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When hunger pangs strike and you’re craving for a pastry in the CBD during working hours, nothing in the vicinity seems to excite you. Well, how about swinging by Mimmo Singapore at Asia Square Tower 1, a handcrafted European bakery-cafe concept that originated from Hong Kong?
Just imagine exquisite handmade European pastries harmonised with Asian influences, particularly from Hong Kong, drawing ideas derived from crowd-favourites such as bolo buns and Portuguese egg tarts. Chef Domenico Giammarella makes it possible, having previously run a 1-year pop-up bakery from a corner of a restaurant in Hong Kong.
Fondly known as Chef Dom, he was a Le Cordon Bleu Paris graduate who sought mentorship under world-renowned pastry chef Christian Faure. His culinary prowess was further shaped during his time in Canada, where he worked at renowned establishments including Laloux, Buca Yorkville and Le Pied de Cochon Sugar Shack.
Just check out the tattoo on his hand and you’ll quickly realise the pride he has for Montreal. Mimmo’s logo closely mimics the city’s insignia, but with a quarter separated to represent Hong Kong. “Singapore was always a destination in my mind” he added. His flagship bakery which was supposed to open in Oct 2025 at Wellington Street in Hong Kong has been facing delays, and will hopefully be ready this October.
For a cafe sitting smack in the middle of the CBD at Asia Square Tower, the pastry prices are surprisingly wallet-friendly — none of that “prime location markup” you’d expect. Prices start from just S$2++ for the Tigres, S$4++ for the Croissant and Egg Tart, and go up to S$7++ for a slice of their Mango Charlotte or Matcha Raspberry Cake.
The Egg Tart was definitely one of the highlights of our visit. It was incredibly flaky and aromatic on the outside, and phenomenally custardy on the inside, almost like a decadent cheese tart. Help! Now, I’m craving it again.
For the Apple Croissant (S$5++), I loved how they retained the crunch of the fresh apple slices, arranged on top to resemble rose petals. Cut through the centre, and a luscious custard awaits.
Chef Dom brings Hong Kong’s pistachio craze over to our shores with the Pistachio Bolo Bao (S$5++). Boasting a well-balanced nuttiness that never overwhelms, the molten pistachio filling serves as the perfect counterpart to the fluffy bread.
The Tigres, mini almond cakes filled with chocolate pieces, switch up their traditional chocolate ganache centre for a fancy caramel one instead. I may not have tried the traditional version yet, but I’m certainly loving these.
If a heartier lunch is what you’re after, don’t worry. On weekdays from 11.30am – 2.30pm, Mimmo offers a Build-your-own Pasta Bowl featuring pasta that’s made in-house. Choose from 3 pastas like Rigatoni or Spaghetti along with a Base (S$12++) such as Pesto Genovese, Alfredo, or Aglio e Olio. Then choose a Protein (from S$2 to S$10) and Toppings (from S$2 to S$4).
We got a Rose Tagliatelle (S$12++) with Garlic Shrimp (+S$5++) and Asparagus (+S$3++), amounting to S$20++. The shrimp was plump and juicy, pairing flawlessly with the fresh asparagus and al dente pasta coated in a savoury, tangy creamy tomato sauce.
I gasped when I spotted the amount of alfalfa sprouts (my most hated) in our Italian Club Sandwich (S$18++). Fortunately, the combination of Parma ham, mortadella pesto, provalone, tomato, and citrus aioli, sandwiched between perfectly grilled bread, worked so well together that I polished everything off without hesitation (burp).
For the folks in the CBD, do check out Mimmo for a great lunch break or quick snack. There’s even a Pastry & Drink Combo going for just S$8++.
6 Letter Brunch: Bicycle-friendly cafe with house-made rosti, salmon belly tacos, pasta & açai
