Food & Drinks terms

From kueh and kaya to lead times and self-collection, these are the food terms you will meet when ordering from Singapore bakers, home cooks and caterers.

Home-based business

A small business run from the owner’s home, such as a home baker or home cook. Some Shiokly food vendors are home-based, so their orders are often made in small batches.

Made to order

An item that is only prepared after you place your order, rather than taken from ready stock. Common for cakes, catering and custom items.

Lead time

How far ahead you need to order before your item can be ready. Celebration cakes and catering usually need a longer lead time than ready-made snacks.

Self-collection

Picking up your order yourself from the vendor’s collection point instead of having it delivered. Collection options are shown on each product.

Basque burnt cheesecake

A crustless cheesecake baked at high heat so the top caramelises dark brown while the centre stays soft and creamy.

Chiffon cake

A very light, airy sponge cake made with oil and whipped egg whites. Pandan chiffon is a Singapore favourite.

Fondant

A smooth, rollable sugar paste used to cover cakes and make decorations and figurines.

Buttercream

A frosting made by beating butter with sugar, used to fill, cover and pipe decorations on cakes.

Kueh

Bite-sized traditional snacks and desserts found across Singapore and Malaysia, often made with rice flour, coconut, pandan or gula melaka.

Pandan

A fragrant tropical leaf used to flavour and colour cakes, kueh and drinks a natural green.

Gula melaka

Palm sugar with a deep, caramel-like flavour, used in kueh, desserts such as chendol and ondeh ondeh, and drinks.

Sambal

A chilli paste or sauce. Sambal belacan, made with fermented shrimp paste, is one of the best-known versions in Singapore.

Kaya

A sweet coconut and egg jam, often flavoured with pandan, famously spread on toast with butter.

Achar

A tangy, spicy pickle of vegetables or fruit, commonly served with Peranakan and Malay dishes.

📚 Guides: How to order a custom birthday cake · A guide to Singapore local delights

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