SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
May 2023
Bak Chang 2023: 21 Sweet & Savoury Glutinous Rice Dumplings for Dragon Boat Festival
The time-honoured Dragon Boat Festival or 端午节 (duān wǔ jié) falls on 22 June this year. In other words, it’s time to indulge in glutinous rice dumplings a.k.a. 粽子 (zòng zǐ) a.k.a. bak chang again! If you find the delectable parcels of sticky rice hiding delicacies under their leafy garb as irresistible as we do, then you’ve come to the right place.
Are you into savoury flavours, sweet treats, a purist at heart, or an equal-opportunity bak chang connoisseur? We spotlight the must-try traditional and innovative varieties of bak chang — and dessert glutinous rice dumplings — of the year.
BEST SAVOURY BAK CHANG 2023 FOR DISCERNING PALATES
1. Rendang Iberico Rice Dumpling
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport debuts a new, Peranakan-inspired Iberico Rice Dumplings Collection. The Rendang Iberico Rice Dumpling ($13.80) stands out between the Premium five-spice and Nyonya-style versions. Expect every mouthful to be aromatic and flavourful, thanks to executive chef Alvin Leong’s signature rempah.
Available till 22 June at Azur, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport or shop online (20% off online orders)
2. Ginseng Chicken Rice Dumpling
From Jade comes Chinese executive chef Leong Chee Yeng’s newest creation, the Ginseng Chicken Rice Dumpling ($22). Its filling features kampong chicken, black chicken, black mushroom, lotus seed, dried scallop, and more. Korean ginseng adds a distinctive herbal fragrance, conveying well-wishes for vitality and good health.
Available till 22 June at The Fullerton Cake Boutique, The Fullerton Hotel and Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore or shop online (10% off self-collection orders till 18 June)
3. Chaoshan Sweet & Savoury Rice Dumpling
This hefty Chaoshan Sweet and Savoury Rice Dumpling ($48) from Madame Fan features Kurobuta pork belly and Parma ham. Executive Chinese chef Pak Chee Yit crafts each artisanal bak chang in Chaoshan-style, which fans of sweet-savoury flavour combinations will approve of.
Available till 22 June at Madame Fan, The NCO Club or shop online
4. Cured Kurobuta Pork with Sambal Dried Shrimp Rice Dumpling
New from Man Fu Yuan is this Cured Kurobuta Pork with Sambal Dried Shrimp Rice Dumpling ($24.80). Executive Chinese chef Aaron Tan uses sambal dried shrimps to impart a spicy kick to the intensely flavourful cured Kurobuta pork. Every order of five dumplings includes an elegant pyramid box that replicates the experience of unveiling the treasures within.
Available till 22 June at Man Fu Yuan, InterContinental Singapore or shop online
5. Vegetarian Rice Dumpling with Black Truffle & Cordyceps Flower
Here’s one for health-conscious folk who still need their annual bak chang fix. Executive Chinese chef Edward Chong of Peach Blossoms presents the nourishing Vegetarian Rice Dumpling ($48.80). This meatless rendition contains a medley of flavourful vegetables and premium herbs, including black truffle, cordyceps flower, and morel mushroom.
Available till 22 June at Peach Blossoms, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay Singapore or shop online (15% off till 22 June)
(See also: TCM Herbal Soups and Tips to Help Your Child Focus and Stay Healthy and Stress-free)
6. Peruvian Duck Juane Dumpling
Joining Resorts World Sentosa’s annual signature six-piece dumpling feast collection ($128), Peruvian-Chinese restaurant CHIFA! introduces its first-ever bak chang. The Peruvian Duck Juane Dumpling comprises Chinese-style roasted duck, purple potato, coriander, and glutinous rice infused with South-American spices.
Available till 22 June at Hotel Michael, Resorts World Sentosa or shop online ($30 off till 4 June)
7. Steamed Abalone Rice Dumpling with Kurobuta
The headliner at one-Michelin-star Summer Palace this year is the Steamed Abalone Rice Dumpling ($78). This culinary treasure chest brims with abalone, Kurobuta pork, roast duck, conpoy, shiitake mushrooms, chestnuts, salted egg yolk, and more. It’s perfect for a family to share.
Available till 22 June at Summer Palace, Conrad Singapore Orchard or shop online
8. Oolong Tea Smoked Roasted Irish Duck Rice Dumpling
Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant’s new Oolong Tea Smoked Roasted Irish Duck Rice Dumpling ($20) draws inspiration from classic tea-smoked duck. ‘The Wagyu of Duck’ is lightly smoked with premium imperial oolong tea for a melt-in-your-mouth texture before being poached for six hours. Finally, it is encased in fragrant glutinous rice and preserved salted vegetables.
Available till 22 June at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel or shop online (15% off till 22 June)
9. Abalone & Cumin Pork Rice Dumpling
Xin Cuisine shines the spotlight on an indulgent yet nutritious new creation. The Abalone and Cumin Pork Rice Dumpling ($29.80) is not only fragrant and flavourful, but also nutrient-rich. Besides containing protein-rich abalone and pork, it’s spiced with cumin, whose anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties aid digestion and boost immunity.
Available till 22 June at Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium or shop online (15% off till 19 June)
10. Truffle Mushroom Rice Dumpling with Multigrain
For a healthier but no less luxurious alternative, turn to Yan Ting’s Truffle Mushroom Rice Dumpling with Multigrain ($20). Unwrap the fragrant bamboo leaves to reveal multigrain glutinous rice hiding an umami assortment of mixed mushrooms and chestnuts.
Available till 22 June at Yan Ting, The St Regis Singapore or shop online (15% off with selected cardholders)
(See also: Top 12 Foods to Eat for the Best Nutrition during Pregnancy)
MUST-HAVE SWEET RICE DUMPLINGS 2023 FOR DESSERT FIENDS
11. Green Tea Lotus Seed Paste Rice Dumpling
Golden Peony’s executive Chinese chef Ku Keung pays homage to the Dragon Boat Festival with exciting new additions. Alongside four savoury options, the Green Tea Lotus Seed Paste Rice Dumpling ($16) combines luscious flavours for a sweet finale.
Available till 22 June at Golden Peony, Conrad Centennial Singapore or shop online (25% off till 1 June)
12. Matcha Chocolate Azuki Shiratama Zong-Nigiri
Kuriya Japanese Market’s fusion Zong-Nigiri dumplings are back after a successful debut last year. A new flavour joining the line-up is the Matcha Chocolate Azuki Shiratama onigiri ($3.80). A nori seaweed sheet wraps around glutinous rice cooked with white chocolate and matcha. Bite into the triangular bundle to savour azuki red beans and mochi.
Available till 22 June at Kuriya Japanese Market outlets or shop online ($6 for any 2 pieces in-store or $15 for bundles of 4 online)
13. Steamed ‘Kee Zhang’ with D24 Durian Dip
With Goodwood Park Hotel also commemorating its 40th Durian Fiesta, it’s hip hip hurray for durian lovers. Not to be outdone, Min Jiang’s dim sum chefs present Steamed ‘Kee Zhang’ with D24 Durian Dip ($11.11). Enjoy a trio of petite alkaline rice dumplings warm with a dollop of D24 — divine!
Available from 1 to 22 June at Min Jiang and The Deli, Goodwood Park Hotel or shop online (10% off for selected cardholders)
14. Gula Melaka Red Bean Paste Rice Dumpling
The new Gula Melaka Red Bean Paste Rice Dumpling ($6.80) from Paradise Group of restaurants hits just the right note. Gula Melaka lends the glutinous rice a caramelised flavour with smoky undertones, while on the inside, the house-made red bean paste is velvety and not overly sweet. Available individually or in the Rice Dumpling Gift Set ($68.80).
Available till 22 June at selected Paradise Group restaurants (10% off Rice Dumpling Gift Set for selected cardholders)
15. Chilled Sago Dumpling with Purple Potato, Red Bean & Lychee
Dessert lovers, don’t miss the Chilled Sago Dumpling with Purple Potato, Red Bean & Lychee ($12.80) from Si Chuan Dou Hua at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road. It’s not only super colourful, but also makes for a refreshing treat. The trio also comes in bundles with its savoury counterparts.
Available till 22 June at Si Chuan Dou Hua, PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road or shop online (10% off for selected cardholders)
(See also: Top 10 Immune System-boosting Foods for your Child)
16.Genmaicha Rice Dumpling Ice Cream
Okay, so there’s no actual sticky rice in this dumpling, but so what? Swensen’s refreshing new Genmaicha Rice Dumpling Ice Cream ($8.80) is surely what the doctor ordered for this heatwave. Savour the salted egg chocolate bon bon within the roasted brown rice flavour ice cream. Last year’s sellout Pulut Hitam Rice Dumpling Ice Cream also returns by popular demand.
Available for dine-in and takeaway till 22 June at all Swensen’s and Earle Swensen’s outlets or shop online
17. Butterfly Pea Flower Kee Chang with Raffles Signature Kaya
This sweet treat pairs the taste of traditional kee chang with fragrant notes of the iconic Raffles Signature Kaya. Master chef Jereme Leung also adds a tinge of butterfly pea flower for both the visual and taste of nostalgia. The Butterfly Pea Flower Kee Chang with Raffles Signature Kaya ($28) comes in a set of five pieces.
Available till 22 June at yì by Jereme Leung, Raffles Singapore or shop online (20% off till 4 June)
MORE OPTIONS FOR TRADITIONAL BAK CHANG 2023
18. Dian Xiao Er
Embrace tradition with Dian Xiao Er’s Traditional Salty Pork Dumpling ($7.90) and Nyonya Pork Dumpling ($7.90). Bring home discounted bundles of five frozen dumplings at $36.90. DXE members also enjoy 20% off a bottle of its signature chilli sauce with any bundle.
Available for takeaway till 22 June at Dian Xiao Er outlets or shop online
19. Din Tai Fung
Indulge in Din Tai Fung’s signature handcrafted Red Bean Rice Dumpling ($6.80). Specially air-flown from Taiwan, they come in a unique bamboo-shape for even steaming. Purchase a bundle of six frozen dumplings and receive a complimentary Din Tai Fung premium insulated bag.
Available for takeaway till 25 June at Din Tai Fung outlets or shop online
20. Joo Chiat Kim Choo
Besides all the classic bak chang, Joo Chiat Kim Choo offers a variety of gift options, including the new Four Heavenly Kings Gift Set ($42.90). Comprising traditional Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, and Hakka rice dumplings, it honours the four biggest Chinese ethnic groups in Singapore.
Available till 25 June at Joo Chiat Kim Choo’s flagship at 77 Circuit Road, pop-up stalls (Takashimaya, Waterloo, Square 2, Isetan Scotts) or shop online
21. Thye Moh Chan
Alongside favourites Teochew Double Delight ($6.80) and Salted Egg Bak Chang ($6.80), Thye Moh Chan introduces a new Vegetarian Chang ($6.80). It features dried radish, shiitake mushrooms, mock mutton meat, roasted chestnuts, and of course, Thye Moh Chan’s signature house-made sweet tau sar.
Available till 22 June at Thye Moh Chan outlets, selected BreadTalk & Toast Box outlets or shop online (buy 6 get 1 or buy 10 get 2 free)
(See also: June School Holidays 2023: Fabulous Fun for Kids and Families)
Prices may be subject to prevailing taxes; prices and menus are accurate at time of publishing.
Featured image: Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
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