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The 12 best bak kwa in Singapore are so shiok, I can cry!
Every CNY, my family’s fridge turns into a meat vault stacked high with smoky, sweet slices of bak kwa gold. But finding the one is an annual mission that I take seriously.
From charcoal-grilled classics to atas truffle twists, bak kwa is not just a snack in Singapore. It’s a seasonal obsession!
Consider this your meat cheat sheet to find the best bak kwa, confirm plus chop.
Bee Cheng Hiang
Media from beechenghiangsg
Address: 1359 Serangoon Road
Contact: +6562915753
Hours: Daily, 9 AM–10.30 PM
Price: $$
Bee Cheng Hiang is my go-to when I want something classic but consistently good. Its signature sliced pork is smoky, sweet, and never too dry that it’s hard to chew—worth the queue even on CNY!
The shop has chilli, chicken, and even truffle bak kwa now, which hits my atas sensibilities (ahem!). Prices here aren’t the cheapest (around S$74/kg), but you can be assured you’re paying for quality and brand legacy.
Pro-tip: Skip the long queues! You can order online and opt for self-collection to secure your bak kwa stash faster during peak season.
Lim Chee Guan
Media from limcheeguanofficial
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, B4-37 The ION
Contact: +6569337230
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM
Price: $$
Lim Chee Guan’s sliced pork bak kwa is rich, juicy, and full-on umami that makes every minute of queuing for it worth it, especially during CNY. For me, the char and tenderness balance is what sets it apart from others.
The shop doesn’t do online sales during peak season, so you’ll need to hustle for the meat in person. I don’t mind; it’s old-school, but that’s part of the charm (and madness).
Pro-tip: Go early on weekday mornings before CNY hits. The queues are shorter and the stock is fresher.
Fragrance Bak Kwa
Media from elma_chin
Address: 60 Woodlands Ter, East Industrial Estate
Contact: +6562578608
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 AM–8.30 PM
Price: $$
Fragrance Bak Kwa hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability (early bird pricing is less than S$60/kg), so it suits my tasty bak kwa craving without splurging. Its pork slabs are tender with a balanced sweetness that’s hard to beat.
You can find its bak kwa in most neighbourhood stalls all year round (convenient for fanatics like me). I also like its chilli and garlic variants that give a nice kick without overpowering the classic flavour.
Pro-tip: Pick up your Fragrance bak kwa from hawker-style roadshow setups so it’s less crowded, and with the occasional small packet deal options not found in regular stores.
Kim Joo Guan
Media from kimjooguan
Address: Chinatown Point, 257 South Bridge Road
Contact: +6562255257
Hours: Daily, 9.30 AM–7.30 PM
Price: $$
For that deep, old-school charcoal-grilled taste, I always head off to Kim Joo Guan. It serves bak kwa that’s rich and smoky, with just the right amount of fat to make it taste extra-indulgent.
I like that the shop uses 100% Australian grain-fed pork, which shows in the texture and non-gamey taste. It’s also less commercial than other brands, so the quality control feels tighter and the flavour more consistent.
Pro-tip: Pre-order online before the festive season hits. Kim Joo Guan’s limited daily batches sell out fast, especially the premium traditional cuts.
Century Bak Kwa
Media from centurybakkwa
Address: 30 Dunlop Street
Contact: +6589379753
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM–6 PM
Price: $$
Century Bak Kwa stands out for its bold, modern flavours and artisanal touch. Everything feels thoughtfully made at this shop, especially in its yuzu bak kwa, which is a fragrant, tangy, and addictively juicy treat.
The croffles are a cheeky treat we keep going back for, especially from its Dunlop Street store. Its CNY packaging is also a sleek, gift-ready affair that looks premium without looking over-the-top.
Pro-tip: Pre-order the yuzu bak kwa way before CNY because it sells fast.
Bee Kim Heng
Media from bakkwa.bkh
Address: 32 New Market Rd, #01-1010 People’s Park Food Centre
Contact: +6588529921
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM
Price: $$
Since Chinese New Year 2022, Bee Kim Heng has become my family’s go-to stall for its soft, juicy, sliced bak kwa that lives up to the hype. There’s no need to settle for minced options when its sliced version is this tender and fragrant.
Pre-ordering early changed the game for my family because there’s less stress and disappointment to deal with. We just found out that it’s a Lifestyle Asia top pick, too, which, to be honest, isn’t really all that surprising.
Pro-tip: Its sliced version is one of the rare few bak kwa that stays tender even when cold!
Sang Hock Guan
Media from thefoodchapter
Address: HDB Ang Mo Kio #01-446, 163 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4
Contact: +6564587374
Hours: Daily, 10.30 AM–8.30 PM
Price: $$
Sang Hock Guan’s bak kwa is smoky, rich, and tastes like it came straight off the charcoal grill, with none of that overly sweet, plasticky stuff. The meat here is thick-cut, tender, and full of real flavour.
What I like most is the old-school craftsmanship, and I can taste the difference. It’s less mass-market and more heritage, which makes it a standout for me every CNY.
Pro-tip: Drop by the physical store for the freshest cuts, as small batches mean better quality.
Kim Peng Hiang Food Industry Pte Ltd
Media from gregoryleow
Address: 465 Changi Road
Contact: +6567426853
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–6.30 PM
Price: $$
I once queued at Kim Peng Hiang for two hours on a Sunday, but did I regret it? No way; not with the promise of bringing home some smoky, tangy, and totally addictive pineapple BBQ pork slices.
Its sliced royal pork is thick, tender, and hands down one of the best I’ve had so far. Fair warning: the shop is strict on limits, at 2 kg max for the pineapple version, so plan way ahead.
Pro-tip: It’s cash-only at Kim Peng Hiang, so come prepared or risk heartbreak at the front of the line.
Kim Tee
Media from kimtee.sg
Address: 22 Maju Avenue
Contact: +6566556665
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–8 PM
Price: $$
I consider the bak kwa at Kim Tee my anytime fix, not just for CNY. It’s leaner, less oily, and still tastes good even after days without refrigeration.
The store’s selection goes beyond just bak kwa; the pineapple tarts and floss are also worth grabbing. Stocks run out fast, though; don’t wait around if you see any of your favourites are available.
Pro-tip: Kim Tee’s non-CNY stock is just as good. Skip the festive rush and buy off-season for the same quality minus the queue.
Hu Zhen Long
Media from foo.jon
Address: Sago St, #14, Chinatown Point
Contact: +6563245825
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–7 PM
Price: $$
I tried Hu Zhen Long on a friend’s tip, and found both the regular and chilli bak kwa tastier than some of the bigger names. The flavour is rich but not overly sweet, and the price is fair, even as we were approaching CNY.
It helps that the uncle running the shop is super friendly, who helped us sort out gifts and portion sizes without a fuss. It’s a low-key shop where the quality speaks for itself.
Pro-tip: Ask the uncle for gifting tips. He’ll bundle the bak kwa nicely and suggest the best mix for recipients.
Shining Bak Kwa
Media from shiningbakwasg
Address: 81 Tagore Ln, #03-02 Tag A
Contact: +6569807909
Hours: Daily, 9 AM–6 PM
Price: $$
Shining Bak Kwa’s individually vacuum-packed slices make gifting them a breeze. They’re neat, fresh, and fuss-free, and every order comes with a cheery red woven bag and festive touches that look and feel thoughtful.
I’m over the moon that the shop included baos and big festive bags again this year! Everything arrived carefully packed and accurate, which isn’t always the case with other bak kwa brands.
Pro-tip: The vacuum-packed sets are ideal for giving as overseas gifts!
Wu Chin Leong Foodstuff
Media from wuchinleong.sg
Address: 431 Clementi Ave 3, #01-352
Contact: +6567765966
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM–6 PM
Price: $$
Wu Chin Leong is a bit hidden near the Clementi bus interchange, but it’s worth the short walk. Its bak kwa is nicely grilled, with a firm bite that’s neither too sweet nor sticky.
I appreciated that the bak kwa came vacuum-packed and travels well. Its chilli version has just enough heat without overpowering the smoky flavour.
Pro-tip: It might be easy to miss, but keep your eyes peeled for the shop under the void deck near the expressway.
