I found the fluffiest kakigori Singapore has to offer, with creamy textures, refreshing flavours, and dreamy toppings. And yes, it’s totally worth melting for.
The weather in Singapore has been mad lately, but I know the best thing to help cool you down in the hot, hot heat: kakigori! This Japanese shaved ice sweet treat may not be as popular as its Korean counterpart, the bingsu, but look hard enough and you’ll find a few places on our sunny island offering this dessert. As someone with a sweet tooth (who constantly battles the heat), I’m always on the hunt for cool treats – and Japanese shaved ice never disappoints. I scoured Singapore to find which kakigori spots are worth the hype and the ones that left me cold.
But before we dive in, let me answer the most important question…
What’s the difference between kakigori and bingsu?
They may look like long-lost cousins, but kakigori and bingsu couldn’t be more different. Kakigori is Japan’s answer to summer heat: a light-as-air shaved ice made from pure water, served with flavoured syrups or condensed milk. Bingsu is a Korean dessert made from milk-based ice and stacked high with toppings like fruit, cereal, and even ice cream. One’s a seasonal fling, while the other’s a year-round relationship.
Bonus: Wondering how our local ice kacang fits in? It’s the maximalist cousin – bold, colourful, and unapologetically messy. Think rainbow syrup, red beans, sweet corn, and palm seeds (attap chee) piled high on shaved ice.
1. Ice&Time
Ice&Time is the epitome of Japanese zen vibes: clean white walls, green and wooden tones splashed across the space, subtle decorations, and a very aesthetically pleasing washing area. I wish I could move in… even if just for a day! Pro-tip: visit on a weekday afternoon if you want that sweet, sweet quiet time with your (humongous) kakigori.
What to try: Ice&Time has a good flavour selection, and while I was drawn to the strawberry kakigori, the counter staff suggested I try its new offering, the ichigo matcha tokimeki kori (strawberry matcha shaved ice, $22.80). Yes, the price may seem extravagant, but the size makes up for it. You can imagine my surprise when it first arrived on my table. I was told to take my photos and videos within 20 seconds and immediately eat the kakigori as it’s made of spring water.
The kakigori is soft and fluffy, absorbing the milk and matcha flavours well. The matcha isn’t too grassy, which suited my liking. I took some time to finish my bowl, which looked like a soupy mess when I was done. Will I come back? Definitely, though I’ll bring another person with me to share the treat.
The final shave: 9.5/10. Kakigori? More like kaki-gorgeous!
Best for: Couples or friends looking to share a massive treat
How much: From $18.80
Opening hours: Mondays to Thursdays, 1pm to 10pm and Fridays to Sundays, 12pm to 10.30pm
Address: Ice&Time, 44 Craig Road, Singapore 089682
2. Shiroyama
Sharing the same spot as Donki Bar at Orchard Central is this Japanese snow ice kiosk. Shiroyama is the brainchild of Taizo Shibano, the world’s number one gelato master from Ishikawa, Japan. It’s a small space, with only a few tables and chairs. So if you’re in luck, you can have your shaved ice here; otherwise, you gotta eat it on the go.
What to try: The menu only has five flavours. As it was my first time trying Shiroyama, I went with its bestselling ichigo vanilla in regular size ($9.80).
The kakigori is a sweet tooth’s dream come true: decadent vanilla cream, finely crushed pink feuilletine (crispy confection made from thin, sweetened crepes), and strawberry chunks within the fluffy ice. That said, it’s not cloyingly saccharine, thanks to the fruit’s tartness. The feuilletine and cereal (hidden underneath the shaved ice) add crunchy dimensions to the dessert.
P.S. The bowl’s base can be a little uncooperative, so be careful when handling it if you wanna take photos and videos.
The final shave: 8/10. A brain freeze I’d gladly endure again.
Best for: Shoppers with a serious sweet tooth craving a quick treat
How much: From $8.80
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 9pm
Address: Shiroyama, B2-09, Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, Singapore 238896
3. Drips x Sakanoue
When I learned Tokyo’s viral shaved ice sensation was setting up base at Drip’s Tiong Bahru outlet, I had to go down. The place was buzzing, a mix of regular cafehoppers and those specifically there for the kakigori.
What makes Sakanoue stand out from the pack? The brand uses premium Kumamoto ice imported from Kanazawa, resulting in exceptionally fluffy kakigori. Each icy creation consists of four layers of sauce and toppings, so you’ll get an explosion of flavours and textures in each bite. In short, they know their sh*t and take it very seriously. Respect!
What to try: Five enticing flavours are available. I decided to go with the black forest ($17.90), inspired by Drips’ signature cake, and the Berry Cute Panda ($18) kakigori. The black forest didn’t do it for me – its flavour tasted dull and uninteresting.
In comparison, the Berry Cute Panda was a clear winner. The combination of camembert cheese and mixed berry sauces, raw honey yoghurt, espuma cream, crumbled cookies, and chocolate buttons made it a sweet and savoury treat without being too cloying. Of course, the adorable presentation sealed the deal for me.
The final shave: 8/10. Brb, moving to Japan for the ice.
Best for: Foodies on the hunt for a trendy, photo-worthy dessert
How much: From $17.50
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm (opens at 9am on weekends; kakigori is available from 1pm to 9pm)
Address: Drips x Sakanoue, #01-05, 82 Tiong Poh Road, Singapore 160082
4. Tsujiri
No introduction needed for this brand, which has multiple branches across the island. I originally swung by its Clarke Quay outlet, but for some reason didn’t see any shaved ice that resembled kakigori on its menu. But it was second time lucky for me when I stopped by the Tanjong Pagar store. Crisis averted!
What to try: The yuzu matcha shaved ice ($8.80) was my second choice, as yuzu honey (the flavour I wanted) wasn’t available. I liked that the matcha wasn’t too in your face – some might say it’s diluted, but that’s fine by me – and paired well with the yuzu. There’s a mild, sweet-citrus flavour when I mixed the two. Unfortunately, the ice was too clumpy for my liking. Did the staff forget to shave it more finely?
The final shave: 7/10. Ice, ice maybe…
Best for: Matcha lovers craving a reliable take on the classic flavour
How much: From $8.80
Opening hours: Timing depends on location
Address: Tsujiri, multiple locations including Tanjong Pagar Road and Great World
5. The Artisan Cafe
My shaved ice-capades led me to this unassuming cafe in Bugis. It’s easy to miss, so keep an eye out for D’Nova Hotel. The Artisan Cafe is located further within, after the entrance. The moody ambience made me feel like I’d stepped into a secret hideout, cut off from the outside world.
What to try: While this cafe has more flavours to choose from, I went with mango pomelo kakigori to contrast with the rest on the list. After a few mouthfuls, I toyed with the idea of abandoning this creation altogether. “This is more like ice kachang-ori,” I thought to myself, as I resolved to finish the dessert. The shaved ice was more chunky than fluffy, but on the flip side, I liked how tart the mango pieces were.
The final shave: 5/10. Not cool enough for Tokyo.
Best for: A cosy, quiet hideout for budget-friendly shaved ice
How much: From $6.90
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 10pm
Address: The Artisan Cafe, 44 Purvis Street, Singapore 188593
6. Ghost Kakigori
Who says you can only get Japanese shaved ice in the central region? Ghost Kakigori (aka “Singapore’s first Japanese-style kakigori”) has opened its doors at Nex. Thumbs up to the store location, which is near the MRT.
What to try: The menu may be lean, but it has interesting creations that make this brand stand out. I went for the bean and matcha kakigori ($17.90), and unfortunately, this shaved ice ain’t it. The saving grace was the mochi companions, which were nice and chewy. If you must, go for the flamed strawberry brulee instead, which has earned rave reviews from my friends.
The final shave: 4/10. Didn’t really scoop our hearts. (Review by Ying Xuan Leong, Video Content Creator)
Best for: Folks looking for quirky new dessert creations
How much: From $11.90
Opening hours: Daily, 10.30am to 10pm
Address: Ghost Kakigori, B1-09, Nex, 23 Serangoon Central, Singapore 556083
When it comes to staying cool in Singapore, these kakigori spots prove that shaved ice isn’t just nice – it’s necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kakigori?
Kakigori is a Japanese shaved ice dessert featuring ultra-fine, fluffy ice drizzled with flavoured syrups or condensed milk. It often comes topped with fruits, jellies, or classic additions like matcha and sweet red bean paste – all designed to melt in your mouth like snow.
Is kakigori dairy-free or vegan?
It depends! Some kakigori include condensed milk or dairy-based toppings, but plenty of places offer fruity, dairy-free options too. If you’re vegan or avoiding dairy, just double-check before ordering.
What are popular kakigori flavours?
Matcha, mango, strawberry, yuzu, hojicha, melon, and milk tea reign supreme. But expect the unexpected with places offering tiramisu, black sesame, or rotating seasonal specials.
Is kakigori expensive in Singapore?
Prices range from around $6 to $18, depending on the venue, portion size, and toppings. Generally, the more artisanal or Instagrammable, the higher the price tag.
Can I get kakigori delivered?
Because kakigori melts lightning fast, most places stick to dine-in only, so you get it fresh and fluffy. A few cafes may allow takeaway if you’re nearby, but delivery? Not so.
Is kakigori kid-friendly?
Totally! Kids love the vibrant colours and sweet flavours. Just watch out for caffeine in matcha or espresso toppings if the little ones are sensitive.
