Earlier this April, we had the opportunity to chat with an amazing mahjong cake baker using agar agar to create beautifully intricate and delicious mahjong cakes. Today, we are going to chat with another mahjong cake baker based in Singapore: Angellabakes.
Below is a shot of her very first mahjong cake. It was a birthday cake for an avid mahjong player. The flower tiles indicate her age - 21.
Mahjong Party (MJP):
How long have you been baking mahjong cakes?
Angellabakes:
I have been baking mahjong cakes since 2015, so it’s my 7th year now.
MJP:
What inspired you to be a baker?
Angellabakes:
I started baking cakes to give to my friends as their birthday presents. I’ve always loved the idea of putting in time and effort for someone instead of just buying something, especially when it’s so hard to buy for many of my friends! It makes me happy when I see their delighted faces, and gives me a sense of satisfaction when I design a cake that I like. Then there is the gratification when they tell me how much they love the taste.
Most cakes and cupcakes out there are too sweet for my liking so I decided to bake according to my palate. Thankfully, this is also what most people like too, so far.
MJP:
What inspired the mahjong cake?
Angellabakes:
When I first started #angellabakes, a customer came to me requesting a mahjong theme cake for her 21st birthday. I happened to find edible mahjong tiles on a platform called Carousell and made the cake you see above. Since then, requests for mahjong cakes started rolling in.
MJP:
How long does it take you to make a mahjong cake?
Angellabakes:
The fastest it takes me to do a cake is around 3 hours. If it’s a money-pulling cake, it takes me around 4 hours.
MJP:
Let's take a look at some of these delicious mahjong cakes made from #angellabakes:
This one is my favourite:
Now let's take a look at a money pulling cake in action:
MJP:
What is your connection to mahjong?
Angellabakes:
I started learning how to play mahjong by watching my grandma play with my mum and her friends when I was around 8 years old. Eventually, it became a game that connected me with not just my family, but also my friends. It is a great way to spend time and keep in touch as well.
MJP:
What is Singapore’s connection to mahjong?
Angellabakes:
I can’t really speak from experience on this, but Mahjong is often considered social gambling, and gambling has been part of our culture since the old times. There are many people who know how to play mahjong - from young children to great grandparents. Not only does it stimulate the brain, but it is also addictive, especially because no game is the same. Luck, of course, plays a part in it, and I think it’s the excitement that keeps people glued to the game. Different countries have different rules. I’m not sure how the rules in Singapore came about though.
MJP:
Is there a huge demand for mahjong cakes?
Angellabakes:
I’m not sure about other bakeries, but it is one of my most popular designs.
MJP:
Do customers need to order a mahjong cake in advance?
Angellabakes:
It depends on my availability, but preferably 2 weeks in advance to avoid disappointment. During festive seasons, I may need up to 4 weeks in advance because those are my busiest times.
MJP:
How are your main customers?
Angellabakes:
My mahjong cake customers are mostly families.
Thank you for sharing your story and cakes with us. They are absolutely amazing!
Thanks to our viewers for joining us for this Spotlight. If you want to follow Angellabakes, you can find them on their links below.
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