We Tried Mother Dough, A 4.5-Star Muslim-Friendly Bakery In Bugis

Mother Dough is a popular Muslim-friendly bakery in Bugis

When I was tasked to review Mother Dough Bakery at Jalan Kledek, I was honestly surprised I hadn’t come across it before. As someone who’d like to think I know my way around most cafes and bakeries in the Bugis area, this one somehow slipped under the radar.

Turns out, Mother Dough Bakery has quietly become a go-to spot in Kampong Glam for fresh-baked goods, especially their rustic loaves and croissants. The Muslim-owned bakery first started in 2017 doing pop-ups before building up a steady following through word of mouth. At the point of writing, they have a stellar 4.5-star Google rating from over 600 reviews!

Owner and baker Naadhira began her bread-making journey at The International Culinary Centre in New York City. She then spent four years working across various bakeries in the Big Apple, including Runner & Stone in Brooklyn, where she honed her skills in crafting baguettes and croissants.

Fun fact: “Mother dough” (or pre-ferment) refers to the fermentation starter used in bread-making, including sourdough cultures that help develop flavour and texture.

Food at Mother Dough

All breads and pastries are made from scratch and baked fresh each morning, so selections may vary from day to day. That said, there are some staples you can usually expect, including their Almond Croissant ($4.50), Maple Pecan Twist ($8), and Lemon Drizzle ($6). There’s also a wide range of Danish pastries in different flavours, so we were quite spoilt for choice.

We started with the Berries Danish ($7.50) with curd and jam. Roughly palm-sized, the pastry came with distinct laminated layers that fan out at the edges. It’s crisp and flaky throughout, with shards that broke apart easily when we sliced through the layers.

At the centre sat a curd swirl, topped with a glossy dollop of raspberry jam dotted with fruit bits. The jam was slightly sticky, while the curd added a smooth, creamy tang that balanced the sweetness. I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of tart and rich flavours, which didn’t feel too heavy.

Then there’s the Beef Pepperoni Cheese Crumble w Jalapeno ($8), my personal favourite for its savoury profile. The pastry was similar to a Danish, topped with jalapenos, a layer of cheese crumble, crushed nuts, and slices of pepperoni for added flavour.

I liked how the pastry itself was extra flaky with a moist interior. The cheese took a backseat here instead of coming across too rich, allowing the jalapenos to bring a gentle heat that built without overwhelming the palate. Overall, it was piquant and punchy, with plenty of contrasting textures in every bite.

Mother Dough Bakery also offers gluten-free bakes. We tried the Banana Muffin ($7), which came topped with a caramelised banana slice.

Cutting into it, the muffin was moist with a slightly oily crumb. There’s also a chocolatey centre running through the middle, adding a richer, sweeter contrast to the banana topping.

The Iced White ($6), while nothing to shout about, was still balanced and easy on the palate. The milky brew paired well with the stronger-tasting bakes, helping to round out the overall experience.

Ambience at Mother Dough

Jalan Kledek is about a 6-minute walk from Bugis MRT Station. I quite enjoyed visting this underrated pocket of Bugis, dotted with cafes that feel less touristy and crowded compared to the nearby Arab Street or Haji Lane.

You won’t miss Mother Dough’s bright lime green walls and signage. Step inside and you’ll find the counter area, along with a few tightly packed seats tucked under the stairs leading up. We chose a cosy corner by the window, which came with a good amount of natural sunlight.

Head up to the second floor, and the space opens up more, making it a better option for larger groups.

Mother Dough – Eatbook review

Mother Dough turns out to be one of those understated spots that quietly does a lot right. The bakes are generously portioned, and you can really taste the expertise behind each item. They also offer sandwiches, which we’ll be keen to try on our next visit. 

On a quiet weekday, this is the kind of spot I’d drop by alone for some bakes and coffee—a good little me-time escape in Bugis, especially if you’re looking for a quieter cafe with solid pastries without the usual crowd.

For more bakeries to check out, read our Cafe Mary Grace review. The famous Filipino bakery opened in Tanjong Pagar and is famous for their cheese bread. Also, read our list of the best hawker bakeries in Singapore for fresh shio pan, mochi egg tart and more.

Address: 3 Jalan Kledek, Singapore 199259
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am to 5pm
Tel: 6909 6604
Website
Mother Dough Bakery is Muslim-owned.

Photos taken by Paula Grace Formantes.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg