Old Seng Choong: Traditional Bakes With a Twist

Singapore is known to many as a foodie’s paradise – and it’s easy to see why. A veritable melting pot of cultures, the Little Red Dot’s rich heritage has given rise to mouth-watering medley of flavours unique to the island and the surrounding Asian region. From sweet, coconutty notes of kaya to fiery sambal and tender chargrilled satay, these are just some of the many distinct tastes Singapore has to offer.

For pastry chef Daniel Tay, his love for local flavours is rooted in both nostalgia and his family legacy. For over 30 years, Daniel’s parents helmed the well-loved Seng Choong Confectionery until its closure in 1996. As a tribute to them, he founded Old Seng Choong, a homegrown confectionery concept that puts a contemporary spin on classic treats such as mooncakes, cookies and swiss rolls.

“I wanted to honour my parents’ legacy by focusing on traditional bakes,” says Daniel. “(These local treats) are icons in their own right, with their own identity and flavours.” 

Read on as Daniel shares how Singapore’s rich flavours lent inspiration to some of Old Seng Choong’s tastiest offerings.

When one thinks of a local sweet treat, the first thing that invariably springs to mind is pandan chiffon cake – a moist yet airy creation infused with the rich green extract of the pandan leaf. “The pandan cake is a Singapore icon and a treat that many locals hold close to their hearts,” says Daniel. Another crowd pleaser is kaya, a traditional breakfast spread (made of coconut milk, eggs, and sugar) that’s best enjoyed when slathered on hot, buttered toast.

Together, pandan cake and kaya make a winning combination. Old Seng Choong’s Chiffon Pandan Kaya Lava Cake is proof of that: the pillow-soft creation features a light pandan chiffon exterior and an incredible oozing kaya lava on the inside. “By offering these two items as a pair, this set is the perfect representation of our heritage flavours,” says Daniel.

Picture this: tender, chargrilled meat on skewers, accompanied by a sweet yet savoury peanut sauce. It is little wonder then that satay is a beloved mainstay in local hawker fare. It is best enjoyed hot off the grill but if you want to snack on the distinctive taste of satay from the comfort of your home, you can.

The Old Seng Choong Satay Cookies (part of the 4 Cookies with Tote Bag set) offer an addictive mix of spicy and nutty notes with delicate hints of cumin and chilli  –  thus ensuring an authentic taste of Singapore in every bite.

Feasting is a popular pastime among Singaporeans – especially when tucking into zi char, a spread of hearty Chinese fare eaten communally. While zi char dishes run the gamut, one that is especially popular is cereal prawn. Deep fried and tossed in an aromatic mix of cereal, curry leaves, and chilli padi, the result is a satisfying seafood staple that’s crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside.

“Not only is cereal prawn a dish that locals always order at zi char stalls, we also found that many tourists make it a point to learn how to prepare this dish when they travel to Singapore,” noted Daniel. “That’s why we created the cereal prawn cookies – to showcase key elements of the dish, where visitors can bring the taste of Singapore back home with them.”

This unique cookie flavour has all the makings of a binge-worthy snack, thanks to the comforting cereal flavour, fragrant aroma of freshly chopped curry leaves and finally, tasty flecks of small, dried shrimps for that added crunch.

This humble tropical fruit needs no introduction. Despite the unassuming exterior, lychees boast a plump, juicy flesh with a distinctive sweet taste – perfect for incorporating into cocktails and desserts such as puddings, jellies, and sorbets.

Case in point: the Lychee Martini Swiss Roll from Old Seng Choong. The pink fluffy sponge cake is layered with a generous spread of fresh cream and martini-soaked lychee chunks – guaranteeing a sensorial treat with every mouthful. By infusing an Asian fruit such as lychee with martini, Daniel explains, “Our Lychee Martini Swiss Roll presents the best of East and West in one tasty treat.”

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