The Headless Baker Review: Earl Grey Cakes, Sea Salt Cookies And More From $2 At Buona Vista

The Headless Baker for cheap and pretty cakes

We’ve chanced upon a hawker stall selling affordable IG-worthy bakes that not only look good but taste good as well. Opened by a young couple in their early 30s and aided by their half-retired father, The Headless Baker tempts with a wide range of petit Bundt cakes, scones, cookies and more with prices starting from only $2.

This new hawker stall at Ghim Moh Food Centre screams cool and hipster, thanks to the owners’ chill vibes and personal touch from the food to the decor. Having worked in a French patisserie in Melbourne, as well as a stint at Starter Lab, the couple was inspired to open something they could call their own.

Food at The Headless Baker

There were more than six varieties of bakes when we headed down to the stall early one weekday morning. The Lemon Pistachio ($3) first caught my attention as it was delicately decorated with crushed pistachios and rose petals. The little square cake was fluffy, moist, and buttery with a punch of citrus tartness. Its acidity was also mellowed down by a much-appreciated sweet icing glaze drizzled atop. 

While the Lemon Pistachio was my personal favourite, the adorable Earl Grey Lavender ($4) Bundt cake impressed my colleague the most. The ridges of the Bundt mold created a perfect crevice for the same icing glaze to be evenly distributed, adding a tinge of sweetness to every bite. This petite mound is perfumed with Earl Grey notes, but I found it slightly overshadowed by the aromatic lavender flowers.  

For those who don’t like their sweet treats super sweet, you will be happy to hear that the owners have actually tweaked their recipes and lowered their sugar content to suit the elderly in the Ghim Moh estate.

Those with a case of chocolate fever can opt for the Chocolate Bundt ($4) instead. These babies were stuffed with bittersweet chocolate, providing a change in texture for better mouthfeel. The chocolate Bundt cake was also more dense, making it a heavier indulgence than the other two cakes.

The Scones here are only $2 a pop, and they come with a packet of strawberry jam. Cosy up with these slightly savoury biscuits with a cup of tea or spread of butter, or clotted cream if you’re atas. Infused with the toasty fragrance of wheat or oats and speckled with dried berries, these scones are also great on their own.

Another item on the menu I highly recommend would be their Sable Cookies ($8 for eight pieces). Don’t be fooled by their humble appearance. These crumbly chocolate nuggets are wickedly rich and chocolatey, further elevated in taste by a light sprinkling of sea salt. My taste buds have officially been spoiled by these cookies, and I am no longer a fan of the pleb cookies from Famous Amos.

Be sure to give a call or drop a message to check if any of these items are available before heading down as the owners are free-reining in creativity, rolling out new flavours weekly. New items to look out for are savoury breads such as their Basil And Tomato Focaccia at $2 a pan. 

Ambience at The Headless Baker

Located a hot 10-minute walk from Buona Vista MRT Station, The Headless Baker is a stark but nice contrast to the other hawker stalls at Ghim Moh Food Centre. The spot also makes for a great tea break after shopping at the nearby wet market—I just wish the stall will still be here before the start of my future budget tai tai life.

The verdict

I’m sold. See you at The Headless Baker as I’m very sure I’ll make a return visit. Heck, I already went back to the hawker stall at Ghim Moh once more before this article got published. Hawker stalls selling affordable and pretty cakes that taste great are few and far between. I guess we are too used to paying a premium price for cakes like these.

If you’re looking for more IG worthy bakes, check out The Better Half which is hidden under a HDB block, and Petit Pain for yummy baked goodies by an ex-Artisan Boulangerie Co. baker!

Address: 20 Ghim Moh Road, #01-64, Singapore 270020
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 7am to 2pm
Tel: 9740 0538
Website
The Headless Baker is not a halal-certified eatery.

Photos taken by Huang Xiao.
This is an independent review by Eatbook.sg.