Tom's Palette (Pasir Panjang)

Tom’s Palette is probably a brand that is well-established in the local F&B scene that does not really need much of an introduction at this stage — an ice-cream parlour that had been established in 2005, Tom’s Palette had gone from a simple and humble homegrown establishment that was hidden within the now-demolished Shaw Towers before its eventual move to a nearby location at Middle Road. A favourite spot amongst locals, Tom’s Palette had become much of a go-to spot for ice-cream especially in the area around Bugis over the years; the establishment had also recently found itself having a brand refresh that not only sees the Middle Road location being renovated from the ground up to incorporate elements of interior design that is currently trendy to provide an improved dining experience for its patrons, the brand also had redesigned their logo and does feel like a more youthful and modern establishment that would appeal to a wider audience. Apparently Tom’s Palette does have a second location in recent times; a search on Google does yield results of a review posted about this new location at least since end 2023 — their latest location is within the Bijou mixed-use development just a short distance away from Pasir Panjang MRT Station along the Circle Line. Being just a hole-in-the-wall, Tom’s Palette at Bijou primarily caters to a takeaway crowd, though there are dine-in furnishings available for patrons should they wish to have their ice-cream seated down located outside of the establishment in the al-fresco area — the dine-in seating comprises of the familiar painted wooden stools that were once used at their Shaw Tower / Middle Road locations before the revamp of their Middle Road store. Considering the space that they have, Tom’s Palette only serves up a small handful of flavours that they would usually carry at their Middle Road outlet; patrons can also only have their ice-cream in cups — there are no options for waffle cones or waffles, and there are no beverages being served at Bijou either.

We did spot one of our favourite flavours from Tom’s Palette sitting in the display chiller whilst skimming through the variety of flavours that they carry at the Bijou outlet; that being said, we were in the mood to try some other flavours apart from the White Chocolate Seaweed and hence decided to go for the Honey Orchid Dancong Oolong and Chendol flavours instead. Much like how things work at their Middle Road location, patrons can opt for up to two flavours per cup irregardless of the size of the cup that they have chosen; the gelato is also “layered” into the cup rather than scooped like how most gelato / ice-cream parlours would.

The Honey Orchid Dancong Oolong is a flavour that is said to be churned out of tea leaves of the namesake harvested in spring 2022 from the mountains of China based on the description card placed at the front of the flavours in the display chiller — this is a flavour that would do well with tea lovers especially considering how it features a really punchy tea aroma; incredibly fragrant and brings out the intricate flavours of the tea. Meanwhile, the Chendol is said to have comprised of a Thai Coocnut Milk Gelato base, accompanied with Gula Melaka and “green worms” (i.e. Pandan jelly). The gelato has a rather rich and fragrant note of coconut milk that was pretty evident; the earthy sweetness of the Gula Melaka helping to ante things up here — the only qualm was how the Pandan jelly came entirely froze and gave a rather harsh bite rather than a soft chew that should have been the case. Nonetheless, the flavours are well-executed enough that the consistency of the Pandan jelly did not feel like a major issue anyway. Overall, Tom’s Palette has been a spot that delivered consistently over the years; this is also the reason how they have managed to capture the hearts of the people that come through their door since 2005 — not forgetting how there is always something to lol forward to trying given how many wacky flavours the offer. The Bijou outlet may not be the most ideal to hit for the complete Tom’s Palette experience, though is one that does give an introductory taste for those whom stay in the area that has not been to their Middle Road location.