There is a familiar nostalgic feeling when I first patronised this old school bakery located in a quite corner at the basement of Katong Shopping Centre.
It reminded me of those days my nenek would take me to my neighbourhood bakery and I’d beg her to get me my favourite rainbow-sprinkled donut.
My friends claimed that Dona Manis Cake Shop in Katong makes the best Banana Pie in Singapore. I knew I had to try this one for myself to believe it.
Famous Old School Bakery In Katong
As I headed down to the basement level of Katong Shopping Centre, all I saw were rows of domestic helper and travel agencies.
I wondered, “Why in the world would Singapore’s famous old bakery be located here?”
After making a couple of turns, there she was, in all her glory.
Upon reaching, I met the owner of Dona Manis, Mdm Soh Tho Lang and her husband, Mr Tan Keng Eng, who were busy prepping their bakes for sale.
At first glance, anyone can tell that running this bakery involves a lot of labour. It was a lot of hard work for someone of their age.
Their bakes are made and sold in this one unit shop. Everything about this bakery was outdated but it definitely gave off safe and homely vibes.
Nothing about this bakery screamed “OMG I NEED A PICTURE FOR THE GRAM” but I was so excited when I saw trays of freshly baked cream puffs.
I was immediately sold when I took my first bite. It was like biting into a cloud. I don’t know what she puts in her cream puffs, but it was highly addictive. The cream was really light and not overly sweet.
It took me less than 5 minutes to devour everything – I have zero self-control when it comes to cream puff. Each box comes with 5 cream puffs for only $3.50!
You can’t leave Dona Manis without getting their famous Banana Pie as well. A slice will cost you $2.50 and $25 for a whole pie.
This Banana Pie is what I’d describe as the perfect cure to a broken heart. The pie that will comfort you and make you forget about all your problems. This pie that knows how to treat you right. Who needs Ben and Jerry’s ice cream when you have Dona Manis Banana Pie?
Its buttery base was the perfect complement to its sweet banana filling, while the bits of grated coconut and roasted almonds on top added a new dimension of texture to each bite.
This was the Banana Pie I’ve been searching for all my life.
This was the first pie I’ve had in a long time that is perfectly balanced and not jelak at all. It’s no wonder that Dona Manis’ Banana Pie is touted as the best in Singapore.
My trip to Dona Manis was a fruitful one. I left with a bag of goodies and a huge smile on my face. I bid goodbye to Mdm Soh and told her I’ll come back for another helping of Banana Pie and Cream Puffs.
Dona Manis is Singapore’s hidden gem. Heck it should even be considered as a Singapore National Monument. You won’t find bakery shops like Dona Manis in Singapore anymore. This humble bakery is truly worth a visit.
Dona Manis Cake Shop
Address: 865 Mountbatten Road, #B1-93, Katong Shopping Centre, Singapore 437844
Opening Hours: Mon: 9am – 5pm, Tue – Sat: 9:30am – 6pm
Contact No.: 6440 7688
Website
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(Header Image Source: Discover SG)
