Same Same But Different: Your 9 favourite Singaporean snacks with a crazy twist

Lim Han 24 May 2017 updated the 25 May 2017 à 10:12

1/9
Assorted Ang Ku Kueh
Renowned for their homemade kuehs, Poh Cheu boasts of a stunning assortment of traditional ang ku kuehs in a variety of unusual flavours. Sink your teeth into the soft chewy goodness of its Matcha Ang Ku Kueh, which entails a sweet aromatic flavour, followed by a subdued bitter aftertaste. Other exotic flavours include Black Sesame, Pineapple and even Durian. With so many flavours to choose from, you’re guaranteed to be bringing at least ten home.

127 Bukit Merah Lane 1

Photo: @juicyfingers
2/9
Salted Egg Chicken Curry Puff
At first, we were seeing salted egg croissants everywhere. Then, it was salted egg fries. This time, Tip Top is bringing to the table Salted Egg Chicken Puffs. Borrowing the thick pinched crust from the usual curry puff, this latest creation looks no different from its traditional counterpart. That is, until you slice it open. Behold tender chicken chunks draped in a creamy salted egg yolk filling and embellished with a tasteful amount of curry leaves for that extra hint of spice. Salted egg yolk lovers, you know what to do.

722 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 #01-2843

Photo: @cassakating
3/9
Assorted Tau Sar Piah
Flown in all the way from Thailand, April’s Bakery has made a grand entrance into the local bakery arena with their ground-breaking Tau Sar Piahs. Don’t expect your usual red bean and green bean fillings. Flaky, buttery and crisp, these traditional filled biscuits are available in a vast range of stunning flavours, from Thai Milk Tea and Sweet Potato to Black Sesame and Pumpkin. You can bet they taste as delectable as they look.

20 Tampines Central 1, #01-31 Tampines MRT

Photo: April's Bakery (Facebook)
4/9
Pink Rose Tutu Kueh
Tutu kuehs are easily within the top few ranks in the list of Singaporean’s favourite snacks. Not only is the process of making them a wonder to watch, with the quick hand movements and adept fingers, their mildly sweet tastes and fluffy texture is an absolutely joy for the tastebuds. We’ve seen our fill of Tutu Kuehs, from peanut-filled to coconut-filled ones, but this one stopped us right in our tracks – Pink Rose Tutu Kuehs. These ones are naturally flavoured with pink rose extract, and of course, flaunts a subtle rose fragrance which pairs with the sweet filling perfectly. Choose from a selection of red bean, chocolate and the usual peanut fillings, for the perfect afternoon snack.

1 Queensway, #02-47 Queensway Shopping Centre

Photo: @thedeadcockroach
5/9
Yam and Chocolate Ondeh Ondeh
Who doesn’t love Ondeh Ondeh? Those chewy balls of coconut goodness squirt out the most delicious saccharine goodness with one bite, leaving you in pure sweet bliss. But, what if we told you that gula melaka syrup isn’t the only thing these desserts can spurt out? Meet HariAnn’s Nonya Table, a traditional confectionary specialising in Perenakan specialties. Sharing the stage with nyonya kuehs and cakes are their well-loved Yam Ondeh Ondeh and Chocolate Ondeh Ondeh. The former is packed with a luscious silky yam paste while the latter is chockfull of Belgium dark milk chocolate lava, both promising a heavenly experience for your tastebuds.

#02-25, 30 Seng Poh Rd

Photo: @alamakgirl
6/9
Chendol Xiao Long Bao
There’s nothing like a sweet icy cup of chendol drink to cool you down on a scorching day. But, what happens when it’s a cold rainy day? You’re craving for that milky coconut-infused taste of chendol but without the icy coolness. Not to worry, Restaurant Labyrinth has got you covered. Amongst their variety of intriguing creations which put a wild spin on local delicacies, their Chendol Xiao Long Bao certainly stands out. Its vibrantly green pandan skin encases a mix of red bean and coconut spheres, gula melaka icicles and grass jelly cubes, promising a literal explosion of flavours in a single bite.

8 Raffles Ave, #02-23 The Esplanade

Photo: @jiaxing_ren
7/9
Matcha Egg Tarts
Egg tarts will never get old in our book. Available in all shapes and sizes, this ubiquitous local treat is such a staple in our local dessert realm with its buttery creamy texture and subtly sweet taste. But, throw in some matcha into the mix and you’ve got yourself a true champion. These matcha egg tarts from Fancy Delight brag of a matcha-infused biscuit case and a silky creamy filling. One bite of this beautiful creation is all it would take to send you straight to matcha paradise.

2 Jurong East Street 21, #01-K05 IMM Building

Photo: Fancy Delight Facebook
8/9
Assorted Mee Jian Kueh
Just when we thought Mee Jian Kuehs were slipping away into extinction from the food scene, we chanced upon this incredible stall in a Hougang coffeeshop which churns out the most mouthwatering mee jian kuehs in a plethora of amazing flavours. Take your pick from their wide variety, such as yam, green tea and black sesame, all generously stuffed with creamy sweet filling. Soft, tender and bursting with creamy goodness, these are the ultimate breakfast treats or mid-day delights.

684 Hougang Ave 8

Photo: @lirongs
9/9
Durian and Coffee Bak Kwa
Who says you can only eat bak kwa during Chinese New Year? Give us these local meat jerkies any day. Especially, if they’re exotically-flavoured ones. I mean, durian bak kwa? With this invention combining two of Singapore’s favourite delights, we can only say “Yes, please”. However, if you’re not a fan of durian, we understand. But, fret not, you can still have your fix of uniquely-flavoured bak kwa as this place also makes coffee-infused bak kwa. It sounds weird, but you’d be surprised.

14 Sago St

Photo: @augustguy78

Sick of the humdrum local snacks? We’re sure these ones won’t bore you!

Remember when your grandparents would take you out and spoil you silly with your favourite local treats like mouthwatering curry puffs? Or when your parents would occasionally bring home bright red ang ku kueh to everyone’s delight? Well, now it’s time to surprise them back! But, not with the humdrum local snacks, of course – those wouldn’t impress the elders. We’re talking about snacks that have been infused with an insane culinary twist, guaranteed to drop all jaws and engender loud gasps!

Whether it’s ondeh ondeh or egg tarts, a sizeable army of local snacks have undergone a drastic makeover in the hands of talented chefs and bakers. From a tweak in the ingredients list to a change in their shape or colour, there’s simply no limit to the ways these snacks have been revolutionised. Expect a taste of nostalgia, coupled with an explosion of contemporary flavours, in every bite of these exotic traditional delicacies.

We’ve scoured the wilderness of bakeries, restaurants and hawker centres in Singapore to bring to you the top 9 traditional delights with an unexpected twist that has rendered us in absolute awe. Hop up to our gallery and get ready for some serious hunger pangs!

Lim Han

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