68-year-old Cheng Yew Hoe is dubbed as the founder and creator of Klang’s famous 5-layer pandan cake. But unfortunately, we might not be able to eat his trademark treat next year :(
Cheng is planning to close down his bakery, Regent Pandan Layer Cake Shop (锦盛蛋糕屋), by the end of the year as none of his 4 children are willing to take over his baking business, which started in 1977.
In speaking with The Malay Mail, Cheng revealed that he would rather shut down his shop than to sell his business away because he wants to maintain the shop’s high standards.
“I prefer to shut it and they (customers) can remember it. If you fail, then people will scold and remember it,” said the baker.
He also added that he changed the shop’s name from Regent Confectionary to Regent Pandan Layer Cake Shop to reflect that this was the origin of the well-loved cake as there are many copycats in the business.
Upon hearing the news, many netizens expressed their sadness as they may no longer be able to taste their favourite childhood dessert.
One Facebook user known as Simon wrote, “Why every great thing in my life since childhood had to go?” while another user named Samynathan commented, “This is one of the best pandan cake. So sad that it’s closing soon”.
Aside from the pandan layer cake, Cheng’s other specialities include the yam layer cake, the corn layer cake, and the Phillipine chocolate cake.
UPDATE (4th October, 10am):
Good news, guys! Cheng’s much-loved pandan layer cake will be continuing its legacy, as his son will be taking over the bakery!
Apparently, right after the story about the shop’s closure came out, Cheng has received vast orders from both old and new customers wanting to get some of his iconic cakes. Some customers even offered him double the price to guarantee their orders.
So Cheng’s 2nd sister told him that she will continue the legacy as the recipe should belong to the family. His son has also decided to learn the family recipe and he told The Malay Mail that he “will continue and supply pandan layer cake even after his retirement”.
Regent Pandan Layer Cake Shop can be found at No. 70, Jalan Raya Timur, Klang and the delicious layer cakes are priced at RM45 per kg. Business hours are from 9am to 8pm (Monday to Friday) and 9am to 6pm (Saturday and Sunday).
Sources: The Malay Mail (1), (2).
