Tharman Shanmugaratnam sparked a mini pineapple craze when he clinched the presidency on September 1. The popular politician used the auspicious fruit as his campaign symbol, which initially raised some eyebrows but is now almost universally hailed as a stroke of genius. Pineapple cakes, pineapple cheesecake, even pineapple beer and other themed products flew off the shelves in the aftermath.

Tharman is being inaugurated as Singapore’s ninth president today (September 14). To mark the occasion, here are the six places in Singapore to enjoy pineapple desserts.

Where to get pineapple desserts

1. SunnyHills At Raffles Hotel

Photograph: SunnyHills Singapore/Facebook

For pineapple cake

It’s hard to find pineapple tarts outside of the Chinese New Year period, but pineapple cakes are a great way to slake your craving. SunnyHills is a household name in Taiwan that’s known for selling some of the best pineapple cakes around. These gourmet snacks have a buttery, golden brown outer crumb encasing juicy pineapple pulp (sustainably sourced from family farmers in Taiwan). It’s a great treat to gift to friends or enjoy for yourself all year round.

Shop online (now $16 for five pineapple cakes).

For pineapple burnt cheesecake

The burnt cheesecake mania may have blown over, but we’re never going to get sick of this pineapple burnt cheesecake ($48 for a 6-inch cake). Ree.Connect’s cake is a beautiful specimen of molten cheese centre, burnt crust, and charred pineapple. This is worth giving a try, especially if you find the original too cloying – the sweet acidity of the fruit is a perfect complement to the decadent cheese.

Shop online or visit Ree.Connect Café at Katong V

3. Violet Oon Singapore

Photograph: National Kitchen by Violet Oon/Facebook

For pineapple upside-down cake

Take a trip down memory lane with Violet Oon’s pineapple upside-down cake. This nostalgic dish is made traditionally: with vanilla essence in the butterscotch sauce and caramelised canned pineapples on top. The butter sponge is made with French butter, giving the treat an irresistible lightness and fragrance. The dessert is topped off with gula melaka glaze and a vanilla custard sauce.

Try it at Violet Oon ION Orchard and National Kitchen by Violet Oon.

For pineapple with custard snowskin mooncake

A feast for both the eyes and the tastebuds is Goodwood Park Hotel’s Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 special. The hotel’s pineapple with custard snowskin mooncake brings to mind the traditional Taiwan pineapple cake: a colourful white, pink and orange skin wraps silky-smooth custard and tangy pineapple jam. Light and refreshing, it’s a stunner to have on the table this Mid-Autumn season.

Shop online. The last preorder date is September 24.

5. R&B Tea

For aged sea salt pineapple crush drink

Beat the heat with R&B Tea’s refreshing aged sea salt pineapple crush drink. It’s icy, zesty, and apparently good for fighting inflammation too. Here’s the clincher: R&B Tea is running a special promotion to welcome Singapore’s new president. On September 14 only, you get a whopping 50 percent off this drink.

Try it at all R&B Tea outlets (except Marina Bay Sands).

For pineapple buns

Hong Kong-style pineapple buns (or bolo baos) don’t contain any pineapple, but are so-called because of their mottled, pineapple-like appearance. The buns at Champion Bolo Bun are a tweaked version of the classic, attuning to Singaporeans’ love for fluffy buns instead of the firmer version you can find in Hong Kong. But what stays true to style is the sweet and buttery top crust that gave the humble bun its rise to international fame. Doesn’t hurt that Champion Bolo Bun has a contemporary and cosy space in a three-storey shophouse where you can sit and enjoy its treats.

Try it at Champion Bolo Bun on Tanjong Pagar Road.