Cheng's 27 - $40 Ultra Luxury Chiffon Cake In Tiong Bahru

This unassuming family-run spot in Tiong Bahru has been quietly serving what many consider Singapore's best pandan chiffon cake - and yes, it costs $40 for a whole cake, but trust us when we say it's worth every single dollar.

Walking into Cheng's 27 feels like stepping into your friend's upgraded family kopitiam. The place is bright and very clean, a refreshing take on the traditional coffeeshop setup. Tables lined the outside corridor of the small shop front, with basic decor that characterises the serene nostalgic vibes of the Tiong Bahru neighborhood.

What makes this place special isn't just the modernized interior - it's the genuine family atmosphere. Eating at Cheng's is similar to eating at a friend's house. It exudes friendly and welcoming vibes. The Cheng siblings run the show with such passion that you can tell this isn't just a business - it's their life's work.

Legendary Gula Melaka Chiffon Cake

Let's talk about the elephant in the room - that $40 pandan chiffon cake that has food bloggers raving and customers coming back for more. Their best-selling Gula Melaka Chiffon Cake ($5 per slice, $40 for 8 slices) is made with extra-virgin organic coconut oil.

Here's what makes it special:

• Fresh, cold-pressed pandan juice instead of artificial essence

• Extra-virgin organic coconut oil for that perfect moist texture

• Pure gula melaka that creates those Instagram-worthy oozing moments

• Baked fresh daily for optimal flavor and texture

Even after 4 days it was still fluffy and soft, the gula Melaka (palm sugar) still oozing nicely out from the chiffony pandan flavoured sponge. One reviewer even called it "the best chiffon cake ever" - high praise indeed!

Pro tip: At $5 per slice, you can try before committing to the whole cake. But honestly? You'll probably end up buying the whole thing anyway.

Beyond The Cake: Hidden Zi Char Gems

While everyone comes for the cake, don't sleep on their zi char menu. The Crispy Chicken with Ginger (S$15) started the dinner on the right groove. The slightly crisp fried chicken, with vinegar ginger sauce, make this dish a delectable mains.

Other must-tries include:

• Canned Pig Trotters Bee Hoon ($20) - rich, complex sauce that's become a signature

• Sambal Prawns - fresh and perfectly spiced

• Artisanal Hainanese Kaya ($15) - made with fresh pandan juice and eggs, cooked for hours

The restaurant will serve up their Kaya Biscuits complimentary to all diners, to end the dinner on a sweet note - because the Cheng family knows how to treat their customers right.

Three Generations of Flavor Legacy

This isn't some trendy pop-up - this family-run business spans 3 generations, originating from the grandparents' Chinatown home and moving to Tiong Bahru. Glenn's grandfather started this family restaurant many years ago in Peking Street. The current eatery has been in Tiong Bahru since the 1990's.

The business has evolved beautifully under the third generation. Dawn Cheng, the third-generation boss, brings a modern touch while respecting traditional recipes. For my cakes I use organic coconut oil and cold-pressed pandan juice instead of pandan essence, so they are a lot more fragrant for the cakes.

Fun fact: Even the logo is inspired by the family pet – a cat that roamed in and out of the shop for food back in 1989. How cute is that?

The Price Reality Check

Let's be honest - Cheng's 27 isn't cheap. The only thing that people would complain about is probably the price which tends to be a little on the high side. But here's the thing: they don't compromise on the quality of their ingredients, so you are getting only fresh meats and seafood.

Price guide:

• Gula Melaka Chiffon Cake: $5/slice, $40/whole cake

• Zi char dishes: $15-20 per dish

• Average spend: $20-30 per person

• Artisanal Kaya: $15 per bottle

Address: 27 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168654
Phone: +65 6223 7883
Opening Hours:

• Monday, Wednesday-Sunday: 10:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm

• Tuesday: Closed

Delivery: Available island-wide with no minimum order ($10-18 depending on location, free for orders above $150)