As we pivot once more into P2HA, F&B outlets are taking the hit once more, with older eateries struggling to keep pace with new measures. It’s ever more important to support heritage hawkers, as well as the likes of old-school bakeries during this time. If you live in Kovan, then make your way to Thiam Yian Confectionery, a heritage cake and bakes store that has been around since the 1980s.
Image credit: Thiam Yian Confectionery
The store looks like a blast from the past, lined with display cases sporting the likes of tarts, cream cakes, handmade kueh, and buns.
Image credit: Thiam Yian Confectionery
One of their most popular items is their Baked Kaya Cake ($1.20 per slice, $4 for whole), where fragrant kaya enhances a moist, fluffy sponge cake batter.
If you’re a real big fan of steamed sponge cake, they also have a Pandan Steamed Cake ($3), with jiggly sponge sweetened by notes of pandan.
Image credit: @ohayosingapore
Their fresh cream cakes start at $1.70 apiece, and are still hand-iced to this day. While you can get classic options like the Rainbow Sponge Butter Cream Cake, a number of fans rave about their Coffee Cream Cake, great to enjoy as a midday snack during teatime.
Image credit: @the.beluga
Other popular items include their extra-large Ondeh Ondeh ($5), made with a sweet potato kueh instead. Loaded with coconut gula melaka, these are super satisfying for ondeh-ondeh fans. These are only available on select days of the week, though, so keep your eyes peeled.
Image credit: @bellyhappytummy
Their Coconut Tart ($2.80) is another must-try, with buttery pastry and a generous dose of coconut within the filling.
Image credit: Thiam Yian Confectionery
Traditional Chinese treats like tau sar bing, ji hong, almond biscuits, and more, are also available, priced from $1.50 onwards.
If you’re ever in the Kovan area, drop by to enjoy a tasty blast from the past as you show support to this neighbourhood bakery. They also do delivery and takeaway, which you can order from the Thiam Yian Confectionery website.
For more old-school places, check out our guide to traditional bakeries in Singapore. Otherwise, check out our guide to food in Kovan!
Address: 1004 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534742
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8am to 10pm
Tel: 6458 1478
Website