Big Mouth Bakehouse is Fluff Bakery’s surprise comeback, serving inventive halal bakes and third-wave coffee vibes in the east.
If you’ve visited Wisma Geylang Serai recently, you’ve probably noticed a new cafe in Singapore: Big Mouth Bakehouse. This halal-certified bakery marks Fluff Bakery’s surprise return to the scene, now sharing space with Penny University – the OG that brewed up Singapore’s third-wave coffee obsession. Now, the real question is: should fans jump for joy… or keep their big mouths shut?
Big Mouth Bakehouse review: Details at a glance
Best for: Fluff Bakery fans ready for its comeback kid era
Must-try items: Matilda cake; dulce de leche banana cream pie; Thai beef salad focaccia sandwich, jamu cooler
How much: Food from $3; drinks from $7.50
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 6pm
Address: Big Mouth Bakehouse, #01-06, Wisma Geylang Serai, 1 Engku Aman Road, Singapore 409923
From Fluff to Big Mouth
The announcement was sudden: Fluff Bakery decided to call it a day last September, no thanks to rising costs. Everyone thought that was the end of the halal bakery in Singapore… until whispers of a revival surfaced. And like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Fluff Bakery resurfaced as Big Mouth Bakehouse at Wisma Geylang Serai.
There weren’t any colourful collateral publicising Big Mouth’s presence – just a simple A-frame sign a few steps away from the entrance. I paused upon stepping into the cafe, taking it all in. The space is small and can accommodate only 20 customers at a time. It felt like the soundproofing wasn’t up to scratch, with loud chatter dominating the cafe. Overall, it was giving cosy vibes, a “we’ve downsized!” but not in a negative way.
The counter display is packed with sweet and savoury treats (I spied the doughnuts Fluff was known for), while the kitchen takes up the other half of the space. Co-founder Nursyazanna Syaira warmly greeted my colleague and me and led us to a table, quickly running through what we’d be sampling during our visit.
What’s on Big Mouth’s menu
If you’re expecting the popular cupcakes, well, I hate to disappoint you – they’re not available here. Since it’s a restart, most of Big Mouth Bakehouse’s menu comprises new creations, though certain items can be considered spiritual spin-offs from its past life.
Just as my colleague and I got ourselves comfortable, Syaira came over with a few goodies: Thai beef salad focaccia sandwich ($12.50), Matilda cake ($8), dulce de leche banana cream pie ($8.50), and laksa mayo heirloom tomato flatbread (S$7).
We went for the sweets first, and it truly felt like Fluff Bakery was still happily lingering around. The Matilda cake – a reference to the Roald Dahl classic, but of course – is a decadent, eight-layered treat filled with chocolate ganache. At first glance, I was expecting it to be dense and cloying; thankfully, I was proven wrong. The slice is light and moist, and I reckon Bruce Bogtrotter wouldn’t have an issue finishing it.
Those who love bananas will be very pleased with the dulce de leche banana cream pie. The hefty slice is filled with banana chunks, dulce de leche sauce, and a firm base made with Biscoff biscuits. There was a satisfying crunch whenever I scooped into the pie.
Fascinating creations hit the mark
Between the two savoury picks, I was most excited to dig into the Thai beef salad focaccia sandwich. Even though the minced beef was dripping with oil, I didn’t mind it as much. What made this sando a winner was the accompanying Thai green chilli, which was fragrant and punchy. I practically doused every small piece into the sauce – that’s just how delicious it was!
Drinks-wise, my colleague was excited for the jamu cooler ($7.50), while Syaira insisted we try the lychee oolong tea sea salt foam ($8) and the iced dulce de leche latte ($8). “We made the dulce de leche from scratch – none of those condensed milk shortcuts!” she insisted.
For the uninitiated, jamu is a traditional Indonesian medicinal drink consumed for its health benefits. Big Mouth reimagined this concoction as a sorbet topping for the Perendjak tea. And unsurprisingly, the cooler emerged as our favourite. It’s a refreshing drink, akin to iced lemon tea but lighter and slightly more citrusy.
I also liked the lychee oolong tea sea salt foam – fruity and floral, with the sea salt foam adding a savoury, milky texture to the overall flavour profile. It wouldn’t look out of place at any of Singapore’s bubble tea shops. Caffeine aficionados can get their fill here courtesy of Penny University.
Is it worth it for our big mouths?
Fluff Bakery’s unexpected closure left me a little shooketh, even though I’m a casual supporter. If a popular establishment had to shutter because of rising costs, no cafe in Singapore is truly safe. But not many places get a second chance, and Fluff’s resurgence as Big Mouth Bakehouse is a positive glimmer amidst all the darkness.
The menu is a hallmark of the team’s expertise – “bringing unexpected ingredients and flavours to the forefront in fascinating creations. I genuinely have a hard time deciding my favourites, and even those ranking lower are still worthy contenders. The only minor drawback was the cafe’s size, but its location more than makes up for it. I didn’t visit Fluff often because it’s further away, but now that it’s in the east, you betcha I’ll be dropping by more regularly.
Verdict: keep your mouth open. This is one comeback worth yapping about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as Fluff Bakery?
Yes and no. It's founded by the same team, but Big Mouth is a complete reinvention. The team has moved away from their famous cupcakes to focus on fresh bread, hearty sandwiches, and plated desserts. The name Big Mouth reflects the team's chatty and lively energy in the kitchen.
Is Big Mouth Bakehouse halal?
It is Muslim-owned and serves a fully halal-certified menu. Located right in the heart of Geylang Serai, it has become a popular spot for the local community and makciks in the area.
How does the partnership with Penny University work?
The two co-habit the space at #01-06. You get the best of both worlds:
- Big Mouth Bakehouse manages the food – fresh bakes, sandwiches, and desserts.
- Penny University manages the beverage program, handling the specialty coffee and signature drinks.
Are there cupcakes?
No. The team has explicitly stated: "For now, no cupcakes." They want this to be a fresh start. If you’re looking for sweets, they now offer rotating cakes and tarts like the Matilda cake (a decadent chocolate cake) and the tres leches tart.
What is the hero product?
The focaccia. It is baked fresh on-site and used for the signature sandwiches.
- Must-try: The Thai beef salad focaccia sandwich ($12.50), which features tender beef and a punchy chili dressing.
- Savoury bites: Big Mouth also serves flatbreads like truffle mushroom ($7.50) and pepperoni pizza ($8).
What should I drink?
Since Penny University is behind the bar, try the muddy espresso ($6.50). For something refreshing and local, the jamu cooler ($7.50), starring a homemade jamu sorbet, is a huge hit.
Can I work there with my laptop?
The space is a cozy 20-seater. While the vibe is homey and functional, it can get very busy during lunch and tea time. It’s better suited for a quick brunch or a catch-up over coffee rather than a long co-working session.
