It is such a shame that traditional bakeries are vanishing as Singapore’s economy progresses. The food industry is competitive and many older confectioneries have long given way to other profitable businesses. That comes as no surprise as Singaporeans are only willing to pay S$1 for a local treat, but have no qualms splurging S$10 on a premium cake.
Fortunately, several age-old establishments’ utmost dedication in serving handcrafted heritage delicacies have withstood the test of time and transient fads. The only worry is whether there would be young Singaporean artisans to take over this tough trade.
From halal-certified Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery to award-winning Traditional Haig Road Putu Piring, here is our guide to 11 Traditional Bakeries In Singapore To Check Out.
Photo Credit: cheehuey
BALMORAL BAKERY
One of the oldest bakeries in Singapore, Balmoral Bakery has been dishing out its baked goods to its loyal customers since 1965. With baked goods piped with buttercream sold in paper boxes featuring a vintage red print, Balmoral Bakery is a throwback to the good ol’ days.
105 Clementi Street 12
Singapore 120105
Tel: +65 6779 2064
Feeling nostalgic for old-school roti loaves that are freshly sliced right in front of your eyes? Then head down to Jie Traditional Bread Bakery, one of the older bakeries in Singapore that remains unfazed by Singapore’s rapid development.
The rustic bakery still exudes quaint old-world charm and is a must-visit for those who wish to teleport back to the old days. If you’ve ever wondered where those rainbow-coloured bread—the ones commonly found at push kart ice cream stands—come from, here’s your answer.
123 Upper Paya Lebar Road
Singapore 534837
Tel: +65 6289 7461
Mon to Sat: 7am – 11.30pm
Sun: 10am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng
JI XIANG CONFECTIONERY
Ji Xiang Confectionery has been handcrafting traditional Ang Ku Kueh since 1988 and the family-run business is fortunately unthreatened by the rising number of cafes in its vicinity. These handmade Chinese pastries are usually filled with sweet mung bean or peanut but you can also find other flavours such as Coconut, Corn, Salted Bean and Yam over at Ji Xiang.
1 Everton Park
Singapore 081001
Tel: +65 6223 1631
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 5pm
Sat: 8am – 5pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Outram Park / Tanjong Pagar
LEK LIM NONYA CAKE CONFECTIONERY
Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery is a Halal-certified bakery that takes pride in serving a plethora of traditional Peranakan delights. It started in 1968 when they first started selling tasty homemade kuehs and the rest is history.
Savour their signature Ang Ku Kueh (S$0.55 per piece), Kueh Lapis Nonya (S$0.65 per piece) and Kueh Kao Swee (S$0.65).
#01-21, Block 84
Bedok North Street 4
Singapore 460084
Tel: +65 6449 0815
Mon to Sat: 6.30am – 6pm
Sun: 6.30am – 2pm
Nearest Station: Bedok / Tanah Merah
Love Confectionery is located beside Alexander Village Food Centre and has been a perennial favourite amongst residents since their childhood days for its buttercream cakes and homemade spreads. Their pandan cake remains a hot seller and is one that definitely warrants a try.
Block 122 #01-60
Bukit Merah Lane 1
Singapore 150122
Tel: +65 6278 2385
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown / Redhill
Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries is Heaven on Earth. Upon stepping in, you would be greeted by the aroma of fresh bakes and everything wonderful. This old-school looking confectionery may look next to nothing, but they have one of the best egg tarts in Singapore
We first had the egg tarts from Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries back in 2007, and we have been fans of it ever since. The confectionery used to be on Sago Street – inconspicuous and hard to locate. But the ones in the know make it there anyway. Today, they sit on Jalan Membina, opposite Tiong Bahru Bakery.
Other pastries that are baked in-house and sold at Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries include Roasted Chicken Pastry, Polo Buns, Lotus Seed Century Egg Pastry and Mushroom Chicken Pie.
NG KIM LEE CONFECTIONERY
Old is indeed gold. Ng Kim Lee Confectionery is one long-standing traditional bakery that has won itself a legion of loyal patrons over the past 60 years. The vast selection of cakes and pastries sold here will have you spoilt rotten for choice.
The best part? Prices remain extremely affordable in this old Chinese bakery.
4 Chun Tin Road
Singapore 599591
Tel: +65 6466 3515
Mon to Sat: 9.30am – 9.30pm
Sun: 9am – 1pm
Nearest Station: Beauty World
THE PINE GARDEN
Located in the Ang Mo Kio heartlands, The Pine Garden is famous for their airy light buttercream sponge cakes. The household establishment is very popular amongst Singaporeans—especially those residing in the North. Despite being a traditional bakery, The Pine Garden also tries to be innovative by launching new items such as alcoholic cakes.
529 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10
#01-236/9
Singapore 560529
Daily: 9.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio
SING HON LOONG BAKERY
Sing Hon Loong Bakery’s secluded location triggered our curiosity—how does the age-old bakery survive with such little traffic? As it turns out, the traditional store is a supplier of chain store of popular Ya Kun Kaya Toast. Besides their signature bread loaves, Sin Hon Loong also sells cheese and sugar buns.
4 Whampoa Drive
Singapore 327715
Tel: +65 6256 0878
Daily: 24-hours
Nearest Station: Novena / Boon Keng
TRADITIONAL HAIG ROAD PUTU PIRING
Award-winning Traditional Haig Road Putu Piring is renowned for their putu pirings and has been unanimously coined by foodies as Singapore’s best. The queue is notoriously long, but endure the wait and you are treated to piping hot Malay rice cakes stuffed with palm sugar. These sweet delights are steamed fresh upon order and topped off with salted grated coconut.
Haig Road Market & Food Centre
Stall #01-08, 14 Haig Road
Singapore 430014
Tel: +65 9688 3067
Daily: 11am to 10pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar
TONG HENG
Chinese bakery Tong Heng has been around since Singapore’s colonial days and is most well known for their mouthwatering diamond-shaped egg tarts. Besides the must-order egg tarts, visitors can indulge in other Cantonese confectionery such as Char Siew Crispy Cakes and Curry Puffs.
Having undergone a massive revamp, their stall now exudes a rather modern, almost cafe-like appeal that’s great for simply lounging about over a hot coffee and a couple of freshly baked egg tarts.
285 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058833
Tel: +65 6223 3649
Daily: 9am to 10pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown
Chin Mei Chin Confectionary has been closed until further notice since late 2018