There’s a lot to reminisce about Singapore’s unique kuehs. The sensation of biting into an oozing ondeh-ondeh, the distinct patterns on the ang ku kueh, and not to mention the oily and sticky fingers you get after devouring a kueh. This simple snack is still important in Singapore today no matter how old in might be. If you’re looking for some, go to these places to purchase a snack.
Kueh Ho Jiak
At Kueh Ho Jiak, young hawker Elizabeth Chan crafts ang ku kueh into teddy bears and koi fishes using sweet potato, successfully ascending the classic dessert to another level. “By appealing to the younger generation and making them more fun, we aim to pass down the kueh heritage,” she explains on why she is in this line of kueh making.
Colourful balls of ondeh ondeh ($5.60 for 8pcs), Colourful Png (Rice) Kueh ($20 for 10pcs), and even ang ku kueh with a peculiar cempedek filling ($6 for 3pcs) and spicy shrimp ($2) can be found at the stand. If you’re in the mood for a celebration, kueh dessert tables and other custom delicacies are also available at Kueh Ho Jiak.
Location: 6 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #02-20, Singapore 081006
Opening Hours: 7.30am-2.00pm (Fri – Thu) | Delivery
Ji Xiang
Did you know? Ji Xiang Confectionary has been preparing traditional handcrafted ang ku kueh since 1988. What began as a small-scale hawker selling two flavours, peanut and sweet bean paste, has evolved into a massive confectionery store with two locations in Singapore.
From $1 apiece, stick to the basics like peanut and salted bean filling. If you are local for bolder flavours, you can turn to favourites like durian and sweet yam which are both popular among regular customers.
Locations: Everton Park | Victoria Street
Opening Hours: 8.30am-5.00pm (Mon – Sun) | Delivery
Kueh Garden
While this humble business in Jurong has a small but respectable selection of kueh both sweet and savoury, what they excel at is the ang ku kueh. It is difficult not to notice the colourful and beautifully crafted kueh on sale.
Here you can get unconventional fillings like Chocolate, coconut, sweet corn, coffee, green tea, in addition to basic flavours like peanut, red bean, and green bean. The best part about it? Each item is priced from $0.90 and onwards! So head down if you are feeling a little nostalgic and want a bite.
Location: 348 Jurong East Ave 1, Singapore 600348
Opening Hours: 7.00am-5.00pm (Mon – Sun)
HarriAnns Nonya Table
With their huge menu of treats, Rainbow Lapis ($1.45) and Pink Fairy ($1.45), a pastel pink coconut cream over an azuki bean layer, are among the multi-colored kuehs available at this Peranakan confectionery store. But the focus here is on the kueh salat ($1.45), the creamy kaya custard on topped on a gooey glutinous rice below for a luscious mouthful. What makes this store even more authentic, is the way they serve their glutinous rice. They are dyed blue using extracts from the blue pea blossom, which gives it a subtle aroma typical in Nyonya cuisine.
Locations: Kappel Bay | Bugis Junction | Ocean Financial Centre | Tiong Bahru Food Centre | Suntec City
Opening Hours: 7.30am-8.30pm (Mon – Sun) depending on outlet | Delivery
Chalk Farm
Though this bakery-café concept may not be your first stop when looking for kueh, the super-sized kueh salat cake ($75 per 1.5kg cake) is well worth the journey to Paragon along Orchard Road. It’s the bakery’s best offering, being made with fresh coconut milk, butterfly pea essence, and pandan extract.
You wouldn’t be surprised if you see a person or two walking out with an entire cake. Limited stocks are available daily and the variety changes from day to day thus be prepared to head down early to purchase or place your orders online to ensure you can grab a slice!
Location: 290 Orchard Road #B1-K5/K6, Paragon, 238859
Opening Hours: 11.00am-7.00pm (Mon – Sun) | Delivery
In a time where foods like truffle pasta and bubble tea rule the culinary scene, it is good to take a step back and revisit some of the old school treats Singapore is home to.
This article was first published on Gutbitez.
