22 new bak zhang flavours you need to try this dumpling festival

Get your hands on these bak zhangs this Dragon Boat Festival

1/23

Bak chang/ba chang/zong zi (however way you call it) is a traditional Chinese rice dish made of glutinous rice stuffed with different fillings and wrapped in bamboo leaves. It is best served steaming hot, accompanied by a fresh brew of Chinese tea. 

Whether you swear by old-school favourites or you look forward to the newfangled rice dumpling creations that have been given a modern twist every year, this compact parcel is a widely enjoyed creation by both the young and old.

It’s especially a hot favourite during the Dragon Boat Festival, which occurs on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar every year.

With the festival fast approaching on June 7, here’s a list of where you can get your fix of bak zhang. From traditional savoury dumplings to quirky variants, you’d definitely find something you want to indulge in.

Photo: Summer Palace

ALSO READ: RECIPE: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO MAKING YOUR OWN BAK CHANG (RICE DUMPLINGS)

 

1. Kurobuta with Black Truffle and Quinoa Rice Dumpling from Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant

2/23

This savoury parcel promises to be an explosion of flavours in the mouth. It’s packed with tender slow-braised Kurobuta belly, black truffle, wholesome quinoa, salted egg yolk, chestnut and conpoy — how luxurious. The regular piece (600g) costs $48, but for those who just want a taste without packing on too many calories, Li Bai has a smaller offering (350g) for $28 (minimum of two).

Available from May 20 to June 7 at Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant, 39 Scotts Road, Sheraton Towers Singapore, Singapore 228230. Call 6839 5623 or email libai@sheratonsingapore.com for orders.

Photo: Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant

ALSO READ: 10 ASIAN RESTAURANTS IN CITY HALL THAT PROVE SINGAPORE IS ASIA'S FOOD CAPITAL

2. Lao Gan Ma Chilli Sauce Chicken Rice Dumpling from Man Fu Yuan

3/23

This new cylinder-shaped dumpling from Cantonese restaurant Man Fu Yuan also features beautiful blue-marbled glutinous rice that has been dyed naturally using butterfly pea flower. But unlike Peach Blossoms, whose offering is a sweet treat to end off the meal, this one ($13.80 a piece) has a savoury note and features tender chicken and shrimps blended with the famous Lao Gan Ma brand of chilli sauce.

Piquant, with a flavourful kick, this is great for those who would love a spicy tang to their dumpling. Those with a sweet tooth should try their new black sesame rice dumpling ($8.80 a piece) which has a rich, nutty sesame paste encased in flavoured glutinous rice.

Available from May 20 to June 7 at Man Fu Yuan, InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Rd, Singapore 188966. Call 6825 1062 or email sinhbmanfu@ihg.com for orders.

Photo: Man Fu Yuan 

ALSO READ: BAK CHANG 101: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VARIOUS DIALECT GROUPS' RICE DUMPLINGS?

3. X.O. sauce Nyonya rice dumpling from Man Fu Yuan

4/23

Nyonya rice dumplings are a favourite of ours because it’s light with an intriguing flavour profile of both sweet and savoury. We like this signature flavour from Man Fu Yuan ($9.80 a piece) — their dumpling encases generous portions of minced pork marinated in Man Fu Yuan’s special homemade X.O. chilli sauce with sweetened strips of winter melon and dried shrimps. Every bite’s oh so good.

Available from May 20 to June 7 at Man Fu Yuan, InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Rd, Singapore 188966. Call 6825 1062 or email sinhbmanfu@ihg.com for orders

Photo: Man Fu Yuan 

ALSO READ: THESE LAST-MINUTE DUMPLING DEALS WILL MAKE THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL ALL THE MORE JOYOUS

4. Kurobuta Pork Nyonya Dumpling from Mitzo [NEW]

5/23

Not only has the classic Nyonya dumpling been given a cool modern twist with the use of Kurobuta pork belly (instead of the usual pork belly) and sliced winter melon (S$15+ per piece), it also sports a pretty coloured layer of blue, brown and yellow when sliced down the middle, thanks to the addition of blue pea flowers to the glutinous rice.

Available from May 14 to June 9 at Mitzo, Grand Park Orchard, 270 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238857. Call 6603 8855 or email rsvn@mitzo.sg for orders.

Photo: Mitzo 

ALSO READ: RECIPE: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO MAKING YOUR OWN BAK CHANG (RICE DUMPLINGS)

5. Classic Pork Belly and Salted Fish Dumpling from Hai Tien Lo

6/23

Drawing inspiration from the classic Cantonese dish of “Steamed Pork Belly with Salted Fish” that originated from Guangdong Province is this delicious rice dumpling ($18.80 per piece) that’s a new offering from Hai Tien Lo. Packed with melt-in-your-mouth fatty pork belly, salted fish, mushrooms, peanuts and premium glutinous rice, we love that the briny taste of salted fish will give a nice kick to the overall mouthfeel, especially when accompanied by the rest of the milder tasting ingredients.

Available from May 6 to June 7 for dining in at Hai Tien Lo at Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039595 or for takeaways. Call 6826 8240, email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com, or book online at pacificmarketplace.sg from May 6 for orders.

Photo: Hai Tien Lo 

ALSO READ: BAK CHANG 101: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VARIOUS DIALECT GROUPS' RICE DUMPLINGS?

6. Hong Kong Style Rice Dumpling with Abalone, Roasted Meat, Dried Scallops and Beans from Hua Ting

7/23

Unlike most pyramid-shaped dumplings, Hua Ting’s offering of this classic flavour is shaped like a rectangular golden pillow and bundled with inner bamboo leaves and a lotus leaf on the exterior. 

Sink your teeth into this fragrant morsel ($32.80 per piece), where the flavours of abalone, roasted duck, roasted pork, dried scallops, mushrooms, salted egg yolk and chestnuts, serve to deliver a rich, earthy and salty flavour profile that is highly satisfying.

Available from May 6 to June 7 at Hua Ting Restaurant, Hua Ting Restaurant, Orchard Hotel Singapore, Level 2, 442 Orchard Road, Singapore 238879. Call 6739 6666 or email huating.ohs@millenniumhotels.com for orders.

Photo: Hua Ting 

ALSO READ: BAK CHANG 101: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VARIOUS DIALECT GROUPS' RICE DUMPLINGS?

7. Traditional Rice Dumpling from Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant

8/23

Similar to Hai Tien Lo’s, Li Bai’s traditional offering comes with customary ingredients such as pork belly, roast duck, Chinese mushroom, chestnut, salted egg, conpoy and dried shrimp ($42 for regular). Hearty and fulfilling, it’d satisfy all ages. If you want something a tad more premium, try its Abalone and Pumpkin Rice Dumpling ($48 for regular).

A perennial favourite, its generous filling comprises whole abalone, pumpkin, Chinese mushroom, pork belly, salted egg, chestnut, conpoy and mung bean.

Available from May 20 to June 7 at Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant, 39 Scotts Road, Sheraton Towers Singapore, Singapore 228230. Call 6839 5623 or email libai@sheratonsingapore.com for orders.

Photo: Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant 

ALSO READ:  10 ASIAN RESTAURANTS IN CITY HALL THAT PROVE SINGAPORE IS ASIA'S FOOD CAPITAL

8. Rice Dumpling with Mao Shan Wang Durian and Sago from Hua Ting Restaurant

9/23

This new creation from Hua Ting will thrill dessert and durian lovers. At S$16.80 apiece, this decadent parcel that is generously stuffed with the rich and bittersweet morsels of premium Mao Shan Wang durian flesh is a steal. It’s creamy, with a nice crunch and light sweetness thanks to the addition of sago — a great dessert to end off your meal.

Available from May 6 to June 7 at Hua Ting Restaurant, Hua Ting Restaurant, Orchard Hotel Singapore, Level 2, 442 Orchard Road, Singapore 238879. Call 6739 6666 or email huating.ohs@millenniumhotels.com for orders.

Photo: Hua Ting 

ALSO READ: 10 ASIAN RESTAURANTS IN CITY HALL THAT PROVE SINGAPORE IS ASIA'S FOOD CAPITAL

9. Signature Barbecued Pork Dumpling from Shang Palace

10/23

The classic iteration has been given a refreshing update with the use of slices of aged Yunnan ham, a famous dry-cured meat made from black pigs. The result? A dumpling ($23.80 per piece, 700g) that is extra aromatic and savoury. Paired with roasted duck, dried scallops, pork belly and salted egg yolk, it’s a signature offering that never gets old.

Available for purchase online from May 2 May to June 4. Collection and in-store purchase will be available at Shang Palace, Lobby Level, Tower Wing,

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350, from May 13 to June 7. Call 6213 4473 / 4398 or email: dining.sls@shangri-la.com for orders.

Photo: Shang Palace 

ALSO READ: 10 ASIAN RESTAURANTS IN CITY HALL THAT PROVE SINGAPORE IS ASIA'S FOOD CAPITAL

10. Nonya Chicken Dumpling from Joo Chiat Kim Choo

11/23

If you dislike the idea of getting your hands dirty trying to peel the greasy bamboo leaf off your dumpling, but still crave for a taste of the delicious offerings from famed dumpling establishment Joo Chiat Kim Choo, this is for you. 

Two unique flavours of its dumplings ($2.80 a piece) — the Nonya Chicken Rice Dumpling and the Salted Chicken Dumpling — have been created under its Halal label Kim Choo Kid, and they are housed in contemporary triangular cardboard packaging without their leaves. Great for the busy Singaporean! Just grab a rice dumpling from the chiller and pop it into the microwave to heat it up.

Best of all, they are handcrafted daily in ISO 22000-certified kitchens at Joo Chiat Kim Choo, so you’d get the same standards as its regular dumplings. The dumplings are exclusively available at all 7-Eleven stores.

Available from May 4 at 7-Eleven stores. It will be on promotion ($2.50 each) from May 4 to May 14.

Photo: Joo Chiat Kim Choo

ALSO READ: 5 PLACES TO BUY HEALTHIER MULTI-GRAIN BAK CHANG THIS DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

11. Brown and Glutinous Rice Pork and Sakura Ebi Dumpling from Paradise Group

12/23

This unique dumpling ($9.80 per piece) sports a cute pink hue, thanks to the addition of sakura ebi that also adds a savoury note and an interesting crunch to the dish. With the addition of brown rice for a healthier spin, the fragrant dumpling also packs pork belly, pork meat, lotus seed, chestnut, salted egg yolk and mung bean. Love your truffle? Paradise Group also has a truffle offering — the Black Truffle Roasted Duck and Pork Belly Five Grain Dumpling ($12.80 per piece).

Made with a medley of black glutinous, five-grain and glutinous rice, the dumpling is stuffed with roasted duck meat, roasted pork belly, pork belly, pork meat, chestnut, salted egg yolk and dried shrimp.

We tried this one, and it ranks top on our list. It’s slightly chewy, familiar and reminiscent of the ones my aunt use to hand make, with light and delicate fragrant notes from the black truffle and drops of truffle oil. We couldn’t get enough.

Available from May 1 to June 5 (while stocks last), at Beauty in The Pot (Centrepoint outlet only); Canton Paradise at Alexandra Retail Centre, Bedok Mall, Compass One, JEM, Marina Bay Sands, Northpoint City and The Star Vista; Paradise Dynasty at Changi Airport Terminal 3 and Westgate outlets only; Paradise Teochew at Scotts Square and VivoCity; Seafood Paradise at Marina Bay Sands; and Taste Paradise at ION Orchard. Visit here for more info. For outlet information, visit here.

Photo: Paradise Group 

ALSO READ: 5 PLACES TO BUY HEALTHIER MULTI-GRAIN BAK CHANG THIS DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

12. Blue Flower Rice Dumpling with Japanese Purple Sweet Potato and Egg Custard from Peach Blossoms

13/23

For those who have a sweet tooth and love pretty things, this dumpling ($12.80 each) checks all the right boxes. Sporting a stand-out pastel blue hue, thanks to the addition of blue pea flower, the sticky rice is stuffed with a heady Japanese purple sweet potato and egg custard filling that is surprisingly light and not cloying.

Orders must be placed at least three days prior to collection date. Collected your dumplings at Peach Blossoms (level 5 of Marina Mandarin Singapore, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore 039594) from 12pm to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 10.30pm daily, from May 8 to June 7. Call 6845 1118 or email peachblossoms.marina@meritushotels.com for orders, or visit www.meritushotels.com/marina.

Photo: Peach Blossoms 

ALSO READ: RECIPE: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO MAKING YOUR OWN BAK CHANG (RICE DUMPLINGS)

13. Rice Dumpling with Flavoured Pork from Din Tai Fung [NEW]

14/23

For something wholesome, simple and tasty, Taiwanese restaurant Din Tai Fung who is known for its attention to detail has a rice dumpling (S$6.50++ each) made with top grade glutinous rice that is lightly flavoured with premium soya sauce and marinated by hand to avoid damaging the rice grains. It’s stuffed with succulent premium pork belly that is marinated in 15 types of spices and condiments and then skilfully hand-wrapped into a unique pillow shape. Soft, fragrant and chewy, it’s as good as any to satisfy your bak zhang craving.

Available all year round at Din Tai Fung restaurants.

Photo: Din Tai Fung 

ALSO READ: RECIPE: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO MAKING YOUR OWN BAK CHANG (RICE DUMPLINGS)

14. Steamed Abalone Rice Dumpling from Summer Palace

15/23

There’s nothing quite like a classic dumpling that contains a treasure trove of comforting Chinese delicacies. This one ($38 per piece) is our favourite, with abalone, black mushrooms, chestnuts, green beans, dried scallops, roasted duck and salted egg yolk wrapped in a bamboo leaf. When served steaming hot, it’s a comforting dish that will lift your spirits.

Available from May 25 to June 7 at Summer Palace, Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715. Call 6725 3288 or email summerpalace@regentsingapore.com.sg for orders.

Photo: Summer Palace 

ALSO READ: 5 PLACES TO BUY HEALTHIER MULTI-GRAIN BAK CHANG THIS DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

 

15. Hong Kong Style Abalone Glutinous Rice Dumpling from Jade restaurant [NEW]

16/23

Jade’s signature offering is a luxurious parcel (S$52 per piece) filled with two 10-head abalone pieces, dried scallop, roast duck, roast pork belly, marinated pork belly, salted egg yolk, mushroom, green bean, lotus seed and chestnut. It’ll serve as a great centrepiece for your family lunch, alongside dim sum and a nice pot of tea.

Available from May 21 to June 7 at Jade restaurant, The Fullerton Hotel, ​1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178. Call The Fullerton Cake Boutique at 6877 8943 or visit shops.fullertonhotels.com for orders.

Photo: Jade Restaurant 

ALSO READ: THESE LAST-MINUTE DUMPLING DEALS WILL MAKE THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL ALL THE MORE JOYOUS

16. Vegetarian Five-Grain and Assorted Mushrooms with Omnipork Glutinous Rice Dumplings from Jade restaurant [NEW]

17/23

Vegetarians don’t have to feel left out during Dragon Boat Festival. This dumpling ($10 per piece) is not only meat-free, it’s also much healthier than its normal counterparts as it features glutinous rice scented with five-spice alongside wholesome grains such as oats, barley and brown rice. Packed within are lotus seeds, chestnuts and button mushrooms as well. In place of meat, there’s Omnipork instead — a blend of plant-based protein from pea, non-GMO soy, shiitake mushroom and rice that is lightly pan-fried with ginger for a fragrant flavour.

Available from May 21 to June 7 at Jade restaurant, The Fullerton Hotel, ​1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178. Call The Fullerton Cake Boutique at 6877 8943 or visit shops.fullertonhotels.com for orders.

Photo: Jade Restaurant 

ALSO READ: BAK CHANG 101: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VARIOUS DIALECT GROUPS' RICE DUMPLINGS?

17. Amoy-style Dumpling from Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro

18/23

You know you can’t go wrong when it’s a creation from this two Michelin-starred restaurant. Its traditional presentation is a dependable mix of roasted pork belly, salted egg yolk, dried shrimp and shiitake mushroom, stuffed into a savoury glutinous rice packet ($9.80 per piece). The Szechwan restaurant is known for its precision to detail, so you can bet this mouth-watering bundle will definitely not bore dumpling fans.

Available from May 22 to June 7 at Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro, Level 35, Orchard Wing, Mandarin Orchard Singapore, 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867, or at Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s Festive Counter, Level 1. Call 6831 6262/6266 or email shisenhanten.orchard@meritushotels.com for orders. 

Photo: Shisen Hanten 

ALSO READ: BAK CHANG 101: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VARIOUS DIALECT GROUPS' RICE DUMPLINGS?

18. Signature Pork & Salted Egg Yolk Rice Dumpling from Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant

19/23

Traditionalists should go for this timeless Signature Pork and Salted Egg Rice Dumpling ($14 per piece), which is made with luscious premium pork steeped in secret marinade, perfectly salted egg yolk, mushrooms, black beans and chestnuts intricately wrapped in flavoursome glutinous rice. This winning combination of Chinese delicacies delivers a wholesome yet satisfying medley of taste and textures, and gives off a divine aroma that will whet the appetite.

Available May 21 to June 7 at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant, Level 3, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865. Call 6831 4605 or visit singaporemarriott.com/dining for orders.

Photo: Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant 

ALSO READ: RECIPE: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO MAKING YOUR OWN BAK CHANG (RICE DUMPLINGS)

 

19. Roasted Goose Dumpling with Golden Chestnut and Foie Gras from Shang Palace

20/23

We can’t help but feel excited by this indulgent dumpling. Inspired by Chef Chef Mok Kit Keung’s travels to Paris, it features buttery pieces of foie gras and sweet chestnuts, not to mention generous servings of roasted goose, pork belly, green beans, black mushrooms and peanuts nestled in glutinous rice ($22.80 per piece, 700g). The creamy, rich foie gras is well-balanced with the other more earthy ingredients, delivering a myriad of flavours that are pretty darn exquisite.

Another unique creation they have on offer is the Eight Treasures Dumpling with Mixed Grains ($20.80 per piece, 500g) that uses a bamboo tube to house an array of ingredients (cordyceps flowers, red dates, wolfberries and organic quinoa) instead of the usual bamboo leaves. The healthy vegetarian dumpling is then steamed for four hours. Light and nutritious, for those who are watching their weight.

Available for purchase online from May 2 May to June 4. Collection and in-store purchase will be available at Shang Palace, Lobby Level, Tower Wing,

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350, from May 13 to June 7. Call 6213 4473 / 4398 or email: dining.sls@shangri-la.com for orders.

Photo: Shang Palace 

 ALSO READ: 10 ASIAN RESTAURANTS IN CITY HALL THAT PROVE SINGAPORE IS ASIA'S FOOD CAPITAL

20. Hong Kong Style Rice Dumpling from Peach Blossoms

21/23

Cantonese restaurant Peach Blossoms’ classic Hong Kong Style Rice Dumpling ($28.80 each) is a satisfying and comforting parcel filled with abalone, conpoy, pork belly, mushrooms, salted egg yolk, chestnut, lotus seeds and lentils. Great for sharing with your loved ones. Its Traditional ‘Hakka’ Pork Belly Rice Dumpling ($16.80 each) is also something you can consider, as it serves up a hearty, familiar and homely taste.

Orders must be placed at least three days prior to collection date. Collected your dumplings at Peach Blossoms (level 5 of Marina Mandarin Singapore, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore 039594) from 12pm to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 10.30pm daily, from May 8 to June 7. Call 6845 1118 or email peachblossoms.marina@meritushotels.com for orders, or visit www.meritushotels.com/marina.

Photo: Peach Blossoms 

ALSO READ: 10 ASIAN RESTAURANTS IN CITY HALL THAT PROVE SINGAPORE IS ASIA'S FOOD CAPITAL

 

21. White Pepper Crab Rice Rice Dumpling from Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant

22/23

Crab lovers listen up. This new crustacean-stuffed dumpling from Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant is guaranteed to satisfying your cravings — and you don’t even need to get your fingers dirty. Generously stuffed with succulent chunks of sweet crab meat, the glutinous rice packet ($18 per piece) delivers a rich, fiery kick, thanks to the rich white pepper sauce. But it’s not too overpowering — the piquant spice is tempered nicely with the addition of black eye peas.

Available May 21 to June 7 at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant, Level 3, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865. Call 6831 4605 or visit singaporemarriott.com/dining for orders.

Photo: Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant 

ALSO READ: 10 ASIAN RESTAURANTS IN CITY HALL THAT PROVE SINGAPORE IS ASIA'S FOOD CAPITAL

22. Traditional Jumbo Rice Dumpling from Hai Tien Lo

23/23

With succulent pork belly, crispy roasted duck and assorted preserved meat accompanied by Japanese mushrooms, dried scallops, salted egg yolk, chestnuts, green beans, lotus seeds and premium glutinous rice, this Cantonese-style sumptuous and comforting dumpling ($33.80 per piece, serves four to six) is great for family gatherings.

Available from May 6 to June 7 for dining in at Hai Tien Lo at Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039595 or for takeaways. Call 6826 8240, email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com, or book online at pacificmarketplace.sg from May 6 for orders.

Photo: Hai Tien Lo 

ALSO READ: BAK CHANG 101: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VARIOUS DIALECT GROUPS' RICE DUMPLINGS?