From ang ku kueh to kueh lapis, here’s our list of must-try local sweet cakes and delicacies in Singapore for breakfast, dessert, or any time you’re feeling peckish
One thing’s for sure: Singapore is indeed a foodie’s dream destination. This sunny island offers a smorgasbord of amazing local dishes; some original, some adapted, but all with their own uniquely Singaporean touches. But apart from its tasty local fare, Singapore also provides a plethora of kueh – rice cakes or dumplings that are eaten as local sweet delicacies, bite-sized snacks, or dessert foods. So how well do you know your kueh? If not at all, then it’s time to discover these seven kuehs that you must try in Singapore.
Kueh Bengkah
This baked tapioca cake is a semi-soft and chewy tapioca cake flavoured lightly with pandan leaves. While rather easy to make, it’s not often you’ll find stores serving it hot out the oven. For a spectacular, traditional rendition of the dish, pay a visit to the newly opened Folklore for a serving of piping hot kueh bengkah. It’s served with ice cream here, but you’ll find it delightful on its own.
Folklore, Destination Singapore Beach Road, 700 Beach Road, Level 2, Singapore 199598, p. 6679 2900. Open daily 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm-9.30pm.
Ang Ku Kueh
One of Singaporeans’ go-to sweet treats, ang ku kueh is a soft and round glutinous rice cake with a sweet filling, usually mung bean or peanut paste. While ang ku kueh has its roots in China, the ones in Singapore have been infiltrated by Nyonya influences, elevating the flavour and appearance of this delicacy. If you’re searching for the best ang ku kueh, head over to Ji Xiang Confectionery at Everton Park and enjoy its offerings of this oval-shaped red tortoise cake.
Ji Xiang Confectionery, #01-33, Block 1 Everton Park, Singapore 081001, p. 6223 1631. Open Mon-Sat 8am-5pm. Closed on Sun.
Tutu Kueh
There’s no shortage of colourful and unique kuehs (Southeast Asian ‘cakes’) to be found in Singapore, but one of our favourites has to be tutu kueh. This small, doughy, steamed rice flour sweet is often sold at night markets and streetside stalls in Chinatown, usually in bags of three, and served on pandan leaves. It’s filled with either ground peanut or brown palm sugar mixed with shredded coconut. If you’re nowhere near a night market, hit Tan’s Tutu Coconut Cake for a taste of this very Singaporean sweet treat.
Tan’s Tutu Coconut Cake, 22B Havelock Road, Singapore 162022.
Chwee Kueh
If you want an unassuming, quick-to-go and a light breakfast, chwee kueh (also known as water cake) is your best bet. Steamed rice cakes topped with diced preserved radish and chilli sauce, this Teochew savoury kueh has definitely captured the hearts of many locals and is a popular choice for an early morning meal in Singapore. While you can get chwee kueh at any corner of Singapore, you’ll definitely have to try the ones at Ghim Moh Food Centre. With decades of experience under his belt, the uncle at the chwee kueh stall is able to retain the traditional method of making them using clay moulds – just like back in the olden days.
#01-31, Ghim Moh Food Centre, Blk 20, Ghim Moh Road, Singapore 270020, p. 64626017.
Png Kueh
Png kueh is a classic Teochew delicacy that’s customarily made during the festive season or for religious offerings. Png kueh is a flavourful glutinous rice dumpling that’s usually in a peach shape and can be wrapped with either a pink hue or white rice flour skin. You can enjoy this scrumptious delicacy either steamed or pan-fried. Have a taste of this local delight at Yong’s Teochew Kueh – known for its various offerings of traditional Teochew kueh including png kueh!
Yong’s Teochew Kueh, 1022 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534760, p. 62874328.
Soon Kueh
If you prefer something savoury, you might love soon kueh. A white vegetable dumpling that is shaped like a curry puff, this delicious and chewy Teochew kueh is usually made of rice flour, starch flour, and delicious fillings like turnips and dried shrimp – making it hard to have just one. soon kueh is also typically served with black sweet soy sauce to add that extra kick. For an unforgettable and delectable soon kueh experience, visit Poh Cheu Handmade Soon Kway Ang Ku Kueh at Bukit Merah Lane 1.
Poh Cheu Handmade Soon Kway Ang Ku Kueh, #01-230,127 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 150127, p. 62762287.
Ondeh ondeh
Typically round and green in colour, ondeh ondeh are boiled rice cakes coated with grated coconut and filled with liquid gula Melaka (palm sugar). Just a fair warning: once you have your first bite, you might not be able to stop! These uber sweet classics are highly addictive and truly yummy. To enjoy one of the best ondeh ondeh in Singapore, don’t forget to make a stop at Hajah Maimunah at Jalan Pisang and buy them from the dessert counter.
Hajah Maimunah, 11 & 15 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199082, p. 6297 4294.
Kueh Lapis
A sweet-layered cake primarily made from rice flour, coconut, milk, and sugar, kueh lapis is definitely worth all the calories that you’ll be gaining. Also available in varieties like chocolate and pandan, kueh lapis is usually served during festive seasons like Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Puasa. Still, there’s no need to limit yourself to specific occasions to enjoy these sweet delicacies. You can definitely get kueh lapis anywhere in Singapore, but if you’re looking for something different and unique, check out the homemade buttery and spice-scented kueh lapis from Gula by OLLELLA.
Ollella, #01-01, Residences@Somme, 3 Petain Road, Singapore 208108, p.9139 9871. Open Wed-Mon 12pm-9pm. Closed on Tue.
Kueh Kosui
This soft, chewy Nyonya kueh is a popular kueh that’s much loved for its chewy consistency and mild sweetness. Like most kueh, it is simple to make and consists mainly of rice flour, tapioca starch, and palm sugar. Once again, we recommend Folklore to try this dish which shines thanks to its rich gula Melaka taste and soft, chewy consistency.
Folklore, Destination Singapore Beach Road, 700 Beach Road, Level 2, Singapore 199598, p. 6679 2900. Open daily 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm-9.30pm.
Sate your sweet tooth with our guide to milkshakes in Singapore and our guide to the best ice cream parlours.
