Five times lucky seems to be an ace catchphrase for Tiong Bahru Bakery. The local pastry and bakery stalwart, famed for its delectable French croissants, has opened its fifth outlet—a beautiful, jungle-themed space perfectly at home in the lush surrounds of Dempsey.
At 130E Minden Road, the new open-air bakery shares its space with sister establishment Open Farm Community, which fans will be relieved to know remains at the back of the compound (both are under the Spa Esprit Group). Where there once was an alfresco dining area now sits TBB Safari, with an all-new, specially designed wooden gazebo for shade, skylights and tent poles.
Inspired by a trip to Botswana, founder Cynthia Chua has decked out the 46-seater cafe with colourful flat-woven kilim rugs, hand-foraged wild plant and flower table arrangements, and custom-made wooden tables. Slumped on woven cushions, you’re treated to apt views of the natural foliage and on-site garden. It’s the perfect glamping experience—made even better with eco-friendly Airbitat coolers that maintain the outdoor temperature at 25 degrees.
More casual seating and a retail corner inside the bakery
So chow on your favourite French croissants in air-conditioned comfort; TBB’s full menu of pastries and breads are available at the new outlet, along with some Safari-exclusive items. Try the new rainbow power breakfast jars, which reinvent your bog-standard morning muesli with select herbs plucked straight from the on-site garden. The fruity Pineapples, Turmeric & Tapioca Pearls Power ($8.50) is our personal favourite, while the Papaya, Black Sesame & Oats ($8.50) is a close second for its delicate use of black sesame and edible flowers. A limited-edition Wild Safari Cake ($9.20, available through Dec 14)—an elegant confection of banana mousse, banana passionfruit confit coated in chocolate, and coconut praline feuilletine—should be high on your order list too.
For drinks, there are two Safari-exclusive lattes to sip on if you’re foregoing your daily cuppa. Caffeine-free and in that same healthful slant, the Turmeric & Ginger Latte ($6.50) and Beetroot & Ginger Latte ($6.50) are smooth, warm options perfect for a rainy day. Switch out the milk for soy or almond nut milk at no extra charge.
And fret not; unlike the viral Tiffany & Co. pop-up that happened months back at TBB’s flagship outlet in Tiong Bahru, TBB Safari is here to stay. A little bird told us that queues stretched on for two hours at the branch’s opening last week (Nov 16), so plan your next coffee date wisely.
TBB Safari is located at 130E Minden Road, and is open 8am-5pm daily.
