These OG Bakeries Have Your Grandma’s Seal Of Approval And Are Still Standing Strong
Old school bakeries may not have Insta-worthy interiors or a cushy, air-conditioned environment. However, they retain the irresistible charm of a bygone era, filled with the aromas of freshly made bread and pastries. In addition, these bakeries bring back our happy and carefree childhood memories.
Unfortunately, these bakeries are fast becoming a thing of the past as owners without successors are forced to shutter their stores.
At DiscoverSG, we embarked on a mission to hunt down these wonderful bakeries so you can taste their delicious confections without breaking the bank.
1. Balmoral Bakery
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When you have a bakery as old as Singapore, you know you are in for some tasty confection.
Balmoral Bakery was started by Hainanese “Ah Kohs” (translates into “big brothers”) in 1965 to complement Holland Village’s Balmoral Steak House. Since then, Balmoral Bakery has continued its tradition of making bread by hand.
With an amazing array of over 40 types of breads and cakes, Balmoral Bakery will capture the hearts of even the pickiest pastry lovers.
Some of the signature items at Balmoral Bakery include chicken pies, curry puffs and samosas.
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Balmoral Bakery Chicken Pies (Image Credit: Glutton That Shoots)[/caption]
Also, don’t leave without a slice of their moist and fluffy old school cakes. Most of Balmoral Bakery’s cakes and breads are priced between $0.80-$1.50, so you’re in for a treat!
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Balmoral Bakery
Address: Blk 105 Clementi St 12 (Sunset Way), #01-08
Opening Hours: 8.30am – 8.00pm daily
Contact no.: 6779 2064
2. Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
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Founded in 1964, Gin Thye Cake Maker is a Teochew bakery that offers a variety of traditional goodies and confections. It is also known to sell reasonably priced Guo Da Li pastries–betrothal gifts that the groom presents to the bride’s parents to acknowledge their efforts in raising the bride.
Their wedding cakes range from $9 for a heart shaped marble cake, walnut cake and butter cake to $12 for a sponge cake.
For those with a taste for traditional old school pastries, Gin Thye sells Wu Se Tang (伍色糖), Lao Ma Gao (老妈糕), Lao Gong Bing(老公饼 ), Da Lao Bing(大烙饼) and traditional Cantonese biscuit, Si Se Bing (四色饼).
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If you buy many Guo Da Li items from the shop, the owner will also lend you their traditional Chinese wedding basket for free for your Guo Da Li ceremony!
Gin Thye Cake Maker
Address: 423 Sembawang road Singapore 758392
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 8.00am – 8.00pm
Sun & Public Holidays: 8.00am – 5.00pm
Contact no.: 6257 1566
Address: 632 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 #01-964 Singapore 560632
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 24 hours
Sun & Public Holidays: 24 hours
Contact no.: 6458 0206
Address: Block 152 Bukit Batok Street 11 #01-264 Singapore 650152
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 24 hours, Sun & Public Holidays: 24 hours
Contact no.: 6899 6929
Address: Blk 513 Bishan Street 13 #01-504
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 6:00am – 10.30pm , Sun & Public Holidays: 6:00am – 10.30pm
Contact no.: 6255 6362
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6. Tiong Bahru Galicier Pastry (Galicier Confectionery)
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Apart from kueh bangkit, Tiong Bahru Galicier’s kueh dadar (sweet nonya pancake roll) seen above is another note-worthy pastry. The exterior of the kueh dadar is oh-so-soft and it is layered with grated white coconut filling for an added crunch.
Tiong Bahru Galicier Pastry Bakery
Address: Blk 55 Tiong Bahru Road #01-39 Singapore 160055
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun 10.00am – 9.00pm
Contact no.: 6324 1686
7. Tong Heng
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Westies rejoice! We have found a gem of an old school bakery in the form of Tong Heng in Jurong Point. This shop was set up in the 1930s (gasp!) and boasts egg tarts to die for.
Unlike the conventional round egg tarts, Tong Heng’s legendary egg tarts are shaped like a diamond with a flaky crust. We like the velvety smooth custard filling that is not overly sweet.
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Image Credit: Old is Gold: 5 Places To Buy Unforgettable Old School Singaporean Snacks
Top 7 Things To Do At Sunset Way – One Of Singapore’s Hidden Neighbourhoods!
Tucked away in the west, the quiet estate of Sunset Way is Clementi’s best kept secret. Most of us might not even know of its existence!
But if you happen to stay in the vicinity, or feel like exploring a relatively unpopular place, you’d soon realize that there are actually quite a number of things you can do there.
Here are 7 things for you to check out the next you are in the area:
1. Café hop in the most unassuming of locations
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Spice up your Instagram feed with these instaworthy desserts! One cafe you should visit is Buttercake n Cream, famed for their chocolate pudding and other homemade desserts. Order a cuppa from The Tiny Roaster a few doors down, which brews the much raved about coffee. Over at Drips Baker’s Playground, get tempted by their glass display of pretty quiches and tarts.
2. Brunch: oriental-‐style
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Alternatively, go for the wide variety of dimsum available at Foodpark. They come at pocket-‐friendly prices, and definitely give the salted egg custard buns a try!
3. Go for old school cakes and pastries
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For handmade cakes and pastries, be sure not to miss Balmoral Bakery with its brick red exterior. Their chicken pies and swiss rolls are a hit with all ages!
4. Treat yourself to sinful desserts
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Not many know this, but The Daily Scoop opened their first outlet here at Sunset Way. Indulge in a scoop of homemade ice cream, which tastes even better on top of a waffle!
5. Take a good walk and enjoy a rare moment of tranquility
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So what do you do after all the good food? Take a stroll along the Ulu Pandan Park Connector and enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings. You may even catch a glimpse of kingfishers and komodo dragons if you’re lucky.
6. Explore the abandoned railway track
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Trek this hidden railroad as an alternative to the one at Bukit Timah. There’s just something satisfying about hearing gravel crunch beneath your feet. Remember to bring along mosquito repellant though, you have been warned!
7. Take an #OOTD
With foliage that adds a different dimension to your photos and the railway bridge as a unique backdrop, be sure to pose for a picture. What better way to commemorate your visit to Sunset than with an #ootd!
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Ready to explore Sunset Way?
Sunset Way is accessible via bus services 52, 154 and 184 from the bus stop at Clementi MRT Station’s Exit B. If you do happen to be nearby, share your adventures with us!
Bonus: Shop for pet supplies
For the animal-‐lovers and pet-‐owners out there, stock up on your pet supplies here. Also, the pet clinics in the area allow you to swoon over cute little animals!
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This article is written by Samanthan Chua.
