If you’re a foodie or traveler hunting for a spot in Singapore that combines nostalgia, indulgence, and variety, Swensen’s Unlimited is a must-visit. As someone who’s been chasing great eats across Malaysia and Singapore for my blog, I can tell you this place is a gem—especially if, like me, you believe ice cream is life. From the moment I walked into their vibrant, family-friendly buffet at Changi Airport Terminal 2, I knew I was in for a treat. Let’s dive into my experience, sprinkle in some history, and share tips to make your visit epic.
A Sweet Start: Ice Cream, Gelato, and the Magic Fountain
Let’s cut to the chase: Swensen’s Unlimited is a haven for dessert lovers, with a 48-flavor ice cream and gelato bar that’s the heart of the experience. I started with a scoop (or three) of their creamy ice cream—think Chocoholic, Sticky Chewy Chocolate, and bold Durian Supreme. The gelato, smoother and denser, offers flavors like Hokkaido Snow and Mango Sorbet that melt like silk on your tongue. The star attraction? The Magic Fountain, where you can drizzle warm, flowing chocolate over fresh fruits like strawberries and bananas or even your waffle creations. It’s pure decadence and Instagram gold.
Ice Cream vs. Gelato: What’s the difference? Ice cream is churned faster, incorporating more air for a lighter, fluffier texture, and often has a higher fat content due to cream. Gelato is churned slowly, resulting in a denser, smoother texture with less air and typically lower fat, as it uses more milk. At Swensen’s, both are divine, but gelato feels like a luxurious treat, while ice cream brings nostalgic comfort. Mix and match for the ultimate dessert adventure!
Pro tip: Grab a waffle from their variety of freshly made options and pile it high with your favorite scoops—trust me, it’s a game-changer.
A Brief History of Swensen’s
Swensen’s began in 1948 when Earle Swensen opened his first ice cream shop in San Francisco, crafting flavors under the motto “Good as Father Used to Make.” Fast forward to 1979, Swensen’s landed in Singapore at Thomson Plaza, becoming a household name for family dining and ice cream sundaes. Today, with over 20 outlets across Singapore, Swensen’s Unlimited takes it up a notch with its halal-certified buffet, offering a modern twist on their legacy of hearty meals and sweet memories.
The Food: A Flavorful Journey Beyond Ice Cream
While the ice cream, gelato, and Magic Fountain steal the show, Swensen’s Unlimited offers a vibrant mix of Western, Asian, and Peranakan dishes, perfect for breakfast, lunch, brunch, afternoon tea, dinner, or supper. Here’s what stood out:
• Must-Order Dishes: The cheese baked rice is a gooey, indulgent treat, though be prepared for a 15-minute wait as it’s made fresh. The laksa delivers a spicy, coconutty punch that channels Singapore’s hawker soul. Don’t miss the mee siam, a tangy noodle dish with just the right kick. The pizza is a crowd-pleaser, with thin crusts and generous toppings, while the satay—juicy, grilled skewers with peanut sauce—is a must, but note it runs out fast during peak hours.
• Meats and More: The beef station offers two slices per request, but don’t be shy—ask for more! The portions are generous if you nudge the staff politely. Other meats like chicken and lamb are available
• Seafood: Seafood like prawns and fish, though the seafood selection is a bit limited compared to the land-based proteins.
• Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Vegetarians will find a decent spread, including vegetable dishes and salads. Vegan options are limited, so if you’re strictly plant-based, stick to the veggie sides and check with staff about preparation methods. The buffet is halal-certified, making it a great choice for Muslim diners.
• Mini Kueh and Desserts: The mini kueh (traditional bite-sized desserts) are adorable and add a local touch. Think ondeh-ondeh and kueh lapis—perfect for nibbling between ice cream scoops.
• Waffles and Drinks: The waffle station lets you customize with ice cream, gelato, ice kacang, or Magic Fountain chocolate.
• Drinks: Drinks range from hot coffee and tea to cold sodas, which you can upgrade to floats with a scoop of ice cream or gelato. My root beer float was nostalgic perfection.
• Other Dishes: Expect cooked staples like rice, grilled meats, veggies, and small pies. While solid, they play second fiddle to the ice cream and standout dishes like cheese baked rice, laksa, mee siam, pizza, pie tie and satay.
Kids dine for just S$15, which is an absolute steal for the variety and fun, making this a family-friendly win.
Price Damage Per Pax
Expect to spend around S$35 per adult for the buffet, depending on the time and day (weekends and holidays may be pricier). Kids’ pricing at S$15 makes it a budget-friendly family outing. Promotions are common, so check their website or social media for deals like student specials or pint discounts.
Dietary Options
Swensen’s Unlimited is halal-certified, a win for Muslim diners. Vegetarians have options like veggie sides, salads, and some rice or noodle dishes, but vegans should be cautious due to dairy-heavy items (ice cream, gelato, and that Magic Fountain chocolate). Confirm with staff about cross-contamination for strict dietary needs.
Branch Addresses and Opening Hours
Swensen’s Unlimited has three locations in Singapore. Always check specific branch hours as they may vary, especially during holidays:
Social Media and Delivery Links
Stay updated and check promotions via Swensen’s official channels:
• Facebook: facebook.com/SwensensSingapore
• Instagram: instagram.com/swensenssingapore
Availability varies by branch, so confirm your location on the platforms.
What Others Are Saying
Customer reviews online are a mixed bag but lean toward nostalgia and family-friendly vibes. Many praise the ice cream variety and kid-friendly pricing, with the buffet at Changi Airport getting love for its 48 flavors and halal menu. However, some diners note slow service, especially at busier branches with wait times for food reaching up to 1.5 hours. Others have called out inconsistent food quality, like underwhelming seafood or overcooked dishes, though the desserts and ice cream consistently win hearts. TripAdvisor reviews average 2.9/5, with complaints about staff attitude at certain outlets but appreciation for the fun atmosphere and value for families.
Practical Tips for Visitors
1. Beat the Crowds: Arrive early (11:00 AM) or during off-peak hours (weekdays, 2:30–4:30 PM) to avoid the 90-minute dining limit feeling rushed. Beef and satay disappear fast during peak times, so prioritize them.
2. Dessert Game Plan: Start and end with the ice cream and gelato bar—try gelato for a smoother texture and drizzle fruit or waffles with the Magic Fountain chocolate.
3. Plan for Cheese Baked Rice: It’s worth the 15-minute wait, but order early to manage your time.
Conclusion
Swensen’s Unlimited is a nostalgic, family-friendly buffet that delivers on its promise of “sweet memories.” The 48-flavor ice cream bar is the undisputed star, with dishes like cheese rice and laksa adding local flair. While the seafood selection is limited and service can be hit-or-miss, the variety, halal certification, and S$15 kids’ pricing make it a fantastic spot for foodies and families alike. Whether you’re craving a hearty lunch, a fun brunch, or a late-night ice cream fix, Swensen’s Unlimited has you covered. I left with a happy belly and a sundae-induced grin—ready to return for more scoops!
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor at Swensen’s Unlimited, and how do you build your perfect sundae? Share in the comments!
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Prices and availability may vary. Please check with the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
