Whisking Bakes Review: First Taro Cafe In Singapore By HBB With IG-Famous Orh Nee Tarts, Taromisu And More

Whisking Bakes for taro desserts

If you’re a diehard fan of all things orh nee, chances are you’d come across Whisking Bakes, a home-based business that shot to IG fame for their taro tart balls. This time, the homegrown bakery has expanded, launching what they claim to be Singapore’s first-ever orh nee-themed cafe in Lavender!

Food at Whisking Bakes

The dessert cafe specialises in taro-infused bakes, perfect for afternoon tea or a late-night hang since they open till 12am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Head to the glass display for the full array of bakes to pick from. The dessert menu is pretty lean, with a focus on orh nee treats including our first cake of choice: Taro Burnt Cheesecake ($7.50).

Each slice features burnt cheesecake sandwiched by a generous layer of Whisking Bake’s signature pure yam paste. This prized paste, which stars in most of their desserts and drinks, is made fresh daily in their kitchen space right next door. When paired with the creamy cheesecake, the dessert was a delightful combination of sweet and creamy, with a slight earthiness from the yam.

Next up was the Taro Mochi Swiss Roll ($5): soft sponge with yam paste, cream, and a milk mochi centre.

I was impressed by how light and fluffy the yam-spiked cake was. Paired with a thin layer of light cream and fresh orh nee paste, each bite had the right amount of yam flavour without being jelak. The mochi was also well-executed, adding a pleasant chew to the soft cake.

Another must-try is the Taro-misu ($6), a unique play on the popular Italian dessert. This layered treat comprises ladyfingers dipped in house-made taro milk, mascarpone cream, and the same fresh yam paste. Served as a generous slab with visible layers, this was my colleague’s favourite item of the day, which says a lot considering how she’s not a fan of taro.

I enjoyed the milky and creamy flavours in this dessert, but thought that it was a little too sweet for my liking.

For an unadulterated taste of the cafe’s house-made yam paste, go straight for the Old School Taro Cake ($2.50), a National Day special. Each slice was small but packed a punch; the simple sponge and salted buttercream complemented the thick orh nee layer.

Then there’s also their famous Orh Nee Tarts ($6.80 for five), bite-sized flavour bombs that were proper buttery. These freshly baked pastries were dangerously addictive, though I wished they were slightly less buttery for more taro flavour to come through.

If you’re not that crazy about orh nee, they also have a few non-taro bakes on the menu. Try their NYC Levain Cookie ($5) in flavours such as Sea Salt Chocolate, Red Velvet, and our pick: Matcha.

The hefty tea-spiked cookie boasted a crisp exterior. Break it apart to reveal its soft and dense crumb, along with white chocolate chips hidden within the batter. This was a yummy cookie that we devoured quickly, though it leaned sweet due to the generous amount of white chocolate within.

Drinks are well-priced too, with my Iced Black setting me back at just $3.90. Additionally, hot and cold drinks are priced the same. There’s no extra charge for plant-based milk too, so you can enjoy a Soy or Oat Milk Latte for just $5.50! My coffee was smooth yet strong, and made for the perfect accompaniment to the sweet treats. Whisking Bakes sources their beans from specialty roaster Dutch Colony.

We also tried their Taro Latte ($6.50), made with the same fresh yam paste in their desserts. This tasted a lot like taro milk tea, but much fresher and without any artificial aftertaste.

Ambience at Whisking Bakes

It’s easy to locate Whisking Bakes as it faces the main road, and is right next to the coffeeshop that houses Michelin-starred Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle. The cafe is an eight-minute walk from Lavender MRT Station, via Exit A.

It’s a cosy space with around 20 seats, so it might be hard to snag a table during peak timings. The cafe’s decor is kept minimal with warm wood furnishings and pastel lavender details, so the vibes are homey yet aesthetic.

The verdict

There are plenty of cafes in Singapore, but Whisking Bakes has created a niche that sets them apart from their counterparts. Their well-priced and delicious desserts, coupled with their accessible location, make them a must-visit if you’re in the area. I’ll definitely be back for my taro fix, but this time with my orh nee-lovin’ parents too!

For more delicious bakes to try, read our full guide to dessert box deliveries in Singapore. If you prefer something savoury, visit the nearby Salai M’an for halal burgers, smoked meats and more in Jalan Besar.

Address: 466 Crawford Lane, #01-08, Singapore 190465
Opening hours: Tue-Thurs 12pm to 10pm, Fri 12pm to 12am, Sat 10am to 12am, Sun 10am to 4pm
Tel: 8850 5918
Website 
Whisking Bakes is not a halal-certified eatery.

Photos taken by Tanya Tham.
This was a media tasting at Whisking Bakes.