Dragon Boat Festival is just around the corner on May 31, and for many, it’s the time to indulge in traditional bak zhang. These savory rice dumplings are a beloved festival dish, with variations filled with pork, chestnuts, mushrooms, and sometimes a touch of abalone for added luxury. If you’re someone who appreciates the classics, here’s where you can find the most authentic and delicious bak zhang in Singapore this year.
Li Bai at Sheraton Towers
For those who cherish the traditional flavors, Li Bai at Sheraton Towers offers a standout option. Their Traditional Rice Dumpling ($58) is a hearty choice packed with five-spiced pork belly, salted egg yolk, roasted duck, mushrooms, chestnuts, and dried scallops. It’s a dumpling that stays true to its roots, offering a rich, savory taste without being overly complicated. This dish is a hit with anyone who prefers the classic flavors of bak zhang without any unnecessary twists.
Joo Chiat Kim Choo
Joo Chiat Kim Choo is another name synonymous with traditional bak zhang. Known for their Nyonya Rice Dumplings ($8.30), this family-owned brand has been serving generations of Singaporeans with their signature dumplings. Each dumpling contains braised pork and candied winter melon stewed in a special spice blend and wrapped in sticky glutinous rice. The classic white dumpling is a local favorite, though if you’re feeling adventurous, the Blue Pea Nyonya Rice Dumpling ($14.80) offers a vibrant twist, with blue-tinted rice for a bit of added flair. This touch of color is just one of the reasons Kim Choo’s dumplings remain a popular choice every year.
Wah Lok at Carlton Hotel
For those looking for a more upscale version of the traditional bak zhang, Wah Lok at Carlton Hotel offers a luxurious alternative. Their Dried Oyster and Conpoy Dumpling ($28.80, 600g) is loaded with premium ingredients like dried oysters, dried scallops, pork, mushrooms, and salted egg yolk. This umami-rich dumpling delivers a depth of flavor that is both satisfying and indulgent, making it perfect for anyone looking for a more refined take on the classic dish.
Peach Blossoms
If you’re looking to splurge a little this Dragon Boat Festival, Peach Blossoms has something truly special. Their Traditional Abalone, Preserved Vegetables, and Pork Belly Dumpling ($38.80, 500g) includes luxurious ingredients like abalone and preserved vegetables. The combination of pork belly adds richness to the dumpling, while the inclusion of abalone gives it an extravagant touch. This dumpling is perfect for those who want to enjoy an opulent treat that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Man Fu Yuan
Man Fu Yuan offers a traditional Hokkien-style premium rice dumpling ($22.80), which contains all the classic ingredients: pork belly, chestnuts, mushrooms, dried shrimp, and salted egg yolk. This hearty dumpling is steamed in bamboo leaves, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful. The balance of savory pork, earthy mushrooms, and salted egg yolk makes it a comforting choice that embodies the essence of traditional bak zhang.
Hai Tien Lo at Pan Pacific Singapore
At Pan Pacific Singapore, Hai Tien Lo’s Hokkien Rice Dumpling with Pork and Salted Egg Yolk ($18) is another option that delivers simplicity and flavor. This dumpling features five-spice pork belly, salted egg, and green beans wrapped in sticky rice. It’s a comforting, no-frills choice that’s perfect for those who prefer a simple yet flavorful dumpling, reminiscent of the ones made by grandmothers for generations.
