Singapore's take on viral ‘cake picnic’ trend draws criticism over $170 fee

A local event organiser has drawn criticism for charging home bakers $170 to participate in its version of the viral “cake picnic” trend that originated as a free community gathering.

- Teo Kai Xiang

Art market organiser PlusSantai organised its third Slice Slice Baby event at The Malayan Council restaurant in Winstedt Road on Sept 14, marketing it as Singapore's take on the cake picnic — gatherings where amateur bakers share their creations with one another.

The concept, which began in San Francisco in 2024 and has since spread globally from Kuala Lumpur to Lagos, has just one rule: “No cake, no entry.”

However, PlusSantai’s model differs from the original one by charging home-based bakers $170 to showcase their creations, on top of an additional $33 fee if they intend to sample other bakers’ offerings.

Non-bakers can also attend for $33, which entitles them to three cake slices collected during a timed seven-minute “dash”.

“] don’t think the organisers gave enough exposure to the bakers (for the amount they paid including their ingredients costs),” commented one attendee on Instagram, criticising the “chaotic” queues and heat at the venue.