The Legacy of Polar Cafe: A Culinary Journey Through Time

Polar Cafe, a beloved establishment in its prime, is much more than just a place for cakes and curry puffs. Unique for being one of the few cafes that served ice cream sundaes, it also held its ground as a vital business during the Japanese Occupation. Its rich history is a tapestry woven into the fabric of the community it served.

Following World War II, the High Street area transformed into a bustling hub akin to the modern Orchard Road, flanked by significant landmarks like the Supreme Court, the old Parliament House, and Metro. This vibrant locale became a favorite spot for lawyers, politicians, expatriates, and business executives. Among its loyal patrons was former Deputy Prime Minister Goh Keng Swee, who had a particular fondness for the cafe’s famous curry puffs.

For an impressive six decades, Polar Cafe was not just a neighborhood staple but also a popular destination for romantic outings. “I’ve heard countless stories of couples who chose Polar for their dates,” shared Dr. Chan, who is on a quest to connect with customers whose families captured memories at the cafe over the years.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Dr. Chan recalls visiting the cafe during his secondary school days. “The curry puffs were served on trays, and we paid for what we ate. Those were much spicier than I remember—maybe that’s just my young palette,” he said, chuckling at the nostalgia.

In 1986, a legislative decision led to the reclamation of the land for Parliament House, marking the end of an era for Polar Cafe. A poignant headline in the local newspaper read, “Polar Cafe, that long-time purveyor of curry puffs and other tea-time temptations, is no more. Long live the curry puffs!” capturing the collective sentiment of the community.

A New Chapter: Reinvention of a Classic

Yet, the love for the curry puffs endured. In 1987, Polar made a triumphant return as a kiosk near the Raffles Place MRT station. Customers lined up, eager to savor the flaky pastries they had missed during the cafe’s hiatus. A news article from that time remarked that “tastebuds still tingled for their puffs,” highlighting the enduring appeal of these treats.

The kiosk model quickly proved successful, with puffs baked on-site in ovens reminiscent of the original cafe. This grab-and-go format met the burgeoning demand for convenience in a fast-paced world.

“It exceeded all expectations,” Dr. Chan recalled with enthusiasm. “As we grew, we even had to rent a factory to keep up with the expanding number of outlets.” This success led to the introduction of additional offerings, such as sugar rolls and chicken pies, which quickly became popular. Currently, sugar rolls are Polar’s best-selling item, followed closely by their pies and curry puffs.

Remarkably, the brand sells over 1 million sugar rolls each year, contributing to a total of more than 4 million pastries and cakes sold annually. Polar Cafe’s legacy continues to thrive, evolving with the taste buds of the community it serves.