Best scones in Singapore

TWG TEA SALON

Chef Philippe Langlois has perfected his scone recipe to produce these tall, dainty jewels studded with a generous amount of black and golden raisins. The result is a slighty dense but crusty delight with just the right amount of doughiness. Served toasty with a spoon of chilled fragrant tea jelly and whipped cream, every bite you take is heavenly.  Level 2 Takashimaya. Tel: 6464 1837

THE ROSE VERANDA

Not too dense but not overblown like a towering soufflé either, the scones served as part of the Afternoon Tea Set at The Rose Veranda and Lobby Court of Shangri-La Hotel Singapore are one of the best expressions of the humble pastry. They are a perfect balance and flouriness and buttery crumb with bits of raisin inside. To prevent the bottom of the scones from being scorched, a double tray is used during baking. 22 Orange Grove Road. Tel: 6213 4486

DA PAOLO

Most scones are best enjoyed warm but the ones at Da Paolo are delicious even at room temperature. Below its slightly crispy golden crust is a moist, buttery and dense body, which gives rise to a slightly chewy texture and renders a lovely bite. For those with a sweet tooth, go for the white chocolate-flavoured ones. Da Paolo’s scones are also generously big for one to finish, so the adage of ‘all good things should be shared’ can definitely be applied here. #B1-20 Paragon. Tel: 6738 1462

OCTÀ HOTEL CAFÉ

Don’t be fooled by this charming retail storefront. Behind its collection of tableware, scarves and jewellery lies a peaceful Japanese café serving these beauties. Made with love by their all-Japanese staff, these buttery scones come freshly toasted and dusted with icing sugar for a touch of added sweetness.  Their petite size and light texture made it difficult to resist popping in more than just a few. #P1-39 Millenia Walk. Tel: 6336 4614

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

We were a little surprised that Food For Thought chose to serve us our Cranberry Scones at the same time as our main course, but no matter, as they proved to be a really pleasant distraction. The warm, buttery cakes, laced with sweet cranberries, were aromatic and slightly moist with just the right amount of crumbly factor. They tasted impressive on their own—there wasn’t any need to smear them with clotted cream or raspberry jam. Tanglin Gate, #B1-00, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens. Tel: 6338 4848. Book a table at Food for Thought with Chope. 

HALIA RESTAURANT

Here’s a little tip for when you’re enjoying the two tiers of Halia’s Weekend and Holiday Tea Service: reach for the buttery scone first. With a tender cookie crust that flakes apart to give way to airy interiors, and accompaniments of house-made orange and ginger marmalade, and vanilla whipped cream, everything else can wait. 1 Cluny Road, Ginger Garden. Singapore Botanic Gardens. Tel: 6476 6711. Book a table at Halia Restaurant with Chope. 

THE ST. REGIS SINGAPORE

The highlight of St. Regis’ Afternoon Tea at Brasserie Les Saveurs is the scone bar. Sweet selections like bittersweet Guanaja chocolate chips with orange zest, and caramelised passion fruit with Tahitian vanilla share the stage with savoury versions of the freshly baked treat. Think Alps Gruyere cheese with chilli, Perigord black summer truffles (sliced a la minute), Australian smoked bacon with Hawaii black salt, and sundried Roma tomatoes with rosemary—served with shaved slices of ibérico, black truffle espuma, and chives-espelette cream cheese. 29 Tanglin Road. Tel: 6506 6866

RIDER’S CAFÉ

Can’t decide if you’re in a butter-slathered scone or dainty jam and cream sort of mood? Rider’s Café offers all the extras with a pair of freshly baked tea scones: cubes of unsalted butter, clotted cream, and just-set taspberry preserves. The pastries are almost bready in consistency, doughy and ever so slightly sweet, and perfect for a hearty breakfast or languid tea with an overlooking view into Bukit Timah Saddle Club’s stables. 51 Fairways Drive. Tel: 6466 9819. Book a table at Rider’s Cafe with Chope. 

REGENT SINGAPORE

The hallmark of a great scone lies in its tender crumbly texture and rich butter flavour, and this is where the dainty plain scones from Tea Lounge won us over. Topped with dollops of Devonshire clotted cream and some strawberry jam, it makes an irresistible tea time treat. While the plain scones are available daily, Tea Lounge also offers similarly delightful fruit-based scones, the flavour of which changes monthly. If the past months’ fragrant pumpkin scones and light apple cinnamon scones are anything to go by, we’ll definitely be back for the upcoming strawberry and blueberry ones. Lobby Level, 1 Cuscaden Road. Tel: 6725 3245/6

CAPELLA SINGAPORE

The Knoll’s flaky and buttery cranberry scones are quite possibly the star pastry in the three-tier Queens Tea set, available for tea daily. Studded with sweet dried cranberries, these scones are tasty enough to be eaten on its own, but for a sophisticated touch, try having it with a bit of the clotted cream as well as the lightly tart fresh strawberries provided. 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island. Tel: 6591 5046