[Update 3 June 2016: Tai Parfait has closed.]

It’s not so often that we see a school of fish swimming around busy Bugis, let alone one with mouthfuls of sweet, sweet toppings – literally. Adding to Bugis Junction‘s burgeoning kaleidoscope of F&B options is Yokohama-based Tai Parfait, home to a culinary hybrid for dessert lovers.

The store’s titular offering, Tai Parfait, is really that – a combination of the beloved traditional Japanese fish-shaped pancake with piping hot filling on the inside and the rich toppings of a parfait in place of its closed mouth. Cheery decor beckons customers and the brisk, factory-like production of taiyaki behind the counter is telling of just how popular it is.

Of all the flavours currently offered, their Matcha & Azuki and Strawberry Chocolate creations are pegged as a must-try. And it’s not hard to see why! For $4.90 each, you get at least three toppings on top of a generous dosage of your preferred filling. Quite the bang for your buck, considering most other dessert chains don’t come as close in terms of freshness, flavour and quantity.

The Matcha & Azuki flavour offers an amalgamation of Japanese flavours, while Strawberry Chocolate leans more towards Western-loving palates. Both, though, make for equally pretty, Instagram-worthy desserts. 😉

Other flavours I’ve sampled during my many visits are equally tasty. When it comes to consistency, Tai Parfait passes with flying colours. The taiyaki is always piping hot, with a crisp exterior and melt-in-your-mouth texture on the inside. Filling is equally fresh, and they’re not exactly stingy with it (go for the custard if you don’t want a sugar overdose).

But as a parfait-inspired dessert, the test also lies in its toppings. It takes a real balancing act to fit all kinds of fruit, cream and other sweet embellishments into the mouth of one fish, though Tai Parfait’s dessert artists somehow always manage to come up tops (pun intended). Cream has a subtle flavour and a curiously chewy texture, and the strawberries – oh my – where else can you find such huge, juicy berries at this price range?! :O

Bottom line is, Tai Parfait is every Japanese dessert lover’s dream come true. If you’re swinging by Bugis Junction, grab one of these deliciously hot darlings for a quick bite. You won’t regret it. 😉

Website/ Facebook: http://tai-parfait.com/ / https://www.facebook.com/TaiParfait

Menu: http://tai-parfait.com/menu/

Address: Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria Street B1-03A

Contact: 6333 1500

Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm daily

chueonit.