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Top 8 Bak Kwa Shops in Singapore That’ll Make You Forget About Other Snacks
Back in my old job, I was helping prep for Chinese New Year, and somehow, I got put in charge of logistics. It was mostly simple stuff at first, like booking deliveries and checking stock.
But then came the gift bags. And that meant one thing: bak kwa.
We wanted to include something that actually felt festive, and bak kwa was a must. But choosing where to get it? That was a whole other task.
There were queues, pricing differences, flavor debates, and more than a few opinions flying around the office.
So I did my research, asked friends, tried a few samples (okay, maybe more than a few), and rounded up a list of reliable brands worth the calories.
If you’re stocking up for CNY or just want a dependable slab of smoky-sweet goodness, here are some bak kwa spots in Singapore that won’t disappoint.
1. Bee Cheng Hiang Grillery
Media credit: @beechenghiangsg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beechenghiangsg/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@beechenghiangsingapore/
Website: https://www.beechenghiang.com.sg/?
Address: 1359 Serangoon Road
Phone: +65 6291 5753
Email: [email protected]
Business Hours: Daily – 9 AM to 10:30 PM
Must-order: Gourmet Bak Kwa
Founded in 1933, Bee Cheng Hiang started as a humble roadside stall and has since grown into a globally recognized brand with over 300 outlets worldwide.
Modernizing bak kwa without changing its roots, they’ve introduced vacuum packing and opened concept stores that allow customers to view the grilling process.
I went for the Gourmet Bak Kwa—it’s made with pork belly, so the bite is richer and a lot softer than the usual. It melts a little as you chew, which I wasn’t expecting from something grilled.
Many customers I’ve spoken to appreciate how consistent the quality is, no matter which outlet they visit. That’s probably why they’re a great option for CNY or as a gift.
I also love the bright red packaging that always feels festive enough for gifting. Their clean presentation and heritage branding make them a go-to for consistent, crowd-pleasing bak kwa.
| Pro Tip: Try visiting their concept store to watch the Bak Kwa being grilled live. It’s a fun behind-the-scenes touch you don’t get a lot. |
2. Lim Chee Guan New Bridge Road
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limcheeguanofficial/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@limcheeguanofficial/
Website: https://www.limcheeguan.sg
Address: 203 New Bridge Road, Floor 1 Chinatown Complex
Phone: +65 6933 7230
Email: [email protected]
Business Hours: Daily – 9 AM to 10 PM
Must-order: Spicy Sliced Pork
Lim Chee Guan has been operating since 1938. They’re famous for their traditional charcoal grilling method that gives each slice a smoky, slightly charred taste.
A family-owned business for generations, they still emphasize handmade quality and old-school flavor.
They’re known for drawing some of the longest queues during Chinese New Year, probably thanks to their Traditional Sliced Pork—but by the time I entered the shop, it was completely wiped out.
Instead, I settled for the Spicy Sliced Pork, which thankfully had a nice, slow burn and ended up being a pretty satisfying consolation prize.
| Pro Tip: Skip the long queues by ordering online ahead of the Chinese New Year. They offer limited-time pre-orders. |
3. Fragrance Bak Kwa @ Changi Point
Media credit: @elma_chin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fragrance_bak_kwa/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FragranceSingapore/
Website: https://shop.fragrancebakkwa.com
Address: Changi City Point, #B1-19, 5 Changi Business Park Central 1
Phone: +65 6257 8608
Email: [email protected]
Business Hours: Daily – 10 AM to 9 PM
Must-order: Signature Sliced Tender Bak Kwa
Fragrance Bak Kwa made its name by offering a wide variety of bak kwa types and maintaining accessibility across Singapore through numerous retail outlets.
It’s also one of the more innovative brands, giving us creative spins like bacon bak kwa and pineapple-infused options.
Though, of course, nothing beats their Signature Sliced Tender Bak Kwa—it’s thin, tender, and way too easy to finish in one sitting.
That said, I gave the Chili Bak Kwa a shot too, and yeah, I get the hype. It’s got this nice tang to it, and before I knew it, I was already reaching for another piece.
I also noticed how often they run promotions and bundle deals, which should make it easy for you to pick up snacks or gifts without planning ahead.
| Pro Tip: Try their outlet-exclusive items. Some branches carry unique flavors or limited-run specials that aren’t available online. |
4. Kim Joo Guan
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimjooguan/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimjooguan/
Website: https://www.kimjooguan.com
Address: 257 South Bridge Road
Phone: +65 6225 5257
Business Hours: Daily – 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Must-order: Premium Pork Belly
With roots dating back to 1977, Kim Joo Guan is run by a fourth-generation bak kwa maker who prioritizes high-quality pork and heritage recipes. They use 100% Australian grain-fed pork, marinated and grilled in small batches.
You can really taste the difference in the quality of meat. For instance, their Traditional BBQ Sliced Pork is noticeably thicker, juicer, and a bit more toothsome than the others.
The Premium Pork Belly Version takes it even further, with more ribbons of fat that add extra richness as it melts. It’s one of my top picks for when I want to impress guests or give a slightly more elevated gift.
| Pro Tip: For the freshest slices, visit the store earlier in the day. Batches are grilled in limited quantities, so timing matters. |
5. Sang Hock Guan
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sang-Hock-Guan-Dried-Minced-Pork/
Address: HDB Ang Mo Kio #01-446, 163 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4
Phone: +65 6458 7374
Business Hours: Daily – 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Must-order: Sliced Pork Bak Kwa
A true neighborhood favorite, Sang Hock Guan operates out of Ang Mo Kio and is run by a husband-and-wife team with decades of experience. They make sure to keep the traditional charcoal grilling and thin slices.
I noticed that the husband tends the grill himself here, chatting away with customers as the fragrant smoke fills the shop.
They don’t have fancy packaging or flashy promos, but loyal customers appreciate the nostalgic taste and service.
I recommend their bestsellers, the traditional Sliced Pork Bak Kwa and its spicy version. But they sell out quickly, especially during festive seasons, likely because regulars stock up early.
| Pro Tip: Call ahead before visiting during peak seasons since their stock sells out fast and they don’t always restock the same day. |
6. Wu Chin Leong Foodstuff Trading
Media credit: @wuchinleong.sg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wuchinleong.sg/?g=5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCLBakkwa/
Address: 431 Clementi Avenue 3, #01-352
Phone: +65 6776 5966
Email: [email protected]
Business Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Must-order: Fiery Chili Sliced Pork Bak Kwa
Wu Chin Leong is a quiet but respected name in the local bak kwa scene. Operating since the 1960s, this family-run business focuses on preserving classic recipes passed down through generations.
One customer told me they’ve been buying from Wu Chin Leong for over 20 years, and that kind of loyalty speaks volumes. This is because they don’t try to modernize too much and instead focus on what they’ve always done well.
Speaking of that customer, the one item they swore by was the Fiery Chili Sliced Pork Bak Kwa. It’s got a strong kick that spice lovers will appreciate, but if you can’t handle it, I’d say stick with the Original Sliced Pork.
Beyond the food, I find that their modest storefront and service give the place a retro charm that’s increasingly rare today.
| Pro Tip: Ask the staff which batch just came off the grill—you’ll likely get the most tender, warm slices right then. |
7. Fyre Singapore
Media credit: @fyre.sg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyre.sg/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fyresg/
Website: https://fyresg.com/?
Phone: +65 8488 7455
Email: [email protected]
Must-order: Lycheewood 1945 Bak Kwa
Fyre Singapore is the newcomer that takes a more experimental route with flavors and techniques. They’re popular for their use of lychee and applewood to smoke their bak kwa, creating a slightly fruity aroma that stands out.
To taste this for yourself, go for their Lycheewood 1945 Bak Kwa. You’ll notice that it’s tender, fragrant, and subtly sweet, with that fruity smokiness from the lychee wood coming through.
But if you’re not ready for more delicate styles, the Mala Xiang Guo version is a totally different beast—inspired by the popular Sichuan stir-fry, it’s layered with numbing peppercorns, chili oil, and Fyre’s own spice blend.
What I really enjoy is how their products feel more like gourmet charcuterie than a snack, which is definitely something different.
They’re still expanding, so that means they’re primarily online, but I think they’ve carved a space for modern eaters who want variety and spice.
| Pro Tip: Order directly through their site or Instagram. The limited-edition flavors drop there first before other platforms. |
8. Xi Shi Food
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xishibakkwa/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xishibakkwa/
Website: https://xishibakkwa.com/?
Address: Woodlands Lp., #02-37 15
Phone: +65 6783 9688
Email: [email protected]
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – Closed
Must-order: Chicken Seaweed Sesame Bak Kwa
Xi Shi Food has gained attention in recent years for their creative takes on bak kwa. While they still honor traditional methods, they’re also known for experimenting with flavors and proteins.
For light eaters, try their Chicken Seaweed Sesame Bak Kwa, it’s refreshing and crunchy with umami hits from the roasted seaweed.
Aside from the unique flavors, what caught my attention was how generous the portions are compared to some of the pricier boutique brands.
It’s clear they’re trying to innovate without losing touch with tradition, and for that, I think they’ve earned their following.
| Pro Tip: Their bak kwa freezes well, so if you find a flavor you love, buy extra and portion it out at home. |
