Traditionally enjoyed to commemorate the passing on of patriotic Chinese poet Qu Yuan, bak chang is now a local highlight that people look forward to savour on the 5th day of the 5th month in the Chinese lunar calendar. We have carefully picked some of what we think are the best bak chang in Singapore that you cannot miss this season. Some for their authenticity and astoundingly long history, some for their unique ingredients and peculiar taste. Either way, you must try these, especially if you don’t know where to begin:
1. Kim Choo’s Kitchen
Traditional Nyonya Rice Dumpling
Kim Choo is the name of the business’ owner, a straits-born peranakan woman who used to make a living out of selling traditional nyonya rice dumplings. Established since 1945, and with the help of her daughter and grandsons, the business continues to grow while sustaining aspects of the peranakan culture. With such strong foundation, long history and genuine perenakan recipe, there is no reason why you should not jump at the opportune to eat their traditional Nyonya Rice Dumpling this festival!
Kim Choo’s Kitchen
111 East Coast Road
Singapore 428801
Tel: 6741 2125
2. Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant
Zhaocheng Dumpling
Zhaocheng Dumpling ($16+) is completely bursting with flavours and textures from their combination of roasted duck, prok, dried scallops, salted egg yolk, mushrooms, chestnut, dried shrimps and mung beans. It’s large serving size, almost double the size of regular bak chang, makes it ideal for you to share with a partner. Serve with their homemade special sauce to heighten all the flavours!
Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant
201 Keppel Road
Singapore 099419
Tel: 6272 8822
3. Taste Paradise/Paradise Pavilion
Forbidden Rice Dumpling
The Forbidden Rice Dumpling ($14.80) shall not be shared with a partner. It’s blend of black rice and white glutinous rice containing premium ingredients such as abalone, dried scallops and roast duck meat is formidable! Because it uses black rice that has high fibre content, you can steal a second serving for your tummy and not feel guilty at all.
Taste Paradise
2 Orchard Turn
ION Orchard #04-07
Singapore 238 801
Tel: 6509 9660
Paradise Pavilion
8A Marina Boulevard
Marina Bay Financial Centre, Ground Plaza #02-01
Singapore 018984
Tel: 6509 9308
4. Szechuan Court
Organic Red Brown Rice Vegetarian Dumpling, Gong Bao Chicken Dumpling
Eating dumpling needs not be such a guilty pleasure anymore with lighter, healthier option like Organic Red Brown Rice Vegetarian Dumpling ($22+). It comprises of vegetarian smoked duck and crispy fragrant chicken with Japanese flower mushrooms and gingko nuts at the center. For those who prefer their rice dumplings with extra kick or spice, go for the Gong Bao Chicken Dumpling ($22+). It oozes with savoury and luscious ingredients comprising juicy stir-fried diced chicken thigh with dried chili, Szechuan peppercorn and crunchy roasted peanuts. Other options include Hong Kong Style Abalone Dumpling and Premium Dumpling.
Szechuan Court
Fairmont Singapore
80 Bras Basah Road, Level 3
Singapore 189560