Nearly two years after its quiet departure, Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts makes a rather unexpected comeback to Singapore’s F&B scene. This time, the revival comes with a youthful energy led by 18-year-old baking enthusiast Vernice Olivia Ong. Working closely with the brand’s original founder, she honours its legacy while steering it into a new chapter — reimagined as a modern Macau cha chaan teng-inspired concept at Aperia Mall.no GST.
What was once a humble takeaway bakery has now evolved into a casual dine-in space, Madeleine at Aperia Mall, offering a wider menu of comforting Macanese-inspired fare, all kept accessible with wallet-friendly pricing and no GST.
Original Egg Tart 3/5
Working closely with Madeleine’s original founder to preserve the brand’s heritage while introducing it to a new generation of diners. Under the original founder’s guidance, the Original Portuguese Egg Tart ($2.50) is naturally the star attraction. Having learnt the original recipe and techniques directly from the founder, Vernice aims to preserve the nostalgic flavours many remember. However, on this visit, the execution felt slightly off. The custard appeared overbaked, taking on a curdled texture rather than the desired silky smoothness. While the pastry retained its signature flakiness, it lacked that crisp, buttery bite that elevates a good egg tart. It’s a decent rendition, but one that still needs fine-tuning to reach its full potential.
Gula Melaka Egg Tart 3/5
A localised twist comes in the form of the Gula Melaka Portuguese Egg Tart ($2.80). Infused with caramelised palm sugar, this version fares slightly better. The custard here was more balanced in texture, avoiding the overbaked consistency of the original. That said, the gula melaka flavour could be more pronounced to truly deliver that rich, smoky sweetness that defines the ingredient.
Pork Chop Bun 3/5
Beyond pastries, the Pork Chop Bun ($5.90) channels classic Macau street-food vibes. Sandwiched between toasted buns, the pork chop is paired with mustard-seed sauerkraut and a sweet shoyu glaze. While the meat wasn’t the most tender, it carried decent seasoning and flavour. It’s a satisfying, no-frills bite, though it stops short of being particularly memorable.
Minchee Rice 2/5
The Minchee Rice ($10.90), often regarded as a staple Macanese comfort dish, comes with minced meat and a hidden onsen egg beneath it. Meant to be mixed together for a harmonious bite, the dish felt rather pedestrian in execution. While hearty in concept, it lacked depth and excitement, coming across as overly simple and underwhelming compared to expectations.
Pan-Roasted African Chicken 3.5/5
A stronger showing comes from the Pan-Roasted African Chicken ($9.80). This signature Macanese dish — influenced by Portuguese colonial history — features tender chicken coated in a rich, aromatic sauce made with peanut butter, coconut milk, and spices. The chicken was flavourful and tender, and the addition of a fried egg and quinoa made it a well-rounded, hearty meal. At under $10, it delivers solid value and stands out as one of the better dishes on the menu.
Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts’ return is both nostalgic and refreshing, especially with a young owner at the helm breathing new life into the brand. While the intention to preserve heritage while innovating is commendable, the execution across some dishes still requires refinement — particularly the signature egg tarts that built its reputation. That said, there is clear potential here. With time and consistency, this revival could very well find its footing and win over a new generation of diners while rekindling fond memories for returning fans.
Note: This is an invited tasting session.
Madeleine's
Aperia Mall
#01-54
12 Kallang Avenue
Singapore 339511
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 730am - 6pm
Sat-Sun: 730am - 7pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the traffic junction of Kallang Road and Lavender Street. Cross the road. Turn left onto Lavender Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]
