Classic Cakes

Classic Cakes – 41 Sunset Way, Clementi Arcade

I've always had a soft spot for quiche. There's something about a creamy, savoury custard in a buttery pastry shell that renders it immediately comforting and satisfying. As such, when the quiche from this joint in my neighbourhood was lauded in the newspapers, I could not but check it out. Prices are very reasonable if pitched at the upper rungs of heartland clientele, two slices of quiche and a dessert apiece for my friend and I amounted to $29.80.

We waited awhile for our slices of Three Mushroom & Scallion Quiche ($4) to be warmed and it was well worth it. The rich, earthy umaminess of the different mushrooms was amplified by a firm, creamy custard. The flaky, buttery pastry was dense, rendering it quite substantial.

We followed this with slices of the classic Quiche Lorraine ($4) which were quite sweet from the inclusion of caramelised onions. The bacon did not overwhelm with its porcine character but rather seeped into the smooth custard as an accent.

Hankering for something sweet, I was delighted to find Mille Crepe ($6.60) on display. This would be the Occidental version of kueh lapis with countless alternating layers of custard and crepe. Rich, eggy and moist with a lovely burnt sugar crust a-la creme brûlée, the painstaking construct had a simple, accessible flavour profile. The custard layers were thin so the already heavy dessert did not prove too much.

Apple Mille Crepe ($7.20) came highly recommended and proved a very different creature from its base form. All that comforting simplicity was given flair with tart, cinnamon-laced apples lending added bite and character. It all came together extremely well.