Yat Ka Yan Dessert Fortune Centre is a family-run dessert shop on the second floor of Fortune Centre, Singapore, known for its nostalgic charm. The original outlet at 190 Middle Rd, #02-08 features cozy, nostalgic decor, while the larger second outlet at 9 Tan Quee Lan Street, #01-03 offers a minimalist design with white walls and metallic tables. The Tan Quee Lan location has a spacious, open interior contrasting with the original’s cozy atmosphere.

There is a certain comfort in places that don’t try too hard. In a city obsessed with viral food trends and aesthetic cafes, stumbling into a quiet, traditional spot like Yat Ka Yan Dessert feels like finding an anchor. On a recent Thursday afternoon, I escaped the heat and visited Yat Ka Yan Dessert at Fortune Centre.

Yat Ka Yan Dessert has gained a loyal following by treating customers like family and serving heartwarming traditional sweets. The menu offers classic and unique desserts, including the acclaimed Chendol at Fortune Centre, Avocado Sago, and specialty Yammy Chendol. There’s also a small selection of savoury snacks that pair well with the sweets. The restaurant fills up quickly, especially after dinner and on weekends, reflecting its popularity.

It's a spot you find yourself craving for simple, familiar desserts. For a glimpse of the shop and its offerings, check their Instagram photos.

Getting to Know Yat Ka Yan and Fortune Centre

Along the familiar streets near Bugis, where shophouses lean into one another and afternoon light filters through overhead walkways, Yat Ka Yan Dessert 一家 人 has settled into the neighbourhood rhythm. The name means family, fitting for a dessert house you find yourself returning to.

The range includes comforting yam paste, refreshing avocado sago, and chewy glutinous rice in coconut milk. The durian chendol offers a well-balanced blend of sweetness, creaminess, texture, and fragrance. At the Tan Quee Lan location, near Sawadee Thai Cuisine, families gather for the unhurried sharing that good desserts inspire.

In a city of fleeting dessert trends, Yat Ka Yan stands out through consistency. Prices are fair, service steady, and desserts honor the simple joy of a well-made sweet, whether shared or savoured alone.

Fortune Centre Outlet Atmosphere and First Impressions

Tucked away on the second floor, the Fortune Centre outlet of Yat Ka Yan is humble and functional, with bright fluorescent lighting, plain white walls, and compact wooden tables close together. Nostalgic decor adds cozy, old-school charm. There’s no curated playlist, just the sounds of spoons and quiet conversation.

In contrast, the Tan Quee Lan Street outlet offers a larger seating area with a spacious, open interior. Its design is simple, featuring white walls and floors with silver metallic tables and chairs, creating a more functional atmosphere compared to the nostalgic Fortune Centre outlet.

I grabbed a small corner table near the counter. The strong air-conditioning was a relief after the walk from the MRT. The space feels like a neighborhood canteen focused on food rather than lingering.

Savoring the Hot Desserts at Yat Ka Yan Dessert: A Personal Delight

When I looked at the Yat Ka Yan menu, I was drawn to the classic tong sui (sweet soups), herbal desserts, and even some savoury snacks. I couldn’t resist trying their hot desserts—comforting bowls like yam paste, sesame paste, almond cream, walnut paste, and black sesame paste. Each was creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced, never overly sweet.

The sesame paste surprised me with its smooth texture and fragrant roasted nutty aroma. The walnut paste quickly became my favorite with its rich, creamy, nutty, and roasty flavor that lingered delightfully. The almond cream was a lighter, soothing option that felt just right after a long day. I also tried the mini soup set (S$6.80), which let me sample three mini soups—almond cream, sesame paste, and walnut paste—all in one order, perfect for indecisive dessert lovers like me.

The Cold Desserts and Creamy Treats I Can’t Get Enough Of

The cold desserts at Yat Ka Yan Dessert were equally tempting. I enjoyed classics like chendol, durian chendol, avocado sago, and purple rice, all often served with shaved ice that gave a refreshing contrast.

The chendol (S$4) was a revelation—striking a perfect balance between the sweetness of gula melaka and the fresh creaminess of coconut milk, with chewy pandan jelly that added a fun texture. The durian chendol was a must-try for durian lovers, boasting a strong, satisfying durian flavor.

I was particularly impressed by the avocado sago, a creamy dessert topped with vanilla ice cream, avocado mousse, sago pearls, mini taro balls, and jelly. The variety of textures kept every spoonful interesting. The purple rice with coconut milk was dense and chewy, comforting in every bite.

I also noticed how red bean added a sweet earthiness to several cold desserts, and the glutinous rice paired with coconut milk provided a satisfying chewiness that felt like a warm hug on a plate.

Enjoying Chee Cheong Fun and Savoury Snacks: My Personal Experience at Ka Yan Dessert



When I tried the savoury snacks at Yat Ka Yan Dessert, the chee cheong fun (rice rolls) with cai po (preserved radish) stood out. The salty, crunchy cai po paired perfectly with the silky rice rolls, creating a unique and delightful balance of flavors and textures.

The rice rolls were freshly made with a smooth texture that paired well with the savoury toppings. This savoury option was a great counterpoint to satisfy my sweet tooth, making Yat Ka Yan a spot I’d visit for both sweet and savoury cravings.

How I Fell in Love with Red Bean, Black Sesame, and Signature Dishes at Ka Yan

I also enjoyed their red bean desserts and black sesame paste, which had a wonderfully smooth, creamy texture and a balanced nutty-sweet flavor—classic examples of the traditional Cantonese-style desserts that Yat Ka Yan does so well.

The cheng t'ng (or cheng tng) caught my attention with its refreshing mix of white fungus, dried longans, barley, and jelly. Its light sweetness and nourishing qualities made it a satisfying choice for me.

Overall, I loved how these desserts were thoughtfully paired to enhance both flavor and texture, making for a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience.

I also enjoyed their red bean desserts and black sesame paste, which had a wonderfully smooth, creamy texture and a balanced nutty-sweet flavor—classic examples of the traditional Cantonese-style desserts that Yat Ka Yan does so well.

The cheng t'ng (or cheng tng) caught my attention with its refreshing mix of white fungus, dried longans, barley, and jelly. Its light sweetness and nourishing qualities made it a satisfying choice.



Overall, I loved how these desserts were thoughtfully paired to enhance both flavor and texture, making for a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience.

My Service Experience and Practical Tips for Visiting

Service here is highly efficient, bordering on brisk. The aunties running the floor are all about moving the line along. There wasn’t much room for friendly chatter when I ordered at the counter, but I didn't mind. It suits the no-nonsense vibe of the shop.

Despite a steady stream of late-afternoon customers, my desserts arrived at my table in under five minutes. They work like a well-oiled machine. It’s worth noting that when the tables fill up, you do feel a slight, unspoken pressure to finish your bowl and give up your seat for the next person waiting.

If you are planning a visit to soothe your sweet tooth, here are the practical details:

• Price: It is wonderfully affordable. Most single desserts range between S$3.50 to S$6.00. You’ll easily spend under $8 per person.
• Timing: I highly recommend visiting during off-peak hours like I did (around 3 pm to 5 pm). If you come during the post-dinner rush around 7:30 pm, expect to wait 10 to 20 minutes for a cramped table.
• Accessibility: It is incredibly central. It’s a short 3-minute walk from Bencoolen MRT, located right inside Fortune Centre.
• Booking: It is strictly walk-in only, so just show up and hope for the best.
• Delivery: Yat Ka Yan Dessert also offers delivery services, making it convenient to enjoy their desserts from home.

What Yat Ka Yan Dessert Means to Me

Yat Ka Yan Dessert is a dependable gem. It is perfect for solo diners, office workers in the Bugis area needing a quick sugar fix, or anyone seeking a quiet bowl of nostalgia after a heavy meal.

However, avoid it if you are looking for a romantic date spot, or if you are in a large group hoping to sit and chat for hours. The small tables and brisk turnover just don't support that kind of outing.

As I scraped the last bit of sesame paste from my bowl, I felt quietly satisfied. Yat Ka Yan isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel or go viral on social media. They are just quietly, consistently serving up the flavors of our childhoods. And in a world that is always rushing forward, that kind of quiet consistency is exactly what makes you want to return.