L.E. Cafe Confectionery & Pastry - Creators of the Beancurd Tart

Some food institutions don’t just survive the test of time — they define it. L.E. Cafe Confectionery & Pastry has been doing exactly that since 1949, quietly holding its ground as one of Singapore’s oldest and most beloved cake and pastry shops. But what makes this heritage bakery truly remarkable isn’t just its age — it’s the fact that it invented an entirely new type of tart that no other bakery in the world can claim as their own.

Soy Beancurd Tarts — The One That Started It All

Before L.E. Cafe introduced it in the 1990s, beancurd tarts simply didn’t exist. Today, they are the bakery’s crown jewel and arguably one of the most uniquely Singaporean pastries you’ll ever taste. The filling is made from freshly prepared soy beancurd — silky smooth, delicately sweetened, and lightly fragrant with a hint of almond. It sits in a stiff, buttery pastry cup that crumbles beautifully with each bite, creating a contrast that is nothing short of addictive.

The tarts are made fresh daily and are best enjoyed straight from the fridge, where the cool, jelly-like beancurd filling becomes almost dangerously refreshing. At around $10 to $12 for a box of 8, they’re a steal — but you’ll need to pre-order by phone, because they sell out faster than you’d expect. Food lovers who’ve had them swear they’d pick these over egg tarts any day of the week.

For those who want variety, L.E. Cafe also offers mixed beancurd tarts with add-ins like lychee, red bean, grass jelly, and ginkgo nuts, giving regulars something new to look forward to on every visit.

Golf Ball Pineapple Tarts — A CNY Legend

Come Chinese New Year, L.E. Cafe transforms into something of a pilgrimage site. Their golf ball-sized pineapple tarts are so in demand that the bakery shuts down all other production from January to March just to focus on churning them out — and even then, you’ll need to place your order months in advance.

The reason for the madness? Each tart is packed with an exceptionally generous amount of juicy, homemade pineapple jam wrapped in a buttery, crumbly pastry that holds its shape without being overly dense. Many loyal customers have been gifting these to family and relatives every CNY for years, making them one of the most recognisable and anticipated festive treats in Singapore. Available throughout the year outside of the CNY rush, though early ordering is always strongly recommended.

Swiss Rolls — Old-School Done Right

L.E. Cafe’s Swiss rolls are a throwback to a simpler era of baking, and they deliver with quiet confidence. The Fresh Cream Mandarin Orange Swiss Roll is a standout — a soft, fluffy sponge cake laced with subtle orange flavour, filled and topped with real fresh cream and actual orange bits. It’s generously sized, yielding around 8 thick slices, making it ideal for sharing.

The Chocolate Rice Swiss Roll is another crowd favourite for those who lean towards richer flavours. At around $9, these rolls offer impressive value for the quality and size you’re getting — and they’ve earned a loyal following among those who grew up eating them.

Buttercream Sponge Cakes — Pure Nostalgia

For anyone who grew up in Singapore in the 70s or 80s, the sight of L.E. Cafe’s old-school buttercream sponge cakes will immediately trigger a wave of nostalgia. Decorated with colourful cream patterns and fruit jam atop a light, fluffy sponge base, these cakes are a reminder of birthday celebrations from a different era — the kind where less was more and flavour came first. A box of 6 pieces goes for $12, making it one of the most affordable ways to take a bite of Singapore’s culinary past.

L.E. Cafe Confectionery & Pastry is not a trendy new café with mood lighting and a carefully curated Instagram grid. It is something far more valuable — a 75-year-old institution that has remained true to its craft, producing handmade pastries with no pork and no lard, batch by batch, day after day. Whether you’re after the beancurd tarts that no other bakery can replicate, the legendary CNY pineapple tarts, or a nostalgic sponge cake from decades past, L.E. Cafe delivers in a way that only time-tested places can. This one’s worth the trip — and the wait.

Mackenzie Road (Main Outlet)
31/33 Mackenzie Road, #01-01, Singapore 228686
Tel: +65 6337 2417

Cambridge Road
Blk 42 Cambridge Road, #01-02, Singapore 210042
Tel: +65 6298 1477

Veerasamy Road
Blk 637 Veerasamy Road, #01-111, Singapore 200637
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:30am – 7:00pm | Sunday: 10:30am – 4:00pm