Park Backerei @ ICON Village - Singapore's First Traditional and Authentic German Brezel Bakery

Park Backerei, Singapore's first German pretzel bakery, has established its abode at ICON Village in Tanjong Pagar. Founded by Dennis von Berlepsch and his wife, Jane Lee Richard, the bakery showcases an artisanal array of freshly handcrafted German pretzels, lye-dipped bread, and pastries, encapsulating the authentic flavours of Germany.

The star of the show undoubtedly is the hand-shaped Swabian-style Pretzels ($3.90), originating from Southwest Germany. Distinguished by its slender ends and plump midsection, these pretzels offer a unique twist on the classic. Unlike the denser versions I've encountered previously, Park Backerei's iteration presents a moist and fluffy texture that doesn't weigh you down. Each bite beckons another, making it hard to resist. For those seeking a lighter indulgence, the Mini Pretzel ($2.50) offers a petite option for a satisfying afternoon snack.

Venturing into savoury territory, the Cheese Pretzel ($4.50) and Mini Cheese Pretzel ($2.80) offer a delightful twist - infusing Park Backerei's exceptional pretzel with cheddar cheese results in a delectable interplay of textures. The exterior achieves a lovely golden-brown crunch while maintaining a soft interior.

However, the bakery's prowess doesn't stop at pretzels. The Karamel Igel ($4.40) stands as a testament to their creativity, featuring a pretzel bun adorably shaped like a hedgehog, complete with a sumptuous homemade caramel spread. Expanding their horizons, Park Backerei introduces a range of tantalising stuffed bagels and sandwiches, all crafted from their proprietary pretzel dough recipe.

For savoury bagel enthusiasts, the Jalapeño Cheddar ($7.90) and Caprese Pesto ($7.90) present captivating options. The latter entwines aromatic basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses for a lively flavour palette. On the sweet side, the Speculoos Apple ($7.50) bagel shines with its indulgent combination of caramelised apples, diced apples for texture, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Diverse sandwiches further enrich the bakery's offerings. Inspired by German flavours, the Sausage Kraut ($15.90) brings forth smoked bratwurst and crispy fried onions, complemented by a tangy apple-caraway sauerkraut and piquant mustard aioli.

A vegetarian delight, the Brie ($14.90) is a blend of brie, caramelised onions, thinly sliced apples, and salted caramel pecans, creating a captivating fusion of textures.

Adding to the excitement, Park Backerei embraces the Oktoberfest spirit with an exclusive Oktoberfest Package ($88). Available for delivery and takeaway from 15 September to 29 October 2023, this package includes six Plain Pretzels and an assortment of sausages, such as Thuringer Snail Sausage, Nürnberger Sausage, and Smoked Bratwursts, alongside a side of tart apple sauerkraut. This celebration of flavours and traditions is a fitting homage to Germany's world-renowned beer festival.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Park Backerei
ICON Village
12 Gopeng Street
#01-41/42/52/53
Singapore 078877
Tel: +65 87562029
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 7pm
Sat-Sun: 8am - 2pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Princess Terrace @ Copthorne Kings Hotel - Time-Honoured Penang-Peranakan Buffet since 1970s

Indulge in the captivating flavours of Penang-Peranakan cuisine with the exquisite Penang-Peranakan Buffet at Princess Terrace. Located within the esteemed Copthorne King's Hotel Singapore, the exquisite buffet offers a diverse selection of time-honoured Penang-Peranakan dishes that have been perfected since the 1970s. From iconic Penang Hokkien Mee to the delightful Crispy Belachan Chicken Wings and an array of Nonya Kuehs, the buffet captures the essence of this distinctive culinary heritage.

Savour the essence of Penang through the Penang Char Kway Teow offered in Princess Terrace's buffet. This renowned dish features stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, chicken, bean sprouts, and Chinese chives, all infused with the characteristic wok hei smokiness. Seasoned with a flavourful blend of spices and sauces, this dish captures the true essence of Penang's culinary heritage.

Another must-try is the Penang Assam Laksa, which features a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, featuring thick rice noodles immersed in a tangy and aromatic fish-based broth. The medley of flavours is elevated with tamarind, creating a delightful balance of sour and savoury. This dish is a homage to Penang's culinary traditions, offering a captivating journey for the palate through its bold and zesty profile.

Not to be missed are the Crispy Belachan Chicken Wings. The wings are expertly coated with a crispy layer, revealing tender and succulent meat within. The magic lies in the aromatic belachan seasoning, which infuses the wings with a bold umami kick and a hint of spiciness.

The Char Moey presents a fusion of textures and tastes, showcasing wok-fried porridge that's been expertly prepared to achieve a delightful balance between creamy and slightly crispy. Unlike the usual porridge, it is mildly fried to a fragrant brown. The addition of minced pork, succulent prawns, and dried cuttlefish brings layers of savoury richness, complementing the porridge's comforting nature. This dish embodies both the heartwarming essence of comfort food and the intricate palate of Penang cuisine, making it a must-try highlight of the buffet.

The buffet at Princess Terrace showcases an array of enticing dishes such as the Yang Chow Fried Rice, Sambal Goreng Tempeh, Mutton Rendang, and Satays. The Chicken Curry is a fragrant delight, with tender pieces of chicken immersed in a luscious curry sauce that's a harmony of spices and coconut milk. At the same time, the Stir-Fried Roast Pork with Dark Sauce presents succulent roast pork enveloped in a savoury dark sauce, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and umami.

Quench your thirst with a soul-soothing cup of Teh Tarik, a beloved Malaysian beverage featured in the buffet at Princess Terrace. This iconic drink, whose name translates to "pulled tea," offers a delightful combination of strong black tea and sweetened condensed milk, expertly mixed through a process of "pulling" to create its signature frothy top. Served piping hot, the Teh Tarik perfectly balances the robust bitterness of the tea and the creamy sweetness of the milk.

Experience the delightful flavours of freshly prepared Bang Chang Kueh at Princess Terrace's buffet, where the chef crafts this delectable treat right before your eyes. This interactive station adds a touch of excitement to your dining experience as you watch the skilled chef expertly create these traditional pancakes. Available in two irresistible flavours – peanut and durian.

Round up the feast with a selection of Nonya Kuehs. This tantalizing array includes beloved classics like Kueh Bengkar, Abuk Abuk, Pulut Tai Tai, Kueh Lapis, and Kueh Talam. These traditional delights are meticulously crafted to capture Peranakan cuisine's authentic flavours and textures.

Don't forget to indulge in the refreshing delight of Chendol. At the DIY station, diners can create their personalized Chendol bowl by piling them with different components, adding an interactive and creative element to their dining experience. As you craft your Chendol masterpiece, the dessert's key ingredients come together in a symphony of tastes – the creaminess of the coconut milk, the fragrant sweetness of pandan, and the rich depth of palm sugar syrup.

Overall, the Princess Terrace buffet offers an immersive journey through Penang and Peranakan cuisine's vibrant flavours and rich heritage. The diverse range of offerings, from classic favourites to innovative twists, ensures that diners enjoy a satisfying meal and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness that defines Penang and Peranakan cuisine.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Princess Terrace
403 Havelock Road
#1F Copthorne Kings Hotel
Singapore 169632
Tel: +65 67330011
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock Road MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk straight down Havelock Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about about 6 minutes. [Map]