Quick answer: For a comforting bowl of handmade glutinous rice balls in Singapore, head to 75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup at Golden Mile for its legendary peanut broth, Ah Chew Desserts in Bugis for a late-night ginger-soup fix, or Selegie Soyabean in the east if you want silky beancurd alongside your tang yuan. Each place has its own style, so keep reading to find the one that fits your mood.
If you’re exploring more local eats, our roundup of the Finest Culinary Gems in Sengkang will point you to some honest neighbourhood treasures worth the trip.
75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup
Golden Mile Food Centre hides a stall that has been rolling out glutinous rice balls by hand since 1947. 75 Ah Balling is the sort of place your grandparents might have brought your parents to, and the peanut soup alone—smooth, gently sweet, never cloying—is reason enough to make the trip. You can smell the roasted peanuts before you even reach the stall.
They fill their tang yuan with peanut, black sesame, red bean, yam, even green tea. The rice balls are small but satisfyingly chewy, and you get to pick your soup base: besides the famous peanut, there’s ginger, almond milk, and longan red date. Everything is made fresh daily; you can see the aunties shaping the balls behind the counter.
It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a reward after a hard week—warm, familiar, and unpretentious. Grab a seat at the hawker centre, let the soup warm your hands, and tuck in. Prices are gentle enough that you can order a second bowl without thinking twice.
- Address: 505 Beach Road, #01-75, Golden Mile Food Centre, Singapore 199583
- Phone: 6293 8702
- Hours: 11:00am – 8:30pm (Mon–Fri), 10:00am – 8:30pm (Sat–Sun)
- Website: 75peanutsoup.com
If you grew up with ah ma’s tang yuan, this will bring back memories. It’s also perfect for anyone who wants a no-frills, deeply comforting bowl that hasn’t changed in decades.
Ah Chew Desserts
On Liang Seah Street, right in the thick of the Bugis supper belt, Ah Chew Desserts stays open past midnight on weekends—because sometimes that craving for something sweet and hot strikes late. Their tang yuan come with sesame or peanut filling, bobbing in a fragrant ginger soup that clears your sinuses in the best way. The yam paste with tang yuan is another favourite: smooth, rich, and not too sweet.
The shop itself is simple and air-conditioned. Whether you’re ending a dinner date or just need a 1am pick-me-up, Ah Chew is steady. The tang yuan are generously sized, and the ginger broth tastes like it’s been simmered for hours.
- Address: 1 Liang Seah Street, #01-10/11 Liang Seah Place, Singapore 189032
- Phone: +65 6339 8198
- Hours: Mon–Thu 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM, Fri 12:30 PM – 1:00 AM, Sat 1:30 PM – 1:00 AM, Sun & PH 1:30 PM – 12:00 AM
- Website: ahchewdesserts.com
Late-night dessert hunters and anyone who believes ginger heals everything will feel at home here. Also a good pick if you want to impress out-of-town friends with a local supper spot that’s been around for years.
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Ji De Chi Dessert
What makes Ji De Chi different is the sheer variety: over 70 desserts on the menu, blending Chinese, Taiwanese, and Hong Kong influences. Their tang yuan appear in yam paste and sesame paste bowls—thick, velvety pastes that coat each ball perfectly. It’s the kind of place where you can come with a group and everyone finds something they like.
The sesame paste is deep and nutty, the yam paste is silky, and the tang yuan provide that chewy contrast you’re really there for. Decision paralysis is real, so just point at the yam or sesame paste and you’ll be fine.
- Address: 8 Liang Seah St, Singapore 189029 (More branches available here)
- Phone: +65 6339 9928
- Hours: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm (Mon–Thu, Sun), 11:00 am – 11:30 pm (Fri–Sat)
- Website: jidechi-dessert.com
Fans of Taiwanese-style desserts and big group outings, this is your spot. Just be ready to queue if you hit peak hours, lah.
While you’re exploring dessert spots, our guide to Orchard Road’s Elite Eats covers everything from hawker stalls to upscale dining in the heart of town.
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Mei Heong Yuen Dessert
Mei Heong Yuen carries a name that traditionalists respect. With roots going back to 1947 as well, they’re known for almond and sesame pastes that are ground daily until impossibly smooth. Their tang yuan are classic: simple, tender, and done right.
You’ll find tang yuan in either the almond paste or the black sesame paste—both are thick, the kind you eat with a spoon and savour slowly. The same care goes into the rice balls, which are freshly made and hold their shape without being tough. This is not a dessert you rush. Sit in the air-conditioned outlet at Velocity@Novena Square, let the stress of the day fade, and spoon up that warm, nutty paste.
- Address: 238 Thomson Road, Velocity@Novena Square #02-03, Singapore 307683
- Phone: +65 6252 7335
- Hours: Typically 12:00 pm – 9:30 pm (Tue–Sun, closed Mon). Check branch hours.
- Website: meiheongyuendessert.com.sg
People who appreciate tradition and want a calm, sit-down dessert experience will feel at home. Also a good choice if you’re at Velocity shopping and need a rest.
Selegie Soyabean
Selegie Soyabean started with beancurd and soya milk, but their tang yuan have earned their own fans. The rice balls come filled with peanut, sesame, or red bean, and they’re served in a light, aromatic syrup with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. What sets these apart is that they’re made fresh, never frozen, so the skin stays soft and the filling generous.
You can taste the effort—the peanut tang yuan are especially fragrant, with that roasted nuttiness coming through. It’s a godsend when you’re in the east and need a comforting bowl without going to town. The Bedok outlet opens early (7:30am) and closes late (10:45pm), so you can have tang yuan for breakfast, dessert, or supper.
- Address: 320 Bedok Rd, Singapore 469487 (More branches available here)
- Phone: 6281 0933
- Hours: 7:30 am – 10:45 pm (Daily)
- Website: selegiesoyabean.com.sg
East-siders who want their tang yuan fix nearby, and families who appreciate a clean, bright place to hang out. Also great for a light, not-too-heavy dessert after a nearby dinner.
Chow Zan Dessert
Chow Zan brings a more modern touch to traditional desserts without losing the heart. The tang yuan here are plump, the fillings well-balanced, and the presentation is neat—almost pretty enough to post on your socials before you dig in. They offer tang yuan in a few creative setups, with classic fillings like sesame and peanut. The dough is consistently chewy but not sticky, and the soup bases are clean-tasting.
If you’re near North Bridge Road and need a sweet pause, Chow Zan is a reliable choice. It feels a bit more polished than your average hawker find, but the prices remain reasonable. They open till 11pm most nights, till 1am on weekends.
- Address: 801 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198769 (More branches available here)
- Phone: +65 9830 8677
- Hours: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Sun–Thu), 12:00 pm – 1:00 am (Fri–Sat)
- Website: chowzan.sg
Young couples on a casual date, or anyone who likes their desserts a little more styled without the fussiness. Good for a late-night sugar run, too.
Yat Ka Yan Dessert
Yat Ka Yan has a loyal following that swears by their tang yuan in ginger soup. The rice balls are exactly how you want them—soft and chewy outside, packed with black sesame or peanut paste inside—and the ginger broth is spicy enough to wake you up. They focus on a tight menu done well. The black sesame paste is deep and smooth, the peanut paste is rich, and the ginger soup ties it all together.
Awards at events like Singapore’s Sweet Spots Gala confirm what regulars already know: this is top-quality, unassuming tang yuan. The shop on Tan Quee Lan Street is simple and straightforward—good for a solo treat or a small catch-up. Each bowl comes steaming hot, which matters more than you might think on a cool Singapore evening.
- Address: 9 Tan Quee Lan St, #01-03, Singapore 188098 (More branches available here)
- Phone: 8798 9292
- Hours: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Sun–Mon, Wed–Thu), 12:00 pm – 12:00 am (Fri–Sat), Closed Tue
- Website: Instagram @yatkayan
Ginger lovers, first, and anyone who appreciates a no-nonsense bowl of tang yuan that gets the basics exactly right. Also a good spot near Bugis for a pre- or post-shopping dessert.
For more everyday luxuries, our Singapore’s Elite Selections post unearths a few interesting picks for the kitchen, too.
How to choose
Not all tang yuan are created equal, and the experience can change wildly depending on what you’re in the mood for. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Soup base matters. Peanut soup is creamy and rich, ginger soup has a warming kick, and almond or longan red date are lighter and fragrant. If you’re new to tang yuan, a peanut or ginger base is the safest place to start. Places like 75 Ah Balling let you mix and match, while Ah Chew and Yat Ka Yan stake their reputation on ginger.
Fillings vary. Peanut and black sesame are the classics—nutty, slightly gritty, and deeply satisfying. Red bean and yam are sweeter, more paste-like. Some shops only do one or two fillings, so if you’re particular, check the menu before you go. Ji De Chi and Selegie Soyabean give you a few options under one roof.
Chewiness is personal. Some people like their rice balls with a bit of bite; others prefer them meltingly soft. The good shops make theirs fresh daily, so the texture stays tender. You can’t go far wrong with any on this list, but 75 Ah Balling and Selegie Soyabean are often praised for that fresh, non-frozen quality.
Price-wise, a bowl typically runs between $3 and $6. Most places keep things wallet-friendly, though air-conditioned outlets may charge a little more. No one will judge you for ordering a second bowl.
Atmosphere counts. Want the old-school hawker vibe? Plant yourself at Golden Mile for 75 Ah Balling. Looking for a late-night air-con hangout? Ah Chew and Chow Zan fit. If you need a big table for friends and family, Ji De Chi’s Liang Seah location works well.
| Dessert Shop | Best Known For | Soup Base Options | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup | Handmade balls since 1947 | Peanut, ginger, almond, longan red date | Affordable |
| Ah Chew Desserts | Late-night supper spot | Ginger soup, yam paste | Check with the business |
| Ji De Chi Dessert | 70+ dessert menu | Yam paste, sesame paste | Check with the business |
| Mei Heong Yuen Dessert | Ultra-smooth pastes | Almond paste, sesame paste | Check with the business |
| Selegie Soyabean | Fresh, non-frozen balls | Light syrup, sesame seeds | Check with the business |
| Chow Zan Dessert | Modern presentation | Classic fillings | Check with the business |
| Yat Ka Yan Dessert | Awarded at Sweet Spots Gala | Ginger soup | Check with the business |
Summary
From the peanut-soup heritage at 75 Ah Balling to the ginger kick at Yat Ka Yan, each of these spots serves a bowl worth crossing town for. Whether you’re after a quick weekday dessert or a late-night weekend treat, there’s a tang yuan here with your name on it.
Disclaimer: Details such as opening hours and prices can change. Please confirm directly with the business before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
What are glutinous rice balls (tang yuan)?
Tang yuan are Chinese desserts made from glutinous rice flour, formed into balls and usually filled with sweet pastes like peanut, black sesame, or red bean. They are traditionally served in a warm soup, often symbolising togetherness.
Are tang yuan and mochi the same thing?
Not quite. Both use glutinous rice flour, but tang yuan are typically served in soup and have a softer, more tender texture, while Japanese mochi is often eaten dry, sometimes with a firmer chew.
What is the most common filling for tang yuan?
Peanut and black sesame are the classics, though you’ll also find red bean, yam, and sometimes green tea at certain shops.
Can I get tang yuan all year round in Singapore?
Yes, these dessert shops serve tang yuan throughout the year, not just during festivals like Winter Solstice.
Which shop is best for peanut lovers?
75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup is a standout for its rich, house-made peanut soup and fresh peanut-filled balls. Selegie Soyabean also offers a very fragrant peanut tang yuan.
Are glutinous rice balls gluten-free?
Despite the name, glutinous rice does not contain gluten. However, cross-contamination is possible in kitchens that also handle wheat, so it’s best to check with the shop if you have a serious allergy.