10 places in Singapore to get the best egg tarts in Singapore

When it comes to egg tarts in Singapore, it often boils down to two choices — the crumbly, crisp, and cookie-like texture of shortcrust pastry or the flaky, airy crunch of puff pastry. But if you just love the contrasting interplay between the fragrant and creamy egg custard filling against the stiffer crust with no particular crust favourite, then the world is literally your oyster. Ahead, we share 10 shops that have become known for their crispy and fragrant egg tarts in Singapore. These range from small, neighbourhood bakeries, and home-based businesses to Hong Kong-style cafes known as cha chaan tengs.

1. Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts

Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts is one of the most well-known purveyors of egg tarts in Singapore, known for its Portuguese-style morsels characterised by eggy custard scorched at the top, and flaky crust. The store is situated along Tanjong Katong Road and can be easily spotted by its bright yellow and maroon signboard. The brand has been around since 1998 and continues to make the tarts daily, using puff pastry for a flaky crust. There are two sizes — Original (from $2.50) and Mini (from $3.90 for three)

Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts is at 198 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 436997. Visit its Instagram for more information.

2. Qinde Egg Tart

Qinde Egg Tart is the brainchild of former engineer Robbie Liang. He used to live in Yunnan, China and sold yoghurt desserts with his Chinese wife. One day, the missus made flaky Portuguese egg tarts and sold them at the shop. The couple later moved back to Singapore and set up a hawker stall in Whampoa, where they continue to sell these egg tarts (from $1.80), which are baked fresh daily. They have also gotten praise for being not overly sweet — great for those who don’t have too much of a sweet tooth.

Qinde Egg Tart is at 90 Whampoa Dr, #01-42 Whampoa Makan Place, Singapore 320090.

3. Milet

Previously known as Mother-in-Law Egg Tart, Milet was birthed during the 2020 Circuit Breaker period by Evangeline and her mother-in-law after they realised they had an amazing egg tart recipe in their hands. Now, the online store continues to make its egg tarts with flaky, puffy shells in interesting sweet and savoury options such as Original, Yam & Purple Potato, Chilli Crab, and Gula Melaka. You can choose between normal and mini sizes (from $6.60 for three normal sizes). Also, keep an eye out for its rotation of seasonal flavours.

Visit Milet’s website for more information.

4. Swish Rolls

Swish Rolls are known for two baked goods — Swiss roll cakes and croissants. But if you take a closer look at its menu, you’ll find unique flavours of egg tarts available, too. And instead of the usual puff pastry or pie crust, flaky croissant dough is used instead. There’s the Original Croissant Egg Tart ($2.50) for purists. Then there’s the pistachio-flavoured Happy Croissant Egg Tart ($3.50), Salted Egg Yolk Mochi Egg Tart ($4.50), Mochi Croissant Egg Tart ($2.50), and the Taro Red Bean Croissant Egg Tart ($4).

Swish Rolls is at 290 Orchard Rd, B1-K4 Paragon Shopping Centre, Singapore 238859. Visit its website for more information.

5. Kwaasong Bakeshop

In case you didn’t realise, the name Kwaasong is a playful twist on the French bread croissant. And of course, the crispy, buttery creation in all its available variants here are must-tries. But if you’re here for egg tarts, check out the eye-catching oval Egg Tart ($5.50) made with a flaky crust. Good to know: Kwaasong Bakeshop, which started operations last December near Boat Quay, uses only Insigny AOP French Butter and Nuyolk eggs to make its baked goods.

Kwaasong Bakeshop is at 13 Lor Telok, Singapore 049026. Visit its Instagram for more information.

6. Tai Cheong Bakery

Tai Cheong Bakery is a Hong Kong label that needs little introduction. Egg tart master Au Yeung’s uncle started the business in 1954 before he took over it. He later created the egg tart made with cookie crust that has since become synonymous with the brand after gaining popularity with locals and foreigners alike. Choose between the classic Egg Tart (from $2.40) or the Pandan Egg Tart (from $2.60) if you want something different. Otherwise, there’s also Coconut Tart, Chicken Pie, Lao Po Bing, and more.

Tai Cheong Bakery has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its Facebook for more information.

7. Tong Heng Traditional Cantonese Pastries

First-generation owner Mr Fong Chee Heng started Tong Heng in the 1920s as a streetside drinks stall in Pasir Panjang. The famed heritage bakery didn’t start selling egg tarts until 1935 and is now under the leadership of fourth-generation owner and his great-granddaughter Ana Fong. The egg tarts (from $2.40) sold at Tong Heng have an instantly recognisable diamond shape, with a smooth, wobbly and glossy bright yellow curd nestled in a buttery crust. There are other pastries too, such as Green Bean Pastry and Wife Pastry.

Tong Heng Traditional Cantonese Pastries is at 285 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058833 and 1 Jurong West Central B1-10 Jurong Point, Singapore 648886. Visit its Instagram for more information.

8. Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries

As the name suggests, Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries hails from Hong Kong. Chef Chik Sang started the establishment more than four decades ago and it has since become famous for its signature egg tarts (from $2.20). There are two variants here — one made with a crispy puff pastry crust that is said to have 120 layers or the one with a cookie-like pie crust. Other classic Hong Kong pastries such as Polo Bun and BBQ Chicken Puff are available too.

Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries has multiple locations in Singapore. Visit its Instagram for more information.

9. Honolulu Cafe

Honolulu Cafe is a cha chaan teng, or a local-style cafe, that hails from Hong Kong. It was founded by Yeung Jin Hei in the 1940s and is known for its flaky egg tarts that boast 192 layers. At the two outlets in Singapore, Honolulu Cafe continues to sell its iconic Honolulu Crispy Egg Tarts (from $9.20 for four pieces) alongside the Crispy Polo Egg Tart (from $13.60 for four pieces). The menu also comprises other traditional cha chaan teng fare such as baked rice, polo buns, and noodles.

Honolulu Cafe is at 176 Orchard Rd, #01-33 F/G Centrepoint, Singapore 238843 and 3 Gateway Dr, #02-06 Westgate, Singapore 608532. Visit its Facebook for more information.

10. Joy Luck Teahouse

Joy Luck Teahouse was brought into Singapore by the same people who brought Tim Ho Wan and Kam’s Roast to our shores. The Hong Kong cha chaan teng is known for three signature products — egg tarts, pineapple buns, and milk tea — all of which are synonymous with the island. There are a couple of egg tart flavours to choose at Joy Luck Teahouse: Egg Tart (from $2.70) made with puff pastry and butter cookie, Collagen Egg Tart (from $3.20) made with Korean fish collagen, Pandan Egg Tart (from $2.90), and Lychee Popping Joy Egg Tart (from $2.90), and 22 Carat French Gold Flakes Egg Tart (from $6.20).

Joy Luck Teahouse is at 200 Victoria St, B1-K25 Bugis Junction, Singapore 188021 and 9 Bishan Pl, B1-03/03A Junction 8, Singapore 579837. Visit its Facebook for more information.

This article was originally published in Singapore Women’s Weekly.