Uncle Lee Confectionery’s Very Own Vending Machine is Here at Suntec City

When you think of vending machines, chances are canned drinks or snacks come to mind. But cakes? That’s something new. Uncle Lee Confectionery has just launched their very own vending machine at Suntec City, Level 2, right outside Don Don Donki — and yes, you can now satisfy your old-school cake cravings at the push of a button.

You may have seen Uncle Lee’s cakes popping up in vending machines around Singapore before, but those were in partnership with external vendors. This marks the first time they’re rolling out their own machines, which means more accessibility and (hopefully) more locations to come. Imagine getting Uncle Lee’s iconic cakes without having to wait for delivery or hunt them down at the Bugis shop. Times have really changed — even a heritage baker’s cakes can now be found in a vending machine!

From Traditional Confectionery to Modern Innovation

For the uninitiated, Uncle Lee is no stranger to the baking scene. He was once the head baker at the now-defunct Hock Ann Confectionery, and with more than 35 years of experience, he has perfected the art of old-school Singapore-style cakes. These days, he runs his own bakery at Jalan Pisang, just a short walk from Bugis MRT. His two sons are now part of the team, carrying forward the family’s baking legacy.

Never in his wildest dreams did this 70-year-old baker imagine his cakes would one day be sold through vending machines. Honestly, neither did I. But it’s a beautiful marriage of tradition and modern convenience — heritage flavours made available in a whole new way.

Spotlight: The New Yam Cake

The highlight at the new vending machine is their freshly launched Yam Cake.

The first thing you’ll notice is the texture — pillowy soft sponge with a layer of real yam paste in between. The filling is creamy, smooth, and not overly sweet. Each bite reminds me of orh nee (yam paste dessert), but in a light, airy cake form. It has that unmistakable handmade taste that sets it apart from factory-made cakes. One slice is never enough.

Old-School Favourites You Can’t Miss

Of course, you’ll also find Uncle Lee’s beloved classics stocked inside.

Kaya Pandan Cake is always sold out online, and now you can get it at the vending machine. Uncle Lee shared that this recipe dates back to his Tanglin Halt days, and his son specially requested to revive it when they opened the Bugis shop. Every morning, pandan leaves are painstakingly juiced to extract the natural flavouring for this cake.

What you get is a glossy cake with two layers of pandan chiffon, held together by a firm kaya “jelly.” Light, fragrant, and not too sweet — it’s the kind of cake you can finish an entire slice (or two) without even realising.

Peanut Cake is a true nostalgic treat! The cake is crisp on the outside, with a fragrant peanut filling that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savoury. The peanuts are ground fresh daily, and you can taste the effort and heart behind it. My team went crazy for this one — it brought us right back to childhood memories of simple, comforting snacks.

For those who love a richer flavour, Chocolate cake is also available at the vending machine.

Grab Yours Before They’re Gone

The cakes are baked fresh every morning, then stocked into the vending machine. Do note that they sell out fast! Restocks at Suntec City typically happen at 11am and 4.30pm, so plan ahead if you don’t want to leave empty-handed.

And yes — do remember to bring your own bag when you head down.

For now, the first vending machine is at Suntec City, but with how quickly Uncle Lee’s cakes are snapped up, I’m hopeful we’ll see more popping up across the island. Who knows — maybe one day we’ll even have an Uncle Lee vending machine at Tam Chiak Kopitiam.