Nine years later, Ted and Tedboy are both thriving – the latter now with 10 outlets throughout the Klang Valley and enduring even the economic hardships brought about by the pandemic.
And this year, the couple are looking to lift the spirits of fellow Malaysians by giving them something to celebrate. With the Mid-Autumn Festival just around the corner, Tedboy has rolled out its first handcrafted mooncake collection.
The bakery is offering two gift-set boxes – the Reunion Gift Set (RM108+), which contains six mini mooncakes, and the Moonlight Gift Set (RM188+), which features eight whole ones – presented in beautiful packaging that opens like a set of drawers.
Expect the classics as well as some intriguing flavours: lotus salted egg yolk, Japanese green tea, black sesame, coffee, lotus red dates, lotus walnut, red bean, and Nyonya pandan.
Tedboy delivers throughout the country, so you will be able to treat your friends and family, near or far, to these delicacies.
‘Freedom of creativity’
Tang says their venture into the world of baking has been unusual but rewarding. “Edward and I were actually non-professional bakers. I am a pharmaceutical graduate, while he’s an engineer,” she tells FMT.
The couple decided to give baking a go “on a whim” in 2012, and after nearly a decade of running Tedboy, they have no regrets.
“I love the freedom of creativity. You can create literally anything,” she says, adding that everything is made fresh and in-house, from the simplest muffin to the most grandiose cakes.
Over the years Tedboy received enquiries from customers eager to get their hands on mooncakes, which prompted them to look into the possibility of starting their own range this year.
“Despite the pandemic, we decided to push ourselves to try something new,” Tang says.
As Tedboy has a policy of keeping its products free from preservatives, additives and artificial flavouring, she says it was “a matter of balance” to get the longest shelf-life possible without compromising on the quality and content of the mooncakes.
She adds that the mooncakes are made with halal-certified ingredients, and they will also consider vegan-friendly and gluten-free options if this debut collection is well-received.
Covid challenge
Tedboy, like the rest of the food and beverage industry, has been facing an uphill battle since the movement control orders began. The lack of office workers coming in for a bite has meant the business has largely been kept afloat through its online store.
But Tang remains optimistic that once things stabilise, Tedboy can spread its wings beyond the Klang Valley, even though outlets beyond Kuala Lumpur and Selangor would be hard to maintain and oversee.
“As a homegrown brand, we have come a long way considering we started from scratch. It has been a remarkable journey and we hope to grow even bigger in the future,” she says.
As to why Malaysians should give Tedboy’s mooncakes a try, she replies enthusiastically, “It’s made with love!
“Malaysians are going through such a tough time now. Since we might not be able to see our family and friends, sending them a box of mooncakes might make their Mid-Autumn Festival a little more special.”
Tedboy’s mooncakes are available at all outlets and through its online store until the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration on Sept 21. Bulk orders can be placed by emailing [email protected].