Chocolat N Spice Review: Fresh Muffins From $2.20 By Ex-Hotel Pastry Chef

Chocolat N’ Spice is a popular hawker bakery in Shunfu Mart

Shunfu Mart holds a special place in my memories. At least once a week, usually in the mornings, my family and I would wander through the hawker centre, half-asleep but slowly waking to the tempting aromas of umami-rich prawn mee, wok-fried bee hoon and more. The scents were almost overwhelming, but in the best way—an assault to the senses that made for the perfect start to the morning.

The ritual was simple: each of us received $5 for breakfast, and we’d gather in a circle as my parents handed out the cash. Watching everyone’s orders unfold was half the fun. Without fail, a muffin (or three) from Chocolat N’ Spice would appear on the table, and now and then my dad would return, proudly showing off the bakery’s latest creation in his hands.

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That memory stretches back almost 20 years. Today, the hawker bakery, which has been around since 2002, still occupies the same spot in the hawker centre—a rare feat in Singapore’s harsh and unstable F&B scene.

Food at Chocolat N’ Spice

Chocolat N’ Spice, headed by an ex-Mandarin Oriental pastry chef, first opened its flagship stall at Shunfu Mart in 2002. As word spread and their following grew, the team launched a second outlet at Tanjong Pagar Plaza two years later. That location closed in 2023 due to rising costs, but the brand continues to operate a second outlet in Telok Blangah.

Prices have risen gradually over the years—I think they were around $1.20 when I first tried them 20 years ago—but Chocolat N’ Spice muffins remain affordable, ranging from $2.20 to $3.50.

The Chocolate Chips ($2.50) is my childhood favourite for good reason. It features a buttery, vanilla-scented base studded with chocolate chips both inside and on top.

While the muffin was fluffy and tender throughout, the chocolate chips were a bit sparse. Still, the cake batter on its own was delicious, with a sweet, vanilla-like aroma that kept me going back for more.

If you’re feeling indulgent, the Valrhona Chocolate Bomb ($5) is a premium option and seems to be a limited-time special.

The brownie-like muffin is dense and moist, packed with rich dark chocolate flavour, though we wished the molten filling were a bit more generous.

For a more classic choice, the Banana Walnut ($2.20) muffin is hard to go wrong with, filled with chunks of banana and crunchy walnuts for a comforting, satisfying bite.

Another fruit-forward option is the Apple Cinnamon muffin ($3.20), where the vanilla-scented muffin batter is filled with a generously spiced apple mixture before baking.

The fragrant apple compote was lovely, though it made the cake slightly wetter than I prefer.

If I could pick only one muffin flavour, it would be the Cheese ($2.20). The combination of caramelised edges, fluffy cake, and creamy cheese cubes is spot on. I’m a big fan of sweet-and-savoury pairings, and this one hits the mark perfectly.

Side note: The muffins seem a little sweeter than I remember—perhaps it’s just me getting older and less tolerant of sweets—but some might find them slightly too sugary for their taste.

Besides muffins, Chocolat N’ Spice also rotates a small selection of house-baked cakes and pastries. One standout is the Pistachio Cake ($5), where a classic butter cake is elevated with pistachios. The nutty aroma and natural pistachio flavour paired beautifully with the buttery crumb, making each bite rich and satisfying—but not jelak.

There’s also the Eclair ($3.80), a simple but delicious treat.

The choux pastry was filled generously with rich chocolate cream, ensuring every bite was indulgent and satisfying.

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Chocolat N’ Spice — Eatbook review

Chocolat N’ Spice might not have the cheapest muffins in town, but with their consistent quality and wide range of flavours, it remains one of my favourite spots to grab fresh muffins in Singapore.

In other exciting food news, Surrey Hills Grocer has launched a new high tea at their ION Orchard outlet! Otherwise, if you’re looking to cross the causeway this weekend, check out our guide to the best JB cafes.

Address: 320 Shunfu Road, #02-12, Singapore 570320
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 7:30am to 2:30pm
Website
Chocolat N’ Spice is not halal-certified.

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Photos taken by John Lery Villanueva.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg.