The beloved Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts returns at Aperia Mall

Have you heard of Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts? The beloved Tanjong Katong bakery that’s been serving its signature egg tarts is back — this time at Aperia Mall.

Since its founding in 1998, the humble shophouse along Tanjong Katong built a loyal following, with little more than a takeaway glass display and trays of freshly baked Portuguese egg tarts. Its silky, creamy custard filling and flaky pastry had become a neighbourhood favourite over the years.

The shophouse closed in August 2024, much to the disappointment of longtime regulars, and many thought that was the end of its 26-year-old legacy. 

The founders had decided to retire, amongst other reasons surrounding the sale of the building.

Less than two years later, Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts found a second life.

Siblings Vernice Ong, 18, and Benjamin Ong, 22, approached the original founders with hopes of carrying the brand forward. With their blessing, the duo revived Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts with a fresh concept.

While the iconic egg tarts remain, the bakery has been transformed into a modern cha chaan teng concept, introducing Hong Kong-style fusion food alongside its bakes. You’ll now find it at Aperia Mall, near Lavender Street and Kallang Road.

The egg tarts people come back for

Of course, you have to get the original egg tarts (S$2.50 each, S$15 for a box of six) if you choose to visit. Fans of the original will be glad to know that little has changed. 

The filling is still smooth and custardy, with a soft and silky texture. The pastry stays true to what many remember — crisp and flaky, crumbling lightly with every bite. Simply put, it’s still a good egg tart that didn’t need any fixing.

If you’re after bite-sized versions, there’s also mini egg tarts (S$3.90 for three pieces, S$15 for a box of 12).

Here’s what’s new: The Gula Melaka egg tart (S$2.80 each, S$16 for a box of 6), alongside mini versions (S$4.20 for three or S$16 for 12) as well.

The gula Melaka comes through nicely without becoming overly sweet, giving the tart a richer caramel-like finish. That said, we found the filling slightly denser and less wobbly than the original, losing a little of that signature silky custard texture.

If we had to choose between the two, we’d go for the former.

An extended menu

Beyond pastries, Madeleine’s now serves a menu of mains, which is great if you’re looking for a proper sit-down meal.

I liked the Minchee rice (S$10.90), a Macanese minced meat dish often considered Macau’s national dish, and known for its fusion of Cantonese, Portuguese, and other influences. At Madeleine’s, it comes with a mix of minced beef and pork ragu, potato confit, and an onsen egg.

I found it rather comforting, with savoury notes that lean familiar and homely — almost reminiscent of the Filipino-style corned beef. Admittedly, though, this dish drew mixed reactions around our table, and may not appeal to every palate.

The beef stew with capellini (S$9.90) pairs braised beef brisket and radish, Chinese celery, and garlic oil. The stew itself is the stronger component here. It’s hearty, savoury and comes with generous chunks of tender beef and radish.

The capellini, however, felt a little too starchy, and the dipping pairing didn’t entirely click for us — with the noodles struggling to hold onto the rich stew.

The pan-roasted African chicken (S$9.80), served with couscous, coconut glaze, and a sunny-side-up egg, is a straightforward, comforting meal. The roasted chicken is well-executed, while the coconut glaze lends a sweetness that balances the savoury flavours.

You’ll also find a selection of other bakes, desserts, sides, alongside the usual kopi and teh offerings.

While the food menu shows promise in its range, it appears to still be a work-in-progress with the dishes, especially alongside the bakery’s much stronger pastry offerings.

Still, for many, it’ll be the Portuguese egg tarts that make the trip worthwhile — and thankfully, they’re just as good as many remember them to be.

This was a hosted tasting.

For more ideas on what to eat around the area, read on Drip & Drool, a cool cafe with brews and zines, and Viva Lavender, a restaurant at Bendeemer offering European-Asian flavours.