Let us face it: navigating the daily grind in the Central Business District can be relentless. Between the towering glass skyscrapers, endless meetings, and the midday humidity, we all need a little escape. While it is tempting to duck into the nearest ubiquitous chain café for a quick sugar fix, doing so means missing out on the genuine charm and far superior bakes hidden right under our noses.
Tanjong Pagar Plaza might not have the glossy veneer of the newer malls, but it is a veritable treasure trove for pastry lovers. If you are looking to swap your overpriced, mass-produced muffin for artisanal bakes, heritage recipes, and genuine warmth, it is time to take a stroll.
Here is your guide to the best bakeries in Tanjong Pagar Plaza, proving that the most satisfying afternoon tea breaks do not require a premium price tag.
Ultra Bake: The Heartwarming Morning Staple
For those looking to start the day right or simply fill their tummies during a midday slump, Ultra Bake is your foolproof stop. This unassuming spot excels at providing highly affordable, comforting breads and beverages without cutting corners on quality.
Their sandwiches alone are worth a return trip, with regulars constantly raving about the Multigrain Tuna Toast and the classic Egg Toast. You can expect the fillings here to be wonderfully generous. If you prefer something a little sweeter or more snackable, their pastry selection is equally reliable, featuring everything from an indulgent Cheese Pastry to comforting Almond and Red Bean Paste variations.
- The Perfect Pairing: Do not sleep on their beverages. Alongside refreshing cold teas, their Kopi comes highly recommended. It is expertly brewed with a brilliant bean-to-water ratio, completely avoiding that harsh, astringent aftertaste you get at lesser stalls.
The cherry on top? The staff. In a fast-paced CBD, the friendly, welcoming employees behind the counter maintain their warm disposition even during peak hours, making every visit a joy.
Location: 2 Tanjong Pagar Plz, #01-19, Singapore 082002
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 7 AM – 6 PM | Saturday: 7 AM – 5 PM | Closed on Sundays
iBREAD: The Masterclass in Crusts and Custards
Since setting up shop in 2020, iBREAD has been living up to its straightforward but enticing tagline: Fresh out of the oven. Offering everything from delicate, packed loaves and healthy bread options to cakes and traditional pastries, you will be well and truly spoilt for choice.
While their Cranberry Sourdough—which boasts a lovely, approachable texture packed with fruity cranberries and crunchy walnuts—is a crowd-favourite, the true stars of the show are their egg tarts.
- The Signature Portuguese Egg Tart: This tart is incredibly buttery with a sturdy crust that holds up perfectly to the thick, creamy custard inside. The crust-to-egg ratio is flawless, and the slightly burnt top provides a beautiful, smoked caramelised finish. Eaten straight out of the oven, it is jiggly, dense, and utterly delightful.
- The French-style Egg Tart: If you prefer a flakier bite, this larger, flower-shaped tart uses a glorious croissant crust whilst retaining that same perfectly balanced, velvety custard.
Before you leave, grab a Coffee Croissant. Similar to a traditional coffee bun but supersized into a large croissant with a crispy, coffee-flavoured cookie crust, it is buttery, fragrant, and surprisingly not too sweet.
Location: 1 Tanjong Pagar Plz, #01-52, Singapore 082001
Opening Hours: Open Daily 9:30 AM – 8:15 PM
Good Day Bakery: The Late-Night Saviour
Stuck at the office for longer than usual? Good Day Bakery is a well-known establishment that stays open until 9 PM, ensuring your late-night carb cravings are fully sorted.
This bakery is particularly famous for its adventurous flavours, and if you are a fan of taro, you have found your new paradise. Beyond their signature taro bakes, they offer a brilliant variety of options like the Walnut Mario, Salted Egg Yolk Toast, and the whimsical Blueberry Angel Bread.
What makes Good Day Bakery truly stand out is its hospitality and value:
- Try Before You Buy: They frequently offer free bread tasting with several samples available, so you can discover your new favourite flavour risk-free.
- Unbeatable Value: Whether you are picking up freshly baked scones, Danish sausage pastries, or their popular Double Egg Tart set, the prices are incredibly fair for the quality and size. You can easily take home a hearty haul of flavourful bites for less than $10!
Location: 1 Tanjong Pagar Plz, #01-43, Singapore 082001
Opening Hours: Open Daily 7 AM – 9 PM
Chef Yamashita: The Hidden Japanese-French Jewel
Tucked away like it is actively hiding from fame, Chef Yamashita is adorably tiny, a “blink and you will miss it” sort of space with no flashy lights or massive signage. But what it lacks in square footage, it more than makes up for in sheer culinary pedigree.
The bakery is the eponymous venture of Chef Yamashita Masataka, who spent a decade working in bakeries across Japan before moving to Singapore to helm Flor Patisserie and Patisserie Glace. Now, he brings his mastery of Japanese-French pastry directly to Tanjong Pagar.
You can purchase whole cakes or individual slices, ranging from delicate mille-feuille to ethereal Japanese cheesecakes.
Must-Try Bakes:
- Castella Cake: The absolute highlight. It is a moist, luscious sponge cake that is denser than a traditional pound cake, sweetened with a delicate touch of honey.
- Choco Renga Cake: Layers of chocolatey goodness hiding a surprise crunch that feels, quite frankly, like it is trying to impress you on a first date.
- Cream Puffs: A gorgeous textural contrast featuring a creamy filling encased in a semi-hard, crisp shell.
With a few chairs set up outside, sitting down to enjoy a slice of his famous Lychee Strawberry Sponge Cake feels genuinely magical. Best of all, the pricing is super friendly since there’s no service charge, no tax, just exceptional cake and immaculate vibes.
Location: Blk 7 Tanjong Pagar Plz, #01-103, Singapore 081007
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11 AM – 3 AM | Sunday: 1 PM – 1 AM
Elijah Pies: Artisanal Creations to Share
Sometimes, the best bakes come from a place of love. Elijah Pies began eight years ago when founder Elijah rolled up his sleeves to satisfy his girlfriend’s simple craving, resulting in the creation of his very first Nutella Pie. Today, that exact pie remains their all-time bestseller.
Anchored in the belief that desserts are best enjoyed together—whether at a wedding reception, a birthday party, or just a Tuesday office catch-up—Elijah has curated over 40 original pie creations. His recipes blend familiar childhood memories with novel twists in flavour and
delectable, vibrant colours.
If you are stopping by, here is what to order:
- The Apple Crumble Cinnamon Pie (Eat-In Special): Insanely good. It is not overly sweet, allowing the distinct cinnamon flavour and the crunchy, fresh apple slices to take centre stage.
- The Yuzu Meringue Pie: Creamy and delicious with a bright, slightly sour kick that contrasts beautifully with the crusty edge.
- The Showstoppers: Do not miss their incredibly photogenic signature creations like the Wild Berry Lavender, Raspberry Ripple, and Speculoos Hojicha.
Pair your slice with their light, smooth honeycomb latte, and you have got the perfect afternoon retreat.
Location: 7 Tanjong Pagar Plz, #01-102, Singapore 081007
Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 10 AM – 10 PM | Friday-Saturday: 10 AM – 10:30 PM
Final Thoughts
The next time you need a break from the corporate rat race, skip the standard espresso chains. Take a short stroll to Tanjong Pagar Plaza instead. Whether you are after a budget-friendly tuna toast, a perfectly caramelised Portuguese egg tart, or an artisanal slice of pie, this retro enclave proves that the best bakes in the city are often found in the most unassuming places.