Long time patrons of Dona Manis Cake Shop no longer need to stand in the basement of Katong Shopping Centre clutching boxes of banana pie. The popular confectionery has opened Dona Manis Heritage Bakehouse, a dine-in cafe where customers can enjoy their bakes with a proper cup of coffee.
For decades, Dona Manis has occupied a basement unit at Katong Shopping Centre. The shop built a devoted following with its freshly baked banana pie and hand-made pastries. Queues outside the old school confectionery remain common, but the strictly takeaway format means customers have nowhere to sit and savour their purchases warm.
A New Space in Katong
The new Dona Manis cafe sits in a shophouse along East Coast Road, in the row between the Red House and Joo Chiat Road. It faces Katong Square, making it easy to spot for those familiar with the neighbourhood.
Inside, the layout reflects practical constraints. A large service counter and display shelves dominate the front section, showcasing an array of pastries, tarts and other baked goods. The rear portion houses the bakery, with glass windows offering glimpses of the baking process.
Seating is limited in the compact premises. The air-conditioned interior accommodates approximately 12 guests. Another dozen or so can sit outdoors under an awning on the pavement. The space is functional but pleasant.
Menu Offerings and Coffee Partnership
Dona Manis Heritage Bakehouse serves Dona Manis’ signature items, including the Original Banana Pie that made its name. Heritage Creamy Chicken Pie provides a savoury alternative. Other options include Apple Crumble, Heritage Cream Horn, Chocolate Walnut Cookies, Banana Cake, Pandan Chiffon, Lemon Curd Tarts, Rum Balls and Classic Banana Pudding. Depending on the time of year, you might find special seasonal cakes and pastries.
Beverages come from PPP Coffee, a Singapore specialty coffee roaster that operates retail cafes and wholesale operations. The partnership brings quality coffee to complement the baked goods.
Currently, a set comprising one slice of banana pie and black coffee costs $9 (or $10 for white coffee).
Dona Manis Cafe Classics
The banana pie arrived warm in a paper box, with coffee served in a paper cup. Cutlery was available upon request, though the packaging suggested that eating with your hands was acceptable.
The star attraction, Dona Manis’ banana pie, lived up to its reputation. The crust delivered a satisfying crunch. It was crumbly yet sturdy enough to hold the filling. Its buttery flavour stood out even without the contents. The filling combined sliced bananas with fresh coconut shavings, creating a rich, naturally sweet base. Almond bits scattered throughout added textural contrast, providing an occasional crunch against the soft banana.
The cappuccino made with PPP Coffee’s beans was of the expected standard.
The Heritage Creamy Chicken Pie ($5.50) had a flaky, buttery puff pastry with a light, airy texture. Breaking through the crust revealed a cream based filling with chunks of chicken, which remained moist and tender. A slice of hard boiled egg within added another layer of richness, while also evoking a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of another popular heritage snack, the local curry puff.
Dona Manis Cafe in East Coast
The East Coast Road location adds convenience for Katong residents and visitors exploring the area. Having both takeaway and dine-in options under one roof makes it a better destination than the Katong Shopping Centre outlet.
Dona Manis Heritage Bakehouse serves a clear purpose. It gives the confectionery’s fans a comfortable place to enjoy their purchases immediately, particularly useful for the banana pie which tastes best warm. The availability of good coffee makes the cafe in Katong a pleasant pit stop, whether for a quick break or a leisurely pause at any time of the day.
Dona Manis Heritage Bakehouse
90E East Coast Road
Singapore 429058
Opening Hours: 10 am to 7 pm
Closed Tuesday
Nearby MRT Station: Marine Parade (TE 26)
The Ordinary Patrons | Real Dining Experience of Ordinary People
an independent Singapore food blog
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