Dessert First Bugis

Dessert First, located on Liang Seah Street in Bugis, Singapore, is a renowned dessert haven for sweet treat enthusiasts. If you have a sweet tooth and find yourself in Bugis, Dessert First is the ideal destination. Since its opening in 2009, this cozy dessert spot has been a favorite among dessert lovers. Interestingly, the motto of the store is “life is short & uncertain, eat dessert first,” resonates with every bite you take.

Furthermore their Bugis outlet is conveniently situated at 8 Liang Seah Street, just a short walk from the buzzing nightlife of Bugis, Bugis Street and the Bugis MRT station. The shop features a bright and inviting interior with an offering of indoor and outdoor seating with wooden tables, colorful posters. Notably, the small store is able to accommodates around 40 customers at a time and operates from 1pm to midnight on weekdays. On weekends, it extends its hours until 1am, making it perfect for late-night dessert cravings. I found its central location and accessibility via public transport attract both locals and tourists. The combination of convenience and late operating hours makes it tad a bustling late-night spot.

What’s on the menu?

The menu at Dessert First is inspired by cold desserts from Hong Kong and Taiwanese culinary desserts traditions. The store claims they are all crafted with fresh ingredients with a local flair. Their snow ice desserts is a staple offering here.

A signature offering is the Durian Shaved/Snow Ice ($11.50), a must-try for durian fans. This towering monstrosity of durian is made of a choice of snow or coarsely shaved ice. The dessert features shaved ice topped with durian puree, mousse, and fresh durian flesh. Also, this dessert is one of the more premium dessert offerings with its intense flavor and creamy texture that tad makes it a standout choice, especially if you are into Durians. However, the rich durian flavor might overwhelming to some, especially those unfamiliar with the fruit.

Another highlight is the Chocolate Snow Ice ($9.50). This dessert is a tower of brown which comprises of chocolate-flavored flaky snow ice accompanied by thinly chopped banana slices by the side, topped with crunchy cereal bits, and peanut butter biscuits.

The dish is garnished with peanut crumbs, chocolate sauce, and a dusting of chocolate powder for added flavour to give it’s iconic brown look. If you ordered the snow ice variant, it has tad a mesmerising wavey pattern on it which give it a very unique look.

Coarse or fine Bingsu-style shaved ice

On their menu, you have a choice of cheaper coarsely shaved ice or the finer “bingsu” style finely shaved ice which is a more premium offering. Similarly-priced is the Mango Snow Ice, a towering creation topped with fresh mango sauce, mango cubes, nata de coco, and juicy popping balls. The coarser shaved ice version includes an additional scoop of mango ice cream to make up for the same price as the snow ice variant.

For green tea lovers, the Green Tea Snow Ice is a must-try at $9.50. This dessert features green tea-flavored flaky snow ice paired with red beans, nata de coco, and a dash of milk. The sweetness of certain desserts, like the tangyuan or mango sago, may be too intense for those who prefer milder flavors. However, customizing the sweetness levels or opting for lighter desserts can address this concern.

Other menu options

Besides cold desserts, Dessert First offers an array of hot dessert options on top of ice cream and waffles. These include Cheng Tng, Double-Boiled Papaya with White Fungus & Almonds, Almond Cream, and Gingko Barley to name afew of the selections. They are priced at about $5.80 each, these hot desserts provide a comforting alternative to the colder offerings. Although slightly expensive for hot desserts, the generous portions and quality ingredients make them worth trying.

Dessert First’s ambiance is casual and welcoming, suitable for gatherings with friends, family, or solo indulgences. The efficient service ensures minimal waiting times, even during peak hours. The desserts are presented with attention to detail, enhancing both their visual and gustatory appeal. However, the shop’s small size may feel crowded during busy periods. Despite this, tables turnover quickly, and a short wait of 5-10 minutes usually suffices for smaller groups.

Wrapping up

All in all, Dessert First is a delightful destination for those seeking quality and reasonably priced Hong Kong and Taiwanese-style desserts. With its menu, reasonable prices, and inviting atmosphere, it appeals to dessert lovers of all ages. Whether you’re a durian enthusiast, a fan of traditional Chinese treats, or simply craving something sweet, Dessert First tad offers an enjoyable experience. If you’re in the buzzing Bugis arts district, it’s a spot worth visiting for a satisfying dessert adventure.

This review is not sponsored by the establishment nor did they provide any editorial input or reimbursements into the content and outcome of this review. All meals were paid for in full out of my own pocket as a regular and anonymous patron.