#bak kwa

[buffetlicious]

There is no denying that Bak Kwa (肉干) is very popular during Lunar New Year. Even as the prices soared to over S$100 per kilogram for the premium bbq meats, long queues are forming among the popular brands’ outlets around Singapore.

Traditionally Bak Kwa are made from pork but to cater to different religious restriction and cultures, they are now also available in beef, chicken, mutton and vegan versions. The slices of thin meat are grilled over charcoal to impart a smoker flavour to the meat.  Singaporean and Malaysian versions of bak kwa are also sweeter than their mainland China counterparts with many different variations having developed to suit local palates, such as chili bak kwa.

Did you know that Bak kwa can also be made into cookies like this Vegan Bak Kwa Cookies? Depending on your diet restriction, you can substitute the real grilled meat rather than using plant-based protein in the biscuit.

Selected images courtesy of Bee Cheng Hiang.

[southeastasianists]

Established in 1905 by two brothers on Rochor Road, this shop holds the title of being the oldest establishment to sell bakkwa (rougan), a sweet-savory treat especially beloved in the Lion City. Over the course of a century, Mr.Lim and his brother developed a reputation for culinary craftsmanship. Today, the shop does a brisk business during the Lunar New Year festivities.

A preservation and preparation technique originating in ancient China, bakkwa is a Hokkien delicacy that made its way to countries in Southeast Asia, notably Malaysia and Singapore. Typically made from pork, the preservation process involves slicing it into thin sheets, then marinating it with sugar and spices. The sliced meat is then air-dried and cooked over a hot plate. The Malaysian and Singaporean versions of this delicacy carry a sweeter taste than its predecessor. After many centuries, one thing remains unchanged, once considered a luxury reserved for the lunar new year, its enduring popularity is evident as there are always long queues to buy this treat. 

Missing his hometown of Anxi, China; Lim Chwee Guan (林水源) started selling bakkwa as a way of assimilating his native culture into his new home, Singapore. With the help of his brother, he operated Kim Hock Guan, located in the Bugis Area. Today, this establishment remains as a family-owned business, with a history spanning five generations.

[foodcreation101]

Pork Jerky aka Bak Kwa Mini Burger 🍔🐻🍅🥬🧀

[chuck-snowbug]

Ohmine(Japanese Sake/大嶺3粒 冬のおとずれ), Three Kinds of Dried Pork Meat(Heart Shape Red Yeastx2, Mini Square & Honey) of "Fragrance Bak Kwa", Strawberry, Indian Snack & Curry Soup - December 2023

[panvani]

Girlfriend wants people to know that Billlie was NOT buying beef jerky

[rensaries]

𓍼 ALL ABOUT KIM JUNGEUN

see jungeun's masterlist !

┃BASIC INFO

★﹐STAGE NAME : Jungeun ( 정은 ) ★﹐BIRTH NAME : Kim Jung-eun ( 김정은 ) ★﹐ENGLISH NAME : Sofia Kim ★﹐NICKNAMES : honey, jung, jungie, nct's princess ★﹐BIRTHDAY : January 17, 2002 ★﹐AGE : 22 ( int age ) , 23 ( kor age ) ★﹐ZODIAC SIGN : Capricorn ★﹐CHINESE ZODIAC : Horse ★﹐REPRESENTATIVE EMOTICON : 🐺 ★﹐HEIGHT : 165 cm (5'5") ★﹐BLOOD TYPE : A ★﹐BIRTHPLACE : Incheon, South Korea ★﹐NATIONALITY : Korean ★﹐LANGUAGES : korean (100%), chinese (100%), japanese (77%), english (42%), thai (29%) ★﹐GENDER : female ★﹐PRONOUNS : she/her ★﹐SEXUALITY : straight ★﹐RELATIONSHIP STATUS : dating ★﹐FAMILY MEMBERS : Kim Sang-Mi ( mother ) , Kim Bum-soo ( father ) , Kim Eui-jin ( younger brother ) , Kim Chae-rin ( younger sister )

★﹐PERSONALITY TYPE : ISFJ ( the defender )          ★﹐DESCRIPTION : a defender ( isfj ) is someone with the introverted, observant, feeling, and judging traits. these people tend to be warm and unassuming in their own steady way. they're efficient and responsible, giving careful attention to practical details in their daily lives. ★﹐HABITS : bouncing her knee, hugging onto her members, being in her members' personal space ★﹐HOBBIES/SKILLS : painting, organizing her phone, exploring nature, writing her own raps ★﹐LIKES : performing, jaemin, making tiktoks, decorating things ★﹐DISLIKES : snakes, being nervous before a performance, feeling lonely ★﹐FAVORITE FOODS : korean corn dogs, pancakes, bak kwa ★﹐CLOSE FRIENDS : ningning ( aespa ) , yeojin ( loona, loossemble ) , isa ( stayc ) , jake ( enhypen ) , eric ( the boyz )

┃TRIVIA

she has a dog named miso. she gave her the name miso because the first time she saw her she smiled (miso means smile in korean).

she was put on hiatus from the end of 2018 up until we boom promotions because of health issues, it was later revealed that their manager at the time was the real cause of her hiatus.

her and jaemin have been dating since early 2020, their relationship was kept private until saesaengs leaked it in early 2022.

after months of persuading her parents, she auditioned for sm in 2011 and ended up getting accepted at 10 years old.

she loves meeting rookie idols because it reminds her of her debut days, and she considers them her "children".

if she was an nctzen, her bias would be mark because he's hardworking and has a lot of charisma.

┃ETC.

★﹐FACE CLAIM : Yeju ( ICHILLIN' ) ★﹐VOICE CLAIM : Karina ( aespa ) ★﹐RAP CLAIM : Karina ( aespa ) ★﹐DANCE CLAIM : Chaewon ( LE SSERAFIM )

©️rensaries

[nattaphum]

MileApo at the supermarket trying to find some snacks to eat 🥰

Apo: why is mile looking for d7?

Mile: my face isnt that moisturized these days so i’m searching for Giffarine

Apo: *laughs*

Pond: why are you so good at promoting? Are you tired today?

Mile: do you want the truth or not?

Pond: the truth

Mile: i’m exhausted… since this morning until… what’s time now?

Pond:2:30 am

Mile: it’s 2:30 am, i enjoyed it but we went travelling around so i’m happy

Apo: we bought something

Mile: ahh… we bought bak kwa (chinese bbq gourmet)

Apo: we bought bak kwa

Mile: we went to eat foods at the market and came back

Pond:was it delicious?

Mile: moderate…but we got to try new stuff so it’s okay

[handweavers]

i could eat bee cheng hiang bak kwa every day of my life forever

[dessert-fanatic]

Assorted Breads

Custard buns, Sugar Buns and Bak Kwa buns.

[buffetlicious]

To coincide with Lunar New Year, KFC Singapore launched the Chicken Bak Kwa Burger and Chicken Bak Kwa Crunch. Available for a limited time from 24 January to 22 February 2024. The Chicken Bak Kwa Crunch featured Hot & Crispy Chicken coated with smokey Bak Kwa seasoning powder and and topped with Bak Kwa bits.

I had the Chicken Bak Kwa Burger Meal (S$9.95) with the burger, Sweet Potato Fries and Sjor Mango Peach drink. Burger came in a bright red box for that “Huat” (prosperity) feeling. Without lifting up the top bun, this looks no different from the normal Zinger burger. The bak kwa bits are made from chicken and not the usual pork as our KFC is certified halal. The crispy Zinger fillet is coated with a smoky and savoury seasoning, giving the burger a peppery kick. But the chicken had been dry and tough ever since KFC reduced the thickness of the fillet. While the bak kwa bits tasted decent, they can’t compare to the authentic version made from pork. I find that KFC Singapore should just stick to doing fried chicken as their burgers are lackluster compared to their closest competitors. I used to love their juicy Zinger burger but cost cutting destroyed it making it dry and tough to swallow.

Topmost image and video courtesy of KFC Singapore.

[40sandfabulousaf]

大家好! Besides yong tau foo, another healthy meal option for locals is lei cha (tea rice). Brown rice is commonly used in this dish, topped with choy sum (Chinese flowering cabbage), green beans, cabbage, tau kwa (firm tofu), chye poh (preserved turnip), peanuts and anchovies. It also comes with a green tea paste broth made from ground seeds, veggies and tea. I don't like basil and mint so I usually give the broth away. I don't like brown rice either except for congee but once all the toppings are mixed together with the rice, it's acceptable. MI, ML and CL introduced me to a lei cha stall and it was very tasty. The texture of the toppings was mostly crunchy, along with savoury notes from the anchovies and chye poh. YUM!

I thought of skipping news about the genocide in Gaza for this post but decided not to. There's too much suffering inflicted upon Palestinians. All the same, I'll need a short break to keep my spirits up, possibly for 1 or 2 weeks. I'll still be keeping abreast of the news and praying for an end to the war, but won't share articles for a short period of time. Maybe I'll post mukbangs or recipes, something more light-hearted and fun for abit before returning to the events in Gaza and the west bank.

I took leave on Friday so after my daily morning calisthenics, Pa and I treated ourselves to a buffet breakfast. First plate - cold soba, enoki mushrooms, seaweed and a tiny bit of soya sauce, smoked salmon, tofu with bakchoy and fish, steamed wong bak (Napa cabbage) with dried shrimp and conpoy, hashbrown and 2 eggs sunny side up. Next, more vegetables - mushrooms, wong bak, tofu with bakchoy and fish, topshell and cucumber salad, asparagus, braised chicken and siew mai. Third plate, fruit - watermelon, blueberries, dragonfruit, rock melon and delicious grapes. Finally, I shared waffles and ice cream with Pa. I was so stuffed, I went for a 15 minute walk/run at the park near my home later on to help with digestion; mostly brisk walking with about 5 minutes of running since I'm still new to running.

I introduced LL, my expat friend from China, to a place that serves 1 of the best meepok (flat yellow noodles) in Singapore. This isn't found at a hawker centre or hotel restaurant; it's a diner which specialises in siew lat (traditionally refers to roast pork and waxed duck, now commonly refers to roast meats). I ordered their char siew, green beans stirfried with garlic and har mai (dried shrimp), dong guai (angelica herb) roast duck and the star of the show, meepok. The char siew had a nice char and was lightly crispy on the outside and very tender on the inside. We adored it! Also loved their green beans which were fragrant and still retained a slight crunch. The duck was juicy with a robust herbal taste and that meepok, THAT MEEPOK! This is made in-house, not sourced from a supplier. It was slurpable, QQ and oh so smooooooth! This delighted our senses so much. Enjoy the video!

Well! It's the start of a brand new week and I'm feeling less exhausted after taking Friday off. There will be more to come as I clear my leave for the year and carry forward the number of leave days the company allows to 2025. Time really flies; we're approaching the end of the third quarter of 2024. My mini getaway with YL is also happening in 2 weeks. Can't wait! 下次见!

[singapore-travel]

Best Budget Friendly Places for Shopping in Singapore

Shopping in Singapore is truly exceptional and is famous for its sophisticated shopping malls and cute little shops. Simply looking at the range of commodities from luxury products to locally produced souvenirs or cheap products. From the street markets of Chinatown, Little India to the modernity of the shopping malls of Orchard Road the city has an endless variety of stores, which makes every shopping maniac – a fan of fashion or a hunter for a cheap gem – feel happy. Now let us look at some of the most recommended areas to shop in Singapore.

Markets for best shopping experience

Singapore has a diverse market and you can have a good experience in the market. Some of the best places for shopping in Singapore are:

Orchard Road:  It can easily be described as Singapore’s Fifth Avenue, the same way that the Champs Élysées is to Paris. The 2-kilometer length is particularly a shopping paradise for luxury sentiments. Luxury apparel, technologically advanced electronics exotic food outlets, and all attractions are under one roof for all those who are fond of shopping. Every mall has its attraction, starting from the unique architectural appearance of ION Orchard and moving to the Japanese emphasis of Ngee Ann City.

Chinatown: For the view of the more cultural and significant walking and shopping trip you should definitely visit Chinatown. The now narrow streets are crammed full of stalls selling all manner of Chinese products, from tea sets to antiques and handmade products. Chinatown Street Market throughout Trengganu Street Pagoda Street and Sago Lane retail items include Chinese silk robes and calligraphy sets. It is also a food heaven for tourists to try out local specialties such as bak kwa (barbecued meat) and local cakes.

Haji Lane: It is a small street in Kampong Glam which might be recognized for indie stores and murals. Most of the stores are specialized in retro clothes or accessories. The fusion of Middle Eastern influence and Malay culture in the area creates interest, so it remains one of the favorite destinations for stylish buyers who seek exclusivity.

Budget friendly shopping places in Singapore

Discover the best places to find unique deals at several budget shopping places in Singapore:

Bugis Street Market: It is one of the biggest and cheapest markets for shopping. Having over 800 stores it has a great variety of clothing and accessories for low prices as well as souvenirs. Due to the wide variety of available choices of food and enjoyment throughout the sale’s location, the market is considered cheap and entertaining to shop on.

IMM Outlet Mall:  In Jurong East is Singapore’s largest outlet mall consisting of more than 90 outlet stores. There are special offers on different brands that include; Adidas, Coach, and Timberland. The mall also provides meals and services to its visitors and buyers making it easier for clients to search for cheap products.

Orchard Road: It is famous for its fashions and reasonable prices aimed at young people. This mall targets youths and visitors who wish to shop for items from triangular-shaped baguettes to t-shirts, accessories, and souvenirs. From apparel and bags to hair and body treatments and to gadgets and novelties, Far East Plaza is a shopping mall for everyone with wallet-watching.

Night markets in Singapore

Experience the lively night experience from some of the best night markets in Singapore:

Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar: Held during the Ramadan month, the Geylang Serai Bazaar is a large covered market with seven hundred shops including meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, dozens of clothing shops, and a multitude of other food, textiles, and household goods shops. Due to its pleasant and dynamic environment coupled with lots of varieties, the center is ideal to visit during the festivities.

Chinatown: In the evenings, especially during the Lunar New Year celebration, Chinatown turns into a vibrant night market. Market stalls occupy most of the space which includes Chinese New Year household accessories and food. With lights and decorations during the festive season, it creates a vibrant atmosphere and a perfect place to shop for souvenirs that contain Singapore’s cultural aspects.

Clarke Quay: This place is known for its lively market mainly during the weekends. There are ample bars and restaurants along with stalls selling a variety of unique and beautiful items as well. It is an ideal shopping area especially at night because of the riverside and lively environment at night.

Lau Pa Sat: It is one of the oldest markets in Singapore. It dates back to the 1800s and now the vendors generally serve food in this market. It is located at the center of the city and it is an exceptional place to experience the culture of the country.

Conclusion

Singapore is rich with numerous exotic shopping centers that are able to suit every buyer’s pocket. Shoppers can find everything from designer-high end brands in malls along Orchard Road to tourist souvenirs and electronic gadgets in Chinatown’s markets and funky clothes in the Haji Lane. If you are interested in designer wear, Singaporean arts and crafts, or inexpensive products, it is for you. Therefore, be it a habitual consumer or just a tourist in the shopping center, Singapore holds a lot of surprises for seekers of shopping.

[chuck-snowbug]

Ibi(Japanese Sake/射美 吟撰 槽場無濾過生原酒), Three Kinds of Dried Pork Meat(Heart Shape Red Yeastx2, Mini Square & Honey) of “Fragrance Bak Kwa”, Strawberry, Muruku & Vegetable Soup with Chinese Soy Sauce & Duck Fat - December 2023

Previous Post:

[thewellnessinsider]

Nurturing Healthy Smiles: Dr. James Ho's Guide to Oral Wellness

As we bid farewell to the Lunar New Year festivities, we can’t help but indulge in the sweet and savoury treats that are a staple of this joyful occasion. From pineapple tarts and yusheng to pa kuo ho (tray of luck), nian gao, bak kwas, and festive drinks, we tend to overindulge, risking the health of our teeth and gums. Oral diseases are widespread across the globe, and Singapore is no…

[whattheabcxyz]

2024-01-25

Singapore

Singaporeans take to moneychangers with ringgit at record low (again) - Why bother?! It'll just drop even lower still another day! 🤣

Stickies Bar abruptly shuts down outlets; 37 employees file salary-related claims

Singaporean arrested in Cambodia for suspected drug trafficking - just execute him there & be done with it; we don't want this scum coming back here!

Condo resale prices rose 7.5% last year

$8K fine for man who illegally dumped furniture in Bukit Timah area - should've jailed the $hithead too

Firms here set to create >21K jobs & generate $16.4b in revenue after help from EnterpriseSG in 2023 - how long are we gonna keep propping up $hit companies that can't survive on their own?!

4 years’ jail for woman who poured boiling soup on friend after argument - the victim was left with 31% burns on his body & required skin grafts

Type O blood stocks here at critical levels - Red Cross & HSA urge donors to come forward

Travel

Singapore-China mutual visa-free travel to start on 9 Feb, in time for CNY

Nature

Fungi grow faster if you play sounds to them - "Healthy soils have a unique soundscape produced by invertebrates such as earthworms & ants, but humans haven’t previously studied how this background noise in the ecosystem affects plant & fungal growth. Now it seems that playing an 8 KHz tone to fungi in Petri dishes makes them spread more quickly & this insight may allow researchers to speed up composting & habitat restoration."

Health

Asthma drug still being prescribed to kids despite potential mental health risks - The allergy and asthma drug Montelukast, also known as Singulair, has been widely prescribed since 1998. But children taking the drug experience a range of psychiatric symptoms, from irritability to visual and auditory hallucinations. Scientists are still trying to figure out how an asthma drug is causing these side effects.

Gene therapy administered via virus cures deafness in 11-year-old boy

Society

The latest idiot trend involves eating toothpicks

Science

$49m for NUS researchers to develop biomedical innovations for age-related conditions

Fashion

^ This was people in 1893 attempting to predict what fashion would be like 100 years later! 🤣

Food

Singapore: KFC has rolled out halal chicken bak kwa as part of its seasonal CNY menu - thanks but no thanks

[tripcabinet]

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore:

Introduction

Chinese New Year, also referred to as the Spring Festival, is the most enormous and broadly celebrated festival in the Chinese lifestyle. In Singapore, wherein multiculturalism is a way of life, Chinese New Year is an extravaganza of colourful traditions, enchanting festivities, and an amalgamation of antique and new customs. This weblog will take you on a journey through the active streets of Singapore all through Chinese New Year, exploring the rich traditions, brilliant meals, and the specific manner this pageant is widely known in this Southeast Asian metropolis country.

The Melting Pot of Cultures

Singapore is a real melting pot of cultures, and Chinese New Year is a testament to the multicultural tapestry of the town. The festival is celebrated with enthusiasm via both the Chinese network and different ethnic corporations, growing an ecosystem of cohesion and pleasure. The streets and neighbourhoods are decorated with colourful decorations, traditional lanterns, and vibrant crimson banners that symbolize precise good fortune and prosperity.

Chinatown: The Heart of the Celebrations

Chinatown, with its bustling streets, is the epicentre of Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore. The festive environment in this iconic district is palpable. The streets come alive with vivid lighting fixtures, bustling stalls, and a medley of scents from street food companies. The Chinatown Heritage Centre gives site visitors a glimpse into the records and background of the Chinese community in Singapore.

Chingay Parade: A spectacular spectacle

One of the most anticipated events during Chinese New Year is the Chingay Parade. Featuring floating colours, traditional and contemporary performances, and beautifully dressed characters, this grand parade is a wonderful blend of traditional and contemporary elements that reflects the cultural diversity of Singapore beautifully.

Traditional Customs and Rituals

Many cultural rituals and ceremonies are celebrated during the Chinese New Year. Families reunite for a reunion dinner, the most important meal of the year. Elders hand out yellow bags or "hongbao" containing money to youngsters as a symbol of good fortune and blessings. Traditional lion and dragon dances are performed at various places to bring joy and ward off evil spirits.

Food Galore

Food plays an important role in celebrations. Families gather to prepare and enjoy special meals believed to bring happiness. Popular festive dishes include duck tarts, bak kwa (meatballs), yusheng (colorful fish salads), and nian gao (sticky rice cakes). Markets and restaurants are filled with these delicacies, making it a foodie’s paradise.

Lighting Up the City

Held at The Float @ Marina Bay, the Hangbao River is another highlight of Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore. The event includes a spectacular light show, cultural performances, and a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky. The city’s breathtaking skyline combined with traditional Chinese elements makes this a must-see.

Conclusion

Chinese New Year in Singapore is a vibrant and harmonious celebration that beautifully reflects the country’s rich culture and traditions. From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the quirky Chingai carnival and delicious festive food, this is a time when the city-state truly comes alive for locals and visitors to experience the traditions that define Singapore’s unique cultural landscape experience the warmth, harmony, and richness of the fabric This is an opportunity

Make your Chinese New Year experience in Singapore even more memorable with Trip Cabinet’s exclusive Singapore Tour Package. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget, full of fun, positivity and cultural excitement. Gong Shi Fa Cai! (I wish you good luck in Mandarin)