Trust the Japanese to perfect the ""it's so fluffy I'm gonna die!"" texture of cakes. Some say that Dulcet & Studio has the best scoop cake ever, with two light-as-air sponge layers slathered with just the right amount of ethereal vanilla-scented cream and topped with fresh fruit. It sells out really quickly, and is best eaten fast at the shop. Fans of green tea can also dig into their popular Matcha Chiffon Cake (prices from $6) as well as the Matcha Cream Choux — crisp and crumbly on the outside, and decadently creamy on the inside.
Known for their gorgeous HUGE cakes, The Fabulous Baker Boy is simply fabulous. Dig into their sinfully rich, chocolate covered FAB Red Velvet cake ($9) or their classic Big Lub's Carrot Cake ($8.50) with a cup of coffee. Set in The Foothills, it's a nice place to relax with a couple of friends on a languid afternoon. We suggest that you share a few slices, but hey, sometimes it's alright to be selfish.
The Bakery Chef offers quality bakes that are darn delicious and so very pretty. They offer dessert buffets every now and then — perfect for when you're feeling indulgent. The Chocolate Guanaja ($6) has an intense chocolate flavour, the Chocolate Praline ($6) is a crowd favourite, the gorgeously moist Rainbow Cake ($5.80) sells out fast, and the Lollipop Cheesecake ($7.20) is always a hit. If you suffer from the pain of being indecisive, go for their dessert platter! Grab your friends along because good friends share calories, right?
Recently opened among the cluster of eateries opposite Sembawang Shopping Centre is Baker's Brew Studio, a baking studio cum café concept. There is no partition between the baking kitchen and the seating area, so if you visit at the right time, you will get to observe the baking process and grab piping hot bakes fresh out of the oven! There is no fixed menu per se — the bakers let their creativity and inspiration dictate what rolls out daily. Past bakes include Earl Grey Lavender and Red Velvet cakes, Paddle Pop and Hazel Cheesepresso cheesecakes ($6.80), with many flavours yet to come. There's always something different to come back for!
You can't go wrong with the classic Japanese-style shortcakes here, with Ichigo ($6.50) being the most popular choice. The Mango Rare Cheese ($6.80) is a delightful pick-me-up as well, showcasing a wonderful union of cheese and mango mousse. Aside from their cakes, also try the Luna Wraps ($5.90 each). These soft, fluffy folded sponge cakes sandwich flavoured cream and fresh fruits come in six different flavours including chocolate, matcha and banana and caramel. With their attractive, vibrant cake display, there's no way you're walking out with just one item!
Upon entering this little cakery tucked away in Everton Park, you'll be greeted by an incredibly enticing display case of sweet treats. Give the Foret Noir ($9.80) a go — their indulgent take on the classic black forest, with elements of dark Valrhona chocolate and Kirsh-soaked cherries for that alcoholic kick. For something lighter, try the Zacharie ($7.80), a mango passion fruit-infused cheese mousse sitting on a ginger biscuit base, with a mango passion fruit core. Other cakes play with flavours including earl grey, matcha, lychee and even coconut! There's bound to be something to tickle your fancy.
It takes a lot of willpower to resist ordering everything at Lady M – everything looks SO GOOD. With their newest and largest outlet finally open in Orchard Central, their Signature Mille Crepes ($9/slice) are more accessible than ever. Think "20 silky sheets of handmade crepes alternated with pastry cream, with a golden, caramelised top. Melt-in-the-mouth goodness", as described by Burpple Tastemaker Rachel Xie. Be sure to try the seasonal Green Tea Mille Crepes ($9) and the Orchard Central Boutique-exclusive Chocolate Mille Crepes ($9) when you get the chance.
One of the most raved-about cakeries for their rich and sophisticated desserts, Mad About Sucre is not one to disappoint. Lovingly handcrafting every cake from scratch with no artificial flavourings and 20-60% reduced sugar, they give you a reason to indulge in more than just one deliciously well-balanced treat. Get the San Domingue ($12.80), a beautiful dome of chocolate mousse with caramelised plantain vanilla cream sitting on a Brittany crunch and topped with a rum-filled chocolate truffle. Do try the Passionne ($10.80) and Moulin Rouge ($10.80); despite having just a few cakes on the menu, each one is just as tantalising as the next!
Assembly's Brick Toast ($12) is one unique and extremely photogenic version of Shibuya toast, with its centre removed and deconstructed into a pile of crispy bread cubes. The bread is buttered, sugared, and baked till super crispy. It’s served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and honey Greek yoghurt, topped with strawberries and drizzled with honey. The sweetness of the whole dish is balanced out nicely by the zippiness of the yoghurt, making for an incredibly satisfying dessert.
Sometimes all you need is a good cup of kopi and kaya toast to satisfy the Singaporean in you, and that's when you head to Tong Ah. They've been serving butter kopi even before adding butter to coffee became a thing. Make sure you don't miss the super crispy kaya toast (tip: request for your toast to be crispy), and also their soft, irresistible pile of French toast. The kaya here is chunkier than what you're used to, but it adds that rustic feel and is still as good. For the quintessential local breakfast, add a couple of soft-boiled eggs. You'll have a breakfast of champions — and at a fraction of what you pay for at cafés!
It's probably no surprise that Artistry's PB&J French Toast ($14) is on the list. Thick slices of brioche French toast are stuffed with peanut butter and raspberry jam, drizzled with maple syrup and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a tart mixed berry compote. Grab and smear, dip and spread. Aim to get a bit of everything (especially the speculoos crumble) in a single bite. You're guaranteed a massive flavour and texture party in your mouth. This one, you'd want all to yourself.
For good dim sum sold at coffeeshop prices, many come here for their super-flowy liu sha bao, but items such as the siew mai or har kow may not be up to restaurant standards. Also try their steamed beancurd roll and steamed carrot cake. Bear in mind it's located in an eating house, so don't expect comforts!
