News: Vanishing Bakeries in Joo Chiat – Tigerlily Patisserie Announces Closure

Joo Chiat is set to say goodbye to another popular bakery. Following Kamome Bakery’s closure in March, Tigerlily Patisserie announced its permanent closure on Facebook on 6 April 2024. It will serve its last treats on 30 April.

Tigerlily Patisserie in Joo Chiat, known for its inventive pastries and inviting atmosphere, was founded by award-winning pastry chef Maxine Ngooi. She had honed her skills at Tarte by Cheryl Koh, Joël Robuchon and Vianney Massot. She also played a key role in revamping the menu of Katong institution – Chin Mee Chin.

What began as a short term online venture for Maxine blossomed into a brick-and-mortar bakery cafe in Joo Chiat. Co-owned by F&B company Ebb & Flow Group and Maxine Ngooi, Tigerlily Patisserie quickly gained a loyal following with its visually appealing and delectable offerings, including the Chocolate Hazelnut Tart, Mochi Blondie and Pink Pear & Guava Cake. The bakery cafe in Joo Chiat also drew in the Instagrammers and tourists.

In a recent Facebook post, Chef Ngooi announces the bakery cafe’s closure with a heavy heart. After four successful years, she feels it is “time to retire Tigerlily to personally reset and explore new culinary adventures”.

Vanishing Bakeries in Joo Chiat

Tigerlily’s closure follows on the heels of Kamome Bakery in March, and the departure of Windowsill Pies and Wunderfolks from Joo Chiat. This trend raises concerns, but vanishing bakeries in Joo Chiat may not be a big mystery. We see the familiar pattern: quaint neighbourhood with affordable rents attract charming indie cafes and bakeries, only for those rents to rise astronomically as the area becomes trendy; the small shops start to move out. This has been seen in Tiong Bahru and Lavender, and Joo Chiat may be next.

So, if you’re craving one last taste of Tigerlily Patisserie’s magic, head down soon. It might also be a good time to explore the other good bakeries still in Joo Chiat, such as Luna, Olsen Bakehouse and Petit Pain, before this charming neighbourhood becomes a victim of its own success.