The Enduring Legacy of Polar Cafe

When it comes to iconic local eateries, Polar Cafe stands out not just for its delightful pastries but also for its rich history that dates back to the Japanese Occupation. Once one of the only cafes to offer a delicious array of ice cream sundaes, it became a cherished gathering spot for lawyers, politicians, and expatriates in a thriving area that resembled today’s Orchard Road.

Historical Significance

Polar Cafe operated through tumultuous times, emerging as a symbol of resilience in the High Street neighborhood. This area, bustling with prominent landmarks like the Supreme Court and old Parliament House, attracted a diverse clientele. Among its many admirers was former Deputy Prime Minister Goh Keng Swee, who had a particular fondness for the beloved curry puffs.

For over sixty years, Polar Cafe served as a popular date destination and a local staple. “People would go there for romantic dates,” shared Dr. Chan, who has been on a quest to connect with patrons whose families captured memories at the cafe.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Dr. Chan recalls visiting Polar during his secondary school days. “Back then, the curry puffs were served on trays, and customers paid for what they ate. They were quite spicy—maybe because I was young!” he reminisced with a smile.

However, in 1986, Polar Cafe faced a significant setback when the government reclaimed the land for Parliament House, marking the end of an era. A poignant headline in the local press captured the community’s sorrow: “Polar Cafe, that long-time purveyor of curry puffs and other tea-time temptations, is no more. Long live the curry puffs!”

A New Beginning

Yet, the legacy of the curry puffs did not fade. In 1987, Polar made a triumphant return as a kiosk near the Raffles Place MRT station. Customers eagerly lined up for their beloved pastries following a year-long hiatus. Reports at the time highlighted how “tastebuds still tingled for their puffs,” showcasing the lasting appeal of these treats.

The kiosk model quickly gained traction, enabling fresh puffs to be baked on-site, mirroring the quality of the original cafe. This convenient grab-and-go format perfectly matched the needs of a bustling urban crowd.

“It exceeded our expectations,” noted Dr. Chan. “As demand grew, we had to rent a factory to keep up with the expanding number of outlets.” Alongside their famed curry puffs, new recipes like sugar rolls and chicken pies were introduced. Today, sugar rolls lead the charge as Polar’s top-selling item, closely followed by pies and puffs.

In fact, Polar Cafe now delights customers with over 1 million sugar rolls each year, contributing to the impressive total of more than 4 million pastries and cakes sold annually.