Singapore is noted for producing a broad variety of baked products and pastries, influenced by the diverse culture. Many of these historic bakeries have had to close due to the changing tastes of young Singaporeans and the emergence of modern cafés but our love for old school snacks still remains strong.
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Muah Chee
Muah chee (glutinous rice balls) are sinfully delicious morsels wrapped in sugar. Usually coated with sesame or crushed peanuts, they are a favourite childhood comfort food for many residents. The components of this classic Chinese snack are traditionally produced by hand, a time-consuming procedure that entails molding dollops of rice flour and crushing peanuts.
While this delicacy is most usually available in pasar malams (local night markets), you can still sample it at Hougang 6 Miles Famous Muah Chee, which specializes in traditional muah chee preparation.
Address: Toa Payoh HDB Hub Gourmet Paradise. Block 480 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh #B1-01 Stall 21, Singapore 310480
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm daily
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Sing Hon Loong Bakery
Sing Hon Loong Bakery, a traditional bakery a short distance from Whampoa Food Centre, has been manufacturing traditional white loaf bread for almost half a century.
The light, fluffy bread has been immensely appreciated with regulars and retail shops, despite the lack of extra preservatives. The bakery is said to be supplying major F&B franchises like Fun Toast and Kiliney Kopitiam with its traditional white bread.
Address: 4 Whampoa Dr, Singapore 327715
Opening Hours: 24/7
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Ji Xiang Confectionery
The name Ang Ku Kueh (red tortoise cake) comes from the form of this glutinous rice pastry, which resembles a red tortoise shell. In Chinese custom, the form and colour of ang ku kueh is considered auspicious, making it popular during holidays such as the Lunar New Year.
Ji Xiang Confectionery makes a fantastic version of this treat, with a traditional mung bean filling and a soft, chewy texture. Alternatively, ang ku kueh may be made with a variety of fillings, including durian, coconut, and peanut.
Address: 235 Victoria Street Singapore, 188027
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri (8.30am – 5pm) | Sat (8am – 5pm) | Closed on Sunday & PH
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Gina’s Vadai
Apart from being a delicious snack, vadai (fried fritters) has religious significance and is served as a food offering at Hindu festivals such as Deepavali. The batter for vadai is made out of chickpeas, onions, green chilies, and curry leaves, with a prawn thrown in for good measure.
Visit Gina’s Vadai, a family-run booth that’s been operating for almost three decades, for a unique spin on this classic snack. You’ll be able to sample both traditional prawn vadai and distinctive tweaks that include cheese and ikan bilis (anchovies).
Address: Dunman Food Centre. 271 Onan Road #01-06, Singapore 424768
Opening Hours: Tues to Sun (9.30am – 3.30pm) | Closed on Mondays
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Tiong Bahru Galicier Pastry
Tiong Bahru Galicier Pastry, which opened in the early 1970s, is a fourth-generation cake store that specializes in traditional Peranakan sweets. To assure freshness and quality, all of its items are prepared on a daily basis.
The Putu Ayu, or steamed coconut cupcake, is the best-selling item at the confectionary. Instead of pandan, Galicier Pastry employs gula melaka, which gives out a scent that has enchanted regulars for decades. Kueh Dar-Dar, Ondeh Ondeh, and Kueh Ambon are among the other must-try delicacies on the menu. Arrive early because most of their popular items sell out by mid-afternoon.
Address: Blk 55 Tiong Bahru Rd, #01-39, Singapore 160055
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat (10am to 8.30pm) | Closed on Sundays
If you are searching for something old school to munch on, we hope you will visit these places that will definitely blast you to the past as you indulge in the nostalgia.
This article was brought to you by Han. I pretend to be broke in order to stay wealthy, yet I’m not wealthy.
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