“Annyeonghaseyo” or “Ni hao”?
Turns out that owner-baker Hong Ui Chang speaks both languages.
He is the person behind Lean & Rich Bakery located at UE Square, which has garnered social media attention for its fusion of traditional baking methods with modern minimalism.
The Korean head baker previously worked at the famed Tartine Bakery in Seoul.
The influence of Tartine is evident in the quality and craftsmanship of the bakery’s offerings, with an emphasis on artisanal sourdough and laminated pastries.
Upon entering, the bakery’s clean, Nordic-inspired interior with red accents sets a calm and welcoming tone.
So why call lean and rich?
The menu focuses on a mix of ‘lean’ breads like sourdough, rye, and olive loaves.
There are also ‘rich’ pastries, which include croissants with pistachio, chocolate, or seed cinnamon fillings.
I tried the Morning Platter ($7 onwards) which was a lovely way to start the day.
There are options like quinoa or walnut bread, which provides a nice variety of textures.
The ‘platter’ included a freshly baked bread, accompanied by whipped butter and honey, which really highlighted the quality of the sourdough.
I loved the balance of the tangy sourdough with the sweet honey, and the whipped butter was wonderfully light and creamy.
The one item that caught my attention was the Pistachio Croissant ($7).
Surprise, it does not come in the typical croissant shape.
Oh, the green creamy pistachio filling was so nutty-rich, smooth but not overly sweet. You can taste the quality of the pistachios.
The croissant’s flaky layers were light and crisp, crumbling with each bite. So good.
For coffee lovers, Lean & Rich offers a simple but solid range of coffee drinks, from espresso to black and white coffee, with beans sourced from Caffè Vergnano.
However, the bakery’s menu is quite limited, which may be a drawback for some. If you are looking for a hearty meal, the options might feel a bit constrained.
What sets Lean & Rich Bakery apart is its attention to detail, not only in the bread-making process but also in the crafting of quality, no-fuss baked goods.
Lean & Rich Bakery
UE Square #01-14, 81 Clemenceau Avenue, Singapore 239917
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
Other Related Entries
Greybox Coffee (UE Square)
Marymount Bakehouse (Race Course Road)
Crust and Crumbs (Bras Basah Complex)
Cafe ON:DO 카페온도 (Alexandra Central)
Visitors Café (Tanjong Pagar)
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