Another bakery has filled the foodie enclave with the sweet scent of baking bread but with a different in a niche market by incorporating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to their bread. Setup by founder Coreen Wong, Dough & Grains is the first Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) bread retailer in Singapore. It was a carbo overloaded afternoon trying out some of the innovative products but its all worth it when each of them comes with health benefits for the body.
The Red Tomato ($1.90) is made with Red Yeast Rice and Tomato. The bread helps to prevent muscle weakness, bloating and intestinal disorders.
The Black Pearl ($1.90) which is one of the signature buns incorporates Shou Wu, Bamboo Charcoal and Walnut into the dough. Shou Wu is not an easy ingredients and Dough & Grains probably is the first in town to master the art of doing some. Eating the black pearl bun promotes longevity, helps to retain youthful look, prevent hair loss and greying of hair.
The Jade Lychee ($1.90) is made of Green Tea, Lychee and Apricot. It prevents the growth of cancer cells, lowering cholesterol and helps to burn fat. If you need a detox, try the Lotus Flower ($1.90) which has licorice, lotus seed and red bean.
I was told this is the lady's flavour. The White Pearl ($1.90) uses only raw sugar, raisin and walnut. Topped with black sesame, this is a super low fat bread.
The Ying & Yang ($1.90) comes with a black sesame paste inside and white sesame seed outside. Sesame has anti-ageing effects and improves metabolism.
One of the more expensive bun at the bakery is the Eight Treasure ($2.30). The bun comes with 8 different types of nuts and hence the name. You can find black and white sesame, pine nut, walnut, macadamia sunflower seed, almond and cranberry.
If you need to strengthen your kidney and joints or improve blood circulation. the Chestnut Bun ($1.90) will be the one to eat.
One of the more savoury bun that I tried is the BMW ($1.80) basically stands for BBQ, Mushroom and Wings. The combination of chicken and mushroom in BBQ sauce gives one a filling satisfaction.
There are many other creations at Dough & Grains using TCM. Starting from the top left corner we have the Walnut Yam ($1.90) that is stuffed with homemade yam paste where generally yam is known to prevent heart attack and stroke while walnut decreased risk of certain cancers.
Going clockwise, we have the Wolfberry Chrysanthemum ($1.90) which replenishes blood and brighten eyesight.
Next is Lotus Green Bean, Salted ($1.90) that replenishes Qi, blood and improves weak body.
Lastly, the Homemade Sweet Potato ($1.90) that combines both the purple and Japan potato. Sweet potato helps to lower high cholestrol, constipation and colorectal cancer.
I have to say I was a bit skeptical when I heard about Dough & Grains TCM bread. They must be very awful tasting since traditional chinese medicines are usually very bitter. How wrong am I after tasting all these delectable breads and the numerous health benefits for the body. These breads were as tasty and fluffy or even better than those branded bakery chains.
Dough & Grains
71 Seng Poh Road
#01-35
Singapore 160071
Tel: +65 62255223
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoughGrains
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line), Outram (EW Line, NE Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 8pm
(Closed on Wed)
Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Head east on Tiong Bahru Road towards Jalan Membina. Walk down Tiong Bahru and turn right onto Kim Pong Road. Turn left onto Lim Liak Street. Walk to end of Lim Liak Street and turn right onto Seng Poh Road. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Outram MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to bus stop opposite Outram MRT station (Stop ID 06011). Take bus no. 33, 63, 75, 851 or 970. Alight 1 stop later at Blk 55 Tiong Bahru Road. Continue on Tiong Bahru Road and turn left onto Seng Poh Road. Continue on Seng Poh Road until destination. Journey time 8 minutes. [Map]
