Back-to-back lockdowns were exceptionally jarring for Cyrus Chin, director of Bravo Events and Entertainment. “From being super busy, my schedule suddenly came to a complete standstill,” he shivers. “It’s tough for me to not be on my toes, so I decided to reignite my love of baking.” If anything, Chin’s experience in events management has given him a keen understanding of what customers crave.

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“Just like with running events, there is a need to be innovative and to present exciting ideas,” says the former pastry chef, whose bestsellers are classic cakes with contemporary twists: think carrot cake but crowned with a punnet’s worth of fruits and Black Forest with liberal splashes of stout, Grand Marnier, rum and whisky. Speaking of spirits, keep an eye out for Chin’s boozy fruit cake, which makes a star appearance once a year during Christmastime.

Speciality: 24 Karrot and Drunken Forest.

In a city overrun with pastry chefs, both professional and self-taught, most only enjoy a short stint, and yet Delectable by Su is 12 years and counting. “There really is no secret to our success other than plain hard work and perseverance,” shrugs founder Su-Yin Huen. “Of course, a delicious product works wonders too!”

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One of Delectable by Su’s strong suits is offering a diverse menu consisting of cakes, cupcakes, cookies, candies, loaves, tarts, and even bridal and party boxes—a godsend for harried hosts and hostesses. The head baker and her team also excel at child-friendly treats portraying cute characters and realistic desserts that will cause you to do a double-take.

Speciality: Delectable Paradise Cheesecake, Bunny Praline Cheesecake Tart, and 7 Sins of Chocolate, among others.

TATLER TIP: A new menu item since mid-2021, the Delectable Paradise Cheesecake (pictured bottom left) is already one of the bakery’s bestsellers. Aware of how holiday-deprived everyone feels, herself included, Huen decided to create a beach-themed dessert to combat the Covid blues.

A huge fan of Harajuku style ever since she was a little girl, home baker Charmaine Wong dresses her cakes—and herself—in such a way that pays homage to the Japanese subculture. Think sweet and sassy cakes complete with expert piping skills. Not a one-woman operation as most imagine, LinLin Cake Shop is a small family business; Wong’s parents and a part-time designer have her back. By offering both custom and ready-made cakes, Wong is constantly challenged to step outside of her comfort zone while also sharpening her existing skillset.

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LinLin Cake Shop, which rocketed to fame during lockdown, celebrates its first year anniversary in November 2021, and the future is ever so bright. Fans will be over the moon to learn that Wong wishes to open a physical store in 2022 while also moving towards merchandising. “My vision is to make LinLin an experience— one that will always be talked about,” shares the cake artist.

Speciality: Character (especially frogs) and retro-vintage cakes.

This feature is part of Tatler Malaysia's Occasions supplement. Click to read more on Magzter.

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