Five bingsus to beat the heat in Singapore

Ice Lab won’t disappoint with its wide range of bingsu flavours if you’re looking for variety. All their bingsus come in two sizes – single and large – so don’t worry if you have a small appetite (or a tight budget). In addition to the usual traditional flavours like injeolmi, Ice Lab offers unique flavours such as tiramisu ($13 for the single size and $21 for the large size), lychee rose ($12, $20), lemon ($10, $18), cheese ($12, $20), and tutti frutti ($11, $19). If your sweet cravings still aren’t satisfied after a bowl of bingsu, Ice Lab also serves drinks, snow shakes, cakes, and dessert toasts.

Don’t be put off by the fact that Wan Wan is a Thai café – they serve great bingsu too. You’ll still be able to find the usual Korean bingsu flavours, such as green tea ($10.90) and mango ($13.90). Their unique, Thai-inspired flavours – like the coconut bingsu ($13.90) and the Thai-style sago bingsu ($14.90) – are also worth trying if you’re looking for a change from the usual options. Wan Wan Thai Café is also open until 3am, so it’s the perfect place to head to if you have a late-night bingsu craving.

If you live, work, or go to school in the Buona Vista area, Chi Bing, situated conveniently in Star Vista, is a good option if you need a bingsu break after a long day. Bingsu prices at Chi Bing vary widely, ranging from the affordable red bean bingsu ($9.90) to the rather less affordable mango bingsu ($20.20). Chi Bing is also a full-fledged Korean restaurant, so you can order savoury dishes as well.

Loud K-pop music greets you as soon as you emerge on the fourth floor of Westgate, where this café sits. We try its most Instagrammed treat, the green tea bingsu ($15.90 for the larger size), which, while scoring on looks, could have fared better in the taste department. Though the matcha ice-cream was flavourful, it overshadowed the mildly milky shaved ice. The serving size is fair for its price, but the ice melts quickly, forcing you to dig in quick, before it melts into a watery sea of diluted green tea.