Trying the various tarts around these days because I am on a lookout for good tarts apart from those served at Tarte by Cheryl Koh — we weren’t intending to drop by Keong Saik Bakery on the day when we took these lovely tarts away, but having seen their Instagram posts on their Gruyere Rosemary Tart and also needing to pass by Keong Saik Road to get to the bus stop, we found ourselves taking away some tarts back instead.
The Gruyere Rosemary Tart is undoubtedly the most controversial tart I have had recently — while there were quite a few unique tarts we have had recently such as the ones we savoured from South Union Park during the Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) phase, the Gruyere Rosemary Tart stands out for being probably the only savoury “dessert-style” tart that we have come across thus far. This was nothing short of adventurous — shaved cheese atop a cheese filling within the firm, but soft tart base that sliced off relatively neatly without shattering into a mess; this is something not meant for those who prefer safer, tried-and-tested flavours. Being a heavier sort of cheese, the Gruyere was distinctively pungent — the dominant flavour profile here that is almost akin to that of Camembert, I liked how there was a textural contrast between the creamy filling against the shaved cheese that was similar to that of the thin strings of shaved parmesan atop PS Cafe’s truffle fries. There, the rosemary exudes a herb-y aroma that perfumes through the tart; seemingly trying to cut through the cheesiness for a fitting combination of flavours. That being said though, it is a tart that I am likely to skip having the usual cuppa with; perhaps would work better with a light-tasting tea, or to be had together with an actual, sweet, dessert tart.
Purely looking at the namesake of the items#, the Bandung Cheese Tart was an item I would have expected to carry a light note of mascarpone throughout the Bandung-infused cream cheese. Surprisingly, the Bandung flavours came off strong with this one — the floral notes of the rose syrup is distinct; the cream cheese likely being an element a vehicle for the Bandung infusion to take place. The tart base is fairly consistent with that of the Gruyere Rosemary Tart, and the flavour would work well especially for those who are into desserts with a local twist; one that is also more conventional as well.
Have been quite behind on trying the various new items that Keong Saik Bakery had been serving up of the late — including the Seashore 2.0 and the Pandan Osthmanthus Cheesecake. That being said, I am glad that they are still innovating throughout this period of time — while they aren’t open for dine-in as yet despite the lifting of dine-in restrictions while the nation enters into the Preparatory Stage, its still great to be able to takeaway their goodies for enjoyment back home; works well for me since I have been impressed with how creative with their bakes ever since they have opened their doors …