Tanglin Halt Original Peanut Pancake – Sold Out by 10am?!

Started by Lin Mei Shu’s father in 1965, Deng Qiang Xian (Lin Mei Shu’s husband) took over and helped out since 1987. For 25 years, Deng Qiang Xian was the area manager of departmental store Yin Bao Liang (Emporium Holdings Group) before moving to Hong Kong for 5 years to be a Deputy General Manager.

Waking up at 7pm to prepare for the making of the pancake batter by 12:30am is the elderly couple’s daily routine. Deng whips the batter (25kg) by hand for 1.5 hours each time to produce 面筋 (wheat gluten) which can only be achieved with consistent whipping.

Everything used to be done by Deng, who even roasted his own peanuts. Hence, the word “original” in the name of the stall! Everything is truly original and prepared by Deng personally. As Deng is getting on in age, he has decided to outsource the roasting of peanuts to suppliers who can meet his standards and expectations. He explained that he eventually chose a more expensive supplier because he prioritised quality over cost.

Their Peanut Pancake ($0.80) is a little chewier than the typical peanut pancake. Uncle explained that it’s because of the yeast, which he also makes himself. With no preservatives at all, natural yeast is made only when needed. The outer layer of the pancake was actually a little harder than what I’m used to, and the inside of the pancake stuck to my teeth at times. Deng shared that he uses only pure sugar cane sugar which is also pricier than normal sugar. No wonder the pancake was fragrant and sweet!

Patrons usually order a few pancakes at once, hence Uncle has to constantly grill new batches. When I arrived around 930am one morning, the round pancakes were sold out and only the peanut pancake was available. Therefore, I decided to return another day at 745am, in hopes of catching all the pancakes.

I managed to purchase the last Black Sesame Pancake ($1.20) which is highly raved about. The pancake was extremely unique. I have not tasted a black sesame peanut pancake before, and I am very sure that this particular taste profile cannot be found elsewhere. The initial hit of fragrance and sweetness captured my attention and the lovely aroma of roasted sesame, which followed, made me grin from ear to ear.

Imagine Orh Ni within a chewy fragrant pancake. The Yam Paste Pancake ($1.20) is my favourite amongst all because I liked that it was extremely smooth, and not too sweet.

I love anything with green bean and I had high expectations for the Pandan Leaf Green Bean Paste Pancake ($0.90). This was a tad too sweet for me and the paste was also more grainy than the rest. Definitely more suitable for those who prefer sweet snacks!

The Red Bean Pancake ($0.90) is made from red beans that’s specially imported from Tian Jin, China. Uncle chose them knowing that they will be different from the usual red beans from Indonesia. Uncle’s pancakes are made fresh daily and you can keep them for up to 8 hours after getting them.

Salted Green Bean Pancake ($1.20)
This was the pancake that I was looking forward to the most. Unfortunately, even when I came 2 hours earlier at 7:45am, the salted green bean pancake was already unavailable. I have not seen this anywhere else, and Uncle confirmed that it is definitely the first in Singapore.

There is certainly something for everyone here! Deng is already more than 70 years old, and his children are not interested in taking over the 2nd-generation hawker stall. However, Deng is also reluctant to hand over the business to outsiders. He shared that that he will continue to sell his famous pancakes for as long as he can! I may come even earlier next time for the Salted Green Bean Paste Pancake.

P.S : Deng told me that many patrons will wait for him to start selling the pancakes even before 3:30am!

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.