Wan Xin NgIf you’ve ever come back from Johor Bahru with a box of Hiap Joo’s famous banana cake still warm in your bag, you’re not alone. For years, this iconic treat has been a must-buy for Singaporeans making their weekend JB trips. But now? You don’t even need to cross the Causeway to get your fix.
Image Credit: Hiap Joo Bakery Official Facebook Page
That’s right, Hiap Joo’s banana cakes are now available in Bukit Panjang (westies rejoice!), straight out of a vending machine.
Also read: 25 Shopping Malls in Johor Bahru (JB) Every Singaporean Must Visit
Here’s what you need to know
Image Credit: Ng Wan Xin
Located at Senja Hawker Centre, this vending machine restocks twice a day (once at 11:30am and again at 4:30pm), ensuring that the banana cakes are fresh, and preserve its nostalgic flavour.
Image Credit: Ng Wan Xin
Each box goes for S$8.60 and contains 10 pieces of banana cake. That’s quite a bit more than the RM12 (~S$3.40) price you’d pay at the original Hiap Joo outlet in Johor Bahru. But considering you’re skipping the often long (as well as very hot and humid) immigration queues we’d say it’s a pretty sweet convenience tax. There’s a strict one-box-per-person rule in place, but that hasn’t stopped determined fans from making multiple trips a day.
Image Credit: Ng Wan Xin
As with most trendy new launches in Singapore, the cakes have been selling out fast, so if you want a shot, your best bet is to show up early, ideally 15 to 30 minutes before restock time. (As you can see from the photos, I skipped the queue but also skipped the chance of buying any banana cake at all.)
If things go well, more Hiap Joo machines may pop up around Singapore. There’s even talk of other goodies from Hiap Joo joining the line-up!
Also read: 7 Supper Spots in Johor Bahru (JB) for Singaporeans to Makan At
Why so obsessed with this cake?
Image Credit: Hiap Joo Bakery Official Facebook Page
Hiap Joo Bakery is one of those names that every JB regular knows. Tucked near City Square Mall, the old-school bakery has been around for over a hundred years, and its signature banana cakes are what people cross the border for. They’re baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, which gives the edges that slightly charred, caramelised crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. It’s as perfect as a banana cake can be.
Image Credit: Hiap Joo Bakery Official Facebook Page
There’s no fancy topping, it’s just an honest banana cake that tastes exactly like how you want a banana cake to taste. A very nostalgic, comforting treat to snack on anytime.
Now that it’s finally available in Singapore, you don’t have to cross the Causeway to get it. Just hop on the MRT… but maybe prepare to queue.
Also read: Johor Bahru (JB) Weekend Trip Itinerary for Singaporeans: Things to Do on a 2D1N Trip
Just follow the scent of banana cake
Whether you’re a loyal Hiap Joo fan or just curious what the fuss is about, there’s nothing stopping you from making a trip down to Bukit Panjang (yay free will!) No passport needed, just a love for banana cake with a sprinkle of FOMO and a dash of good ol’ kiasu-ness.
