The Test Kitchen: Charming Family Bakery By Rebecca Lim Brings Artisanal Flair to Singapore's CBD

Singapore's ever-evolving café scene has welcomed a particularly intriguing newcomer this May 2025. The Test Kitchen, co-founded by popular local actress Rebecca Lim alongside her family members, represents the physical manifestation of what began as a humble home-based bakery called The Lim's Kitchen.

From Home Kitchen to CBD Success

The journey began in 2021 when Daniel Lim, Rebecca's older brother, launched the online bakery The Lim's Kitchen. What started as a pandemic-era venture quickly gained a devoted following for its artisanal sourdough loaves and laminated pastries. Despite enjoying success from its beginnings as a home-based baker – their bread sold out in just four days – it has taken the family-run business four years to open its first-ever physical café.

The transition wasn't without its challenges. The family faced rejections from several malls before securing their current location at Cross Street Exchange. Rebecca acknowledges that whilst her star power has certainly helped the business gain initial traction, their food must "stand on its own two feet" to satisfy Singaporean's discerning palates.

Design and Atmosphere

The Test Kitchen occupies the former Maison Kayser shop space, positioned strategically beside windows that face out towards Cross Street. Design-wise, the space blends sleek maroon curves with stone-textured counters that feel sculpted and grounded. Natural light floods in through large windows and gives the place a modern warmth, though it's really more a functional space for the CBD folks.

The 40-seat establishment strikes a balance between contemporary aesthetics and practical functionality, catering to the working professionals who populate this financial district. The café maintains an approachable atmosphere where customers might even find Rebecca herself serving sandwiches and explaining menu items to curious patrons!

Signature Pastries

The Test Kitchen's pastry selection showcases the technical prowess that initially made The Lim's Kitchen famous online. Their signature cronigiri – playful onigiri-shaped croissants – represent the brand's innovative spirit, with the exclusive Lobster version (S$8.20) topped with chunky lobster meat and mentaiko mayo, finished with nori and toasted furikake. Other variations include the Truffle Tamago (S$4.50), Unagi (S$5) and Smokedb Salmon (S$5).

The Egg Tart (S$2.90) demonstrates particular finesse, described as "a cross between a crème brûlée and a croissant," utilising the same laminated dough for its crust and moulded into a thin, even shell to cradle the luscious, creamy custard. They’re only available after 2pm, and it’s not hard to see why they get snapped up quickly!

Other standout pastries include the Milo Dinosaur Rondo (S$5), featuring a flaky, cylinder-shaped cruffin filled with creamy Milo cream and topped with Milo powder, and the indulgent Kaya Honey Butter Toast.

Other Offerings

Beyond pastries, the café offers a thoughtful selection of sandwiches and mezze bowls that cater to the lunch crowd. Sandwich options include the Babe's Babi Assam Baggie with tamarind pork belly (S$14), which holds particular sentimental value as it was named in memory of Daniel's wife's late grandmother. There’s also the Roast Beef Baggie with wagyu and mushrooms (S$15), as well as Turkey Baggie with gribiche and vegetables (S$15). All sandwiches feature house-baked bread and meats made from scratch.

The mezze bowls provide lighter Mediterranean-inspired options, including a Mushroom version with kale, hummus and sourdough (S$13.50), or Eggplant with baba ghanoush (S$12.50). Add-ons like Chicken Yakitori (S$4), Wagyu Beef Rump (S$5.50), and Onsen Egg (S$2) allow for customisation.

Operating Details

Fresh bakes are stocked daily at 8:30am and 11:30am respectively, ensuring optimal freshness throughout service hours. The Test Kitchen also charges nett pricing, making it particularly attractive in Singapore's F&B landscape.

Final Verdict

The Test Kitchen feels like a family project done right – thoughtful and not over-polished. They succeed in translating the online success of The Lim's Kitchen into a physical space that serves both as a showcase for great pastries as well as and a welcoming café. Overall, it's a spot that will likely find its way onto the lists of avid café-hoppers, particularly once the weekend brunch service potentially launches.

Address: #01-13 Cross Street Exchange, 18 Cross Street, Singapore 048423
Opening Hours: 8:30am-4pm (Mon to Fri)