Few snacks are as iconically Singaporean as the humble pandan waffle. Whether you grew up getting one after school, grabbing a warm piece from your neighbourhood bakery, or indulging in a gourmet version at a café, pandan waffles hold a special place in our hearts—and stomachs. They’re nostalgic, comforting, and surprisingly varied in texture and flavour across the island.
Today, pandan waffles have evolved far beyond a simple childhood treat. Some bakeries perfect the traditional crisp-edge, fluffy-centre version, while others elevate it with creative fillings, premium pandan extract, or special flours that enhance the chew. Whether you prefer yours crispy, airy, chewy, sweet, buttery, or filled with peanut butter and kaya, this guide covers the best pandan waffles in Singapore—from classic neighbourhood favourites to modern artisanal interpretations.
Why Pandan Waffles Remain a Singapore Favourite
A classic Singaporean pandan waffle hits all the right nostalgic notes. The moment the iron opens, you’re greeted with the unmistakable scent of pandan—earthy, sweet, floral, slightly nutty. A good waffle strikes a balance between crispness on the outside and cloud-like fluffiness on the inside. The flavour is subtle yet rich, and the warmth makes it perfect anytime of day.
Beyond taste, pandan waffles are an accessible comfort food. You can find them in shopping malls, heartland bakeries, heritage pancake stalls, artisanal cafés, and even convenience-driven kiosks. They’re inexpensive, easy to grab on the go, and infinitely customisable with fillings like chocolate, peanut butter, kaya, condensed milk, biscoff, and even cheese.
The Best Pandan Waffles in Singapore
Below are the most beloved spots across the island, each offering its own interpretation of the perfect pandan waffle.
1. PrimaDeli – The All-Time Classic Favourite
For many Singaporeans, PrimaDeli is the gold standard for pandan waffles. Its outlets are everywhere—from malls to neighbourhood centres—and queues often form during peak hours. What sets PrimaDeli’s waffles apart is their consistent flavour, fragrance, and texture.
Their waffles have a light crisp on the outside, a soft cake-like interior, and one of the strongest pandan aromas you’ll find commercially. The batter is freshly mixed throughout the day and cooked to order, giving you a warm, freshly pressed waffle every time. Their fillings, especially chocolate and kaya, melt beautifully into the waffle layers without making it soggy.
Why people love it:
PrimaDeli nails the nostalgic profile perfectly—aromatic, warm, slightly crisp, and deeply satisfying with every bite.
2. Bakery Cuisine – Generously Sized, Extra Fragrant Waffles
Bakery Cuisine’s pandan waffles often surprise newcomers with their larger-than-usual size and deeply fragrant pandan flavour. The waffle here is slightly chewier than PrimaDeli’s, with a more pronounced pandan taste that comes from their richer batter.
The edges are crisp when freshly made, while the centre remains delightfully bouncy. Many regulars rave about the peanut butter and kaya versions, which lean sweeter and more indulgent.
Why it stands out:
If you want a pandan waffle that’s bigger, richer, and a little denser, Bakery Cuisine hits the spot.
3. Swee Heng 1989 Classic – Old-School Goodness with Modern Consistency
Swee Heng has been a long-time favourite bakery chain best known for its buns, cakes, and old-school pastries. Their pandan waffles are surprisingly good—they strike a balance between fluffy and crisp and carry a fresh pandan note that feels authentic rather than artificial.
Their waffles taste especially delicious when paired with their signature thick chocolate spread or their slightly salty butter.
Why it stands out:
A reliable option for those craving a traditional pandan waffle from a halal-certified bakery.
What Makes a Pandan Waffle Truly Great?
While each stall has its own charm, excellent pandan waffles share these characteristics:
1. Fragrance
Pandan should smell natural—fresh, floral, and slightly nutty. Strong artificial scents are easy to detect and usually less enjoyable.
2. Texture
Depending on preference, great waffles fall into two categories:
- Crispy-Chewy
- Soft-Fluffy
Both can be excellent when done right.
3. Balance
The waffle should be flavourful even alone. Fillings should enhance—not overpower—the pandan aroma.
4. Freshness
A pandan waffle is always best hot off the iron. Time is the biggest enemy of crispness.
Best Fillings to Pair with Pandan Waffles
While traditionalists argue that pandan waffles are best plain, fillings can take the treat to another level:
- Kaya – Classic, aromatic, and complements pandan perfectly.
- Peanut Butter – Rich, nutty, addictive.
- Chocolate – Sweet and gooey when melted.
- Cheese – Salty-sweet contrast that works surprisingly well.
- Condensed Milk – Best for those who love extra sweetness.
For café-style waffles, toppings like ice cream, fruits, or nuts add another layer of flavour.
Final Thoughts
Pandan waffles are one of Singapore’s most beloved snacks for a reason. They’re nostalgic yet ever-evolving, simple yet satisfying, and widely available without sacrificing quality. Whether you love them crisp or fluffy, plain or filled, budget-friendly or café-styled, Singapore has a pandan waffle for every taste.
So grab your wallet, head to your nearest mall or heartland bakery, and indulge in one of the country’s most comforting warm treats. And remember—it’s always worth waiting a few extra minutes for a freshly pressed waffle.
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