Singapore’s first German pretzel bakery debuts at Icon Village in Tanjong Pagar. A rustic line-up of signature lye-dipped breads and pastries; including a true German pretzel, are handcrafted daily and baked on the premises using meticulously-curated ingredients and according to a time-honoured German method!
Founded by Dennis von Berlepsch who hails from Germany, and his wife Jane Lee Richard, Park Bäckerei (pronounced Park Beck-ker-rye) was first conceived when the couple found it challenging to find an authentic German pretzel while living in Hong Kong, and more recently, in Singapore. Dennis shares, “After three years of selling pretzels and making improvements to our recipes along the way, we are proud that our pretzel is as close to what you would find in Germany. We have received encouraging reviews and praises from many customers, including our fellow Germans, telling us that every bite of our pretzel reminds them of home”.
Besides Park Bäckerei’s star product – the hand-shaped Swabian-style pretzels from Southwest Germany which is characterised by its skinnier ‘ends’ and a plump ‘belly’, the bakery also offers other savoury and sweet iterations made with the same pretzel dough, such as the ubiquitous Brötchen (bread rolls) which is a staple at most meals, and scrumptious stuffed bagels. Given its location in the CBD district, Park Bäckerei has also created a selection of items with their freshly- baked breads that are ideal for a quick breakfast or lunch and takeaway – these include meticulously- crafted sandwiches, salads and German sausages.
SWABIAN-STYLE PRETZELS AND PRETZEL-DOUGH BAKES
Taking the spotlight at Park Bäckerei is the Swabian-style Plain Pretzel ($3.90/pc; $10.80/3pcs). After a proofing time, the dough is individually-portioned and rolled out into long logs with a more generous middle and thinner ends, then twisted into the classic pretzel shape – a slit is made at the ‘belly’ so that it splits open perfectly as it bakes. Each one is then bathed in a traditional lye solution then put into the oven– the lye dip is essential as it enhances the Maillard reaction, which gives German pretzels its beautiful burnished-brown sheen, as well as a flavourful outer crust that is in harmony with its moist and fluffy interior. A smaller Mini Pretzel ($2.50/pc;$20.80/10pcs) is also available for a light afternoon snack.
A savoury take on the classic is a moreish Cheese Pretzel ($4.50/pc; $12.60/3pcs) and Mini Cheese Pretzel ($2.80/pc; $23.80/10pcs) – a combination of Park Bäckerei’s one-of-a-kind pretzel with cheddar cheese baked until the outer layers are slightly golden-brown and crunchy while retaining a light and soft texture on the inside. Apart from the unassuming but equally appealing Brötchen ($2.20/pc;$11.80/6pcs), Park Bäckerei has also created sweet bakes such as the adorable Karamel Igel (caramel hedgehog, $4.40/pc; $8.40/2pcs) – a pretzel bun in the shape of hedgehog filled with a luscious homemade caramel spread, and Schoko Rolls ($4/pc; $7.60/2pcs) or chocolate rolls, that contain a pleasingly rich layer of Belgian chocolate spread.
An ideal choice for first-timers and for an extra satisfying treat, customers can delight in the bakery’s The Bread Box ($25) which bundles three Mini Pretzels, three Mini Cheese Pretzels, two Karamel Igels and two Schoko Rolls. Complete the authentic German pretzel experience with one of the bakery’s homemade spreads that are available as an add-on. Synonymous with Oktoberfest, Obatzda ($4) is a flavourful and velvety blend of brie cheese, butter, beer, paprika and caraway – a popular Bavarian cheese spread often served with pretzels. Alongside the smooth and mildly tangy Frischkäse ($3) that combines cream cheese, sour cream, onions and chives, Butter ($1) is also a classic and tempting addition to pretzels.
BAGELS AND SANDWICHES
Beyond pretzels, the bakery has also conjured a repertoire of delectable stuffed bagels and sandwiches made with the same proprietary pretzel dough recipe. Savoury bagel options include Jalapeño Cheddar ($7.90) and Caprese Pesto ($7.90) – a winsome pairing of aromatic and vibrant basil pesto with sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. The decadent Speculoos Apple ($7.50), indulgent Hazelnut Double Chocolate ($7.50) and luxurious Red Velvet Coconut ($7.50) make outstanding sweet bagel alternatives.
An array of hearty and gratifying sandwiches will be introduced at the Icon Village flagship store. The six variations include a German-inspired Sausage Kraut ($15.90) comprising smoked bratwurst and crispy fried onions with homemade accompaniments – a tangy apple-caraway sauerkraut and piquant mustard aioli; Roast Beef ($16.90) highlights 24-hour slow-roasted beef matched impeccably with onions, gherkin and a creamy sweet mustard dressing; as well as a vegetarian-friendly Brie ($14.90) that consists of thick slices of brie, caramelised onions, thinly sliced apples and salted caramel pecans that provide a delightful contrast in textures.
DRINKS AND DESSERTS
Park Bäckerei’s selection of beverages is thoughtfully chosen to complement the sizeable menu of pretzels, bagels and sandwiches. In addition to freshly-brewed coffee staples like Caffe Latte (from $4) and Americano (from $3), customers may also go for the comforting Hot Chocolate (from $5) or the refreshing Sparkling Tea (from $6).
Round off the memorable dining experience with the bakery’s toothsome desserts such as the Belgian Chocolate Mousse ($3.90) and Speculoos Cheese Mousse ($3.90) – a lovely finish to a sumptuous meal or for an afternoon treat!
OKTOBERFEST EXCLUSIVE
To commemorate the annual beer festival in Germany and the world’s largest beer celebration, Park Bäckerei will be offering an exclusive Oktoberfest Package ($88) that can be shared among friends and family! Available only for delivery and takeaway from 15 September until 29 October 2023, this time-limited bundle includes six Plain Pretzel, two of each kind of sausage – Thuringer Snail Sausage, Nürnberger Sausage and Smoked Bratwursts, as well as a side of tart apple sauerkraut, a piquant counter to the rich and savoury sausages.
a. 12 Gopeng St, #01-41/42 and 52/53, Singapore 078877
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