Just a stone’s throw away from Farrer Park MRT station, the kitchen team behind Madu The Bakery begins work in the wee hours of the morning — 3.30am.
Offering one-of-a-kind bakes with fusion twists, expect your taste buds to be fully wowed!
What I tried at Madu The Bakery
The shio pan selections were the first items recommended by our host. As a hard core pandan fanatic, it was clear which flavour I wanted to try — Kaya Butter Shio Pan (S$3.80).
The beautiful croissant-like shaped Japanese bread was sliced in the centre and filled with a fragrant green-coloured coconut jam and a slab of butter. The inside of the bread bore the most eye-pleasing crumb — resembling a croissant, once again.
As I took my first bite, I knew instantly that I would be returning for more of these perfect sweet-savoury buns. Believe me when I say that I have had my fair share of shio pan, but none were comparable to this rendition from Madu The Bakery.
The melted salted butter at the bottom of the construction created a paper-thin and crispy crust surrounding the fluffy inside. Do not let the additional cold slab of salted butter deter you from making the purchase — it only brings out the sweetness from the delicate kaya even more.
They have also recently released a savoury shio pan flavour — Nori Shio Pan. With a bread that is baked so well, I reckon any flavour or toppings used will no doubt satisfy!
After scrolling through Madu The Bakery’s IG posts, I was drawn to their Cereal Prawn Croissant (S$13.90). Using only Ah Hua Kelong tiger prawns, the result features huge and plump snappy prawns coated with crunchy and perfectly seasoned toasted cereal.
The large house-made croissant was also baked perfectly — crunchy on the exterior with an alluring lamination. Yuzu mayonnaise introduced a tangy flavour to the creation.
I tried their highly raved bun next — Mushroom Umami Bun (S$6). During my visit, I noticed the team busy prepping a bulk order that consisted of countless boxes of their Madu Bun Box Special.
A creamy reduction consisting of mushrooms, seaweed and garlic was poured into the centre of the fluffy bun. A handful of bonito flakes, parmesan cheese and furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) are then used as garnish.
The result? The most sinful vegetarian dish I have eaten. For the second time now, the bread component was what really stood out to me. While the parmesan crust developed a crispy and cheesy exterior, the soft and airy interior successfully soaked up all that umami broth.
At S$6.50 per bun, I think it is a worthwhile deal considering its hefty size and substantial inclusion of quality ingredients.
Only available on weekends, the Kaya Monte Cristo (S$16.50) is essentially a French toast with a local twist. Thick slices of white bread are doused with an egg cream and cinnamon mixture, and layered with cheese, jambon ham and turkey ham.
To fully enjoy this dish, dip those savoury French toast slices into the soft boiled egg. I am unsure why it took me this long to realise pairing ham and cheese sandwiches and soft boiled eggs are a match made in heaven.
The Yuzu Espresso Tonic (S$6.50) was a delightful accompaniment to the food items. I initially assumed that the sour fruit would add to the acidity of the espresso-based beverage. I was wrong.
A preserved yuzu jam was used, which added sweetness and a hint of citrus flavour to the iced drink. In combination with the fizzy tonic water, the afternoon cooler could not be more refreshing.
As far as small bakes go, I would recommend the Double Pistachio Financier (S$5) and Black Sesame Mochi Roll which I find suitable for sharing.
Final thoughts
The clientele ranges widely here — from families to couples to groups of friends. While larger groups were more challenging to be seated in the relatively small cafe, the warm and attentive service by all staff members ensured that diners were accommodated and looked after throughout their dining time.
I thoroughly valued the cafe’s service, which was hard to find even from larger and more established restaurants out there. I implore all readers to drop by and show the charming space your support!
Expected damage: S$5 – S$20 per pax
Balmoral Bakery: 58 year-old bakery sells rarely found sugee cake & old-school bakes in Clementi
Price: $ $
Our Rating: 5 / 5
Madu The Bakery
421 Race Course Road, Singapore 218668
Madu The Bakery
421 Race Course Road, Singapore 218668
