Joy Luck Teahouse

I've had Joy Luck Teahouse before. 

But it's always been either just the tart, or the bo luo bao, nothing more, nothing less. 

Today, however, we had one of those appetites that were in-between. 

That is, we were neither too hungry nor were were too full. 

It was one of those days where we wanted to eat something but we didn't know what and we didn't know how much. 

What we did know was that we didn't want a full meal- so there would be no going to Itacho, Swensens, Ichiban or Pratunam chicken rice. Neither would there be Tim Ho Wan, McDonalds or Burger King. 

So, in between this and that, in between wondering whether we should just make do with two siew mais and a char siew bao, we came across Joy Luck Teahouse at B2 level (of Plaza Singapura) and realized we could have one of their sets after all. 

We ordered a cheong fun set. 

It came with an egg tart- the regular kind- of which I chose the cookie type- and a cup of iced milk tea.

Then we had an additional order of bo luo bao. 

I'm aware that there're differing opinions between the egg tart of Joy Luck Teahouse versus that of Tai Cheong Bakery and other bakeries from Hong Kong. 

Some people find this one moreish. 

Others, however, find this too sweet. 

There are those who feel the pastry of this one thicker than the Tai Cheong counterpart, 

But there are also those who say that the other one is more buttery.

Different people, different opinions. 

I have very little opinion between one and the other. 

Partially because it is more of a matter of convenience when it comes to egg tarts, and I am comfortable with whichever one is nearest to me. 

I like Tai Cheong's tarts when I'm at T3 in Changi Airport, Vivocity or Holland Village. 

But I like Joy Luck Teahouse's tarts if I'm at Bugis Junction, Parkway Parade or Plaza Singapura. 

Doesn't matter which one it is- I'm great with both. 

Of course, there are times when I want a pandan tart..

Then I'll go to Tai Cheong. 

But if there're times when I want an egg tart and Joy Luck is here- I'll come to Joy Luck instead.

Guess I'm not very particular when it comes to egg tarts. 

Both hold equal appeal to me. 

However, if you were to ask me, I'd say that, yes, Joy Luck's egg custard does seem a tad sweeter than that of Tai Cheong, and their cookie crust is a bit chonkier, but that doesn't influence my palate any more than if I were passing by a Tai Cheong and decided on one of their (more fragrant) egg tarts with the (flakier) pastry crust.