Top 12 'Petal-and-Pastry' Floral Desserts to order in Singapore's Most Beautiful Garden Cafes - Goh Ling Yong
There's a special kind of magic that happens when you combine the delicate art of pastry with the ethereal beauty of flowers. It's a multisensory experience—a feast for the eyes before it ever touches your lips. In a city as green as Singapore, this trend has blossomed beautifully, finding its home in serene garden cafes that offer a much-needed escape from the urban hustle. These aren't just meals; they are moments of tranquil indulgence.
Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe that dining should be an experience that nourishes the soul as much as the body. This is the heart of the 'petal-and-pastry' movement: desserts that are not only delicious but are also intertwined with the very nature that surrounds their creation. We're talking about the subtle perfume of rose in a delicate mousse, the gentle herbaceous note of lavender in a creamy cheesecake, or the sunny kiss of marigold in a wobbly panna cotta.
Ready to embark on a whimsical journey through Singapore's most enchanting green spaces? We've curated a list of 12 exquisite floral desserts that are worth every single calorie and every photo you'll inevitably snap. From iconic institutions to hidden gems, prepare to be captivated by these botanical delights.
1. Rose & Lychee Saint Honoré at Le Jardin Restaurant
Nestled in the lush greenery of Fort Canning Park, Le Jardin feels like stumbling into a secret French garden. With its Victorian-inspired decor, marble-topped tables, and an abundance of fresh flowers, the ambiance itself is a dessert. This is the perfect setting for a pastry as elegant and classic as the Saint Honoré.
Their Rose & Lychee version is a masterpiece. Imagine a ring of delicate choux puffs, filled with a fragrant rose-infused cream, all perched atop a crisp puff pastry base. The centre is a cloud of light-as-air lychee chantilly cream, its subtle sweetness perfectly complementing the floral notes of the rose. Each bite is a delicate dance of textures and flavours, from the crisp pastry to the yielding cream.
Pro-Tip: Request a table in their alfresco area on a cool day. The natural light is phenomenal for photos, and being surrounded by the park's verdant foliage makes the experience even more immersive. Pair the pastry with a simple pot of Earl Grey tea to let the dessert's floral notes truly shine.
2. Lavender & Blueberry Cheesecake at PS.Cafe Harding Road
PS.Cafe at Dempsey Hill is an institution, a veritable glasshouse sanctuary surrounded by untamed greenery. Its soaring ceilings, chic monochrome interiors, and floor-to-ceiling windows create a dramatic backdrop for what is arguably one of the most consistently excellent cafe menus in Singapore. While famous for their truffle fries, their dessert counter is a treasure trove of indulgence.
The Lavender & Blueberry Cheesecake is a standout. This isn't the soapy, overpowering lavender you might fear; it's a gentle, herbaceous whisper that beautifully cuts through the richness of the classic New York-style cheesecake. The tartness of the blueberry compote swirled throughout provides a juicy burst of flavour, balancing the creamy, floral notes perfectly. It's sophisticated, comforting, and utterly delicious.
Pro-Tip: This outlet is incredibly popular, especially on weekends. Try to visit on a weekday afternoon to avoid the crowds and snag one of the coveted tables right by the windows. The slice is generous, so it’s perfect for sharing—or not!
3. Osmanthus Soufflé Pancakes at Cafe de Nicole's Flower
As the name suggests, this cafe in Telok Kurau is a floral wonderland. Part florist, part cafe, the entire space is perfumed with the scent of fresh blooms. It’s a whimsical, pastel-hued dreamscape that feels tailor-made for a lazy afternoon of sweet treats. Their soufflé pancakes are legendary, and the osmanthus version is a true delight.
Two impossibly fluffy, jiggly pancakes are served steaming hot, dusted with icing sugar. They are accompanied by a delicate osmanthus-infused syrup, which has a unique, apricot-like fragrance. The pancakes themselves are airy and cloud-like, melting in your mouth. The floral syrup soaks into them, creating a dessert that is light yet deeply satisfying. It’s a beautiful, elegant take on a trendy favourite.
Pro-Tip: The lighting here is gorgeous, so have your camera ready. Since the soufflé pancakes are made to order and can take up to 20 minutes, order them as soon as you sit down and enjoy a floral tea while you wait.
4. Ginger Flower & Hibiscus Tart at The Halia
Located within the Ginger Garden of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, The Halia offers a dining experience that is literally rooted in its surroundings. The name itself is Malay for ginger, and the menu masterfully incorporates the spice in both sweet and savoury dishes. Dining here feels like you're in a luxurious treehouse, with open-air seating that lets you soak in the sights and sounds of the garden.
Their Ginger Flower & Hibiscus Tart is a testament to their philosophy. A crisp, buttery tart shell is filled with a silky, tangy hibiscus-infused custard. Dotted throughout are pieces of crystallised ginger flower, which provide a surprising and delightful burst of gentle, floral spice. It's a complex, refreshing dessert that is uniquely Singaporean and perfectly suited to its tropical garden setting.
Pro-Tip: The Halia is a fantastic brunch spot. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll through the Ginger Garden next door to see the very plants that inspired your dessert. It’s a beautiful way to connect with your food.
5. Elderflower & Lemon Meringue at Under Der Linden
Inspired by a medieval German poem, Under Der Linden is a romantic, nature-filled restaurant on the East Coast that transports you to a European countryside cafe. With its rustic interiors and a stunning floral archway, it’s a beautiful spot for a celebratory meal or a quiet afternoon treat.
Their Elderflower & Lemon Meringue is a modern classic. The dessert features a zesty lemon curd with a distinct, fragrant note of elderflower, all nestled in a sweet pastry crust. It's topped with a mountain of torched Italian meringue that is both marshmallowy and light. The elderflower adds a sophisticated, almost pear-like sweetness that elevates the familiar lemon meringue into something truly special.
Pro-Tip: This spot is perfect for a date. The ambiance is incredibly romantic, especially in the evening. If you’re a fan of elderflower, be sure to try their signature Linden Blossom mocktail as well.
6. Chrysanthemum & Goji Berry Jelly at Knots Cafe and Living
Part furniture store, part nursery, part cafe, Knots is a vibrant, green oasis in the Paya Lebar industrial area. Dining amongst towering fiddle-leaf figs and lush monsteras is a truly unique experience. The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious, making it a wonderful spot to unwind with a book and a coffee.
For a lighter, more refreshing floral dessert, try their Chrysanthemum & Goji Berry Jelly. This isn't a heavy cake, but a beautifully clear, wobbly jelly infused with the delicate, honeyed flavour of chrysanthemum tea. Suspended within are goji berries, which add a touch of sweetness and a pleasant chew. It's a cooling, guilt-free treat that feels both traditional and modern, perfectly capturing the cafe's tranquil spirit.
Pro-Tip: After your dessert, take some time to browse their impressive collection of plants and minimalist furniture. You might just leave with a new leafy friend for your home.
7. Violet & Cassis Macaron at TWG Tea Salon & Boutique
While not strictly a "garden cafe" in the outdoor sense, the opulent, old-world interiors of a TWG Tea Salon, with their polished wood, brass fittings, and walls lined with iconic tea tins, create their own kind of curated paradise. They are masters of infusion, and their patisserie selection is a testament to this art.
A fellow food writer, Goh Ling Yong, once remarked that the true test of a patisserie is its macaron, and TWG excels. The Violet & Cassis macaron is a jewel. The crisp almond shells give way to a chewy interior, sandwiching a ganache that is a perfect marriage of floral and fruit. The sweet, powdery scent of violet is balanced by the sharp, dark berry flavour of cassis (blackcurrant). It’s a single, perfect bite of Parisian elegance.
Pro-Tip: Don't just get one! Create your own custom box of macarons to-go. Experiment with their other tea-infused flavours like the Napoleon Tea & Caramel or the Bain de Roses Tea macaron.
8. Pandan & Orchid Chiffon Cake at Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari
Step into a different kind of wilderness at Tiong Bahru Bakery's Safari-themed outlet in Dempsey. Housed in a massive glamping-style tent, this cafe breaks the mould. Surrounded by greenery and rustic decor, it offers a fun, adventurous twist on the cafe-hopping experience.
Here, they pay homage to local flavours with their Pandan & Orchid Chiffon Cake. The chiffon cake is classic—light, airy, and intensely fragrant with the aroma of fresh pandan leaves. What makes it special is the delicate orchid-infused cream frosting and the scattering of edible orchid petals on top. It’s a beautiful, patriotic dessert that celebrates the flavours of our "garden city."
Pro-Tip: The safari theme is a huge hit with kids and adults alike. It's a great weekend brunch spot for families. Grab one of their famous croissants to go along with your slice of cake.
9. Marigold & Honey Panna Cotta at The Summerhouse
Set in the idyllic Seletar countryside, The Summerhouse is the epitome of the farm-to-table concept. With an edible garden on its premises, the connection to nature is tangible. Dining in the elegant, light-filled main hall feels like a true getaway from the city.
Their Marigold & Honey Panna Cotta is a beautiful expression of their philosophy. The panna cotta itself is incredibly silky and creamy, sweetened with honey harvested from their own apiary. It's infused with marigold, which imparts a subtle, sunny, and slightly citrusy floral note. Topped with fresh petals from their garden, this dessert is as fresh and honest as it gets.
Pro-Tip: For a truly unique experience, book one of their "garden domes" for dinner. Dining under the stars in a private, air-conditioned dome is an unforgettable romantic treat.
10. Earl Grey Lavender Cupcake at Plain Vanilla Bakery
Sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most profound. Plain Vanilla has perfected the art of the cupcake, and their outlet in Tiong Bahru, with its charming little courtyard, is a lovely spot to enjoy one. It’s a slice of calm in one of Singapore’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Their Earl Grey Lavender cupcake is a crowd favourite for a reason. The sponge is moist and fragrant, deeply infused with the bergamot notes of Earl Grey tea. The real star is the light, not-too-sweet buttercream, which is scented with just the right amount of lavender. It's floral without being perfumey, elegant, and incredibly moreish. A true classic, executed flawlessly.
Pro-Tip: The Tiong Bahru outlet has limited seating. Grab a cupcake and a coffee to-go and enjoy it while exploring the charming independent bookshops and boutiques in the area.
11. Orange Blossom & Almond Financier at Bee's Knees at The Garage
Located on the ground floor of a 1920s Art Deco garage in the Botanic Gardens, Bee's Knees is a fun, casual, and pet-friendly cafe. It’s the perfect pit-stop for a coffee and a light bite after a long walk through the gardens, with plenty of cheerful outdoor seating.
While they have a full menu, don't overlook their pastry selection. The Orange Blossom & Almond Financier is a small but mighty treat. This little French almond cake is moist, dense, and nutty from the brown butter and almond flour. The addition of orange blossom water lends it a beautiful, exotic, and slightly bitter citrus perfume that lingers on the palate. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a strong black coffee.
Pro-Tip: Bee's Knees offers picnic basket sets that you can pre-order. Grab one, find a shady spot on the lawns of the Botanic Gardens, and enjoy a perfect afternoon picnic.
12. Hibiscus & Berry Smoothie Bowl at Carrotsticks & Cravings
For a healthier take on the floral food trend, head to Carrotsticks & Cravings at Dempsey. This bright, breezy, Australian-inspired cafe focuses on wholesome, vibrant food that makes you feel good. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a haven for health-conscious foodies.
Their Hibiscus & Berry Smoothie Bowl is as beautiful as it is nutritious. The base is a thick, ice-cold blend of mixed berries, banana, and hibiscus tea, giving it a deep magenta hue and a lovely tart, floral flavour. It’s topped with a colourful array of fresh fruit, granola, seeds, and of course, delicate edible flower petals. It's a refreshing, energising, and utterly Instagrammable way to start your day.
Pro-Tip: This cafe is extremely popular for brunch, so expect a queue on weekends. Go early, or visit on a weekday to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Their coffee is excellent, too!
From sophisticated tarts to rustic cakes and healthy smoothie bowls, Singapore’s garden cafes offer a stunning bouquet of floral-infused desserts just waiting to be discovered. Each one provides not just a delicious treat, but a precious moment of peace—a chance to slow down, breathe in the greenery, and appreciate the delicate beauty on your plate.
So, which of these petal-and-pastry creations are you most excited to try? Do you have another favourite floral dessert spot that we missed? Share your thoughts and discoveries in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you. And if you visit any of these beautiful cafes, don't forget to tag us in your photos
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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