Ambling Turtle is a sweet celebration of Tanjong Katong’s rich history. The two-storey dessert café is named after an animal – the now-extinct Katong turtle – that once swam in the waters of the area, and taps into the rich Peranakan culture as inspiration for its bakes.
Pull up a seat at the adorable-looking table, fashioned to resemble the shell of a turtle, and enjoy a selection of whimsy treats. Local flavours come reimagined into tarts – signature treats at Ambling Turtle. Highlights include the pulut hitam ($6.50), with a middle of chewy black glutinous rice bits and a topping of coconut jelly; and the orh nee ($8) filled with a lusciously smooth paste, made using locally farmed yams, and pumpkin puree to finish. Also on the menu: bandung lychee ($8.50) with floral notes from rose milk; and the rich and bold black sesame mochi ($8).
Pandan-scented buttermilk waffles ($12.50) are worth a try, too. Go Big is a sweet-salty mix of speculoos soft serve and sea salt potato chips; and Go Home is a take on chendol, with fresh coconut soft serve and lashings of gula Melaka drizzle. If you must have some savouries before sweets, Ambling Turtle serves up sandwiches stuffed with slow-cooked beef rendang ($12), satay chicken ($10), and more. Then, wash it all down with a cup of kopi Jawa ($6.50), warm pot of tea (from $7), or soda tinged with butterfly pea tea ($7.50).