Whenever the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, I’m reminded of how my ah ma used to wrap her own rice dumplings. She even made Nyonya ones, which I’d enjoy with peanut butter (yep, weird, I know!). But as age catches up with her, we’ve started looking for convenient alternatives with delivery services, so she doesn’t have to do all the work. So, here are some of the best bak chang you can get in Singapore.
From traditional to trendy: Where to find the best bak chang in Singapore
1. Hoo Kee Bak Chang
There’s something comforting about unwrapping a bak chang, the soft glutinous rice still warm and fragrant. At Hoo Kee Bak Chang, a Michelin Bib Gourmand favourite, each dumpling feels like a lovingly packed gift from the past. Their humble stall at Bukit Merah, with its charming pushcart and jars of chestnuts, shiitake, and rice, evokes the kind of nostalgia only a true heritage brand can; It’s the kind of place that reminds you of the quiet joy of watching your elders wrap dumplings by hand.
Their Deluxe All-In Bak Chang ($6) is filled with a whole salted egg yolk, seasoned lean pork, earthy shiitake, and sweet chestnuts. The aroma alone — rich with five spice and dark soy sauce — brings back memories of family gatherings and kitchen chatter. In every bite, there’s a little taste of home.
Address: 161 Bukit Merah Central, #01-3735, S(150161)
Opening hours: 9am – 3pm (Closed on Fridays and Sundays)
2. Thye Moh Chan
Thye Moh Chan has been serving up delicious Teochew baked goods since 1943, winning hearts with their famous Tau Sar Piah. Their collection includes Double Delight, Salted Egg, and Mushroom, but the Double Delight steals the show. Imagine juicy pork belly, earthy shiitake, crunchy chestnuts, and sweet homemade tau sar, all snuggled in premium glutinous rice. It’s a mouthful of perfect balance, both sweet and savoury.
From 1 April to 31 May 2025, Thye Moh Chan is running a special promotion where you can enjoy these delectable bak chang for less. Get 1 piece for $7.50, or grab more for greater savings: 2 pieces for $14 (U.P. $15), 6 pieces for $42 (U.P. $45), or 10 pieces for $68 (U.P. $75). It’s the perfect time to indulge in their delicious dumplings, whether for a family feast or a personal indulgence.
Address: Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Road, #01-45, S(059413)
Opening hours:
Mon – Thurs: 10am – 9pm
Fri – Sun: 10am – 10pm
3. Man Fu Yuan
When it comes to hosting elegant family gatherings, Man Fu Yuan is hands down one of the top Chinese restaurants in town — and yes, their rice dumplings are just as impressive as their private dining rooms. This year’s bak chang lineup is next-level, featuring luxurious creations like the Kimchi Rice Dumpling with Kurobuta Cured Meat and Mushroom ($23.80), the delicate Sweet Pumpkin Duo Rice Dumpling with Black Sesame ($19.80), and the show-stopping Giant Classic Cantonese Rice Dumpling with Red Quinoa ($98.80). These aren’t your average dumplings — they’re gourmet treasures.
Each dumpling is elegantly boxed in a cream rectangular gift box, beautifully illustrated with birds and flowers — perfect for gifting to clients or impressing the in-laws. The box even comes with a stylish over-the-shoulder strap that doubles as an oriental-inspired bag, so you can carry your bak chang with flair. Don’t forget to use promo code RICERD15 for 15% early bird savings on selected items until 30 April 2025.
Order online via Intercontinental Singapore.
4. Shangri-La
The Shangri-La’s Heritage of Asia Rice Dumpling Gift Set ($91.90) features six thoughtfully curated flavours: the Hometown Fujian-style Dumpling with abalone, roasted pork, sea cucumber and dried shrimp; a comforting Hainanese Chicken Rice Dumpling; bold Sambal Pork Floss with Salted Egg Yolk; the aromatic Thai Green Curry Chicken; a sweet and creamy Purple Rice Dumpling with Custard; and the floral Rose Petal and Lychee Alkaline Dumpling. It’s like a mini dumpling tour across Asia — perfect for the elders who love heritage tastes, and the younger ones who enjoy a little fusion flair.
Don’t miss their popular Nyonya Rice Dumpling ($23.90) too! Just note, a 3-day pre-order is required, so plan ahead! For those shopping early, enjoy up to 20% Super Early Bird savings on individual dumplings and 10% off gift sets when you purchase before 4 May 2025.
5. Joo Chiat Kim Choo
There’s just something about Joo Chiat Kim Choo’s handmade rice dumplings that brings out that nostalgic, homey feeling — maybe it’s the fact that they’re 100% handmade, or maybe it’s that perfect rice layer: bouncy, firm, and gently infused with a fragrant pandan aroma. My grandma LOVES these, and once you try them, it’s easy to see why they’ve been a household favourite for generations.
They offer three different bundles: 5 Nyonya, 5 Hokkien, or 5 Hokkien with Salted Egg ($26.71 – $32.16) — and the salted egg version is their bestseller. When you unwrap it, you’re greeted by the rich, golden hue of the salted egg yolk nestled inside the glutinous rice. The yolk’s texture is smooth and velvety, perfectly complementing the savoury pork filling and the earthy aroma of the rice.
6. Xiang Ye Nonya Dumpling
As the name suggests, Xiang Ye Nyonya Dumpling lives up to its promise of being fragrant, with every bite filled with layers of rich, comforting aromas. It’s definitely every penny well spent — their Traditional Rice Dumpling ($30 – $40) is a good size, with perfectly soft glutinous rice that’s neither too oily nor overly salty, making it a great choice for those who want to indulge during the festivities while keeping an eye on their health.
The ratio of 40% rice and 60% meat is just right, with tender, lean meat that’s far from fatty, ensuring a delicious bite every time. You know you’re dealing with one of the best bak chang in Singapore when people are asking for them to expand their product range because they can’t get enough. It’s THAT good!
7. D’Bun
D’Bun is redefining the bak chang scene with its trendy takes on the classic. One of their most popular creations is the Blue Pea Nyonya Dumpling ($5.30). The glutinous rice, infused with the delicate floral notes of blue pea flower, is perfectly complemented by a savoury filling of pork and mushrooms. It’s not just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes too. Another unique option is the Black White Glutinous Rice ($2.50), which features soft, fragrant black glutinous rice from Yixing, paired with a pillowy mochi centre and sweet red bean paste — a perfect balance of flavours that’s reminiscent of Yin and Yang.
For those looking for something a bit more indulgent, D’Bun also offers the Abalone Truffle Braised Pork Dumpling ($10.80). This luxurious option combines the rich, umami flavours of abalone and truffle with tender, braised pork for a truly elevated bak chang experience.
Order online via D’Bun.
8. Hai Tien Lo
If the previous options aren’t atas enough, then look no further than Pan Pacific’s Hai Tien Lo restaurant and their Supreme Rice Dumpling ($45). This luxurious creation is packed with the finest ingredients, including a whole abalone, roasted duck, whole dried scallops, chestnuts, green beans, lotus seeds, and premium glutinous rice. For a sweet twist, try the Teochew Dumpling with Yam Paste, Chestnut, and Ginkgo Nut ($15), where the creamy yam paste blends with the slight bitterness of ginkgo nuts and the sweetness of chestnuts, creating a delicious balance of flavours.
On the other hand, the Salted Fish and Preserved Meat Rice Dumpling ($24) offers a savoury, umami-packed experience, but with a twist — it comes in a long, circular tube shape, instead of the usual triangle. Enjoy early bird discounts available until 11 May 2025, where Pan Pacific Privileges members can enjoy 15 – 20% off, and DBS, UOB, Trust, and DCS cardholders can enjoy 20% off.
Order online via Pan Pacific.
9. Xin Cuisine
Every time I think of indulging in something truly special, I find myself craving the Signature Red Lotus Seed Paste and Chestnut Dumpling ($15.80) from Xin Cuisine. It’s not just any bak chang — this one feels more like a dessert. The dumpling, also known as Kee Chang, has this wonderfully smooth, sticky texture, and when you take a bite, the creamy lotus paste just oozes out, making it so satisfying. The chestnuts and ginkgo nuts tucked inside add a delightful crunch that balances the richness of the paste.
And for those who are obsessed with ChiCha’s Osmanthus Oolong Tea, this dumpling will hit all the right notes. The Osmanthus Sauce served alongside is like honey — sweet, floral, and fragrant in the most delicate way. Psst… if you’re thinking about treating yourself, there’s a 20% early bird discount until 2 May 2025!
Order online via Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium.
10. Food Affinity
And for our vegetarian friends — we didn’t forget about you! Food Affinity serves up some of the best vegetarian bak chang in Singapore, with their Nyonya Rice Dumplings priced between $25.90 and $45. These plant-based dumplings are thoughtfully crafted with fragrant glutinous rice, well-seasoned soy protein, and a blend of aromatic spices that mimic the depth and richness of traditional meat dumplings.
Each bite offers that familiar comforting chew, layered with subtle sweetness and warmth from the Nyonya-style seasoning. Whether you’re fully vegetarian or just looking for a lighter, meat-free option, these rice dumplings are a delicious way to join in the Dragon Boat Festival festivities!
When is the Dumpling Festival 2025?
The Dumpling Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. In 2025, it will be celebrated on Saturday, May 31.
What is the difference between Ba Chang and Nyonya Chang?
The main difference between Ba Chang(Hokkien-style) and Nyonya Chang lies in the flavour and ingredients:
- Ba Zhang is typically savoury, filled with ingredients like pork belly, salted egg yolk, mushrooms, and chestnuts. The glutinous rice is often darker in colour due to soy sauce.
- Nyonya Chang, on the other hand, has a sweet-savoury flavour. It usually includes minced pork, candied winter melon, and is lightly spiced with coriander. The rice is often partly dyed blue using butterfly pea flowers.
In short, Ba Chang is richer and more savoury, while Nyonya Chang is lighter with a touch of sweetness.
Indulge in the best bak chang in Singapore (2025)
Other than filling your bellies with the best bak chang in Singapore this Dragon Boat Festival, you might also want to try learning how to make some of your own too. Thankfully, we have this list of bak chang recipes from different dialect groups that you can follow for some easy suggestions! If not, we’re sure you’d love to feast on these best kee chang in Singapore that you can dip in sugar, kaya and everything nice!
This article was updated on 17 April 2025. Additional research done by Shermyn Tan.
