Chocolat N’ Spice

I found the muffins to be okay, not crazily amazing. But there was definitely a very long line around lunchtime (12:30pm+!) Perhaps they’re better when they’re freshly baked, I had them the next day.
Anyway, family’s favourite was the banana walnut ($ 1.20) — nice chunks of banana! I can’t say I really agree with Christine L.‘s description of «If you ordered something with walnuts, you can be assured of walnuts in every bite» — the orange peel n raisin one was a little sparse on the peel + raisins. Or rather, I guess they were unevenly dispersed. Perhaps I’m being overly picky about it, from experience I know it’s tough to get a good distribution of toppings in a baked good.
Orange peel n raisin ($ 1.20) reminded me of a fruit cake type thing, golden and black raisins!
Double choc ($ 1.40) was not as chocolatey as I’d expected somehow, some choc chips here and there were nice.
Muffins were pretty moist, and a little on the sweeter side.

How can you tell between a baker who live to bake and someone who bake to live? A simple one liner like this sometimes requires a series of complex analysis. But Ms. Mary Chan, 34; didn’t complicate matters, her muffin says it all. There is no reason for me not to believe that she loves to bake and making good muffins for everyone forms part of her mantra.
The former pastry cook from Mandarin Oriental and supervisor at The Fullerton, started her first pastry outlet in the heartland — Shunfu Mart a decade ago; Chocolat N’ Spice becomes the talk of the town. As the never ending queue grew, the business expanded into CBD and central part of Singapore. It continues to draw crowds that includes executives in office attire, SAHMs and many sweet-​tooth. I had my maiden attempt in 2009 and was impressed until today. I do not sing praises for the sake of good readership, neither am I a devotee of muffins; but these small «mushroom» cakes are really good stuff.
Yesterday was my second time, having Chocolat N’ Spice muffins — a 3 years gap. Little did I expect they still delight me the same way before. There is consistency in her baking, undoubtedly. These freshly baked muffins were as delicious as 3 years ago, I am glad that I had 6 fuming hot ones to takeaway.
Coffee walnut — S$ 1.40: The batter was amazingly moist and not overly buttered. It has a spongy texture and you could see very fine tiny air pockets in the cake, the batter must have creamed thoroughly. (unlike huge air pockets in others but not as soft) It has a very captivating mocha scent and flavor, sweet but not cloying. Each mouthful was filled with coarse pieces of walnut — absolutely nutty. In fact, all the muffins have the same texture which was so enticing to all.
Banana walnut — S$ 1.20: the ripe banana mash permeated in my mouth, sweet and longing. The walnut bits heightened the texture with crunches. I liked how she baked the muffins that yields a light crispy shroomy cap.(a brush of syrup in between the bakes?) The cake, again was moist and squashy.
Double-​Chocolate — S$ 1.40: one of the popular. Chew on the cake, and you have to agree that she didn’t compromised on the quality of the chocolate. For a dollar more, you get to appreciate a moist and intense cocoa scent. The rich and velvety flavor lingers in my mouth, I’d know one was never enough. Look at how the cake bloomed? Who wouldn’t yearned over this mushroom cap?
Pumpkin — S$ 1.20: Nothing notable, except for its gratifying cake texture. There were wee pumpkin shreds in the cake, but it didn’t have a pronounced taste.
The prices have not been increased dramatically, given the soaring raw food prices over the years. Barely 20cents different (I used to get them at S$ 1.10 for some), I am more than happy to reward them for their baking effort and making my day a pleasant one.

Craving for the muffins your granny used to make? Well, these muffins would definitely put granny’s to shame. Chocolat’ N Spice coddles your muffin cravings with a dozen flavours — Blueberry ($ 1.40), Cheese, and Banana Walnut (both $ 1.20). Served freshly-​baked as customers flock by the hordes even before the muffins are ready, bite into one and you will be mesmerised (until you savour yet another).

Looking for sugar, spice and everything nice? Visit Chocolat N’ Spice.
I first noticed Chocolat (without the ‘e’) N’ Spice while watching some local food show, I think it was Makansutra. The stall is operated by sisters/​cousins — an all-​women team who’ve got their hearts and hands into muffins.
You can be assured of the quality; word on the street says one of the team used to be a pastry chef in a five-​star hotel. She left the place and sold her own creations at Shunfu Road, and now business has gotten so good it has expanded into the business district. Smart move I’d say. The corporate slaves need the sugar high to get over their stress and headaches.
The muffins are one of the best in Singapore. They are moist and generously stuffed. If you ordered something with walnuts, you can be assured of walnuts in every bite. Now that’s quality and quantity combined.

Walking around Tanjong Pagar Plaza, the aroma of muffins linger around. There are a few bakery that dish out muffins but I still prefer the ones from Chocolat N’ Spice.
My personal favorite would be the cheese muffin. Delicious crusty outer layer, a light fluppy inside with a slap of oozing cheese in the middle.
Try to avoid lunch time as there are long line of people queuing to buy them for their tea breaks.