At Dona Manis, a banana pie is never just a banana pie. It carries a family recipe, a Katong story, and more than three decades of baking the same way, with the same care. Our heritage workshop invites you to step inside that story — and to make a pie of your own.
Over a hands-on session led by Claire, you'll discover the heritage behind Singapore's beloved banana pie, meet the banana varieties that give it its character, and bake your very own mini pie to take home. It's a recognised heritage experience, and it's eligible for the SG Culture Pass.
A taste of heritage, made by hand
This isn't a follow-the-recipe class. Claire walks you through the story of Dona Manis and old Katong — the family establishments, the recipes passed down, and the traditions that shaped the way we bake. It's the kind of session where guests arrive curious about a pastry and leave with a deeper appreciation for a piece of Singapore heritage.
Then you roll up your sleeves. You'll assemble and bake your own mini Singapore Banana Pie — dense banana custard, hand-crimped shortcrust, and a toasted nut crust — the same pie Dona Manis has made since the 1990s. It's yours to bring home.
What you'll take away
- The heritage and family story behind Singapore's banana pie
- How different banana varieties shape flavour and texture
- Hands-on technique for our signature pie — pastry, filling, and finish
- Your own freshly baked mini banana pie to bring home
Meet the bananas
Part of the joy is discovering just how many bananas Singapore knows and loves. You'll get acquainted with heritage varieties like Pisang Kling (the Lady's Finger banana), Pisang Merah (red banana), and Pisang Tandu (horn banana) — each with its own origin, character, and place in our kitchens.
Led by Claire
Every session is guided by Claire, whose warmth and knowledge our guests mention again and again. She has led Dona Manis heritage workshops at the Singapore Heritage Festival and beyond — always with the same generosity and love for the craft.
What our guests say
Wonderful experience at the heritage workshop. Claire gave us an insightful intro into the food trade history of Singapore and taught us how to make the banana pie. Highly recommended! — Fang Fang Foo
A super fun, engaging, educational and yummy workshop. — Nicole Hilary Teo, Singapore Heritage Festival
We got the chance to bake a banana pie for ourselves. Their banana pie is one of a kind, and something that is uniquely Nanyang — a fusion of Western and local tropical influence. — Keng Cheong Tan
Deeply informative, and I was moved by their passion for bananas and banana confectionery. — Loretta Chen
I attended a workshop run by Claire and loved it. The banana pie is delectable! — Beena N
Or, as Yun Rong Chia put it, simply: "They know their bananas."
Use your SG Culture Pass
This workshop is a recognised heritage experience, so eligible Singaporeans can put their SG Culture Pass credits towards a place.
Workshop details
- What you make: Your own mini Singapore Banana Pie, to take home
- Where: Dona Manis Heritage Bakehouse — Level 2, 95 East Coast Road, a heritage conservation shophouse in Katong
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Suitable for: Ages 12 and up · conducted in English · beginners welcome
- Included: All ingredients and materials, plus your handmade mini pie to bring home
- Good to know: No pork, no lard — halal gelatin is used. Our kitchen also handles dairy, eggs, gluten and bananas.
- SG Culture Pass: Eligible as a recognised heritage experience
Interested in joining us?
We'd love to have you. To ask about upcoming sessions, private group workshops, or to register your interest, get in touch and our team will help you find a date.
Come for the pie. Leave with a story — and something you made with your own hands.