With the Chinese New Year season fast approaching, of course we need to stock up on our CNY goodies. And of course, bak kwa has to be one on our list — definitely sinful but nevertheless delicious. In Singapore, we are spoilt for choice with a myriad of different bak kwa brands to choose from. But out of all of them, here are my favourites! Read more to find out about some of the best bak kwa in Singapore.
Bee Cheng Hiang
Of course we have to start this list off with a local favourite — Bee Cheng Hiang. Bee Cheng Hiang prides itself on its bak kwa being “made with 100% natural ingredients, without added meat tenderiser, preservatives, artificial flavouring or colouring and MSG” as stated on their website. Their bak kwa consists of a perfect balance of both sweet and savoury-ness, making it juicy, smokey, and flavourful. This brand is probably your safest bet if you want to satisfy your bak kwa cravings as not only are its flavours balanced and not too overpowering, you can find their outlets all over the island.
As they have multiple outlets, check out their website to find one close to you.
Fragrance
Fragrance bak kwa builds on the foundations of “quality, progress, trust and customer satisfaction”, and they sure do deliver. Fragrance offers multiple unique flavours of bak kwa from honey to bacon. They even have a DIY kit for you to make your own at home.
Their bak kwa is freshly grilled eve ry day, and you can even watch the whole cooking process at some outlets. As their bak kwa is marinated in a herbal marinade, it has a more earthy flavour compared to other brands.
Fragrance has multiple chains across Singapore including Ngee Ann City and Nex. Check out their website to find a location near you, or better yet buy some online!
Lim Chee Guan
Next is another local favourite, Lim Chee Guan. Their bak kwa is on the softer and sweeter side than other brands. Nevertheless, its sweetness isn’t too overwhelming when it is complemented with its char.
With over 80 years selling bak kwa, Lim Chee Guan is devoted to its traditional ways — from the preparation of bak kwa to its cooking process.
Unfortunately, due to overwhelming order, Lim Chee Guan is currently sold out. But do constantly check back on their website to see when they restock. They can be found in multiple areas of Singapore, including People’s Park Complex and Jewel.
Kim Peng Hiang
This family-run business started in the early 30s, specialising in their charcoal-grilled pineapple bak kwa. If you like a tangy kick and are feeling adventurous, Kim Peng Hiang’s pineapple bak kwa is the one to go for. Blended pineapples are incorporated into their bak kwa, making it tender and juicer. As their bak kwa uses leaner-than-most meat, it has a chewier bite than others. If you like pineapples on your pizza (don’t worry, we don’t judge), you will definitely like this unique bak kwa flavour.
Address: 465 Changi Rd, Singapore 419886
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 9am–7pm
Saturday-Sunday 10am–7pm
Contact: 6742 6853
Kim Joo Guan
With their recipe originating from Fujian, China back in the 20th century, Kim Joo Guan is able to preserve their flavour of bak kwa through chilling their meat rather than freezing it. This brand uses 100% Australian grain-fed fresh pork in their bak kwa, giving it an aromatic and juicy flavour in each bite. Their bak kwa has a more natural flavour, with its sweet and fresh pork — definitely tasting ‘healthier’ than other brands. One downside to their bak kwa, is that their slices are on the thicker side, due to the meat being less processed than other brands.
Unfortunately, their CNY 2021 preorders are now closed and will start taking orders from 16 Feb 2021, so keep your eyes peeled for more on their website.
Address: 257 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058806
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 9:30am–8:30pm
Contact: 6225 5257
Xi Shi
Xi Shi uniquely uses a charcoal smoke house when producing their bak kwa, unlike the usual method of machines. This brand started from the 70s, where Mr Koh Hock Bin learnt the ropes of bak kwa making from his master, a chef of a bak kwa shop near where he worked. The recipe of Xi Shi’s bak kwa had been passed down to Mr Koh and re-adapted to what it is today.
Xi Shi’s bak kwa is more on the oily side, however is succulent and savoury with every bite. As it is cooked in a charcoal smokehouse, it is filled with a smoky flavour. If you can look past the oiliness in their bak kwa, this is one you can try.
Address: 15 Woodlands Loop #02-37 Woodlands, Singapore 738322
Contact: 6756 6696
Peng Guan
Founded only in 2014, Peng Guan a relatively new bak kwa stalls that have opened in Singapore. However, don’t get fooled by it’s young age. Peng Guan prides itself in offering high quality food made with fresh ingredients. Each slice of bak kwa is handmade from scratch, with love. Their bak kwa is tender and juicy, and while it has a chewier bite, it is nonetheless satisfying.
Unfortunately, their online orders have been halted due to an overwhelming demand during this CNY period. However, they still offer their bak kwa pau and crispy pork floss on their website. Do keep a lookout on their website to see when they start reselling their bak kwa again!
Address: 335 Smith St, #02-36, Singapore 050335
Contact: 9684 8386
