Combat Singapore's sweltering heat by tucking into Korean 'iced kacang' at these bingsu spots.
There’s plenty to be grateful for with Korea’s Hallyu wave. Besides the sappy dramas, electrifying music, sumptuous Korean barbecue, and highly addictive fried chicken, we have another obsession to add to the list. Say hello to bingsu, a sweet shaved ice treat. While it may resemble our local dessert of ice kachang, bingsu is undoubtedly in a league of its own, with an array of exciting flavours. Here are the best bingsu places in Singapore to devour this cold treat. Watch out for brain freeze!
Best bingsu cafes in Singapore for a bowl of shaved ice
1. Bab & Bingsoo Cafe
Jalan Besar is one of our fave neighbourhoods for food ‘cos we can stuff our faces around the clock. This under-the-radar cafe is operated by Koreans, so you know everything here is good. Pop by for hearty bingsu bowls that can cool you down. The limited menu means you won’t take too long to decide what to get. Top up $2 for an adorable fish bun to go with your icy selection.
Bab & Bingsoo Cafe, 204 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208890
2. Sweet Reservations
Who knew you could find bingsu in the heartlands of Sengkang? Tucked away in a corner at Rivervale Plaza, this nondescript eatery offers affordable cold treats the whole family can enjoy. If you have trouble deciding, the bestselling Miki Oreo is a good option to feast on. We’re talking an overload of Oreo crumbs and biscuits alongside vanilla ice cream. Delicious! Those who can handle 100% sugar level can sink their spoons into the bubblegum flavour.
Sweet Reservations, #01-K20/K21, Rivervale Plaza, 118 Rivervale Drive, Singapore 540118
3. Routine Korean Fusion Cafe & Bar
Hands up if you love Duxton Hill as much as we do! Singapore’s coolest neighbourhood is home to many eateries, including this floral-themed cafe which serves bingsu to the hungry and weary. Many visitors have praised the signature injeolmi (Korean sweet rice cake) bingsu, topped with red bean paste and chewy rice cakes. How about alcohol and shaved iced together? The chocolate bingsu with Bailey’s is a sure-fire hit. Be sure to visit this vibey cafe, stat.
Routine Korean Fusion Cafe & Bar, 60 Duxton Road, Singapore 089524
4. 929 Desserts and Bites
If you’re looking for affordable yet tantalising bingsu in Singapore, we know the answer. Say hello to this dining spot, which hides in plain sight at Tampines. Bingsu bowls start from $6.80 – yes, we hear our wallets thanking us! Flying Colours combines soft chocolate shaved ice with crunchy rainbow cereals, bringing us back to our childhood days. Funky Town offers something similar, swapping out the chocolate for vanilla and adding strawberry ice cream into the mix.
929 Desserts and Bites, #01-17, Safra Tampines, 1/A Tampines Street 92, Singapore 528882
5. Desert Desserts
Those living in Ang Mo Kio can drop by this dessert shop to get their Korean bingsu fix. The selection isn’t super extensive, but you get interesting creations that should be admired before you dig your spoon into them. How does mango pomelo sago sound? If you’re not that adventurous, the brownie and banana or mixed fruits bingsu are safe options. This place opens till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, so you can treat yourself to sweets before a good night’s sleep.
Desert Desserts, #01-424, Mayflower Shopping & Food Centre, 163 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, Singapore 560163
6. O’ma Spoon
Also known as mother’s spoon, this cafe is known for dishing out silky soft bingsu that melts in your mouth. While its patbingsu (red bean) is pretty plain, the shaved ice’s sweet flavour and smooth texture make up for it. Order the mango cheesecake or berry cheese bingsu if you prefer something more dynamic. The menu also boasts other flavours you can’t resist.
O’ma Spoon, #04-20/32, 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Road, Singapore 238895
7. Nunsaram Korean Dessert Cafe
One of the pioneers of bingsu cafes in Singapore, Nunsaram is the go-to spot for pillowy shaved ice. Besides the standard red bean, the cafe offers exciting flavours like choco banana and Oreo. When in doubt, always go for the injeolmi bingsu. Fun fact: nunsaram means snowman in Korean, which is very fitting, given its offerings and the adorable logo.
Nunsaram Korean Dessert Cafe, multiple locations including Westgate and Bugis Junction
8. Chi-Bing
The good thing about dining in a restaurant? Everything you need is here, from set menus and a la carte dishes to the most essential item: dessert. After wolfing down army stew and kimchi pancake, set aside some stomach space for Chi-Bing’s bingsu. The choco brownie and yogurt shaved ice treats are extra decadent, though we’re in love with the macaron bingsu. It’s just too cute to be eaten!
Chi-Bing, #01-43/K4, The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, Singapore 138617
9. Dal.komm Coffee
We can’t have a list without including this behemoth. A well-known brand in South Korea, Dal.komm has successfully opened a few outlets in Singapore and Malaysia. The caffeine here may be highly raved about, but its bingsu offerings are no slouch either. Even though there are limited flavours, the generous portion can easily feed up to four mouths. Plus, coffee and shaved ice make a great combination.
Dal.komm Coffee, multiple locations including Marina Square and Funan
10. Oh My Mango
What’s a Thai dessert cafe doing in this roundup? Surprise, this spot offers bingsu too! If you’re bored of the usual flavours, you’ll get a kick out of Oh My Mango’s bingsu selections. We spy delicious concoctions such as caramel corn, Milo dinosaur, and espresso (ooh, Sabrina Carpenter would totes approve of that one). The mango coco duo is a tangy jelly combo that even little ones will enjoy.
Oh My Mango, multiple locations including Jurong West and Choa Chu Kang
11. Ice Lab
This popular establishment in Singapore dishes out authentic Korean bingsu, which keeps patrons coming back for more. Of course, the stamps of approval from countless foodies boosted its profile. What can you get here? Out of all the flavours, you can never go wrong with Oreo bingsu. The apple mango is another good choice – the refreshing bowl will perk you up on a lazy afternoon.
Ice Lab, multiple locations including Bugis and Orchard
12. Cafe de Muse
Picture this: you’re catching a movie in Orchard that ends late, and most of the nearby food places have closed. So where do you go? We have the solution right here. Cafe de Muse is a vibey establishment that opens around the clock, so you don’t have to scarf down convenience store food to satisfy your hunger pangs. The bingsu is made with fresh milk – lactose-intolerant folks, beware! Psst: premium bingsu bowls are on the pricier side, but that shouldn’t stop you from tasting them.
Cafe de Muse, #01-K5/K6 & #02-K4, Shaw House, 350 Orchard Road, Singapore 238868
On a hot day like today, these bingsu places in Singapore will cool you down.
