueh dadar is a pandan pancake rolled tightly around a filling of grated coconut that’s been simmered in palm sugar until it’s sticky and rich with brown caramel. You’ll easily spot the bright green batter, which comes from fresh pandan juice, it’s soft and springy like a pancake with the faint scent of vanilla. They’re very easy to eat and not at all difficult to find. Just look for the same stalls selling Ondeh-Ondeh at hawker centers, piled high trays of colorful sweets enticing you in. Most versions are naturally vegan, though a few modern stalls might add a little egg to the batter, so it’s worth a quick check. Again, like ondeh-ondeh, they’re best enjoyed still warm if possible. If you’re only going to eat one local treat on your Singaporean adventure, make it this one.
Wrapping Up Vegan Bakeries in Singapore
So, there you have it. Your doctor may not be too happy with you reading this, but I’m certainly very grateful, thank you. I hope you found it really useful, but honestly, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s only so much I can fit into 1,500 words!
With that in mind, if you need any help or guidance planning your next vegan adventure, may that be to Singapore or beyond, look no further than Veggies Abroad. The world is there to be explored, so let’s go and explore it.
