Fortune Centre Dessert: 11 Hidden Sweet Spots You Probably Walked Past

You came for the vegetarian restaurants and fortune centre food places featuring local dishes… but you’ll stay for the fortune centre dessert scene.

Fortune Centre, located at 190 Middle Road, is known for its affordable prices and variety of vegetarian restaurants serving local dishes like fried hokkien mee, fried rice, and authentic clam noodles. Most people grab their noodles or rice and leave, but over the past eight months, I’ve explored this hidden mall’s quiet corners and uncovered a remarkable fortune centre dessert scene across various floors. This includes family-run traditional shops with handmade sweets and refreshing drinks like those at Tracy Juice Culture, famous for its organic ingredients and thick broth udon noodles with broccoli and cherry tomatoes.

Near Bugis and Orchard Plaza, fortune centre food places offer nostalgic treats from warm Chinese desserts to crispy waffles. Look past the fluorescent lights and functional decor to discover some of Singapore’s most satisfying sweets alongside savoury options such as fried hokkien mee with wok hei, chive pork dumplings, fresh cockles in wawa special sauce, and seafood dishes.

Here’s my guide to 11 dessert spots and eateries you probably walked past but should try.

1. Yat Ka Yan Dessert (Level 2): Traditional Cantonese Sweets with a Homely Ambience

Nearest MRT: Bencoolen (5-minute walk)
Located at: 190 Middle Road, Fortune Centre
Price: S$3.50–S$7.50
Opening hours: 1:30 pm – 10 pm (Mon, Wed – Thurs), 1:30 pm – 11 pm (Fri – Sun), closed on Tues

What stood out: Yat Ka Yan Dessert is an outlet and store specializing in authentic Cantonese desserts, located at 190 Middle in Fortune Centre. This outlet is popular among customers and fans of traditional Cantonese desserts, and is often enjoyed by families. Stepping inside, the cozy interior reminded me of an old-school Hong Kong eatery, with welcoming atmosphere that makes every person feel at home.

The menu is diverse and interesting, offering a range of traditional desserts such as Chendol, Durian Chendol, Yam Paste (Orh Nee), Cheng Tng, Walnut Paste, Purple Rice, Glutinous Rice, and even Chee Cheong Fun with cai po (rice rolls). I decided to try their signature Durian Chendol ($3.80), which combines the flavours of durian with classic chendol ingredients—green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, gula melaka, and red bean—resulting in a balance of sweetness and creaminess that truly impressed me. The Chendol itself is a well-loved Southeast Asian dessert, and here it’s not overly sweet, with each ingredient standing out. I also enjoyed their Orh Nee ($5.80), a rich and creamy yam paste dessert made with coconut milk, which reminded me of homemade treats from my childhood.

Their Cheng Tng is another highlight, featuring white fungus, dried longans, and barley, making it especially refreshing on a hot, sunny day. The traditional hot and cold soups are notably smooth and well-balanced, and you can expect high-quality, fresh ingredients like daily-squeezed coconut and hand-picked gula melaka in every bowl.

The service is friendly and attentive, making each visit pleasant for every person. If you’re a fan of sharing, dessert shops in Fortune Centre like this one offer plenty of options for sampling with friends, enhancing the communal dining experience. I was impressed by the overall quality and presentation (don’t forget to snap some photos).

My verdict is if you finally visit Yat Ka Yan Dessert post-dinner or as a sweet break, expect to be transported by nostalgic flavours and authentic Cantonese desserts.

Best for: Traditional dessert lovers, fans of Cantonese desserts, and family gatherings looking for a taste of the past.
Avoid if: You are in a rush. I have noticed occasional long queues here, especially on weekend afternoons.
Bernice’s menu hack: If you are dining with a friend, order one cold dessert (like the Chendol) and one warm bowl (like the Orh Nee) to share. The temperature contrast is incredibly satisfying.

2. Duke Dessert (Second Floor): Traditional Chinese Desserts with a Contemporary Twist

Nearest MRT: Bencoolen (5-minute walk)
Price: $
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12 pm to 11 pm, closed Mon

What stood out: I was initially intrigued by Duke Dessert because of their bold refund policy—"we refund if you don't like the first bite!" That kind of confidence is rare. I ordered their Beancurd Grass Jelly with Ice Cream and Tapioca Balls ($6.90), and I immediately understood why they are so proud. The beancurd was impossibly silky, slipping down the throat with a gentle, soy-rich sweetness. The grass jelly added a nice herbal bite, while their handmade tapioca balls provided a wonderfully chewy texture. The orange, purple, and green tapioca balls each carried distinct flavors like taro and matcha, with the chestnut tapioca boba topping being a standout. The decor is very functional and bare-bones, but the quality of the bowls speaks for itself.

Best for: Traditional dessert seekers who enjoy a modern twist and chewy textures.
Avoid if: You want a plush, aesthetic cafe environment. The setup here is purely practical.
Bernice's menu hack: If Yat Ka Yan is packed to the brim, walk over to Duke Dessert. You get a very similar, high-quality vibe with slightly more seating availability.

3. Mama Patisserie (First Floor): Affordable Plant-Based Breads and Cakes with Distinctive Flavours

Nearest MRT: Bencoolen (5-minute walk)
Price: $

What stood out: Walking past Mama Patisserie, the warm, yeasty smell of freshly baked bread is impossible to ignore. This plant-based bakery offers incredibly soft, pillowy bakes that feel so gentle on the stomach. I picked up their Black Sesame Bun ($2.00) and a slice of their Matcha Chestnut Cake ($3.80). The bun was generously filled with a gritty, earthy black sesame paste that wasn't overly sugary. The matcha cake had a delicate, slightly bitter sponge that balanced the sweet chestnut cream perfectly.

Best for: Budget-friendly, plant-based snacks and casual dessert grabs.
Avoid if: You want to sit down and chat. Seating is extremely limited, making it more of a grab-and-go spot.
Bernice's menu hack: Stop by in the late afternoon. They often put their remaining bakes on clearance deals, giving you the freshest breads at an even lower price.

4. Crescent Waffle & Sandwich Shop (First Floor): Classic Waffles with a Nutty Black Sesame Pandan Twist

Nearest MRT: Bencoolen (5-minute walk)
Price: $

What stood out: Sometimes, the best desserts are the simplest ones. Crescent is a tiny, minimalist cafe that has mastered the art of the pandan waffle. I ordered the Black Sesame Pandan Waffle ($2.80), and it was served piping hot in a small paper bag. The exterior had a fierce, satisfying crunch, while the inside was chewy and vibrantly green. The black sesame filling melted slightly into the hot waffle, creating a rich, nutty flavor profile that lingered long after the last bite.

Best for: Quick dessert fixes and a comforting snack between shopping stops.
Avoid if: You have a large group. The small seating area turns over quickly, and there is rarely space to relax.
Bernice's menu hack: Order the black sesame waffle and pair it with a hot black coffee. The bitterness of the coffee cuts through the rich sesame paste beautifully.

5. Tsumiki (Second Floor): Japanese Artisan Bakery Specializing in Soft Shokupan and Tangy Sourdough

Nearest MRT: Bencoolen (5-minute walk)
Price: $$

What stood out: Tsumiki is a small-batch Japanese bakery that brings an artisan touch to the fortune centre dessert scene. I was lucky enough to secure a loaf of their signature Shokupan ($6.50), and it was life-changing. The bread was unbelievably soft, with a milky, slightly sweet crumb that pulled apart like cotton. I also tried a slice of their Sourdough ($12.00 for a loaf), which had a beautifully blistered crust and a complex, tangy flavor. It is a true labor of love.

Best for: Bread aficionados and anyone who appreciates meticulous, Japanese-style baking.
Avoid if: You prefer plated, creamy desserts. This is strictly a bakery experience.
Bernice's menu hack: Go early. Because it is a small-batch bakery, their best items sell out well before lunchtime.

6. Little Nonya’s Cookies (Third Floor): Heritage Peranakan Kueh and Traditional Cookies

Nearest MRT: Bencoolen (5-minute walk)
Price: $

What stood out: Tucked away on the fourth floor, Little Nonya’s Cookies feels like stepping into a Peranakan heritage kitchen. The environment is rustic and completely no-frills. I bought a selection of their handmade Kueh ($1.00 each) and a small tub of their traditional cookies ($5.50). The kueh was perfectly chewy, with the distinct, fragrant aroma of fresh pandan and rich coconut milk. It is a deeply authentic taste of Singapore’s heritage that you rarely find in modern malls.

Best for: Heritage sweet tooths and budget-conscious dessert seekers.
Avoid if: You want a modern cafe setting. This is a very traditional, simple storefront.
Bernice's menu hack: Pick up a few different pieces of kueh to snack on while exploring the upper levels of the mall. They are the perfect walking dessert.

7. Bao Er Cafe (Second Floor): Local Breakfast Classics with Crispy Kaya Toast and Fried Egg

Nearest MRT: Bencoolen (5-minute walk)
Price: $

What stood out: While technically a breakfast spot, Bao Er Cafe serves up a sweet treat that easily qualifies as a dessert. I ordered their famous Kaya Toast (~$2.00). The toast was incredibly thin and shattered with a loud crunch when I bit into it. The star, however, was their house-made kaya. It was thick, intensely fragrant with pandan, and paired with a generous slab of cold butter. It is simple, local perfection.

Best for: Local breakfast lovers and anyone craving a quick, crispy snack.
Avoid if: You are looking for elaborate, plated cakes. This is a purely casual, traditional stop.
Bernice's menu hack: Always pair the kaya toast with a cup of hot kopi. Dipping the crispy edge of the toast into the bitter coffee elevates the entire experience.

8. Tracy Juice Culture (First Floor): Health-Focused Vegan Drinks and Meals with Organic Ingredients

Nearest MRT: Bencoolen (5-minute walk)
Price: $

What stood out: After eating several heavy, creamy desserts, I needed something to cleanse my palate. Tracy Juice Culture provided exactly that. While not a traditional dessert shop, their fruit-based drinks hit the spot perfectly. I ordered an icy Pineapple-Lemon Drink ($4.00). It was sharp, intensely refreshing, and completely natural without any artificial syrupy taste. It cooled me down instantly after walking in from the humid Singapore sun.

Best for: Healthy dessert alternatives and those craving a light, refreshing beverage.
Avoid if: You want a chewable, solid dessert. Their offerings are entirely drink-based.
Bernice's menu hack: Go during the peak afternoon heat. Grabbing one of their icy, citrus-based smoothies is the best way to cool down before your next meal.

9. Killiney Kopitiam (First Floor): Classic Singaporean Breakfast with Charcoal-Grilled Kaya Toast

Nearest MRT: Bencoolen (5-minute walk)
Price: $

What stood out: Killiney Kopitiam is an institution in Singapore, and their Fortune Centre branch holds up the legacy well. Sometimes, the best dessert is a traditional local classic. I sat down for a plate of their classic Kaya Toast ($3.00) and soft-boiled eggs. The toast had that familiar charcoal-grilled smokiness, and the sweet kaya felt wonderfully nostalgic. The AC here is quite strong, making it a comfortable place to rest your feet.

Best for: A traditional breakfast-dessert hybrid in a comfortable, familiar setting.
Avoid if: You are searching for innovative or trendy sweets. This is classic comfort food.
Bernice's menu hack: Order a side of soft-boiled eggs, add a dash of dark soy sauce, and dip your sweet kaya toast into the savory yolks for the ultimate flavor contrast.

10. Seva Cafe (Second Floor): Ethical Vegetarian Dining with Plant-Based Desserts

Nearest MRT: Bencoolen (5-minute walk)
Price: $$

What stood out: I was thrilled to find Seva Cafe, an ethical social enterprise that specializes in plant-based desserts. The cafe has a very calm, mindful atmosphere. I ordered their Vegan Chocolate Cake ($8.00). I am usually skeptical of vegan baking, but this cake was incredibly moist, rich, and decadent. The chocolate frosting was dense and creamy, without the heavy greasiness that sometimes accompanies dairy buttercreams. It felt indulgent, yet surprisingly light.

Best for: Ethical eaters and anyone seeking high-quality, plant-based dessert options.
Avoid if: You are on a strict budget. The prices are slightly higher due to their socially responsible positioning and premium ingredients.
Bernice's menu hack: Their cake menu rotates frequently, so always ask the staff what the freshly baked special of the day is before defaulting to the chocolate cake.

11. Pine Tree Cafe (Second Floor): Vegetarian Local Dishes and Delightful Desserts

Nearest MRT: Bencoolen (5-minute walk)
Price: $6.00 – $9.00
Opening hours: Mon 9am to 3pm, Tue-Sat 9am to 8pm, Sun 9am to 6:30pm

What stood out: Pine Tree Cafe offers a comforting range of vegetarian local dishes, including their famous Hakka thunder tea rice served with wholesome brown rice and a medley of fresh vegetables. Alongside their savory menu, they serve delightful desserts and refreshing drinks that perfectly balance the meal. The warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive service make it a pleasant spot to unwind after exploring Fortune Centre.

Best for: Visitors seeking a wholesome vegetarian meal paired with satisfying traditional desserts in a relaxed setting.
Avoid if: You prefer a large variety of dessert-only options or a modern cafe ambiance.
Bernice's menu hack: Try their thunder tea rice followed by a light dessert drink for a fulfilling and balanced dining experience.

It is easy to walk past these unassuming storefronts when navigating the crowds of fortune centre. But next time you find yourself near 190 Middle Road or wandering the corridors of Fortune Centre, slow down. Look beyond the typical vegetarian restaurants and let your sweet tooth guide you. Whether craving warm yammy chendol or icy fruit drinks, this mall holds a quiet, delicious magic waiting to be discovered.

For those who love combining their outings with furry friends, you might also enjoy exploring my other article: 10 Pet Friendly Cafe Singapore: Pawsitively Purrfect for Coffee Dates with Your Pets! It highlights the best spots around the city where you and your pets can relax, sip coffee, and enjoy quality time together in a welcoming environment.