Singapore certainly has no shortage of easily accessible bakeries for when those mornings or mid-afternoon carb cravings hit. But if you want something a little different from your regular heartland bread stall or CBD pastry franchise, why not track down one of these under-the-radar spots?
They’re tucked away in nondescript commercial buildings, tranquil HDB enclaves and private residential ‘hoods all around the city-state, with a handful helmed by bakers and pastry chefs that boast some serious chops: think stints at Noma, Restaurant Andre, Tiong Bahru Bakery and various five-star hotels. Here are a few to check out.
Situated along a stretch of private housing in Serangoon Gardens, Chu and Co is a breezy and laidback al fresco bakery that’s perfect for escaping the hustle of the city. Besides the standard loaves, buns and cookies, the menu also features heartier options including a mushroom melt that’s chock-full of umami flavours; a bacon and egg breakfast sandwich; and an avocado tartine that’s slathered with a generous amount of the creamy fruit and topped with cherry tomatoes. You can enjoy your order in the bakery’s backyard garden, which is kitted out with charming mismatched furniture and is surrounded by lush plants.
15 Lichfield Road, Singapore 556835, +65 8874 7615
Serious pastry fans will undoubtedly have heard of Le Matin. Run by Mohamed Al-Matin – whose resume includes a two-year stint at the Michelin-starred Noma in Copenhagen – the bakery’s hot-ticket pastry boxes have graced many an Instagram feed, and impressed even the biggest culinary snobs. But not all may know where to discover the formerly online-only operation’s brick-and-mortar shop, located on the ground floor of an industrial building in Outram Park. It’s where you can nab signature bakes including the rose-scented pistachio escargot, flaky and fragrant kouign amann and unique, sweet-salty kombu tart.
10 Raeburn Park, #01-25 Block B, Singapore 088702, +65 8030 7303
The Katong district is famous for its laksa, Peranakan delights and numerous cafés. But it’s also home to Petit Pain, a small-batch bakery crafting some of Singapore’s most in-demand croissants out of their non-descript premises. What makes their offerings stand out? A stellar lamination technique, an ample buttery fragrance and the ability to achieve that elusive crispy-chewy balance. Besides croissants, the short-but-sweet menu features apple and raisin Danishes, rustic baguettes, honey brioche and shiitake flatbread. As they bake in limited batches, we recommend turning up right when they open to avoid disappointment.
315 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427566
Westies should make a beeline for this hidden bakery, which boasts a minimalist interior, friendly staff and a seriously tasty line-up of gorgeous tarts and cakes. All of their offerings are suitable for vegetarians, and are also made sans lard or gelatin. While a bulk of the menu changes with the seasons, the signature lime tart – which consists of tangy lime cream, lime-almond cake and almond flakes encased in a hardy tart shell and dusted with flecks of lime – is a must-try. Dine in to enjoy your selection with a scoop of velvety gelato, or grab a to-go box of four different pastries to take home with you.
343 Jurong East Street 31, #01-59, Singapore 600343
You’ll discover this self-serve, takeaway-only bakery at the HDB estate surrounding Empress Market, which is situated just a five-minute walk from Farrer Road MRT station. It’s beloved by the area’s residents for its gigantic sourdough loaves, fluffy buns, crispy croissants and signature cruffins. The latter are available in a myriad of enticing options including peanut butter and jelly, matcha and lemon curd, and are the ideal afternoon pick-me-up. Another speciality is their Basque burnt cheesecake, which has a wonderfully dense, jiggly centre, a caramelised top layer and intense cheese flavour (just how we like it).
8 Empress Road, #01-05, Singapore 260008, +65 6492 5428
With everything from sourdough loaves and buttery croissants to hearty French-style ham sandwiches and old-fashioned fruit galettes and tartines on the menu, you’ll be spoiled for choice at this quaint, takeaway-only bakery. Run by a lean team of two, it’s squirreled away within the quiet Everton Park housing estate. Come early – they bake in limited quantities and usually sell out by late morning – if you want access to the full spread, or place a pre-order by following the instructions on their website. We also suggest getting a coffee from Nylon Coffee Roasters a few doors down to sip on as you scarf down your treats.
2 Everton Park, #01-61, Singapore 081002
For decadent pastries that are almost too pretty to eat, make your way to Kura. The bakery specialises in affordable, high-quality French delights crafted with a Japanese spin: think a raspberry tart studded with pieces of mochi; and cheesecake that’s been given a twist with yuzu and pineapple additions. Another standout on the menu is the roasted hojicha tart, which has an earthy, smoky flavour that’s hard to beat. To find Kura, you’ll have to make your way to The Herencia in the River Valley area and wind your way around the first floor till you arrive at their location. They also serve a range of café dishes and beverages.
46 Kim Yam Road, #01-07, Singapore 239351