PUBLISHED April 12th, 2021 06:00 am | UPDATED April 21st, 2021 12:40 pm
Originating from the Italian phrase tirami sù (or ‘pull me up’), tiramisu is the coffee-flavoured dessert that’s found a firm following with dessert lovers worldwide . Interestingly, the Italian legends surrounding this dessert’s origins point towards its use as a powerful aphrodisiac (read more about its sexy history here).
A no-bake mix of coffee-soaked savoiardi, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder, tiramisu is simple – yet so dangerously addictive. From booze-laced numbers to fruit-flavoured twists, here’s where to find the best renditions in Singapore.
Garibaldi
You can’t go wrong with the tiramisu presented by Michelin-starred Garibaldi. Head Chef-Owner Roberto Galetti executes a nostalgic recipe from his mother with finesse in his Tiramisù di Mamma Bice (S$20). Elevated with a dose of Amaretto liqueur to lend a hint of almond, along with a generous dusting of cocoa powder, this is fluffy indulgence with a nice kick of booze that doesn’t come across too overpowering.
Garibaldi is located at 36 Purvis St, #01-02, Singapore 188613, p. +65 6837 1468. Open daily 12pm-2.30pm and 6.30pm-10.30pm.
Monti
Monti’s ala carte menu offers two iterations of the Italian dessert: Classic Tiramisù (S$18) and Smoked Mascarpone (S$18). The former incorporates sweet marsala wine, creating a popular alcoholic version served in Italy as well. The clever pairing of amaretti crumbs, Italian coffee’s best friend, adds a wonderful crunch to the dessert along with a tinge of almond. The latter is a reinvention of the dessert, and quite the visual feast. Savoiardi is replaced by pistachio and coffee crumbs, with frangelico-infused mascarpone taking the nutty notes up a notch and espresso caviar accentuating the coffee. The decadence is rounded off with Morello cherry and smoked oak chip.
Monti is located at 82 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049327, p. +65 6535 0724. Open daily 11.00am-3.00pm and 6pm-10.30pm. The
Da Paolo
Da Paolo’s signature Classic Tiramisù (S$9.90) is quite perfect. Available at almost all their outlets islandwide, think savoiardi soaked in espresso, Marsala wine, and a generous dusting of Valrhona cocoa powder to up the indulgence game. The Tiramisù Tub (S$15.90) and Tiramisù Gift Jar (S$38) both serve two and can be delivered straight to your doorstep. Pistachio-lovers can give their Pistachio Tiramisù (S$16.90) a go, featuring pistachio-infused mascarpone and fresh Italian pistachio bits for a nuttier take on the original.
L’Atelier Tiramisu
You can expect great things from a cafe that’s dedicated their heart and soul to perfecting just one thing: the tiramisu. We think they’ve already mastered the Classico (S$7.20), especially in achieving a gorgeously moist savoiardi sponge, oozing coffee and Marsala wine with every bite. Up the guilt factor on this with their Brûlée (S$7.50) version — a thin layer of sugar caramelised by flame torch on top to add bittersweet complexity. Don’t miss out on their other artisanal creations, from Lychee to Matcha, Dark Cherry, and Lavender Earl Grey (all S$7.50).
L’Atelier Tiramisu is located at Clarke Quay Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street #B1-08/09, Singapore 059817, p. +65 9389 8582. Open Mon-Thu 12pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-10pm, Sunday 12pm-7pm.
The Tiramisu Hero
With 21 flavours in five different sizes, with customisable sweetness, and alcohol content, The Tiramisu Hero can whip up your favourite dessert perfectly to your exacting tastes. Whether you prefer the original, or something off-the-eaten-path like Yuzu or Baileys, you’re sure to find your slice of cake here. Their classic Hero (S$38-S$80) cake, available in 6″, 7″, and 9″, is daintily decorated with savoiardi along the circumference. It’s about as close to heaven as you can get for a tiramisu fanatic.
The Tiramisu Hero is located at 121 Tyrwhitt Rd, Singapore 207548, p. +65 6292 5271. Open daily 11am-10pm.
All About Tiramisù
All About Tiramisù is definitely all about the booze factor in this dessert. Their menu refreshes weekly and features tiramisu laced with premium tipples like Kunimare Sake, Hennessy VSOP Cognac, and even Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin. They’re also known for pairing fresh seasonal fruits in their tiramisus with limited edition liquor, like the all-time favourite Baileys Strawberries & Cream Tiramisù (S$26-S$150). Those looking to just enjoy the treat sans alcohol can try their ‘Flavourful in Abstinence’ series, featuring creations like Vanilla Dream Tiramisù (S$25-S$150).
All About Tiramisù is located at 14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza #01-69, Singapore 228213, p. +65 8866 3890. Open Mon-Thu from 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9.30pm, and Sun from 11am-8pm.
Tiramine
Tiramine is a local business perfecting the art of tiramisu in their own kitchen. By infusing fresh vanilla bean into their mascarpone cream, and adding a good dose of rum to the coffee bath, their tiramisu is rounded off with a silky sweetness and a boozy kick. They also offer a crowd-favourite Baileys (S$8-S$50) iteration, with the largest size option being a 7″ square tiramisu. Get it delivered and relish this sweet treat in the comfort of your couch.
Tiramine is available for order online, through Telegram or Instagram. Deliveries done every Sat.
Top Image: L’Atelier Tiramisu’s Classico tiramisu