The National Gallery Singapore may not be the first place you think of when you want pastries and coffee.
It is known more for sweeping art collections, quiet marble halls and the weight of history than for croissants or cruffins.
Well, food-wise, people think about Odette and National Kitchen by Violet Oon.
New inside this vast cultural landmark is Bakery Brera, the much-loved neighbourhood bakery that decided to take its flaky creations into a grander setting.
Art upstairs, butter downstairs, why not?
The interior is stripped back, calm and neutral. Soft beige walls, wooden tables and a few scattered plants keep the mood understated.
The window seats with cushions are the cosiest spots, perfect if you like to sip slowly while gazing out through tall curtains.
Its National Gallery outlet keeps the focus on pastries but also broadens the scope with sandwiches, tartines and light meals.
On the pastry side, you find Croissant ($4.50), Almond Croissant ($6.80), Taro Mochi Croissant ($8.50), Matcha Azuki Croissant ($8.50), Pain Au Chocolat ($6.80), Kouign Amann ($6.50), Cinnamon Roll ($5.00), assorted muffins ($5.50) and the occasional Canele ($5.00).
For a slightly fancier bite, there are Tartine sandwiches like Avocado Onsen Egg Toast ($14), Tzatziki Grilled Tomato Anchovies ($15) and Burrata with Grilled Sweet Pepper and Tomato ($16).
On the savoury side, I tried the Pizza on Bread ($11).
It looked promising, with melted cheese bubbling over a thick slice of sourdough. The bread was well-baked, crisp at the edges.
The pizza topping, however, felt a little underpowered. The tomato base could have used more punch, perhaps a touch more seasoning or acidity to balance the cheese.
While the Matcha Azuki Croissant ($8) was placed far inside the display shelf, I decided to give it a try and was surprised.
Inside, the red bean paste was earthy and just sweet enough, while the chewy mochi tucked inside gave it that fun texture contrast.
Those with a sweet tooth can push further with Mille Feuille in chocolate or strawberry ($12), Salted Chocolate Tartlet ($8), Pecan Tartlet ($8), Rhubarb Tartlet ($8) or the Basque Burnt Cheesecake Slice ($12).
The setting alone makes it pretty memorable.
There are few places where you can step out of an art exhibition and straight into a counter lined with tempting croissants and tarts.
Bakery Brera
National Gallery #01-06 (City Hall Wing), 1 St Andrew Road, Singapore 178957
Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Marymount Bakehouse (Race Course Road)
Lean & Rich Bakery (UE Square)
Sourdough & Brew by Baking with Gina (Tessensohn Road)
Wheathead (One-North Eden)
Kwaa Song Bake House (IOI Central Boulevard)
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