Pretty Good Muffins: using CDC Vouchers for good muffins

Hidden on the second floor of Hong Lim Complex, Pretty Good Muffins is a small bakery that has gained considerable attention. Affordable prices and creative flavours are likely the reasons for its popularity, while the fact that they accept CDC vouchers will draw in new customers.

How We Found It

Pretty Good Muffins is located at 531 Upper Cross Street, #02-57B, right next to Hong Lim Food Centre. We stumbled upon the shop after our Noodle Memories lunch at the food centre, when a long queue outside a small unit caught our attention. Curious, we walked up and discovered customers lining up for muffins and drinks. A young, cheerful crew ran the counter with efficiency.

What Makes It Popular

Word seems to have spread online about Pretty Good Muffins because of its photogenic bakes and low prices. For those unfamiliar with the name, the appeal is straightforward: it offers an accessible neighbourhood snack stop with prices starting low and flavours that are varied and interesting. Classic options are offered right next to more inventive combinations.

Location matters too. Hong Lim Complex sits in a central spot, so a visit pairs easily with lunch, coffee, or a Chinatown errand. Shoppers can also use their CDC vouchers here, which adds to the appeal.

Ordering at the Counter

Orders and payments are made at the counter. Cash and various other payments options can be used. The staff ask customers whether they would like a box of muffins. However, boxes are reserved for a minimum purchase of six muffins. If you buy fewer, your muffins are placed into a simple brown paper bag instead.

We opted for two muffins: the Cranberry, priced at $1.50, and the Matcha Strawberry, which cost $2.50.

Tasting the Muffins

Both muffins were modest in size, closer to a cupcake than a giant bakery-style muffin. This made them easy to finish in a few bites.

The texture of the muffins stood out. The crumb was tender, moist and pillowy, rather than overly dense. Each bite felt light, which suited the smaller portion size well.

The Cranberry muffin contained baked cranberries mixed throughout the batter. The fruit offered a distinct bite, breaking up the softness of the sponge, and their tartness left a refreshed feeling on the palate.

The Matcha Strawberry muffin impressed us more. Its aroma balanced earthy matcha notes against a fruity, floral scent. The strawberry jam provided a sweet contrast to the matcha’s slight bitterness. Together, the flavours felt layered rather than one-dimensional, making it a more sophisticated treat compared to the straightforward cranberry option.

While these might not be super-premium gourmet muffins, they are genuinely good and enjoyable. They pair naturally with a hot black coffee or a strong cup of tea.

Beyond the Two We Tried

The display case at Pretty Good Muffins holds a wide selection of flavours beyond what we sampled. Options include Double Chocolate Chip, Nutella Sea Salt, and Banana Walnut, among others. Matcha-based muffins and coffee walnut varieties also feature prominently, alongside classics like blueberry and pistachio. Prices across the range generally sit between $1.50 and $3.00.

The stall also has a drinks menu under the name Pretty Good Muffins Matcha. Offerings include matcha lattes, hojicha lattes, and specialty drinks such as banana pudding matcha and honey earl grey matcha. Prices for drinks range from $5.00 to $6.90.

It is Pretty Good

The bakes at Pretty Good Muffins certainly earn their name: they are pretty good, and very reasonably priced.

If you are exploring Chinatown or finishing a meal at Hong Lim Food Centre, a slight detour to this bakery is well worth it. For a quick, affordable treat in the area, Pretty Good Muffins delivers exactly what its name promises. It suits casual snackers, sweet tooths, and anyone looking to use their CDC vouchers.

Pretty Good Muffins
531 Upper Cross Street, #02-57B, Hong Lim Complex
Singapore 050531

Openining Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am – 3.30pm (or till sold out)
Closed on Sunday

Nearby MRT Station: Chinatown (NE4 | DT19)

Instagram