Established in 1998 by Daniel Tay, a man with a passion for pastry, Bakerzin is currently a well-known name in Singapore. Boasting four outlets as well as one takeaway counter, this café is most popular for its scrumptious desserts. However, with an extensive menu that goes way beyond the sweet and savoury, guests are spoilt for choice. Having recently launched a brand new menu featuring a selection of home-style dishes with a largely local flavour, Bakerzin is certain to continue growing worldwide by constantly re-inventing itself to cater to the masses.
As far as cafes go, Bakerzin Paragon certainly succeeds in providing everything a weary shopper needs – a good cup of coffee, a wide selection of both light and substantial meals, and a place to rest their feet. It offers a convenient no-frills dining experience but little more. However, their yummy desserts are reason enough to give this place a visit.
- The Vibe
Each Bakerzin outlet is designed to maintain its individuality whilst ensuring that the Bakerzin brand is consistent and instantly recognizable. The outlet at Paragon is French-inspired, and as with the other outlets, its focal point comes in the form of its dessert display, an illuminated glass showcase of the café's sweet specialties. Don't expect a quiet meal at this outlet, as Bakerzin is continually bustling with activity and it could well prove difficult finding a seat during peak hours.
- The Food
Be awed by the sheer multitude of dishes, drinks and desserts offered by Bakerzin. From bruschetta and sandwiches, to pastas, pizzas, soups, salads and of course, local delights, this is one café that pretty much has it all. In terms of desserts, Bakerzin offers ice-creams and sorbets, cakes, soufflés – basically the whole works. Their selection of sodas, teas and coffees is also extremely impressive.Refresh yourself after a strenuous day of shopping with a Strawberry Lavender Lime ($5.80) or the popular Fruity Cooler ($6.20). While the former is essentially a soda with rose syrup and a strong taste of lime, the latter contains bits of fruit which make for an interesting treat.
The Seafood Flaky Pizza ($14.80) differentiates itself from the competition with a flaky, pastry base which is a welcome respite from the usual doughy base associated with pizza. With a generous portion of prawns, squid, mussels and olives, the pizza is not too filling and its ingredients fresh.
Those with a penchant for spice will appreciate the Assam Prawns with Rice ($14.80), which are not for the faint hearted. It is hard to gauge the freshness of the prawns, as the spicy sauce is somewhat overwhelming.
An authentic home-style dish can be found in the form of the Prawn Ramen Soup with Braised Pork Belly ($14.80). Startlingly reminiscent of hawker fare, albeit with much bigger and more succulent prawns, this slightly salty dish is tasty, but seems hardly worth its exorbitant price. Fortunately, the addition of sliced braised pork belly makes it seem more worth it.
Speaking of pork belly, the Braised Pork Belly with Rice ($13.80) is inspired by a family recipe. Served with Japanese rice which is fluffier, the pork is tender and soft, with fatty bits which are not too greasy.
While their macaroons are popular, one of the more noteworthy desserts at Bakerzin is theWarm Chocolate Cake($9.80). A chocolate cake casement oozes gooey, warm Valrhona chocolate atop an orange slice which gives the dessert a pleasantly tangy taste. Served with homemade vanilla ice-cream, orange confit and seasonal berries, this cake is rich and decadent, and is deliciously sinful.
- The Service
Perhaps owing to the crowd, which seemingly never thins out, the service at Bakerzin is a little slow. The servers seem slightly frazzled and food does take awhile to arrive. However, their politeness and professionalism cannot be faulted. It is plain to see that they do try their best to stay on top of things.
As far as cafes go, Bakerzin Paragon certainly succeeds in providing everything a weary shopper needs – a good cup of coffee, a wide selection of both light and substantial meals, and a place to rest their feet. It offers a convenient no-frills dining experience but little more. However, their yummy desserts are reason enough to give this place a visit.
