Beyond Beautiful Layer Cakes
Imagine a world where baking isn’t just a hobby, it’s a calling you can’t ignore. That’s the story of Kitchen Confidante, a West Malaysian home bakery captivating hearts and taste buds with their stunning layer cakes. This delicious journey began not in fancy professional kitchens, but in a warm Sarawak kitchen filled with the aroma of freshly baked treats and a mother’s love.
Karen Chai, the founder of Kitchen Confidante, was introduced to baking at a young age by her resourceful mum. Karen wasn’t just a helper in the kitchen; she was a natural salesperson too, spreading the word about her mum’s delicious creations to her school friends. While encouraged to pursue a different career path, the pull of the kitchen proved irresistible. Within months of her first engineering job, Karen took a leap of faith and dove headfirst into the world of baking, following her true passion.
Then came a turning point during the early days of Covid. Karen’s brother, Kenneth, uploaded a long-forgotten sketch on his Twitter – a drawing of Kek Lapis patterns by their mother. This seemingly ordinary moment sparked a fire. Orders poured in, and Kitchen Confidante’s focus shifted. Kek Lapis, a traditional Sarawak layer cake, was a legacy, a connection to Karen’s roots, and an art form waiting to be revived.
Kitchen Confidante’s cakes are more than just beautiful to look at. They’re a celebration of heritage with a modern twist. The creative process is meticulous, a well-oiled collaboration between vision and execution. Karen explains, “We translate the design into a blueprint on grid paper, meticulously planning each pattern and colour to bring the cake to life.”
The real artistry happens in the slicing and assembling. Complex designs can take multiple tries, with months of practice perfecting the technique. Unique ingredients like hazelnut praline and pistachio paste add a touch of unexpected delight; their dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional Kek Lapis.
Establishing a home-based bakery hasn’t been without its challenges. Balancing work and life in the same space can be tricky, and the recent inflation of ingredients presents a constant hurdle. However, Kitchen Confidante remains committed to quality, refusing to compromise on the very essence of their creations.
When we asked Karen what’s the future for Kitchen Confidante, her eyes lit up. “The focus isn’t just on new designs, but on a “cleaner” approach – healthier ingredients and better techniques. Expect non-GMO flour, a refined keto lapis option, and a reduction in artificial colours.” Their ultimate dream? To see Kek Lapis recognized globally, inspiring a new generation of bakers to keep this beautiful art form alive.
Kitchen Confidante is a story of passion, heritage, and the unwavering belief that a simple cake can be a work of art. So, the next time you crave a taste of tradition with a modern twist, look no further than Kitchen Confidante. You might just discover your own sweet confidante in every delicious bite.
Kitchen Confidante
Contact : +6 012 636 6296 | Instagram | Website
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