LANA CAKES since 1964

Interview: Violet Kwan, founder of Lana Cakes, on the brand’s past and its future - SilverKris

"Started as a home baking venture after the founder learned fruit-cake and chiffon recipes from her sister-in-law Lani in 1964, this longtime cake shop opened near the family home on 2 November 1975 and is known for its light, spongy chiffon cakes that stood out when most shops sold butter-iced sponge cakes. Quality and a homemade feel have always been central — the founder credits disciplined training at Malayan Airways for her efficiency and attention to detail, even driving around to source the right cocoa powder in the early days — and the shop’s antique-filled interior and personal rapport with customers have helped build strong loyalty. The chocolate cake remains the bestseller, with blueberry, coffee, orange, pineapple and fruit cakes also popular (the fruit cake sells in large seasonal batches as gifts), and one special butter cake is still baked only by the founder on Saturdays in a strict four-cake limit. Succession to Jason was careful and successful — he mastered all recipes within months, introduced weighing ingredients for accuracy, and helped the business modernize with an online presence from December 2018 and island-wide delivery while striving to maintain or improve the original quality." - Karen Fong