Uncle Lee Confectionery Review: Old-School Kaya Cake, $0.80 Custard Puffs And More In Bugis

Uncle Lee Confectionery has old-school cakes in Bugis

Back in 2021, when we reviewed Tanglin Halt’s gem of a bakery, Hock Ann Confectionery, we were drawn by their old-school decor and traditional offerings. Shortly after the article went live, Head Baker Uncle Lee left the business to open his own bakery at a new location under a different name: Uncle Lee Confectionery.

Image credit: @uncleleeconfectionery

With over 35 years of baking experience, Uncle Lee still runs the show, though the operations are family-owned—his sons and daughter-in-law are part of the baking and management team.

Food at Uncle Lee Confectionery

For those who are unaware, this is head baker Uncle Lee’s very own bakery. As he does not have proprietary rights to Hock Ann Confectionery, both businesses are unaffiliated. Nonetheless, you can expect the same best-sellers on the menu, including Butter Cookie ($20) and Custard Puffs ($4 for five pieces), all of which require online pre-order. There are limited items for walk-in purchases, so you’ll want to contact the store before dropping by.

Their Kaya Cake ($21, six-inch) is a must-try—think fluffy pandan sponge layered with housemade pandan kaya custard. At the peak of its popularity back in 2021, the cake even had a month-long waitlist!

I’ve tried this cake multiple times over the years, ever since I first discovered it in 2021, and it has never disappointed me. There’s something so nostalgic about this kaya cake—it reminded me of a more homely, less sweet version of the iconic Bengawan Solo Pandan Kaya Cake I grew up celebrating my birthdays with.

The Peanut Vanilla Sponge Cake ($15, six-inch) is another fan favourite. It features fluffy vanilla chiffon layered with a light, slightly salted buttercream and coated with generous amounts of crushed peanuts.

It’s easy to see why it’s so popular: the peanuts are carefully roasted and crushed in-store every day before being piled onto the cake.

The combination of crunchy peanuts, smooth buttercream that isn’t overly rich, and light-as-air cake layers creates a party of textures and flavours in every bite—one that keeps you coming back for more.

Another old-school classic is the Marble Cake ($15, six-inch).

Incredibly buttery with a tender crumb and a lovely marbled finish, this cake is perfect for teatime. My only gripe is that I wish there were more chocolatey swirls throughout the cake!

Orh nee fans will be happy to know that the Nostalgic Yam Cake ($28, six-inch) is available for pre-order on the brand’s website.

Having tried it earlier this year at a Suntec vending machine pop-up, I can happily report that it tasted just as good as I remembered. I especially enjoyed the combination of smooth buttercream and earthy yam bits, which added extra creaminess and depth of flavour to each bite.

Uncle Lee is also known for his affordable custard puffs, which feature freshly baked choux pastry piped with custard.

These throwback treats are worth mentioning, as they’re hard to come by these days—especially at this price. A box of five goes for $4, which works out to just $0.80 per piece.

Unfortunately, the custard filling was firmer and more egg-forward than I expected, and the choux pastry was a little dry. I’d skip these if you don’t have the stomach space for extra pastries.

Ambience at Uncle Lee Confectionery

Now located along Jalan Pisang, just a seven-minute walk from Bugis MRT Station, the bakery sports a refreshed logo and a clean, modern storefront. Large windows flood the space with natural light, while green and gold accents add an elegant touch. You can even catch the bakers hard at work in the open kitchen at the back of the store.

Do note that the bakery is takeaway-only. You’ll need to place your order on the website before heading down to collect your cakes.

Uncle Lee Confectionery – Eatbook Review

Despite being takeaway-only, Uncle Lee Confectionery scores with its range of old-school cakes that are both well made and affordably priced. I just hope they open an outlet in the East someday, though that might be dangerous for both my wallet and waistline!

If you’re in the area, check out our Bugis food guide for affordable unagi don, Wagyu buffet and more. Alternatively, read our guide to the best high tea deals in Singapore for 2026, including discounts on hotel options!

Address: 4 Jalang Pisang, Singapore 199071
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 5pm
Tel: 9386 0412
Website
Uncle Lee Confectionery is not halal-certified.

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Photos taken by Nivian Chiang.
This was a media drop from Uncle Lee Confectionery.