Food News

Xi Le Ting: Ah Ma Sells $1 Chinese Desserts Such As Green Bean Soup And Cheng Tng For Over 40 Years

Xi Le Ting Chinese desserts in Commonwealth


Image credit: @islandcreameryisbae

It’s not every day that you stumble upon a hawker stall selling old-school Chinese desserts at $1 a bowl. So when I found Xi Le Ting, it almost felt like it was too good to be true.

It was one fine Sunday when I was exploring Commonwealth Crescent Market & Food Centre while waiting to get my Hammee’s burger fix. Even though the dessert stall is tucked in a quiet corner towards the back of the coffeeshop, they had a steady stream of customers.


Image credit: @audrey526_sg

The stall is run by an elderly granny, who apparently has been selling the same recipes for over 40 years. The menu is lean, with only four desserts to choose from. Each bowl is ladled to order are served at a mere buck each—a steal in this day and age.

When I arrived at 2pm, the only options left were the Red Bean Soup and Cheng Tng. The former has an undeniably old-school flavour to it, with generous chunks of soft and sweet red beans. At $1 a pop, there really isn’t much to complain about.


Image credit: @missha_2122

Topped with the full works—barley, white fungus, dried longan—the Cheng Tng is said to be light and refreshing on a hot afternoon. The cherry on top is a slice of dried persimmon for added sweetness and flavour.

According to online reviews, most visit the stall for a dose of Green Bean Soup, which is cooked in a huge pot with coconut milk and sago for a creamy finish. There’s also Sweet Wheat Porridge, a lesser-seen treat popular amongst the older folks.

The desserts are served in a small porcelain bowl similar to those of yesteryear, adding a touch of nostalgia to the whole experience. You can also dabao them for $1.20 each.

If you’re in the area, do check out our Old Village review for $2.50 KL pork noodles in Tanglin Halt.  Also don’t forget to check out our Tian Yi Desserts review if you’re up for more Chinese-style desserts in Lavender.

Address: 31 Commonwealth Crescent, #02-70, Commonwealth Crescent Market and Food Centre, Singapore149644
Opening hours: Thurs-Sun 10am to 2pm

Featured image adapted from @audrey526_sg and @wengoriginade

Anthia Chng

Living on a well-balanced diet of cake and coffee

Share
Published by
Anthia Chng

Recent Posts

Haidilao Has $3++ DIY Bubble Tea Buffet At VivoCity

Haidilao VivoCity has a $3++ DIY bubble tea buffet bar! Get unlimited servings of milk…

13 hours ago

Tomahawk King Steakhouse & Grill Review: Raising Cane’s-Inspired Chicken And XL Wagyu Steak

Tomahawk King Steakhouse & Grill has Singapore's first Raising Cane's-inspired chicken and XL Wagyu steak…

13 hours ago

The Commune Lifestyle Mall JB Guide: 10 Places For Matcha Kakigori, Chagee Drive-Thru And More

The Commune Life Style Mall is a new shopping centre in Johor Bahru with a…

16 hours ago

20 Best Japanese Restaurants In Singapore For Beef Katsu, Chirashi Don And More

Check out these best Japanese restaurants in Singapore for a variety of different Japanese food,…

20 hours ago

This JB Restaurant Has $0.70 Dim Sum, Has Been Around For 30 Years

Restoran Kak Kak is a restaurant in Johor Bahru selling cheap dim sum from just…

21 hours ago

Get The Viral Coriander Coffee At This Kiosk In Raffles Place

Coriander coffee might sound like an abomination of culinary expressions, but don't knock it until…

1 day ago