Cheesecake: soft, creamy, indulgent. A dessert so simple in form, yet so rich in cultural interpretation. Though its origins trace back to ancient Greece during the first Olympic Games, cheesecake has since travelled the world, evolving as it crossed borders and eras. Today, nearly every culture has its own version and claims to be the best.
So what makes this humble combination of cheese, eggs, and sweetener so universally loved? It may be the way each culture has embraced the same basic concept while reinventing it with their textures, tastes, and traditions. Or maybe, like love and laughter, cheesecake is simply universal.
From Ancient Greece to a Global Icon
From the Mediterranean, where it all started, honey, herbs, and local fruit are often used to create rustic versions. Europeans tend to use their own regional cheeses, with the French notably turning theirs into light, mousse-like creations that highlight both terroir and technique. In San Sebastian, in Spain’s Basque region, they took a rebellious turn by burning the top to create a caramelised finish that’s now simply just iconic.
Meanwhile, in the Americas, cheesecake became a symbol of abundance and industrialisation. Rich cream cheese and egg yolk-enriched batters gave rise to the sense, towering style that became renowned in New York.
Over in Asia, a multitude of variations emerged as cheesecake arrived in a largely non-dairy-consuming region. In the Indian subcontinent, global influences met local flavours such as paneer, pistachio, kulfi, warm spices, and raw sugars. Moving eastward, Japan introduced a lighter, soufflé-like version that reflected local preferences for delicate, melt-in-the-mouth textures.
In Singapore, these diverse cheesecake styles coexist harmoniously. You will find the pillowy softness of Japanese cheesecakes alongside the richness of American slices, both beloved and proudly served. This is not just a coincidence. It reflects our roots as a trading port – a place where cultures meet, mingle, and make magic together. And that is what makes Singapore’s food scene so vibrant and distinct.
Lily's Philosophy: The Best of Both Worlds
At Lily's, we set out to make a cheesecake that tells a uniquely Singaporean story – one shaped by global influence and rooted in local character. Ours blends the velvety, egg-rich soul of a New York cheesecake with the crisp, buttery base of a French tart. It is decadently rich and creamy, with all the indulgence you crave. Then comes the twist: a hint of citron at the end that brightens the palate and keeps you coming back for more.
As a bakery born from Singapore's trading post spirit, we have always embraced the best of flavours from around the world. This time, it meant bridging the old and new worlds, expressed through thoughtfully sourced ingredients – from bright, sustainably grown citrus to the finest local free-range eggs – to craft a cheesecake that is irresistibly indulgent, consciously made, and beautifully balanced in every bite.