Old World Charm

Being abroad for a span of 6-9months at each stretch, I am constantly amazed by the rapid changes in the city landscape. Yet, if you've read earlier posts, you'll know my fascination with everything old Singapore. Those old world peranakan shophouses that house everything from funky new retail shops/bistros/boutique cake shop along Ann Siang street, to art galleries and media/PR companies along the Amoy Street stretch are but one facet of the intrigue. What truly excites me is when I see a shophouse that has kept its original facade - grills, signboard and all.

Where people see backward, ugly, rusty or just plain ol' old, I see tradition, heritage and volumes of history. I see old world charm. S and I decided that we had to do the Chinatown - Kampong Glam heritage tour again, just because it felt right. Chinatown has become commercialised, but tell me which tourist destination hasn't? It is when you take the routes untaken and walk down new alleyways that you'll stumble upon something new. Wandering into mosques, walking past Chinese Medical Shops which could have definitely passed off as the Witches go-to supermarket (what with all the lizards, strange insectile thingies (?!) and all those nasties you put in boiling cauldrons) combines for the truly special Chinatown experience.

We chanced upon 大同饼家 or Tai Thong Cake Shop this time round. Having been around for half a century (now that's what I call real street cred), it is relatively impossible to not have heard of it or eaten their cakes. I have heard of their very famous Chinese New Year and Wedding pastries, but had no idea where their shop was located.

Call me ignorant if you must, but the stars must have decreed that I would have to find the place on my own, sans googlemap. And find it we did.

Tai Thong Cake Shop
#35, Mosque Street, Singapore