We’re all aware of Singapore’s relentless heat, and what better way to battle the constant heatwave throughout the year (yes, even in December despite the monsoon season) than indulging in a delicious bowl of bingsu with your loved ones? Forget the usual ice cream, bingsu is the real deal.
Originating from South Korea, bingsu (fluffy shaved ice dessert with sweet toppings) is a popular snack food that is found almost everywhere in Korea, especially during the summer months. Thankfully for us, it’s always summer in Singapore. Traditionally, bingsu is served as patbingsu - shaved ice with red beans. However, it has expanded to many varieties, which include matcha green tea bingsu, mango bingsu, and oreo bingsu.
To battle the stifling heat on our sunny island, I’ve gathered the best bingsu spots in Singapore that will more than likely satisfy your Korean dessert cravings. Treat yourselves today!
ICE LAB
Located in the heart of Bugis Village, ICE LAB prides itself with its unique bingsu flavors. Where else can you find bingsu flavors such as kaya coconut and cheese? If you’re on the healthier side, fret not. One of the popular flavors includes yoghurt as well. With a bingsu fit for every tastebud, you’re definitely going to get spoiled for choices. Even better, this cafe is halal-certified.
Besides their hearty bingsu selection, they also offer snowshakes and coffee with interesting flavors. I recommend pairing a good cuppa with a yummy bingsu. Tell me, what’s a better combination than that? Check out their website to find out more!
Address: 164 Rochor Rd, Bugis Village, Singapore 188439
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 11am-11pm
Friday and Saturday 11am-1am
Contact: 6977 9665
O'ma spoon Korean Dessert Cafe
O’ma spoon Korean Dessert Cafe is well-known for being Singapore’s first contemporary Korean dessert cafe franchise hailing from Korea. Since they hail from Korea, you can be assured that their ingredients are authentic and directly sourced from Korea. Their menu boasts an assorted selection of Korean desserts such as bingsu, thick honey butter bread, and oven-baked toast. I was delighted to find out that they are halal-certified too!
When you pay a visit, be sure to try their bestselling Choco Brownie Bingsu, Mango Cheesecake Bingsu, or Choco Strawberry Honey Butter Bread that comes with ice cream. Hungry yet? Check out their website to find out more!
Address: 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Rd, #04-20/32, Singapore 238895
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 11am-11pm
Friday and Saturday 11am-11.30pm
Contact: 6333 0995
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Nunsaram Korean Dessert Cafe
Westies, it’s your turn to celebrate! Located in Jurong East (Westgate), you can avoid the hassle of travelling to the heart of town just to get your bingsu fix. You may know Nunsaram as one of the OG bingsu spots in Singapore, and their quality has not dwindled over the years. They serve up interesting bingsu flavors such as the Acai Fruit Bingsu, which is a must-try.
Bingsu is not the only item on their menu. You can order their signature smoothies, tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes), and gimbap (seaweed rice roll) if you’re feeling adventurous too. Be sure to check out their website to find out more!
Address: Westgate, 3 Gateway Drive, #04-37/K4, Singapore 608532
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11am-10.30pm
Contact: 9664 2574
Oriental Ice Bistro
A halal-certified hidden gem along Rangoon Road, this cafe stands out from the rest thanks to their fusion of Korean-Western cuisine. Their bingsu flavors caught my eye as they had a local twist to them, particularly the Duri Durian, Chendol Pak’ Dol, and Avocado’ Gado. The Overdose Bingsu is also worth a mention, credited as being XXL in size. Be sure to share this with your friends or family, though!
Side Note: If you’re a fan of monster milkshakes but unwilling to pay for the expensive ones, Oriental Ice Bistro offers a value-for-money alternative, their Clad-In-Black milkshake. Be sure to check out their website to find out more!
Address: 89 Rangoon Rd, #01-02, Singapore 218375
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 5pm-10pm
Closed on Thursday
Contact: 6635 7426
Han Bing Cafe
Serving a wide array of Korean favorites such as army stews and bimbimbaps on their menu, it is their whopping 20 flavors of bingsu that stand out from the rest. With eye-catching bingsu flavors such as Lychee Rose, Horlicks, and Teh Tarik, you’ll never get bored dining in this homely establishment located near Botanic Gardens MRT.
Along with Korean cuisine, they serve Western-style dishes and snacks such as spaghetti and truffle fries too. Check out their website to find out more!
Address: 10 Jln Serene, #01-03B, Singapore 258748
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 12pm-9pm
Contact: 9274 8808
San Gloo Bingsu
This bingsu establishment is a win for the Northies. San Gloo Bingsu is a cafe located in Junction Nine, specializing in an evolved version of the regular Korean bingsu. Their ice flakes are soft, fluffy, and rich in calcium, paired with a tinge of sweetness. They have 26 flavors on their menu, bound to make you come back for more. I highly recommend their Blueberry Bingsu and Chocolate Peppermint Bingsu flavors, though.
Their homemade rice cakes are a great addition to their flavorful bingsus. Check out their website to find out more!
Address: 18 Yishun Avenue 9, #02-41, Junction Nine, Singapore 768897
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 12pm-10pm
Tuesday 5pm-10pm