Take a trip down memory lane the gastronomic way
Here in Singapore, food does more than just fill our bellies. They act as a unifying cultural thread, as people from all walks of life indulge in the same, satisfying goodness of our local cuisine. We all crave a good Popiah once in awhile, and this list will come in handy the next time you’re looking for some traditional food.
Ang Ku Kueh
Translating to Red Tortoise Cake, this oval shaped Chinese pastry features a soft sticky glutinous rice flour skin wrapped around a sweet filling. For those who didn’t know, Ang Ku Kueh is shaped like tortoise shells because tortoises represent longevity and prosperity in Chinese tradition.
Located at Everton Park, Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh has been making handmade traditional Ang Ku Kueh since 1988, and many can testify to the goodness of these sweet pastries. At an affordable price of 80 cents a piece, customers can enjoy classic flavours like peanut and sweet bean (recommended!). The more adventurous are encouraged to try their yam and durian flavours.
Customers have rated Ji Xiang 4.8/5 stars, praising their generous fillings and outstanding customer service. Check out their Facebook page to find out more!
Details
Address: Block 1 Everton Park #01-33
Contact: 6223 1631
Website: http://jixiangconfectionery.com.sg/
Operating Hours: Mon to Sat 8am-5pm, Closed on Sunday & Public holidays.
Tutu Kueh
Which snack do you associate most with Pasar Malams? For me, it has to be Tutu Kueh, the pillow-like local heritage snack. Typically filled with coconut or peanut, the snowy white kueh is served on a piece of pandan leaf. In case you’re wondering, the kueh is named after the sound made by the charcoal heated steamers.
For this delightful munch, we’ll look at Lau Tan Tutu Kueh, which dates back to the 1940’s. Their story began with a group of Chinese immigrants who were enthusiastic to introduce the snack to customers in Singapore. Even up till today, customers can enjoy meticulously handmade tutu kueh at their 4 outlets: Queensway, Chinatown, Orchard and Bedok.
The Queensway branch has its own Facebook page, where satisfied customers claim that it’s the “best tutu kueh in town!” Try the original flavours of Lau Tan’s Tutu Kueh, or give their new chocolate chip and adzuki red bean flavours a shot!
Details
Address: Queensway Shopping Centre, ION Orchard, Chinatown Point and Bedok North St 1
Contact: 9817 4793
Website: http://tutukueh.com/
Popiah and Kueh Pie Tee
Often found together, Popiah and Pie Tee feature a spicy, sweet mixture of shredded turnips, carrots, lettuce leaves and shredded omelette. Meaning “thin wafer”, Popiah is a pancake made from wheat flour, while Pie Tee is a tart shell kueh.
At Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah, you’re promised “the most authentic handmade popiahs in Singapore.” Their popiah skin is freshly made by hand, as has been for over 70 years! While savouring the naturally tasty and juicy popiahs and kueh pie tees, you can also bask in the beauty and wonder of the restaurant: a quaint pre-war shophouse. For popiah enthusiasts, Kway Guan Huat also hosts live demonstrations which you can find out more about here!
Details
Address: 95 Joo Chiat Road Singapore 427389
Opening hours: 9am-2pm Daily
Contact: 9620 2000
Website: https://www.joochiatpopiah.com/
Muah Chee
As you all know, muah chee is a glutinous rice cake mixed with crushed peanuts and sugar. Almost everyone loves this chewy snack which has a satisfying, crunchy texture on the outside with a soft, pillow-like inside.
From its original location at Hougang, the Six Mile Muah Chee has moved to Bedok, and is currently located at Gourmet Paradise, the HDB Hub canteen in Toa Payoh. For those of you who are wondering, it’s the soft, elastic quality of Mr Teo Yong Joo’s muah chee that has earned it its name. From the age of 14, Mr Teo has been preparing freshly made muah chee. From the glutinous rice dough to the toasted peanuts, everything is hand-made, resulting in most aromatic and satisfying muah chee you’ll ever taste.
Details
Address: 480 Toa Payoh Lor 6 HDB Hub B1-01 Stall 21
Operating hours: 12pm-9.30pm.
Contact: Six Mile Facebook Page
Tau Sar Piah
Tau Sar Piah is another crowd favourite- a convenient, fuss-free snack to bring for gatherings and potluck parties. This traditional Teochew Chinese biscuit usually comes in 2 flavours: salty or sweet. Despite its simplicity, Tau Sar Piah has been the go-to snack for Singaporeans across generations. One of the most famous shops around has to be Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah on Balestier Street.
Regulars at Loong Fatt love it for its freshly made biscuits which are handmade daily from scratch. However, be warned, as the average queue time is about 20 to 40 minutes. But it’s worth it, as satisfied customers would tell you.
Details
Address: 639 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329922
Telephone: 6253 4584
Opening Hours: 8am – 4:30pm, Closed on Sun
