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Tau huay (also called douhua or tofu pudding) is a traditional Chinese dessert made from soybeans. It has a silky, pudding-like texture and is typically served with sweet syrup or ginger syrup.
Singapore's food scene is famous worldwide, but beyond the chili crab and chicken rice lies a sweet, silky treasure beloved by locals - tau huay (soybean curd). This traditional Chinese dessert features a soft, pudding-like texture that simply melts in your mouth, typically served with sweet syrup. After tasting countless bowls across the island, I've put together this guide to the absolute best places to enjoy this classic treat.
What Makes Great Tau Huay?
Before diving into the list, let's understand what sets exceptional tau huay apart:
- Texture: The perfect tau huay should be silky smooth with a gentle wobble
- Freshness: Made daily from quality soybeans
- Balance: Just the right sweetness that doesn't overpower the natural soybean flavor
- Consistency: Reliable quality no matter when you visit
Now, let's explore the five best places to enjoy this beloved dessert!
1. Whampoa Soya Bean
Whampoa Soya Bean has won countless hearts with its traditional approach to tau huay.
Why it stands out:
- Family-run business with roots tracing back to the original Whampoa Market
- Uses fresh, non-GMO soybeans prepared the traditional way
- Incredibly soft texture without artificial additives
- Perfect sweetness that highlights the natural soybean flavor
Must-try items:
- Traditional tau huay (available hot or cold)
- Grass jelly soya milk
- Ginger syrup beancurd for something with a warming kick
The owners wake up in the early hours to prepare fresh batches daily, and this dedication to quality is evident in every spoonful. Unlike mass-produced versions, you can truly taste the difference in freshness and richness here.
2. Rochor Soya Bean
A heritage name in Singapore's tau huay scene, Rochor Soya Bean has been delighting dessert lovers since 1969. Recently reopened at Albert Centre Food Centre in Bugis, it continues to draw crowds for its authentic offerings.
Why it stands out:
- Over 50 years of history (established since 1969)
- Light, nostalgic flavors that transport you to old Singapore
- Perfectly balanced, natural sweetness - not overly sugary
- Healthier alternative to many modern desserts
Must-try items:
- Classic beancurd with sweet syrup
- Soy Bean Curd with Almond - a unique twist on the traditional
- Grass Jelly combination
The beancurd here has a distinctively silky texture that's become increasingly rare in today's commercialized world. Each spoonful offers a taste of Singapore's rich culinary heritage.
3. Lao Ban Soya Beancurd
Perhaps one of the most widely recognized names in Singapore's tau huay scene, Lao Ban gained immense popularity for introducing a modern, pudding-like version of the traditional dessert.
Why it stands out:
- Pioneered the thicker, pudding-style beancurd that started a trend
- Consistent quality across multiple outlets
- Distinctive "wobble" that's become their signature
- Convenient packaging for takeaway
Must-try items:
- Signature soya beancurd pudding
- Cold soya milk
- Hot traditional tau huay (available at some outlets)
Lao Ban offers a more modern interpretation of tau huay, with a slightly thicker consistency that appeals to younger generations while still honoring the traditional flavor profile that makes this dessert so beloved.
4. Le Cafe - Beancurd Tart Specialists
While not a traditional tau huay stall in the strictest sense, Le Cafe deserves a spot on this list for their innovative beancurd tarts that have developed a cult following in Singapore.
Why it stands out:
- Unique fusion of traditional tau huay with tart pastry
- Crispy crust perfectly complements the silky filling
- Variety of flavors including traditional, longan, peanut, and grass jelly
- Excellent value at just $13 for a box of 8 tarts
Must-try items:
- Original beancurd tart
- Mixed flavor box for variety
- Grass jelly beancurd tart for a refreshing twist
These tarts represent a creative evolution of the traditional dessert, offering the beloved tau huay filling in a convenient, portable form with a delightful textural contrast between the crisp tart shell and the smooth, jiggly filling.
5. 51 Soya Bean
Despite the lower profile compared to some of the other names, 51 Soya Bean delivers authentic, quality tau huay that rivals the best in Singapore.
Why it stands out:
- Traditional preparation methods focusing on natural flavors
- Exceptionally smooth texture that's neither too firm nor too soft
- Subtle sweetness that lets the soybean flavor shine
- Friendly service and consistent quality
Must-try items:
- Classic hot beancurd with sweet syrup
- Cold beancurd for hot days
- Fresh soya milk - a perfect companion to your meal at Maxwell
What makes this stall special is their unwavering commitment to traditional methods despite the temptation to modernize or cut corners. Each bowl is prepared with care, resulting in a tau huay experience that perfectly captures the essence of this beloved dessert.
The Beauty of Singapore's Tau Huay Culture
What makes Singapore's tau huay scene special isn't just the quality of the dessert itself but the culture surrounding it. For many locals, enjoying a bowl of tau huay isn't merely about satisfying a sweet craving - it's a connection to childhood memories, family traditions, and Singapore's rich multicultural heritage.
These humble stalls represented in this list aren't just places to eat - they're living museums preserving culinary techniques passed down through generations. From the early morning preparation of fresh soybean milk to the careful control of temperature and timing that creates that perfect silky texture, each bowl represents decades of expertise and passion.
Whether you prefer yours hot or cold, traditionally simple or with modern twists, Singapore's tau huay scene offers something for every palate. The best part? Most bowls will set you back just a few dollars - making this one of the most accessible culinary treasures in a city sometimes known for its high prices.
Conclusion
Singapore's tau huay scene offers a fascinating glimpse into the nation's food culture - where tradition meets innovation, and simple ingredients are transformed into unforgettable culinary experiences. Each of these five stalls brings something unique to the table while maintaining the essential qualities that make tau huay so beloved.
Whether you're a first-time visitor to Singapore or a local looking to rediscover this traditional treat, these five stalls represent the very best the island has to offer. From the heritage recipes of Whampoa and Rochor to the innovative beancurd tarts at Le Cafe, there's a world of silky, sweet delights waiting to be explored.
For the most enjoyable experience touring these tau huay gems, consider using a chauffeur service to navigate between locations efficiently. This allows you to focus entirely on the culinary adventure rather than worrying about transportation or parking in Singapore's busy food districts.
