Rise Bakehouse Heritage: New old-school cafe at Chinatown with local-inspired bakes and brews

It’s 2025, and we’re still riding on the wave of themed cafes. Perhaps it’s because we just can’t get enough of the novelty that comes with experiencing unique concepts and artfully decorated spaces.

So, when we caught wind that viral cafe Rise Bakehouse had just unveiled its newest (and third) outlet — the only thematic one, to date — at Chinatown, we knew we had to check it out. 

Known as Rise Bakehouse Heritage, it has a fitting location right in the heart of Chinatown, and in a heritage shophouse, to boot — so there’s plenty of old-school flair to go around.

Rise Bakehouse Heritage is still relatively new, having opened its doors on April 15.

It’s one of the most talked-about cafes these days, so brace yourself for long queues, especially during peak hours. 

The queue is well worth the wait, though, considering the impeccable food and efficient service here.

It starts at the door — when it’s your turn to be seated, the staff will happily greet you and usher you to your table. They’ll also enthusiastically run you through the new store-exclusives on the menu.

As most regulars of the brand will know, Rise Bakehouse never fails to impress with its aesthetics, and its all-new outlet along South Bridge Road is no exception. 

Its design elements are carefully curated and inspired by the quintessential Singaporean kopitiam, albeit elevated. 

Just take a look around the cafe — it’s outfitted with wooden furnishings and dark greens for a warm, retro look. Vintage bits and bobs, such as old-school television sets, also dot the space in a callback to the bakeries and kopitiams of old.

It’s a nice change from Rise Bakehouse’s sibling outlets, which are splashed in pinks and whites for an ethereal look that’s common in most modern Korean-centric cafes.

There’s also a merchandise wall stocked with exclusive branded merch, such as wooden coasters, bottles and oversized shirts. We couldn’t resist bagging its cosy tee home!

When it comes to its nibbles, the menu at Rise Bakehouse Heritage is a little different from the brand’s usual wheelhouse of creations. It comprises local-themed delicacies, including bakes and brews inspired by our perennial-favourite Singaporean flavours, such as kaya toast, kopi, pandan and more. 

(By contrast, cafe staples and brunch items are on the menu at Rise Bakehouse’s Potong Pasir and 111 Somerset stores.)

Drinks-wise, though, diners can expect the standard lineup of signature cream lattes and iced drinks, which they might have tried at other Rise stores.  

The only new addition to the drink menu is its Made in Singapore collection — store-exclusive beverages inspired by nostalgic flavours that most of us grew up with — such as the pandan matcha cloud latte (SS$9). 

Perfumed with aromatic, floral hues, the pandan matcha cloud latte is a gorgeous drink that looks just like a fairy’s potion. 

Fragrant uji matcha meets fluffy pandan cream in this refreshing brew — a light-bodied blend to savour on a sweltering day. 

The black sesame peanut cream latte (S$9) is bolder on the palate, with earthy and piquant notes of Japanese kuro goma taking centrestage in this drink. 

It’s also sprinkled with roasted ground peanuts for bits of crunch, as well as a hint of nuttiness.

As for the mains, the new, Chinatown-only soft shell chilli crab rigatoni (S$23.90) stood out with its deliciously crispy, soft-shelled crab atop a bed of bouncy rigatoni — a riff on the iconic chilli crab. 

And yes, it’s as spicy as it looks. That’s because the soft rigatoni is coated in a sweet-and-fiery chilli crab sauce, which lends a spicy, yet addictive, punch to the pasta. 

It’s also peppered with plump and sweet chunks of crab meat that make the dish so much heartier. 

Another moreish seafood-based brunch item is the loaded crab scrambled eggs tartine (S$17.90), also an outlet-exclusive at the cafe.

A creamy mound of scrambled eggs lies on a crisp, slightly chewy, sourdough toast, and is adorned with succulent bits of crab meat. 

It’s then thoroughly drizzled with spicy chilli oil, which infuses the dish with a sharp, zippy flavour.

Rise Bakehouse is famed for its exquisite teacakes, which are gorgeous, dainty desserts that look straight out of a fairytale. 

The pretty-in-pink raspberry rose teacake (S$8.20) — that we swear by — and Heritage-exclusive pandan gula melaka teacake (S$8.20) are crowd-favourites here. 

There’s also a variety of local-inspired sliced cakes, too, such as the earthy kaya pistachio sliced cake (S$9.20) with its airy crumb and creamy layers of kaya and crunchy pistachio bits, and refreshing honey pear chrysanthemum cake (S$9.20).

This was an invited tasting.

For the latest eats, read about viral bakery Pretty Good Muffins at Chinatown and Singapore’s first American malt shop Gwen’s Frozen Custard & Ices in Joo Chiat. Alternatively, check out the newest openings in Singapore here. 

Enjoy up to 50% off when you dine with GrabFood Dine Out.

Book a ride to check out the all-new Rise Bakehouse Heritage at Chinatown.