The Twisted Trio - HDB Bakery Cafe at Toa Payoh

As a lover of both coffee and cake, I was thrilled to discover a hidden gem in the heartlands that offers both in spades. The cafe in question is a humble storefront tucked away in an old estate of Toa Payoh, but don’t let its unassuming exterior fool you – inside, you’ll find some of the most creative and delicious baked goods and drinks in the area.

One of the standout offerings at this cafe is their watermelon cake ($12), a nod to the famous version served at Australia’s Black Star Pastry. For someone who have had the chance to taste the original, I can confidently say that the version served at this cafe is not too far off.

Although I found the watermelon a little too moist to pair with the layers of sponge and cream, it brought me back to the old days when I discovered the surprising combination of both watermelon and cake. The cake itself is moist and fluffy, with a delicate crumb that practically melts in your mouth. The watermelon flavor is subtle but present, adding a refreshing note to the overall taste.

But the real showstopper here is the frosting – a generous layer of creamy, dreamy white vanilla ganache that’s perfectly balanced with the tartness of the watermelon. It’s a true flavor explosion, and one that I couldn’t get enough of.

But the watermelon cake isn’t the only standout item on the menu – the cafe also serves a variety of other elevated cakes, as well as a range of coffee and tea drinks. The baristas here are true professionals, and the drinks are always perfectly brewed and served. My favourite is the iced tea on promotion, only at $1! I didnt expect much but it was extremely refreshing in the hot weather as only outdoor seating was available.

If you’re in the heartlands and looking for a delicious treat or a great cup of coffee, this is the place to go. It may be a humble storefront, but the quality of the food and drink given its price makes it a great place to chill with your mates. The cakes are on the pricier side compared to its drinks, but I would hop by just for that $1 iced tea!