From a humble online start to a full-fledged café in the heart of the CBD, The Test Kitchen marks the next chapter for the family-run bakery founded by Daniel Lim, brother of local actress Rebecca Lim. Initially launched in 2021 as The Lims’ Kitchen, the online bakery quickly earned a loyal following for its sourdough loaves and beautifully laminated pastries — many of which sold out within days. Now located at Cross Street Exchange, the café occupies a bright corner unit with indoor seating and a takeaway counter showcasing the day’s selection of fresh bakes.
The 40-seat space offers a relaxed yet refined experience, featuring large floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the interior in natural light. On the menu are a rotating selection of pastries, sandwiches, salads, and soups, with familiar favourites such as the Truffle Mushroom Cube, Garlic Cream Cheese Shiopan, Pistachio Kataifi Croissant, and Pistachio Chocolate Pain Suisse. As these items are prepared on-site rather than at their halal-certified central kitchen in Mandai, the offerings here are non-halal. Complementing the bakes is a drinks menu featuring espresso-based coffee, teas, and fresh juices.
True to its name, The Test Kitchen also serves as a creative outlet for the team to explore new recipes and culinary ideas previously restricted by the guidelines of their production kitchen. Daniel Lim, while not baking on-site, remains deeply involved in day-to-day operations and quality control. The kitchen is led by two seasoned bakers from The Lims’ Kitchen, supported by a newly appointed chef in charge of the savoury menu. With this new venture, the team hopes to cater to nearby office workers, hotel guests, and pastry lovers alike, bringing fresh creations to the table in a welcoming setting.
