6 Places to get bak chang all year round

There’s something about unwrapping a bak chang that makes it feel like a treat, whether you’re partial to the savoury Hokkien variety, sweeter Nyonya-style dumplings or one packed with salted egg yolk, chestnuts and pork.

While they tend to get the most attention around the Dragon Boat Festival, thankfully, bak chang isn’t just a once-a-year affair. From heritage names that have been making rice dumplings for decades to a Muslim-owned home business serving halal-friendly versions, these are the places in Singapore where you can satisfy your craving all year round.

Kim Choo Kueh Chang

When it comes to bak chang in Singapore, Kim Choo Kueh Chang is one of the heritage names that immediately comes to mind. Founded in 1945, the brand has been making its traditional rice dumplings for generations.

Its signature Nyonya Pork ($6) is a good place to start, with fragrant glutinous rice wrapped around a savoury pork filling. But there are plenty of options if you want something beyond the classics too, including the Traditional Salty Chang Chilli Prawn ($7.50) and Traditional Salty Chang Black Truffle ($9.50).

Where to buy: 60 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427784 / 111 East Coast Road, #109, Singapore 428801. Online orders are also available on their website.

Hoo Kee Bah Chang

Another longstanding name in Singapore’s bak chang scene, Hoo Kee Bah Chang has been around since the 1940s and specialises in traditional Hokkien-style rice dumplings. It was also awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand from 2016 to 2019 and again in 2022.

The dumplings are freshly made and steamed every morning at its store, and instead of fancy labels, each variety is identified by the colour of its raffia string. Red denotes chestnut and pork ($4), yellow is chestnut, pork and salted egg yolk ($5), while green gets you chestnut, pork and mushroom ($5). For those who want everything, look for the blue string, which comes packed with chestnut, pork, salted egg yolk and mushroom ($6).

Walk-ins are possible, but the dumplings can sell out early. Online bundles are also available if you would rather secure yours in advance.

Where to buy: 161 Bukit Merah Central, Singapore 150161. Online orders are also available.

Eastern Rice Dumpling

Eastern Rice Dumpling, or Dong Yuan bak chang, has been making rice dumplings using a family recipe passed down across three generations.

Among its popular offerings is the Nyonya Dumpling, while those who prefer something more savoury can go for the Hokkien Rice Dumpling. The latter features fried glutinous rice packed with chestnut, mushroom and pork marinated in five-spice seasoning. With its wide selection of traditional flavours, it’s also a handy option when you’re buying for family members with very different bak chang preferences.

Where to buy: Available via Eastern Rice Dumpling’s online store.

Joo Chiat Kim Choo

Joo Chiat Kim Choo has been serving traditional Chinese rice dumplings for decades, with a selection that spans different regional styles. Look out for varieties such as the Teochew Rice Dumpling, Hokkien Rice Dumpling and Cantonese Bean Rice Dumpling, so there’s plenty to choose from depending on your preferred filling.

Its rice dumplings are available throughout the year, with bundles available online if you’re looking to stock up or share them with the family.

Where to buy: Online orders are available or look out for Joo Chiat Kim Choo’s pop-ups at various malls across Singapore.

The Han’s Dumplings SG

Looking for a Muslim-owned option? The Han’s Dumplings SG is a home-based business run by Fazlin and her husband.

Its frozen kueh chang come in five flavours, including Spicy Beef ($5.50 each, $15 for three), Spicy Chicken ($5 each, $14 for three), Chicken ($4.50 each, $13 for three), Nyonya ($5 each, $14 for three) and Beef ($5 each, $14 for three).

Orders typically open from Monday at 12pm until Friday at 12pm, with deliveries on Saturdays between 11am and 6pm. Self-collection is also available.

Where to buy: 892B Woodlands Drive 50, #03-169, Singapore 731892. Order via Instagram DM or WhatsApp at +65 8646 9464.

SohGood Bak Chang

If Cantonese-style bak chang is what you’re after, make your way to SohGood Bak Chang at Chinatown Complex Food Centre. The stall serves both savoury and sweet varieties.

For something hearty, there’s the Traditional Pork Belly with Salted Egg Yolk Bak Chang ($5.10) and Traditional Pork Belly Bak Chang ($4.30), both stuffed with tender pork belly and a generous chestnut.

The more unusual pick, however, is the Tangerine Peel Red Bean Paste bak chang ($3.30). The sweetness of the red bean is kept relatively restrained, allowing the citrusy notes of the tangerine peel to come through.

Availability can vary, so it’s worth calling ahead before making the trip down.

Where to buy: Chinatown Complex Food Centre, 335 Smith Street, #02-209, Singapore 050335.

The Dragon Boat Festival may be when bak chang gets its annual moment in the spotlight, but there’s no reason to wait until then to have one. Whether you’re craving a traditional Hokkien dumpling loaded with pork and chestnuts, a sweet-savoury Nyonya version or something a little less conventional, these spots make it possible to get your fix throughout the year.