SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
May 2024
Bak Chang 2024: Delectable Glutinous Rice Dumplings for Dragon Boat Festival

The time-honoured Dragon Boat Festival or 端午节 (duān wǔ jié) falls on 10 June this year. That’s right, it’s once again time to indulge in glutinous rice dumplings a.k.a. 粽子 (zòng zǐ) a.k.a. bak chang! 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.
This season, we’re focusing on all the must-try savoury varieties of bak chang. They range in price from what’s affordable for us regular folk to the crazy rich Asians out there. And despite the bak (Hokkien for ‘meat’) in its name, there are brilliant meatless options too.
1. Moutai Pork and Dried Scallop Rice Dumpling with Chinese Ham and Mushroom – Jade Restaurant

Celebrate with the Jade Classics Rice Dumpling Collection from The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. Chinese executive chef Leong Chee Yeng’s newest creation is the Moutai Pork and Dried Scallop Rice Dumpling with Chinese Ham and Mushroom. The pork belly filling marinates for 48 hours in premium Moutai white liquor for a lavish experience.
$24 per piece. Available till 10 June at The Fullerton Cake Boutique at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore & The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, or shop online (up to 25% off till 24 May)
2. Hae Bee Hiam Rice Dumpling – Joo Chiat Kim Choo

Taste the spirit of the Dragon Boat Festival with Joo Chiat Kim Choo’s new bak chang creation. The Hae Bee Hiam Rice Dumpling is full of juicy braised pork belly, chestnut, and house-made sambal hae bee hiam. This and other varieties are also available in an assortment of stylish gift sets from the heritage brand.
$7.80 per piece. Available till 17 June at Joo Chiat Kim Choo’s flagship at 77 Circuit Road, pop-up stalls islandwide, or shop online
3. Abalone Unagi Zong-nigiri – Kuriya Japanese Market

Kuriya Japanese Market’s popular fusion Zong-nigiri glutinous rice dumplings are back for its third Dragon Boat Festival celebrations. The standout this year is the indulgent Abalone Unagi Bak Chang Onigiri. Flavourful abalone sauce-infused glutinous rice hides braised baby abalone, teriyaki unagi kabayaki, and shiitake mushroom.
$4.50 per piece. Available till 23 June at Kuriya Japanese Market, selected Ichiban Boshi & Ichiban Sushi outlets, or shop online
(See also: 10 MOST FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN TOKYO)
4. Nyonya-Style Rice Dumpling with Plant-Based Meat, Sweetened Winter Melon, and Mushroom – Man Fu Yuan

Taking centrestage at InterContinental Singapore this year is Man Fu Yuan’s new Nyonya-Style Rice Dumpling with Plant-Based Meat, Sweetened Winter Melon, and Mushroom. This spin-off of the Nyonya classic perfectly encapsulates the essence and flavours of Peranakan cuisine while providing a meatless option.
$23.90 per piece. Available till 10 June at Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore, or shop online (10% off)
5. Black Pepper Crab Rice Dumpling – Min Jiang

Boasting crab meat with tantalising black pepper hiding within, this plump parcel is a nod to the local zichar classic. Handcrafted by the dim sum chefs of Goodwood Park Hotel’s Chinese restaurant, the Black Pepper Crab Rice Dumpling is available for both takeaway and dine-in at Min Jiang and Min Jiang at Dempsey.
$32 per set of 2 pieces. Available till 10 June at Min Jiang, Min Jiang at Dempsey, The Deli at Goodwood Park Hotel, or shop online (10% off for Citi Cardmembers)
6. Braised Pork Belly with ‘Mui Choy’ Rice Dumpling – Paradise Group

This year, the chefs at Paradise Group reimagine classic Chinese dishes as bak chang. Taking hours to prepare is the Braised Pork Belly with ‘Mui Choy’ Rice Dumpling. Firstly, the pork is slow-cooked in a braising sauce till it achieves a melt-in-the-mouth texture. Then preserved vegetables, or mui choy, add an extra note to the overall flavour profile.
$14.80 per piece. Available till 10 June at selected Paradise Group restaurants (10% off for selected credit cards)
7. Traditional Hakka Kurobuta Pork Belly Rice Dumpling – Peach Blossoms

Embrace tradition with this luxurious choice from executive Chinese chef Edward Chong and his team at Peach Blossoms. Fermented bean curd brings a rich umami to the 600 g Traditional Hakka Kurobuta Pork Belly Rice Dumpling. Adding further texture and flavours are Japanese flower mushroom, dried shrimp, chestnut, and salted egg yolk.
$35.80 per piece. Available till 10 June at Peach Blossoms at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay Singapore, or shop online
(See also: 16 NEW STAYCATION DEALS AND PERKS FOR FAMILIES THIS SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024)
8. Teochew Vegetarian Chang – Thye Moh Chan

A Teochew Vegetarian Chang may sound ‘meh’ but guess what, this one tastes as good as any meaty option! Tender glutinous rice is full of ingredients such as dried radish, shiitake mushrooms, mock mutton, and roasted chestnuts. Topping it off is a dollop of Thye Moh Chan’s signature house-made sweet tau sar.
$7.20 per piece. Available till 10 June at Thye Moh Chan stores, selected BreadTalk & Toast Box outlets, or shop online (discounted bundles available)
9. Crab Meat with XO Conpoy Sauce Rice Dumpling – Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant’s new Crab Meat with XO Conpoy Sauce Rice Dumpling stars generous chunks of Sri Lankan crab. The umami-packed parcel also features house-made XO conpoy sauce — a marriage of dried scallop and chilli spices. Salted egg yolk, black beans, and fragrant glutinous rice wrap up the indulgent delight.
$28 per piece. Available till 10 June at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, or shop online (15% off gift bundles till 10 June)
10. Signature Home-made Traditional Rice Dumpling – Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant

Want to please the traditionalists in the family? Then go straight to the heart with the Signature Home-made Traditional Rice Dumpling from Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant. The perennial bestseller boasts premium rice grains steamed with five-spice braised pork belly, salted egg yolk, mushroom, and dried shrimp.
$19.80 per piece. Available till 9 June at Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium or shop online (up to 20% off till 6 June)
11. 8 Treasures Yangcheng Rice Dumpling – YÀN

At the forefront of YÀN’s offerings this year is the 8 Treasures Yangcheng Rice Dumpling. The classic rectangular Cantonese-style bak chang is ideal for sharing with loved ones. Each is a treasure trove of five-spice Australian pork belly, house-roasted duck, conpoy, salted egg yolk, black mushroom, chestnut, lotus seed, and mung bean.
$30 per piece. Available till 10 June at YÀN, Level 5, National Gallery Singapore, or shop online
(See also: JUNE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024 ACTIVITY + MAKAN GUIDE FOR KIDS & FAMILIES IN SINGAPORE)
Prices may be subject to prevailing taxes; prices and menus are accurate at time of publishing.
Featured image: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
All content from this article, including images, cannot be reproduced without credits or written permission from SingaporeMotherhood.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram for the latest article and promotion updates.