If you are looking for authentic German pretzels, head to Park Bäckerei at Icon Village in Tanjong Pagar. Singapore’s first German pretzel bakery features a rustic line-up of signature lye-dipped breads and pastries that are baked daily on the premises using meticulously curated ingredients and according to a time-honoured German method.
The authentic way of making German pretzels is important to founders Dennis von Berlepsch and his wife Jane Lee Richard. The couple had found it challenging to find an authentic German pretzel while living in Hong Kong in Singapore, and decided to take matters into their own hands, literally.
That’s why Park Bäckerei’s pretzels are said to be as close to what you would find in Germany. It’s also the reason to buy the bakery’s star product – hand-shaped Swabian-style pretzels from Southwest Germany ($3.90).
Characterised by its skinnier ends and a plump “belly”, each one is bathed in a traditional lye solution, then put into the oven. The lye dip enhances the Maillard reaction which gives German pretzels its beautiful burnished-brown sheen, as well as a flavourful outer crust and moist and fluffy interior.
The bakery also offers other savoury and sweet iterations made with the same pretzel dough, such as the ubiquitous Brötchen (bread rolls), sandwiches and stuffed bagels.
Other bakes include the Karamel Igel (caramel hedgehog, $4.40), a pretzel bun in the shape of a hedgehog filled with homemade caramel spread, and Schoko Roll (chocolate roll, $4) with a rich layer of Belgian chocolate spread.
Complete the authentic German pretzel experience with one of the bakery’s homemade spreads: Obatzda ($4), a blend of brie cheese, butter, beer, paprika and caraway; and the smooth and mildly tangy Frischkäse ($3) that combines cream cheese, sour cream, onions and chives.
Park Bäckerei is at Icon Village, #01-41/42/52/53, 12 Gopeng Street, Singapore 078877.
