These desserts are pretty enough for any self-confessed fashionista. And guess what—they don’t cost a bomb. By Belinda Wan

Dessert lovers here are spoiled for choice at every turn; with a proliferation of dessert and cake shops available on the island. While it’s not hard to find a decent dessert these days, it can be tough trying to find a gorgeous, good-tasting and affordable slice of heaven. We found some—and here’s the best bit: They all cost under $10—perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the Great Singapore Sale, we think. Eat away!

Dark Angel
Where: Gobi (#01-27 The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen St., 6534-8187; #03-13 Katong Mall, 112 East Coast Rd., 6345-2127, www.gobi.com.sg).
The vibe of the place: It reminds us of an Anna Sui make-up counter—what with the black furnishings, colorful random accents and kooky feel. Think girly-goth meets Alice in Wonderland.
The dessert: We picked this one out because it caught our eye with its cool appearance and funky name. With a piece of chocolate on top, long white chocolate tendrils and a drizzle of chocolate sauce gracing a dome-shaped dessert made of ultra-dark, uber rich smooth chocolate mousse, this dessert has a fitting name for its taste.
The taste: Three words: Rich, sinful, decadent. While it’s good , we’ve tried desserts with a similar taste before. Still, you can’t go wrong if you’re all out for a dark chocolate fix.
Price: $7.30 per slice.
Perfect for: The fashion-conscious folk who have a penchant for dark, gothic things like Tim Burton and Emily Strange.
Fash factor: ***1/2

Mont Blanc
Where: Rive Gauche (#B2-03/04 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6887-4579; and other outlets).
The vibe of the place: One of the food concepts by Pokka Food, this particular outlet of Rive Gauche is a small cake counter in the teeming sea of food outlets at Takashimaya’s super-crowded basement. Slices and whole cakes are sold here.
The dessert: Mont Blanc, a popular chestnut dessert, is available in this patisserie that specializes in Japanese-style and French cakes and desserts. This little dome-shaped dessert is piped with layers of yummy French chestnut cream, topped with a single shiny chestnut. Sink your teeth deeper into the dessert, and you’ll find two layers of soft sponges soaked with brandy syrup, with bits of French and Japanese chestnuts embedded in it.
The taste: We felt this was a pretty good version of the Mont Blanc. The French chestnut cream on the outside tasted fresh—it was yummy, and not too sweet. The sponges inside the dessert were also nice and moist (thanks to the brandy syrup); the chestnut bits added more bite; plus, the layer of fresh cream inside the sponge was a welcome touch. We’re not complaining about the sweet chestnut and chocolate leaf perched on top either.
Price: $4.50 per slice.
Perfect for: Fashionistas who are into all things Japanese, and those who love chestnuts.
Fash factor: ***

St. Honore
Where: Caffe Cova (#01-20A Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6733-0777).
The vibe of the place: Very chi-chi. Caffe Cova is certainly decked out to impress with a dazzling dessert counter displaying the lovely array of small cakes, whole cakes, small tarts and pastries. Sit inside and have a hush-hush conversation, or opt to sit outside (but within the mall). Expect tasteful, smartly upholstered sofas, matching seats, smartly-attired wait staff, gleaming cutlery and crockery, and a tai-tai crowd enjoying their afternoon tete-a-tete over dainty pastries.
The dessert: St. Honore is a delicate but attractive confection topped with adorable profiteroles. It’s essentially a sponge cake sandwiched with layers of chocolate cream, with more chocolate and fresh cream on top; adorned with crunchy, freshly-made profiteroles (drizzled with chocolate sauce and filled with cream); a layer of neatly chopped nuts coating the side of the cake; and a gigantic dollop of cold whipped cream at the side. Phew.
The taste: Not too bad. If you’re looking for some reprieve from chocolate-heavy desserts, St. Honore is a good bet, as it’s got just enough chocolate in it. But the generous amount of cream it comes with can make you feel a little stuffed. We liked the profiteroles; but not the cold whipped cream because it had a milky aftertaste.
Price: $9 per slice.
Perfect for: Aspiring tai-tais in all shapes and sizes.
Fash factor: ****

Strawberry Hill
Where: Patisserie Glacé (#01-10 Chinatown Plaza, 34 Craig Rd., 6400-0247, www.cakeglace.com).
The vibe of the place: This little Japanese cake shop has been creating a storm ever since it opened late last year. The shop is helmed by Chef Yamashita, who has over 20 years of experience, and has been reeling in Japanese natives and locals for its fresh, tasty desserts made without any baking powder, stabilizers or preservatives. Once you enter this nondescript building (it’s in Tanjong Pagar, not Chinatown), you’ll see a small cake shop with a brightly-lit counter displaying its array of cakes and other baked goods, like cheese tarts, madeleines and baumkuchen (a tree-ringed shaped pastry). Trust us—you’ll have a hard time deciding what to pick as all the cakes are so pretty.
The dessert: We picked Strawberry Hill, as it looked the prettiest to us. Topped with strawberry quarters and fresh cream, and layered with strawberry slices and custard cream amid soft sponge cake, this is definitely one gorgeous dessert.
The taste: Great news: Strawberry Hill tastes just as great as it looks. Once you bite into it, you’ll be blown away by the light-as-air softness of the sponge, freshness of the cream and the lovely taste of the firm, tart strawberries. It’s amazingly light, yummy and fresh. Don’t miss this.
Price: $5.30 per slice.
Perfect for: Anyone (fashionista or otherwise) who loves strawberries, or just a damn good happiness-inducing dessert.
Fash factor: ***1/2

Tropique
Where: Canele Patisserie–Chocolaterie (#B1-25 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6733-8893; and other outlets).
The vibe of the place: Suitably dark, minimalistic and mysterious, with a dessert counter that affords an easy top-down view and seriously-attired staff, stepping into Les Amis’ cozy dessert venture is almost like indulging in a secret guilty pleasure. And judging by the number of couples, ladies and Japanese natives we saw when we were there, it’s a formula that’s working.
The dessert: We asked the staff for something a little more “special” and out of the ordinary, and they suggested Tropique, the latest addition to the existing selection of desserts. With a straightforward cylinder shape, white color and no-fuss, cute topping comprising small mango cubes and cherry bits, Tropique is simple but elegant. Its simplicity is what sets it apart from other flashier desserts.
The taste: Made of an interesting combination of coconut mousse, gula melaka, Malibu syrup and fresh mango, Tropique has a refreshing, not-too-sweet taste. The coconut lends a nice fragrance to the dessert, and the gula melaka adds a nostalgic touch. We like.
Price: $7.50 per slice.
Perfect for: Wannabe fashionistas who are a little childlike and sweet at heart.
Fash factor: ****