11 Places To Shop Pineapple Tarts (If You Still Haven't Got Yours)
Whether you're a traditionalist or looking for novel flavours
By Michelle Lee SM -
With Chinese New Year fast approaching, most folks would be stocking up on their CNY goodies, including pineapple tarts (plus, some stores are still running their early bird discounts). When it comes to pineapple tarts, there are usually several camps — some like them open-faced, while others prefer them as little orbs that enrobe the zesty filling. Then there are those of the Taiwanese variety, which come in a rectangular block and are considered more pineapple cakes.
ICYDK: Pineapple tarts are eaten during Chinese New Year as a symbol of prosperity. The Hokkien phrase for pineapple is ‘ong lai’, and is a homophone of the Chinese phrase 'wang lai', which roughly translates to “the arrival of wealth and luck”.
Here's where to get pineapple tarts in Singapore for your Chinese New Year celebrations.
Shangri-La Singapore
Credit: Shangri-La Singapore
Shangri-La Singapore's pineapple tarts ($57 nett, 16pcs) come in sizeable ingot-shaped morsels so just one (okay, perhaps two) will leave you satiated without overindulging. The tart shell is buttery and crumbly, with a fibrous pineapple filling that's just the right balance of sweet and tart.
For an alternative to the classic, try the Mandarin Yuzu Pineapple Tarts ($66 nett, 16 pcs) for a citrusy twist.
They're on the pricier end, but come beautifully presented in a two-tiered box that's ideal for gifting. Plus, be sure to catch the early bird discount! Enjoy up to 20% off for selected purchases made before Jan 19, 2025, and up to 15% off for selected purchases made from Jan 20 to 26, 2025.
Order online, or contact +65 6213 4511, or email festive.sls@shangri-la.com to place your orders. Get a
complimentary delivery for orders above $500 nett. For orders below $500 nett, the delivery charge is $22
nett per location.
Intercontinental Singapore
Credit: Intercontinental Singapore
Intercontinental Singapore's award-winning Cantonese restaurant Man Fu Yuan has brought back its crowd-favourite Prosperity Pineapple Balls – think melt-in-your-mouth buttery and delicate pastry housing a rich tangy pineapple paste.
$39.80 nett per tin (300g). Available for purchase from Dec 15, 2024 to Feb 10, 2025. Collection from Jan 6 to Feb 12, 2025 at Man Fu Yuan Shoppe, located at level 2, Man Fu Yuan restaurant of Intercontinental Singapore. Pre-order of three days in advance is required. For enquiries or to place an order, email sinhb-festive@ihg.com, or visit InterContinentalShoppe.sg.
Janice Wong
Credit: Janice Wong
Snack on classics like the Pineapple Flower Tarts and Balls (both $39 for 18 pcs), buttery with a tart-sweet pineapple filling. Or try the Chocolate Pineapple Balls ($45 for 18 pcs), wrapped in artisan dark chocolate and topped with edible gold for an extra touch of sweetness and luxury.
Available at Janice Wong's online store and at all Janice Wong outlets till Feb 12, 2025.
Pineapple Tarts Singapore
Credit: Pineapple Tarts Singapore
The tarts from Pineapple Tarts Singapore lean more powdery than buttery for that melt-in-the-mouth texture (which it bills its tarts), and house a rather tangy filling — great if you prefer yours less sweet. Just a tad more jam, however, would make for a better crust-to-filling ratio. To appeal to those with adventurous tastebuds, it kicks things up a notch with options like pandan, Uji matcha, cheese, and charcoal truffle. And if you're up for a little explosive flavour, try its Siao LA – Mala Pineapple Tarts that doles out a spicy zing tempered by the pineapple flesh.
From $19.90 to $29.90 per bottle. Order here.
Wang Lai Bakery
Photos: Wang Lai Bakery
Using a traditional recipe passed down since 1968, Wang Lai Bakery has garnered quite a reputation for its buttery golden balls (it also has open-faced tarts) that melt in the mouth. If you're up for something that departs from tradition, the shop also has unique pineapple tart flavours such as pandan, cranberry, Thai milk tea, Earl Grey — and a savoury sour cream option.
From $21.90 per bottle. Order here.
Cat & The Fiddle
Have a paws-perous New Year with the adorable cat-shaped Yuzu Pineapple Tarts ($42.80 for a box of 12) with savoury aroma from parmesan from Cat & The Fiddle. But if you’d like a full-on cheese flavour, go for the Parmesan Cheese Pineapple Tarts ($38.80 for a box of 12). Can’t decide? Try both with the Mixed Pineapple Tart set ($40.80 for a box of 12).
Order from the website or Shopee Mall
PrimaDeli
If pillow-shaped pineapple tarts are your jam, try PrimaDeli’s best-selling Pillow Pineapple Tart ($21.80/tin). The bite-sized treat has a sweet pineapple jam filling encased within a golden crumbly crust. There's also the Supreme Pineapple Tart ($27.80/tin) made with premium European butter and a filling of freshly grated pineapples, as well as the larger Fortune Pineapple Tart ($2.50 each), individually wrapped in red organza bags.
Available at its physical stores, or via PrimaDeli's website.
La Levain
Photos: La Levain
Artisan bakery and cafe La Levain might be synonymous with French pastries like croissants and pain au chocolat, but don't miss out on its CNY offerings. Aside from bite-sized golden balls with homemade pineapple filling, it's also got the Osmanthus Pineapple Balls that meld floral fragrance with zesty pineapple.
From $26.80 to $30.80 per bottle. Order here.
Old Seng Choong
Credit: Old Seng Choong
Founded by local pastry chef and food entrepreneur Daniel Tay, Old Seng Choong is launching its brand-new Kumquat Pineapple Tarts ($42.80) that's a mix of tangy citrusy oomph with a blend of the two fruits. Or for another novel option, sink your teeth into the Truffle Bak Kwa Pineapple Tarts ($45.80). Traditionalists can go for the Original Pineapple Tart ($38.80) in the shape of a pineapple. Premium butter and Japanese flour, as well as pineapples sourced from Thailand and Malaysia that are blended in-house to create its zesty pineapple jam.
Order here
Sunnyhills Singapore
Sunnyhills Singapore sends out the above-mentioned Taiwan-style pineapple cakes. Made from organically grown Taiwan native pineapples, the pineapple paste comes encased in rectangular blocks of soft buttery pastry. Each is also individually wrapped in washi paper which helps in preserving the quality of its ingredients, and looks great for gifting.
From $17 for a box of five. Order here.
Mdm Ling Bakery
Photo: Mdm Ling Bakery
Started by a trio of friends, Mdm Ling Bakery specialises in traditional pastries, cookies and buns. You can get your hands on its Premium Pineapple Balls, or for a tart zesty alternative, the Cranberry Pineapple Balls.
From $10.80 for a 160g bottle to $21.80 for a 400g bottle. Order here.
Nesuto
Best known for its artisanal Japanese and French-inspired confectionery, Japanese-inspired patisserie Nesuto is giving the traditional CNY snack a spin. The returning Brown Butter Vanilla Pineapple Tarts marry the rich flavours of browned butter with Madagascar Vanilla, and housemade pineapple filling, while the 5-Spice Pineapple Tarts with housemade five-spice powder to spice up your snack table. There are also the Cheese Pineapple Tarts that offer a savoury touch with premium US cheddar.
From $32.80 per bottle. Order here.