Fredo Galaxy is not just any other neighborhood bakery. Helmed by Alfred Chan, a former pastry chef with 20 years of experience working at hotels such as Shangri-La and Intercontinental, this gourmet bakery seems to have been transported from Orchard Road to the sleepy realms of Tanglin Halt. The good thing is, prices have been adjusted accordingly too.
The Chocolate Brownie Vanilla Cheesecake ($4), as its name suggests, comprised a layer of dense brownie topped with light and moist Japanese cheesecake. While both components were decently executed, their textures did not quite meld together. Perhaps, the Japanese cheesecake could be replaced by its creamy American counterpart for a more cohesive combination.
The Pistachio De Chocolate Cake ($4), featuring light chocolate mousse, chocolate sponge and pistachio mousse on a light almond cake base, was a disappointment though. I was unable to discern any hint of pistachio in the cake, even when I tasted the pistachio mousse on its own. Another small complaint about both cakes would be the layer of gelatin on top.
Savory pastries such as Rosemary and Potato Pie are available at Fredo Galaxy, but my sweet tooth settled on the Freshly Baked Cinnamon Banana with Puff Pastry ($2.80). Heated up to a beautiful golden brown in the toaster, the pairing of the crisp pastry purse with the generous portion of soft, caramelized banana hidden within was definitely an enjoyable one.
The Cinammon Apple Tart ($2.80) could have definitely done with a stronger dose of cinammon and a more buttery pastry. Nevertheless, I liked the fact that a thin layer of fresh cream was used to sandwich the well-cooked apple slices and the tart base.
Made daily, the sandwiches at Fredo Galaxy ($5.50) are healthsome, yet tasty. My Portobello Chicken sandwich had lean chicken breast meat, two juicy mushrooms and crisp greens on dense and hearty multigrain bread. Drizzled with a light and refreshing mustard mayonnaise dressing, it certainly filled me up with its whole-grain goodness! The bakery also stocks freshly baked loves of European bread in flavors such as Alpine Cranberry.
The cookies are, however, clearly the star amongst Fredo Galaxy's varied offerings. I knew I was in for a treat when I was greeted with an irresistibly nutty aroma upon opening the pack of macadamia nut cookies ($3.50 for a pack of eight), and they certainly did not disappoint. Crunchy and superbly fragrant, these delectable bites of heaven are surely not to be missed.
The crunchy chocolate chip ($4 for a pack of eight) ones are decent too, but it is the bakery's macadamia nut cookies that will keep me going back again and again!
Aside from those aforementioned, the bakery also stocks soft, cake-like cookies. However, do call to to check if they are available as they sometimes sell out.
My favorite find from Fredo Galaxy would be the rich and moist Devil Chocolate Cookies ($3.30 for 100g). These bites of chocolatey goodness are enlivened by the addition of a touch of salt, making them all the more delicious! The delicate and buttery Raspberry Vanilla cookies ($3.30 for 100g) are definitely worth a try too.
Being constantly on a lookout for good macarons, I had to try those sold here as well (80 cents each). Unfortunately, these small confections failed to make the mark. While the chocolate and orange liqueur ganache was alright, the meringue shells were too poofy.
I liked the crunchy macadamia nut and chocolate devil cookies so much, I finished them on the day I bought them. Do try them sometime!
Fredo Galaxy
Blk 46-3 Commonwealth Drive, #01-388
Opening hours:
Monday, Wednesday to Saturday: 8.30am-8pm
Sunday: 8.30am-6pm