If you’re a fan of Hiap Joo Bakery’s iconic banana cake from Johor Bahru, we’ve got great news: you no longer have to cross the border for your fix. The beloved century-old bakery now has not one, but two vending machines right here in Singapore, offering their famous banana cake freshly stocked and ready to go.
A New Spot at City Square Mall
The latest vending machine can be found at City Square Mall, located in the basement level near Kim Guan Goldsmith & Jeweller. This marks the second Hiap Joo vending machine in Singapore, following the successful launch of their first outlet in Bukit Panjang earlier this year.
The machine at City Square Mall is restocked twice daily — at 11:30AM and again at 4:30PM — with fresh banana cakes delivered directly from the original bakery in JB. Each delivery is made via refrigerated trucks to ensure the cakes stay moist and delicious, just like you’d get from the bakery itself.
That said, stock tends to run out within an hour of restocking, so you’ll want to time your visit carefully!
A Quick Look Back: First Launch in Bukit Panjang
Hiap Joo’s first vending machine in Singapore opened at Senja Hawker Centre in Bukit Panjang, back in May 2025.
It was an instant hit, offering fans a convenient way to enjoy the bakery’s signature treat without having to make a cross-border trip. The concept proved so popular that a second location followed within months.
What’s Inside the Machine?
Each vending machine dispenses Hiap Joo’s famous banana cake — soft, fluffy slices with a subtle sweetness and the unmistakable smoky aroma that comes from being baked in a wood-fired oven. A box contains 10 slices and is priced at S$8.60. While it’s nearly double the price you’d pay in JB (RM13, or roughly S$4), many feel the added convenience and freshness make it well worth it.
The cakes are halal-certified and completely free from artificial flavourings, made only with ripe bananas and traditional ingredients. It’s a nostalgic treat that brings comfort with every bite.
Why Fans Can’t Get Enough
Hiap Joo has been baking their signature banana cakes since 1919 using a traditional charcoal-fired oven — a method that’s increasingly rare today. The result? A moist and fluffy texture, a hint of smokiness, and a flavour that’s never too sweet. These cakes have stood the test of time, and their popularity only continues to grow.
And it’s not just the banana cake. Fans are already hoping that the bakery’s classic buns — filled with coconut, kaya, red bean, or even otak-otak — will make their way into the machines soon.
Prefer the OG Experience in JB?
While the vending machines offer incredible convenience, nothing quite beats visiting the original Hiap Joo Bakery in Johor Bahru. From long morning queues to the aroma of freshly baked goods, it’s a full-on nostalgic experience.
If you’re planning a trip across the Causeway, don’t miss our full guide to Hiap Joo’s flagship outlet.
With two vending machines now operating in Singapore — one at Bukit Panjang’s Senja Hawker Centre and the other at City Square Mall — Hiap Joo fans have double the reason to celebrate. Both outlets offer the same iconic banana cake, freshly made and halal-certified.
Whether you’re looking to satisfy a craving or discover what the hype is all about, these machines bring a taste of JB nostalgia right to your doorstep.
Could this be the start of more cross-border foodie favourites popping up islandwide? We certainly hope so.
