Review: Tiong Bahru Bakery @ Raffles City Shopping Centre

Tiong Bahru Bakery

4 December 2012, Singapore – Saturday afternoon on a rainy day, the Metropolitant Team dropped by Tiong Bahru Bakery at Raffles City to try out their offerings, which includes their famed signature croissant.

Superadrianme.com Team, Dennis (L) and Adrian (R)
Superadrianme.com Team, Dennis (L) and Adrian (R)

We had with us the team from Superadrianme.com – Adrian and Dennis to join us on this incognito tasting. One of our team member spotted the Synesso coffee maker used by their barista, which tempted us to try out their espresso coffees.

For a party of four, we ordered quite a spread: 2 Croissant (S$ 2.80 each), 1 Almond Brioche (S$ 3.00), 1 Almond/Chocolate Croissant (S$ 3.80), 1 Vanilla Mille-fueille (S$ 8.00), 1 Chocolate/Passionfruit Mousse (S$ 6.50), 1 Apple Crumble (S$ 6.00), 2 Long Black coffee (S$ 4.80 each) and 1 Latte (S$ 5.50).

The famous croissant
The famous croissant

First plate we jumped into is the croissant, which they had proudly advertised as “the Best in Singapore”. Indeed, the first few bites into the croissant were delightful. It was soft and buttery with crunchy crust.  Most of us did not have any complaints, but we are not entirely convinced that it is the best in Singapore.  Needless to say, the Chocolate/Almond Croissant was equally delectable, except that it looked a little flat for a croissant.

Almond/Chocolate Croissant
Almond/Chocolate Croissant
Almond Brioche
Almond Brioche

The next item we tried was the Almond Brioche. While we have no major complaints about the brioche, we find that this dish is forgettable. In fact, there were hardly anyone among us who took second bites. The texture wasn’t impressive and it reminded me of a piece dried sponge.

Vanilla Mille-Fueille
Vanilla Mille-Fueille

The most expensive pastry on our table that day was the Vanilla Mille-fueille. On presentation wise, it looked visually attractive and inviting. However, upon cutting, the structure fell apart too easily into many small pieces. In fact, we later realize that the vanilla custard cream was quite lacking. We can barely taste the cream as the dry puff pastry crusts overpowered it. We would have preferred a more generous cream in between the puff pastries. In our opinion, skip this.

Chocolate/Passionfruit Mousse
Chocolate/Passionfruit Mousse

As for the Chocolate/Passionfruit mousse, it is surprisingly fluffy and moist. The sweet chocolate mousse is nicely balanced by the fresh-tangy taste. Visually, it looked pretty simple, but this will be the other item we wouldn’t mind ordering again.

Apple Crumble
Apple Crumble

We were a little surprised by the Apple Crumble we received. It is the flattest apple crumble ever.  However, it still packs a punch. Each bite is greeted by the rich apple flavor. It turns out to be the favorite among the four of us! Yum yum! Well baked crust with the moist centre filling your mouth with apple flavour, we have a winner houston!

Long Black Coffee
Long Black Coffee

Coffee wise, the long blacks and latte was just ordinary. The latte can still be a nice companion to the pastries, but two of us who got the long blacks would avoid it on their next visit. The sourish after taste and and awful burnt nose made me want to swear off coffee after a cup.

So there you go.

The tried & tested – Recommended : Apple crumble, Chocolate/Passionfruit Mousse, Croissant. Chocolate/Almond croissant

Tried & tested – Not Recommended : Almond brioche, Vanilla Mille-Fueille, Black coffee/Expresso.

Tiong Bahru Bakery (Raffles City)
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-11/12 Raffles City Shopping Centre

Tel: 63334160

Cafe Latte
Cafe Latte

Note: This is an incognito tasting. (Cost of the meal is paid by the reviewer)

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