If you’ve ever had the privilege of tasting Madam Wong’s Kaya Swiss Rolls or Kaya Puffs, then you’re familiar with the taste of dedication. The 81-year-old has been crafting these sweet delights for over five decades now, and believe me, her work ethic will put your 9-to-5 grind to shame.
Every night, this Aunty who is young at heart wakes up at 1am to prepare her baked goods, ensuring that her customers get nothing less than perfection.
Madam Wong has been running this business since 1974, serving mouthwatering Swiss Rolls, Kaya Puffs, and Egg Tarts from a humble stall tucked away in a quiet alleyway. Don’t let the unassuming location fool you though, her little push-cart has garnered a loyal following over the years and for good reason.
A slice of nostalgia
You’d be hard-pressed to find many folks who know the secret to a perfect Kaya Swiss Roll these days.
While trendy flavours like black sesame and matcha steal the spotlight today, Madam Wong’s traditional rolls bring people back to a simpler time. Back in the day, fresh cream was a rare luxury, so these rolls were packed with homemade kaya, Malaysia’s very own beloved coconut jam. Madam Wong’s kaya isn’t your typical overly sweet concoction—it’s a creamy, textured, eggy blend made from scratch, and a real treat for the taste buds. She sells her homemade kaya in tubs, it’s simply up to you whether you spread it on toast or eat it straight from the tub (no judgment here).
The Kaya Swiss Roll itself is unlike what you’d find at any modern bakery. It appears flatter and denser, but when you sink your teeth into it, it’s oh-so-soft and fluffy. The buttery texture melts in your mouth, while the kaya filling, with its subtle sweetness, lingers just enough to make you savour each bite. I’d highly recommend pairing it with a steaming cup of coffee; a match made in dessert heaven.
Madam Wong’s late husband created the recipe, and though they once ran the stall together, he sadly passed away in 2011, leaving her to continue sharing his creations with the locals.
A kaya puff a day keeps the frowns at bay
Image Credit: MFT (left), Sek Kok Fhai on Google Review (right)
Madam Wong informed us that while her Kaya Swiss Rolls are very popular, customers actually love her Kaya Puff just a little more.
This crispy, flaky pastry is filled with a generous serving of kaya, and we can safely say, it’s absolutely divine. The first thing we noticed was how buttery and delicious the pastry was, crisp, but doesn’t fall apart with each bite you take. The kaya filling, rich and creamy without being overly sweet, complements the texture perfectly. One bite and you’ll understand why some consider it “the best kaya puff in town.”
Many customers can’t get enough of this treat, and after trying it, it’s easy to see why. It’s the kind of pastry that disappears in seconds, leaving you wishing you had bought more (we definitely did).
Timeless flavours from an ever-sweet Aunty
Finding the stall can be a bit of a scavenger hunt, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. You’ll find the Aunty set up opposite Maybank on Jalan Yap Ah Loy, where the stall has been a staple of the area for years.
Once you spot her manning the stall, you’ll feel a burst of affection—this lovely Aunty has been standing behind the counter all by herself for years now, crafting each pastry with love and care.
I think what sets Madam Wong apart is her commitment to keeping her husband’s recipes alive, even as the world around her changes. Her stall may be simple and humble, but the flavours are timeless. The Kaya Swiss Roll and Kaya Puff are made fresh each day, often with the help of her children, but the real star of the show is Madam Wong herself. She’s the heart and soul of the business, and it shows in every bite.
Old-school goodness in KL
Image Credit: Mioko Shimizu on Google Review
Despite the stall’s tucked-away location, Madam Wong’s pastry cart has a solid 4.6-star rating on Google, with over 100 reviews. Clearly, she has perfected the art of Kaya Swiss Rolls and Kaya Puffs, earning a loyal following of regulars who swear by her delicious creations.
Weekends tend to be a little busy, so if you’re hoping to snag some of her delicious treats, it’s best to arrive early before they’re all sold out.
After more than 50 years of perfecting her craft, Madam Wong’s stall remains a beloved fixture in the city, offering customers a taste of history.
Pek Yoke’s Cake, Swiss Roll and Kaya Kok
Address: Opposite Maybank, at Jalan Yap Ah Loy, exit at Masjid Jamek LRT
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 8am – 1:30pm | Closed on Sundays
Halal Status: Pork-free
Contact: 012-2995222
You should also check out: After 131 years in KL, he refuses to let his great-grandfather’s Chinatown pastry house die
Feature Image Credit: MFT (left), Coriander Cilantro (right)
