COVID-19 pandemic has affected many people's livelihood. Instead of waiting for the best for the world to turn better, many people have taken a brave and significant step forward to change and adapt to the new norm. This sees the birth of many Home Based Business (HBB), putting their baking and cooking skills to good use, supplementing some incomes for the family.
I have the chance to try a couple of these home-based businesses during this period, and here is a list of my top 10 home-based business that is worth ordering and trying.
A Sweet Mess
A Sweet Mess caught my attention for their Rainbow Ondeh Ondeh. They are soft and chewy, with oozing gula melaka in it. Importantly, it is not using those syrup type. She actually bought the gula melaka in a block, hand grate them and cook them. Their Banana Cake, Pandan Gula Melaka Cupcake, and Basque Burnt Cheese Cake received many raving reviews too.
Order via DM on Instagram @asweetmesssg
Any Hao Bao
To keep her parents occupied during circuit breaker, Francesca started AnyHaoBao for her parents to share their love of cooking. My favourite is their homecooked herbal chicken and achar. You get a whole chicken, cooked to tender. The herbal taste is relatively mild, so it should be acceptable to children. Interestingly it comes with two hard-boiled eggs. They also made Kong Bak Pau, but this is seasonal.
Order via DM on Instagram @anyhaobao
Edibles Bake Shop
My close friends will know that I am not really into dessert, hence for Edibles Bake Shop to make it my list, it has definitely won me over. The cupcakes are not overly sweet, well balanced and most importantly, very delicious. Serene is a very talented baker and does check out her beautiful cake. She can also customise cakes for that special occasion.
Order via http://www.ediblesbakeshop.net
Instagram @ediblesbakeshop
Hei Piah Family
The hardest-hit industry during the pandemic is the aviation sector. During this period, pilots and cabin crews are all grounded. Laura, an SQ cabin crew and her fashion designer husband, started Hei Piah Family to share her mother-in-law Prawn Fritter recipe. I tried their prawn fritter and fell in love. It is crispy on the outside and pillowy inside.
Order via WhatsApp +65 86964568
Instagram @heipiahfamily
Lady Boss Soy Sauce Chicken
Lady Boss Soy Sauce Chicken is a home base business started by Sandra Sim. She is one of the owners of Sum Yi Tai. Before I tried the soy sauce chicken, I have already heard my raving reviews. When I finally get to taste it, I was really impressed. Well marinated and infused with the fragrant soy sauce, the chicken was also tender and juicy. Not forgetting that super power chilli sauce that comes with it.
Order via https://www.ladybosschicken.com
Lor Bak Mama
Lor Bak Mama is started by Christine Yue, who has zero income when she has to closed her nail salons during the circuit breaker. Encouraged by her family and closed friends who have tried her lor bak, I am glad that I can get to savour this delicious braised pork belly that is cooked until melt in the mouth, absorbing the braising sauce that is packed with robustness.
Order via take.sg/s/6586680788
Instagram @lorbakmama
No Name Bake Store
I have tried many home bakers' bakes during this period, and I really like the pastry box from No Name Bake Store. For $30, you get 4 different pieces of cakes. There are Kaya Butter Roll, Blueberry Hill, Brownie Cheesecake and Chocolate Hazel Royal. For the upcoming festive seasons, it is rolling up a new pastry box. Do keep a lookout.
Order via online form
Instagram @nonamebakestore.sg
Noni Home Made Cooking
Noni caught my eyes for offering authentic Indonesia food. I tried both their Nasi Lemak and Nasi Liwet. I personally love the Nasi Liwet as this is my first time have aromatic rice with anchovies wrapped with banana leaves, cooked over the fire. It even comes with a whole grilled chicken leg and tofu.
Order via Instagram DM or WhatsApp +6594464249
Instagram @noni.sg
Slab Some Ribs
Affected by the pandemic, Elaine, a sales manager for a local airline has been on furlough, and on a good month may get to work up to two days a week. With the inconsistent workdays and significant financial impact, she started Slab Some Ribs to supplement her income. I have known many home-based businesses but selling pork ribs probably is the first. What's more she has an interesting flavour like Kicap Manis. I heard she is introducing a new Korean flavour for the upcoming festive season.
Order via take.sg/s/6596942060
Instagram @slabsomeribs
Two Bake Boys
Another home-based business started by an SQ cabin crew is Two Bake Boys. There are a lot of home bakers during this period and mostly focus on bakes such as brownies, cookies and burnt cheesecakes. Two Bake Boys is different, it is probably the first HBB that offers Authentic Thai Tea Crepe Cake. Currently, it has already expanded its menu with new flavours such as Matcha, Strawberry and Tiramisu.
Order via https://www.twobakeboys.com
Instagram @twobakeboys
