Exclusive: A beloved family-run bakery in the heart of Aberdeen has just been crowned “Best Bakery – Regional Winner” at the 2025 Scotland Business Awards.
Candy’s Dream Cake, located at 77 John Street, has quickly captured the hearts (and appetites) of locals since opening in April 2024, and is now in the running for the national title of Best Bakery in Scotland.
The award recognises Candy’s Dream Cake for its outstanding commitment to quality, creativity, and customer service. Co-founders Candy and her husband Herman told Aberdeen Business News that they were “absolutely thrilled” by the accolade.
“It truly reflects the passion and dedication we put into every cake, pastry, and customer experience,” said Candy. “This award is also for our amazing customers who have supported us from the beginning. It validates the long hours, hard work, creativity and commitment to the quality and services that define Candy’s Dream Cake.”
Candy’s Dream Cake is Aberdeen’s only Hong Kong/Macau-style bakery cafe, serving a unique mix of traditional Chinese buns, Hong Kong-style savoury dishes, and delicate Western-inspired cakes and sponges.
The bakery frequently sees queues out the door on weekends, thanks to its popular offerings like char siu pork buns, seaweed and cheese hot dog buns, pineapple cakes (without the pineapple!), egg tarts, and an ever-evolving menu of flavours including sesame, vanilla caramel, and red velvet.
What started as a hobby baking for friends and family in Macau, evolved into a home business when the family moved to Aberdeen in 2016. “There were always suggestions from our customers for us to open a bakery shop,” Herman explained. “At the end of 2023, we saw a shop space to let on John Street, and after a short discussion, we decided to give it a try.”
The name Candy’s Dream Cake is no accident—it’s a literal dream come true. Candy trained at professional baking schools across Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Taiwan, and the shop reflects her wide-ranging skills and deep-rooted passion.
Herman says one of the biggest things that sets them apart is the personal attention they give each customer. “Unlike larger bakeries, we treat every customer like family. We see every cake as a story or message our customers want to tell their loved ones, and we’re here to help bring that vision to life.”
With the recent win, the response from new and returning customers has been overwhelming. “We’re getting a lot more interest and inquiries,” Candy said. “We’re excited to experiment with new flavours and continue surprising our loyal community with fresh, exciting treats.”
The recognition from the Scotland Business Awards is a milestone moment for the bakery, but for the team, it’s also a chance to show what authentic, heartfelt food can do for a community.
During a recent visit from Aberdeen Business News, the team sampled an impressive variety of dishes and bakes that showcased the bakery’s breadth.
The indulgent black sesame cake and the melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake stood out as particular highlights, while savoury dishes like the rich, warming Hong Kong-style curry with fish balls, pork rinds and dried cuttlefish proved that Candy’s skills extend far beyond desserts. The Chinese tangerine tea offered the perfect accompaniment.
But it was the warm, welcoming hospitality of Candy, Herman, and their daughter Eugenia that truly made the experience unforgettable. The bakery is more than just a business—it’s a family dream brought to life, and one that continues to bring joy, comfort, and a whole lot of flavour to Aberdeen’s food scene.
If you haven’t yet visited Candy’s Dream Cake, now might be the perfect time to see what all the fuss is about. The business is open from Friday til Tuesday from 12:00-19:00 every week. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook for more information.
