By now we're all familiar with the trending food items in Singapore – salted egg yolk dishes, charcoal dishes, artisanal ice cream, bubble tea… But let's not forget about the classic favourites that are loved by people across all generations – Nyonya kuehs.
From ang ku kueh, kueh lapis to ondeh ondeh, these traditional snacks will never go out of style. But getting good Nonya kuehs is not always an easy feat. From old-school kueh shops to Michelin-starred eateries, we’ve rounded up 10 places to get your fix of Nyonya kuehs!
Tiong Bahru Galicier Pastry
Tiong Bahru Galicier Pastry specializes in old-school kuehs, and they've been around since the 1970s. Now run by fourth-generation kueh-makers, they have a large selection of over 100 different treats! But as everything is made by hand, only a selection is available at any given time. Don't miss out on their famous Kueh Dadar and Putu Ayu, both made using traditional methods and go for just $4 for five pieces!
Address: Block 55 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-39, Singapore 160055
Opening hours: 10am - 8.30pm (Tue-Sun)
Lek Lim Nyonya Cake Confectionery
The family business has been in operation since the 1960s, starting out as a small home-based operation delivering kuehs straight to homes. Today it operates out of a shop in Bedok North, where it has been since 1979. They’re known for their Ang Ku Kueh ($0.65/piece) and the Ondeh-Ondeh ($0.75/piece) stands out too as they’re larger than what you’d usually find at other kueh confectioneries!
Address: 84 Bedok North Street 4, #01-21, Singapore 460084
Opening hours: 6.30am - 6pm (Mon-Sat), 6.30am - 2pm (Sun)
Kim Choo Kueh Chang
Kim Choo is well known for their rice dumplings, but they also have quite the variety of Nyonya kuehs! Located at Joo Chiat, the shophouse establishment has a mouthwatering assortment of Kueh Lapis, Kueh Salat and Bengkang Ubi (all $2.80 for four pieces) and cookie treats like Pineapple Tarts and Cashew Nut Cookies (both $16.80). And of course while you're there, don't pass up on their rice dumplings too!
Address: 60 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427784
Opening hours: 9 am - 9 pm daily
HarriAnns Nonya Table
HarriAnns specializes in food not just for the tummy, but also for the eyes. And what sets them apart is their breakfast and lunch sets! For $5, you can get 4 bite-sized unique kuehs and a hot drink. Some of the options include: Rainbow Lapis, Kueh Salat, Gula Melaka Talum, as well as rainbow Ondeh Ondehs with different fillings.
Address: Multiple outlets
Candlenut
Finish off your meal at this one-Michelin-star Peranakan restaurant with the must-try Kueh Salat. We must say though, the kueh is only served alongside their dinner set menu ($118++ per person), and only 20 servings are made per night. Served with young coconut sorbet with blue pea flower, the kueh has a twist of modernity to it, which is what you'll expect from Candlenut.
Address: 17a Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676
Opening hours: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm daily
Borobudur Snacks Shop
An Indonesian pastry specialist, you'll find everything here from Kueh Lapis to the less common Pulut Inti (glutinous rice with sweet coconut). They also sell Ondeh Ondeh, Kueh Lapis and a melt-in-your-mouth Durian Ambon. Word also has it that they have the thickest And Ku Kueh in Singapore!
Address: 537 Bedok North Street 3, Singapore 460537
Opening hours: 7am to 9pm daily
Chinta Manis
Chinta Manis has a whopping 30 selections of classic nonya kuehs, and here you’ll be able to find everything from Chendol Agar Agar, Sago Lapis to Durian Salat. This Peranakan patisserie also uses agar agar made from seaweed and not animal products, which means it's suitable for vegans and vegetarians!
Address: Multiple locations
Genting Nonya Cake and Confectionery
Genting Nonya Cake and Confectionery is actually a wholesaler of Nyonya kuehs, so you'd be hard pressed to find prices lower than them. Think 10 pieces of Lapis Sugu for just $3.40! They even have a stone mill to mill the rice to make the kueh, and they also grate and squeeze their own coconut milk! Other delights such as Kueh Ambon, Ang Ku Kueh and Tapioca are also available at jaw-dropping prices too.
Address: 3017 Bedok North Street 5, Gourmet East Kitchen #01-31, Singapore 486121
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm daily