It’s that time of the year again! And one CNY snack that I definitely cannot do without is bak kwa. These barbequed pork slices are simply little slices of heaven, they’re also super addictive! My only problem is how long the queues get, especially if you head down to the stores closer to CNY.
If you’re looking for places that aren’t the usual Bee Cheng Hiang 美珍香 or Fragrance 香味 outlets, here’s a list of 10 places to grab your bak kwa ahead of the queue.
1. Kim Peng Hiang 金品香
Unlike some bak kwa stores, Kim Peng Hiang 金品香 keeps its bak kwa prices fixed even during Chinese New Year. This means you don’t have to rush down to beat the festive price surge.
For those who are more adventurous, why not try the Pineapple BBQ Pork ($24 for 500g, $48 for 1kg)? Imagine savoury and juicy bak kwa with chunks of tangy pineapple. Mmm, what a blend of flavours!
Of course, they also stock more traditional flavours like Sliced Royal Pork ($22.50 for 500g, $$45 for 1kg), Chilli Dried Pork ($20 for 500g, $40 for 1kg) and BBQ Pork ($20 for 500g, $40 for 1kg). If you prefer a chewier texture, opt for the Sliced Royal Pork for thick slices of porky goodness.
Be prepared for hours of queuing, especially if you’re headed down nearer the festive period. But judging from the number of people who still faithfully queue for the bak kwa, it’s worth the wait!
Kim Peng Hiang 金品香: 465 Changi Road, Singapore 419886 | Tel: +65 6742 6853 | Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm (Mon – Sat) | Facebook
2. Hu Zhen Long 胡振隆
If you’re looking for non-traditional bak kwa flavours, then you need to try the flavours from Hu Zhen Long 胡振隆.
You’ll get to enjoy the savoury goodness of bak kwa with an innovative twist, because they stock exotic flavours like BBQ Lobster Meat Bak Kwa ($80 per kg). Not a fan of unconventional tastes? Stick to Traditional Bak Kwa ($54- $58 per kg), for that sweet and savoury charred flavour.
You know the quality is assured, because the owner barbecues the meat himself. Each slice of bak kwa is made by hand, so it retains the traditional taste.
Hu Zhen Long 胡振隆: Main Outlet, 14 Sago Street, Singapore 059015 | Tel: +65 6324 5825 | Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm daily | Branch Outlet, 272 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058821 | Tel: +65 6222 9518 | Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm daily | Facebook | Website
3. Kim Hwa Guan金华源
Kim Hwa Guan金华源 proves that simple and traditional bak kwa is still the best.
Their signature product is the Square Minced Pork Bak Kwa ($58 per kg), which is softer and more tender than sliced pork bak kwa. It’s easy on the mouth, and also fattier. So if you like your bak kwa soft and sinfully fatty, Kim Hwa Guan is the store for you.
They stay open until they run out of stock, but considering how popular the bak kwa is, you’ll want to come down early to avoid disappointment.
Kim Hwa Guan 金华源: Blk 32 New Market Road, #01-1022, People’s Park Food Centre, Singapore 050032 | 127 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, Toa Payoh West Market and Food Centre, #02-40, Singapore 310127 | Tel: +65 9006 2026 | Opening Hours: 5am onwards daily, until they run out of stock
4. Peng Guan 品源
One of the new kids on the block, Peng Guan 品源 boasts bak kwa that’s handmade from scratch. Every slice is made with premium air-flown Brazilian pork, with hours of tedious preparation.
Knowing how hectic the Chinese New Year period is, you might not even have the time to head over to the store. Fortunately, Peng Guan offers hassle-free delivery right to your doorstep. Quality is definitely assured, because they even replace or re-deliver orders if customers are not satisfied.
During the festive period from 13 January – 13 February 2018, be prepared to shell out $45 per kg for the three types of bak kwa: Traditional Bak Kwa, Sliced Bak Kwa and Chilli Bak Kwa. There’s a delivery charge of $5, although purchases above 10kg are entitled to free delivery.
With no added preservatives, MSG or artificial flavouring, you can indulge in your bak kwa fix without feeling too guilty!
Peng Guan 品源: Block 335, Smith Street, #02-36, Chinatown Complex, Singapore 050335 | Tel: +65 9684 8386 | Opening Hours: 8am – 4pm (Tue – Sun), 8am – 8pm (extended hours, 1 – 13 February 2018)| Facebook | Website
5. Dendeng House
Our Muslim friends shouldn’t have to miss out on this Chinese New Year favourite, which is exactly why Dendeng House has halal bak kwa available.
You can choose either chicken or beef bak kwa to satisfy your barbecued meat cravings. The Dendeng Chicken ($4 per 100g) comes in three different flavours: Honey, Satay and Spicy. The Dendeng Beef ($4 per 100g) is available as Original, Chilli and Black Pepper.
It may not taste the same, but halal bak kwa lets our Muslim friends join in the festivities too!
Dendeng House: 39 Geylang Serai, #00-19, Geylang Serai Malay Village, Singapore 409227 | Tel: +65 6344 4117 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm daily | Website
6. Lim Chee Guan 林志源
If you want to snag the bak kwa from Lim Chee Guan 林志源, be prepared for a long queue and a longer wait.
80 years of tradition and quality make this brand the top choice for many Singaporeans. With a variety of bak kwa choices such as Signature Sliced Pork ($56 per kg), BBQ Chilli Pork ($58 per kg) and even auspicious Gold Coin Pork ($50 per kg), you’ll be sure to find something for you and your family.
Bring along a few packs to your Chinese New Year gathering, and your relatives will definitely appreciate it.
Lim Chee Guan 林志源: 1 Park Road, #01-25, People’s Park Complex, Singapore 059108 | Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm daily | 203 New Bridge Road, Singapore 059429 | Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm daily | ION Orchard, #B4-37, Singapore 238801 | Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm | Tel: +65 6933 7230 | Facebook | Website
7. New Eastern Kim Tee 新东方 (金池)
The charcoal ovens and stoves at New Eastern Kim Tee 新东方 (金池) are the secret to their chargrilled bak kwa slices. Since the 1970s, they’ve used the same method of preparation for premium quality bak kwa, so you can expect that same level of delicious goodness!
Each thin slice of bak kwa is sweet with a slight smoky fragrance. Perfect for Chinese New Year snacking! You can get this chargrilled bak kwa in the original flavour with Signature Minced Pork ($52 – $60 per kg). If you want a little more kick, try the Chilli Bak Kwa ($54 – $60 per kg).
If you like your bak kwa sweet and smoky, then New Eastern Kim Tee is the store for you. Stock up, and pig out!
New Eastern Kim Tee 新东方 (金池): 22 Maju Avenue, Singapore 556695 | Tel: +65 6283 2829 | Opening Hours: 11am – 7pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 5.30pm (Sat) | 210 Toa Payoh Lorong 8, #01-69, Singapore 310210 | Tel: +65 9738 8458 / +65 9815 8870 | 51 Old Airport Road, #01-112, Singapore 390051 | Tel: +65 9028 4606 / +65 9489 6861 | 147 Potong Pasir Avenue 1, #01-85, Singapore 350147 | Facebook | Website
8. Friendly Vegetarian 善缘
This may sound strange, but yes, Friendly Vegetarian 善缘 offers vegetarian bak kwa. You heard that right: bak kwa without meat.
This soy-based mock bak kwa is available in two flavours: Original ($5.89 for 220g) and Chilli ($5.89 for 220g). Chewier than regular bak kwa, this is a good substitute for those who can’t or won’t eat meat.
Of course, you can’t beat the real deal. But for vegetarians who have never tried bak kwa, this is worth a try.
Friendly Vegetarian 善缘: Main Office, Block 421, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, #01-1165, Singapore 560421 | Tel: +65 6456 6607 / +65 6456 6749 | Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm (Mon – Sat), 8am – 1pm (Public Holidays), closed on Sundays | Branch, Block 14, Pasir Panjang Wholesale Center, #01-23/24, Singapore 110014 | Tel: +65 6779 1488 / +65 6779 8341 | Opening Hours: 8am – 5.30pm (Mon – Sat), 8am – 1pm (Public Holidays), closed on Sundays | Website
If you can’t decide which store to get your bak kwa from, just try out a few different ones. Calories don’t count during the holidays, right?
What’s your favourite place to get bak kwa for the festive season?
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