5 Must-Tries At Tai Cheong Bakery’s New Chaa Chan Teng
Apart from their legendary egg tarts, there’ll be hearty soups and fluffy toasts
By Samantha Francis for Weekender Singapore; Photos: Tai Cheong Bakery
Those familiar with Hong Kong chaa chan tengs (tea restaurants) know that part of their attraction lies in the bustling vibes, the cosy booth seats and the joys of tucking into fuss-free and comforting eats.
Here in Singapore, diners can experience a slice of that ambience at the newly opened Tai Cheong Bakery at Holland Village — sans elbowing strangers.
The brand’s first dine-in concept comes a year after the opening of its takeaway kiosk at Takashimaya, where long queues often form for their famed egg tarts.
At the newly opened chaa chan teng, diners can tuck into authentic Hong Kong-style eats from bolo buns to macaroni soups, alongside outlet-exclusives like the indulgent Durian and Cheese Tart!
Here are our top picks from the menu:
1. Three-Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat, $8.50
If there’s one dish that could turn a bad day around, this would be it. Warm, hearty and filling all at once, the Three-Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat is everything we want in a comfort meal.
Elbow macaroni is served in a moreish tomato and chicken broth, topped with crispy strips of luncheon meat ‘fries’ and three sunny-side-up eggs, no less.
2. French Toast, $6.50
What your favourite brunch spot can do, Hong Kong cafes can probably do better.
Tai Cheong Bakery’s French Toast features slightly sweet white bread coated in an egg wash before being pan-fried till golden brown, resulting in its fluffy yet crisp texture.
We recommend enjoying each mouthful with a bit of salted butter and a drizzle of maple syrup, or their homemade dulce de leche.
3. Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice, $9.90
Assuming you love eggs as much as we do, the Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice is a must-try.
The time-honoured Hong Kong dish is great for sharing, with its generous portion and rich flavours.
Diners can opt to have the silky smooth and barely set omelette topped with ingredients such as Roasted Pork & Prawns, Roasted Pork & Beef, Roasted Pork & Crispy Pork Belly and sprigs of blanched kailan.
Underneath it all is a mould of steamed rice, meant to mop up all that eggy goodness.
4. Scrambled Egg Toast Stack with Chicken Chop, $9.50
Don’t say we didn’t warn you: Approach the mountainous Scrambled Egg Toast Stack with Chicken Chop with caution.
A wrong slice and the entire stack of buttery scrambled eggs and soft toast could fall tragically apart, leaving you to stare at the pan-grilled chicken chop that’s beneath.
If that happens, go ahead and mix them all up for your enjoyment — it’s better that way!
5. Durian & Cheese Tart, $3.60
You might have heard stories about Tai Cheong Bakery’s legendary egg tarts, but don’t let that stop you from trying something new.
We recommend going for the Durian & Cheese Tart, which are exclusive to this Holland Village outlet.
The same butter cookie-like crust now encases a mix of premium D24 durian pulp and cream cheese — a potent and incredibly shiok combination that any true blue Singaporean can appreciate.
31 Lorong Liput
Tai Cheong Bakery currently does not accept reservations and customers are seated on a first-come-first-served basis.
