Representing Singapore culture in food is not a straightforward thing – not only you’d have to possess a solid grasp of Singapore’s history and connect it to different aromas and tastes while still staying consistent with the sentiments, but the price has to be right for the common folk too. Right in the enclaves of old shophouses in Keong Saik Road lives Keong Saik Bakery, one of the few bakeries around which take pride in high-quality, local-inspired bakes and cakes that not only taste delightful, but shows of Singapore’s eclectic culture and history.
We had the opportunity to taste a handful of Keong Saik Bakery’s pastries that tell about Singapore’s history!
1. Sor Hei Bun
This unique little creation that is actually Black and White Danish – with French butter and chocolate chips, pays homage to the Ma Jies, who were domestic helpers in Singapore from the 1930s to 1970s played key roles in Singapore’s development. They also swore to celibacy. The Sor Hei Bun resembles a bunned-up hair of the Ma Jies, but tastes every bit delightful. It might seem strange to chow down on bunned-up hair, but the light, buttery aroma married with speckles of melted choco chips makes for heaven in a mouthful. Sor Hei Bun is one of its kind as a tribute to the Ma Jies.
2. Chendol Delight
The mystical power of chendol is such that it’s able to turn any downcast person to the brightest sunshine – the magical combination of dark-green pulpy sago flour worms and syrup of areca sugar, topped off with coconut milk is practically irresistible. Keong Saik Bakery’s rethink of chendol that’s infused in the sponginess confines of a cake, Chendol Delight, takes it a few steps further. Get lost in the light, fluffy and moist cake layers; each morsel comes with a hint of mellow sweetness from the chendol custard and gula jawa genoise, with chunks of red bean and nipa palm seeds near the base. Perfect for chill afternoon tea!
3. Gula Jawa Sticky Rice
Calling all sweet tooths: You definitely won’t be disappointed by Gula Jawa Sticky Rice for a real treat. Created by the co-owner of Keong Saik Bakery himself, the Gula Jawa Sticky Rice is light, fluffy and chewy – all at the same time. It emanates a fragrant coconut-y and brown sugar sweetness that flows across your palate without making you feel queasy. No problem for second or even third rounds!
4. Hei Bi Cheese
Hei Bi Cheese is the amalgamation of dried shrimps with delectable cheese, all housed in bread that’s super soft and fluffy. The shortcut to heaven only takes 3 bites of the pastry – the first to get spiced up and excited by the Hei Bi topping, the second to let the buttery cheese melt into your mouth, and the last to devour every last bit of it. Don’t just take our word for it – one is merely $3, so taste it for yourself!
Keong Saik Bakery’s unique localised bakes are truly worth a mention, and make for one of the best ways to get acquainted with Singapore’s history – through the food itself. Head down to Keong Saik Bakery today to experience Singapore’s culture in a new light (or plate)!
Keong Saik Bakery
41 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089146
Opening Hours: 8AM – 8PM, Open Daily.
Website: https://keongsaikbakery.oddle.me
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