Swensen’s is giving Dragon Boat Festival a modern twist in 2026 with ice cream versions of traditional dumplings.
Instead of glutinous rice and bamboo leaves, these come as pyramid-shaped desserts coated in chocolate and filled with ice cream.
What’s Available
This year’s lineup features two flavours.
The new strawberry matcha combines sweet strawberry with earthy matcha and includes a chocolate centre. It is also available in a larger Zer0 version made with a sugar alternative and higher fibre.
The returning pulut hitam flavour is inspired by black glutinous rice desserts and also features a chocolate centre.
Prices, Sizes and Servings
| Item | Size | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Matcha | 90g | 1 person | S$9.80 |
| Strawberry Matcha Zer0 (no added sugar) | 650g | 4 to 6 people | S$63.80 |
| Pulut Hitam | 90g | 1 person | S$9.80 |
When to Get It
The ice cream dumplings are available for a limited time from 11 May to 19 July 2026, across Swensen’s outlets in Singapore.
They are available for dine in and takeaway, while stocks last.
Why Do People Eat Dumplings During Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Dumpling Festival, falls on 19 June 2026.
The tradition of eating dumplings, or zongzi, dates back over 2,000 years. It is linked to the story of Qu Yuan, a Chinese poet and minister. According to legend, people threw rice dumplings into the river to protect his body after he drowned, which later became a key festival practice.
Not celebrating Dragon Boat Festival? Swensen’s is also offering three indulgent Mother’s Day cakes, available till 31 May 2026.
