These bak kwa shops in Singapore serve up smoky, caramelised pork slices that are snack-time legends.
Bak kwa cravings hit hardest during Chinese New Year in Singapore, but honestly, this snack is good any time of year. We have no shortage of stores hawking this savoury delight, each of them ardently defended by their munching advocates – and they boast the snaking queues during CNY to prove it. To make it easier for you to navigate the wonderful world of bak kwa in Singapore, we’ve come up with our own list of favourite purveyors of this scrumptious snack. Hunting more festive eats? Take a peek at our guides on pineapple tarts in Singapore and unique CNY snacks in Singapore.
Best bak kwa in Singapore
1. Century Bakkwa
Grilled to charcoal perfection and packed with flavour, the pork jerky from Century Bakkwa is a front-runner for the best in town. Available all year round, this smoky creation is handmade using Spanish pork, precisely marinated in-house and grilled in small batches to ensure top-notch quality. Those with an adventurous palate can’t miss the innovative flavours, such as yuzu, lychee, pineapple and truffle. There’s even a sugar-free bak kwa for the folks who are diabetic and on no- or low-sugar diets!
Price: Starts from $58 for 500g
Opening hours: Daily, 10.30am to 9.30pm
Where to buy: Century Bakkwa, shop online and at B1-44, Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road, Singapore 238877
2. Old Seng Choong
Old Seng Choong is best known for its selection of premium local snacks and confectionery, but we’re putting the spotlight on its bak kwa selection. Munch on the truffle bak kwa that’s marinated with the brand’s secret recipe and a blend of fragrant summer black truffle and white truffle oil. A premium pick perfect for gifting is the applewood bak kwa, boasting a gentle fruit-forward aroma and refined smokiness.
Price: Starts from $45.80 for 480g
Opening hours: Varies with each location
Where to buy: Old Seng Choong, shop online and at multiple locations including The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and Paragon Shopping Centre
3. Fyre Singapore
Unconventionally flavoured bak kwa is the name of the game for Fyre Singapore – just look at the lychee wood bak kwa! The juicy meat slices are made of premium pork jowl and loin, marinated with 36 spices for a month, and smoked with lychee wood. Another innovative creation is the mala xiang guo bak kwa, a fiery alternative made using Sichuan peppercorn. Mala lover or not, you’ll wanna try this.
Psst: Fyre is releasing limited slots for 2026 orders, so keep an eye out for the announcement on its social media channels!
Price: Starts from $98 for 500g
Where to buy: Fyre Singapore, shop online
4. Lim Chee Guan
Another local favourite that’s been around for decades, Lim Chee Guan attracts insanely long queues during the Chinese New Year period. And for good reason! We’ve tried and tested this bak kwa for many years, and it’s always tender and delicious. If you’re not too fond of the sweeter varieties of bak kwa, give this place a shot for its tender slices of signature sliced pork and BBQ chilli pork. Or, try the BBQ prawn and BBQ fish versions.
Price: Prices vary with the festive season
Opening hours: Varies with each location
Where to buy: Lim Chee Guan, shop online and at multiple locations including People’s Park Complex, Ion Orchard, and more
5. Kim Joo Guan
Using a traditional recipe that’s been handed down over generations, the Ong family is well in touch with their craft. All the bak kwa offerings are made with grain-fed pork and char-grilled for a subtle, smoky flavour. Fans of classic bak kwa should try the gourmet traditional pork slices. Or for an extra special treat, go with the premium pork belly bak kwa. It’s crisp and highly addictive.
Price: Starts from $33 for 500g
Opening hours: Varies with each location
Where to buy: Kim Joo Guan, shop online and at multiple locations including South Bridge Road and Royal Square at Novena
6. Kim Tee
With over 50 years of experience, the Kim Tee brand is a familiar one. You might even hear old-timers referring to the brand as Ang Sar Lee bak kwa. This is in reference to the iconic red rooftop of its flagship location back in Serangoon Gardens. The signature bak kwa is a much-loved favourite. But you can also pick from options like chilli and truffle bak kwa.
Price: Starts from $33 for 500g
Opening hours: Varies with each location
Where to buy: Kim Tee, shop online and at multiple locations including Serangoon Gardens and Toa Payoh
7. Sang Hock Guan
If you really wanna go old school, make your way here for authentic, traditional treats. This quaint little old school shop in Ang Mo Kio might not be the first thing that pops to mind when the craving strikes. But it’s definitely on par with the contenders on this list. Heads up if you’re ordering in advance – it sells out pretty fast!
Price: Starts from approximately $34 for 500g
Opening hours: Daily, 10.30am to 8.30pm; may vary if the store sells out for the day
Where to buy: Sang Hock Guan, #01-446, 163 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, Singapore 560163
8. Peng Guan Bak Kwa
What Peng Guan lacks in variety, it more than makes up for in quality. Every order is handmade from scratch. Charcoal-grilled to smoky perfection and done to order, so you know you’re getting the absolute freshest. The selection includes traditional options for the purists and chilli bak kwa for you spice fiends.
Price: Starts from $28 for 500g
Opening hours: Varies with each location
Where to buy: Peng Guan Bak Kwa, shop online and at multiple locations including Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio, Yishun, and more
9. Dian Xiao Er
Step aside, pork bak kwa. Duck bak kwa takes the spotlight at this crowd-favourite Chinese restaurant in Singapore. Dian Xiao Er’s barbecued duck bak kwa makes an irresistible snack for your CNY gatherings or a perfect gifting option for friends and family. Did we mention it has no added MSG, artificial colouring, or preservatives? Go on and indulge yourself! Psst: for 2026, it’s even launched a special Angelica duck flavour!
Price: Starts from $21.80 for 180g
Opening hours: Varies with each location
Where to buy: Dian Xiao Er, shop at multiple locations including Jewel Changi Airport and Jem
10. Bee Cheng Hiang
Homegrown favourite Bee Cheng Hiang is definitely one of the more popular choices. It’s practically a household name when it comes to bak kwa in Singapore. If the ridiculously long queues during CNY are any indication, the brand’s a pretty safe bet to satiate your cravings for the classic sliced pork bak kwa or the applewood version. For a spicy kick, there’s the chilli variant.
Price: Starts from $21.90 for 300g
Opening hours: Varies with each outlet
Where to buy: Bee Cheng Hiang, shop online and at multiple locations including Paya Lebar Quarter, Parkway Parade, Serangoon, and more
11. Kim Peng Hiang
Fancy a bit more luck and prosperity for CNY? Check out the family-run store’s pineapple bak kwa, a unique combination of savoury and sweet. But if you’re keen to stick to the traditional taste, the sliced royal pork creation is tender and juicy, and comes in bright red packaging suitable for gifting. Just beware of the long lines, because you will be waiting for a while.
Price: Starts from approximately $26 for 500g
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 6.30pm; may vary if the store sells out for the day
Where to buy: Kim Peng Hiang, 465 Changi Road, Singapore 419886
12. Kim Hwa Guan
While not as big a player in the bak kwa game as several other stores, Kim Hwa Guan has its own loyal following who favour its tender, thinly sliced nibbles. The pieces come in sealed bags as well. Perfect for preserving that glazed, crunchy surface (the store doesn’t skimp on the marinade!).
Price: Starts from $32 for 500g
Opening hours: Varies with each location
Where to buy: Kim Hwa Guan, shop at multiple locations including People’s Park Food Centre and Toa Payoh Lorong 1
13. Fragrance
You’re really spoilt for choice here. In addition to the signature pork and chicken versions, Fragrance offers bacon, honey and truffle options. It also takes the cake for having one of the strangest offerings: crocodile bak kwa. Any adventurous eaters in the house?
Price: Starts from $33 for 500g
Opening hours: Varies with each location
Where to buy: Fragrance, shop online and at multiple locations including Nex, Plaza Singapura, Chinatown, and more
14. Hu Zhen Long
It’s been around since 1948 and the current shopfront still evokes a sense of nostalgia with its traditional decor and wooden displays. Besides the traditional charcoal-grilled bak kwa, other unique options include crocodile meat and lobster variations. While you’re grabbing your barbecued meat, consider topping up on some sweets like the mangosteen or durian candies.
Price: Starts from $39 for 500g
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm
Where to buy: Hu Zhen Long, shop online and at 14 Sago Street, Singapore 059015
15. Angie’s Tempeh
For our non-meat-eater friends, we haven’t forgotten about you. This vegetarian version of our classic Chinese New Year snack means you can feast along with everyone! Carefully crafted with zero animal products, the tempeh substitute mimics the texture and taste of regular bak kwa. You can even get it in truffle flavour for some added indulgence. Psst: you’d be surprised how quickly the tempeh bak kwa gets snapped up! You might have to join the waitlist if you aren’t fast enough.
Price: Starts from $68 for 650g
Where to buy: Angie’s Tempeh, shop online
16. Friendly Vegetarian
While protein-heads may scoff at the idea of meatless bak kwa, this store’s roasted vegan jerky makes sure your vegetarian mates aren’t left out of the CNY tradition. You can get the spicy rendition, too.
Price: Starts from $7.09 for 250g
Where to buy: Friendly Vegetarian, shop online
Time to get your fingers dirty with the best bak kwa in Singapore!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is bak kwa?
Think of bak kwa as Singapore's version of jerky except made with pork and finished with a sweet and savoury glaze. It's typically grilled over charcoal for an added smoky flavour.
Is bak kwa only eaten during Chinese New Year?
No, bak kwa can be eaten all year-round. Many brands sell it beyond the festive season.
Is bak kwa halal?
Traditional bak kwa is made from pork which is not halal. There are alternative meats used like chicken, beef, and even fish. However, they may not be prepared in halal-friendly environments, so it's best to check.
How long does bak kwa last?
It lasts up to a week at room temperature and longer if you keep it in the fridge or freezer.
Can I bring bak kwa from Malaysia to Singapore?
Travellers aren't allowed to bring bak kwa from Malaysia into Singapore as Malaysia is not an approved source of pork for Singapore. Your products will likely be confiscated if you try to bring it in.
Can I bring bak kwa overseas?
Yes, many travellers bring vacuum-sealed packs of bak kwa overseas with them as gifts. However, it's important to check on the meat import laws in the country you're travelling to so that your gifts don't get taken.
Why is bak kwa more expensive during Chinese New Year?
Due to significant increase in demand and material costs to produce it, shops may sell their bak kwa at higher prices to cope with the higher expenses. You should expect a seasonal price hike due to this.
