Forget the calories: #currypuffsforever. We’re munching on these faves for a flavour-packed and naughty snack.
Call it breakfast, a quick snack or a cheat treat to satisfy that craving – curry puffs are one of our local favourites. Generously stuffed with chunks of chicken, potatoes and eggs (or sardines), these semi-circle snacks have evolved from the original to rendang, nasi lemak, chilli crab and even durian flavours. We’re stripping it down to the basics and going back to what makes a smashing curry puff. The answer lies in a crust that’s not too oily or jelak, a chunky filling where you can actually see the chicken bits, and a good filling-to-crust ratio. Here are the best curry puffs in Singapore we’re salivating over right now. Seriously, is there a more satisfying snack out there below $2?
Best curry puffs in Singapore
1. Tanglin Crispy Curry Puff
If the lengthy queue that stretches in front of this humble stall doesn’t convince you of its quality, one bite of the curry puff surely will. Its fragrant crust isn’t too flaky, and it’s bigger than the average puff which gives us more to enjoy. The thick potato filling can be slightly spicier but it’s delicious and definitely fills you up.
Tanglin Crispy Curry Puff, $1.80/puff; #02-34, Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, 531A Upper Cross Street, Singapore 051531
2. Tip Top Curry Puff
Tip Top’s curry puffs stand out for their flavour-packed spicy filling of chicken and potato pieces (though they could do with less chicken skin and more egg). The dough of the crust is on the sweeter side, which may be a hit or miss depending on your preference.
Tip Top Curry Puff, $1.70/puff; multiple locations including Raffles City and Bugis Junction
3. J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff
Ah, the only Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee on the list scores extra puff points thanks to its lovely layered crust, folded to perfection by hand. No skimming on the filling for this – the fragrant combo of curried potatoes and chicken is stuffed to the brim. The crust is light and crispy, with just enough crunch to complement the curry. It takes a step back for the curry to shine but we don’t mind, the filling is bomb.
J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff, $1.60/puff; #01-21, Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111
4. Mr. Teh Tarik
The next time you grab your kopi from these folks, make sure you try the curry puffs. This breakfast go-to may not be the best in doling out those puffs, but they’re good enough to warm you up in all the right ways. Just like the OG epok epok from your favourite makcik.
Mr. Teh Tarik, $4.50/four puffs; curry puffs available at selected locations including #01-01, Far East Square, 135 Amoy Street, Singapore 049964
5. Old Chang Kee
From Bedok to Ang Mo Kio – these babies taste the same no matter where you go. They’re consistent in flavour, which is perhaps why Old Chang Kee is my go-to curry puff. OCK has the best crust in my opinion: buttery, baked to perfection and just melts in your mouth. However, after trying the other puffs, it’s sad to say that the filling is a let-down and on the blander side compared to others. The filling-to-crust ratio was also a little off, with more crust overpowering the filling.
Old Chang Kee, $1.70/puff; multiple locations include Bugis and Somerset
6. Polar Puffs and Cakes
Get the tissues, this is going to be messy. The flaky pastry of Polar’s puffs is crispy and buttery (best you have it while it’s hot!). Though the filling was tasty and had the right mix of spices, we weren’t big fans of the chicken and potato mush. Chunky over mushy anytime. $2.10 per puff.
Polar Puffs and Cakes, $2.10/puff; multiple locations including Tanjong Pagar and Raffles Place
All these curry puffs are perfect in their own ways so we can’t just pick one. In a perfect world, I’d like the filling of Tip Top’s puffs encased with the buttery crust from Old Chang Kee. Is it wrong to eat both at once?
