Sweet Rice Cake Heaven: The Best Types of Kueh in Singapore
I admit I have a sweet tooth, and if you ask me what my favorite local dessert in Singapore is, I’d say it’s kueh! Kueh is a bite-sized snack usually made from glutinous rice, and it’s just utterly delectable.
These sugary explosions for your palate come in many colorful variants and are usually on display during feasts.
If you’ve never tried kueh before but are curious, this article lists down all the types you should try. Additionally, you can find a few recommendations on kueh shops, so you can stock up on your favorite kueh variants!
Top Types of Kueh to Try in Singapore
Tutu Kueh
— From: zuey_belle_
Tutu kueh is a striking little treat; its flower shape can capture anyone’s attention. Aside from that, its fragrant scent (thanks to the pandan leaves, which are used when steaming the kueh) will instantly make your mouth water.
What I love about tutu kueh is that it simply feels like biting into a cloud!
And, of course, the filling is worth noting as well. My personal favorite is the ground peanut filling because it adds the right amount of sweetness and crunch for me.
Png Kueh
— From: alan_travellingfoodies
Kueh is usually known for being a sweet treat, but it can also be a savory snack. Png kueh is proof of this: it’s a glutinous rice cake with sautéed shallots, shrimp, mushrooms, and peanuts as the filling.
Sometimes, it’s pan-fried to get that crispy crust, and this is definitely my preferred way of preparing this snack. Additionally, I love adding the sweet black sauce that’s usually served with this snack because it adds that sweet kick that I like.
Chwee Kueh
— From: jimmyfooddiary
Another perfect example of a savory kueh is chwee kueh, which literally translates to “water cake” in Teochew and Hokkien. This particular type of kueh is characterized by its bowl shape and toppings of preserved turnips.
The great thing about chwee kueh is that it also has some sweetness because of the turnips. You can even add a dollop of chili if you want a spicy kick.
Chwee kueh is great as a breakfast dish, but I prefer it as a mid-day snack.
Ang Ku Kueh
— From: jeannie.tay2
Ang ku kueh is a staple during Chinese New Year and other festivities like the Mid-Autumn Festival because it’s believed to be lucky thanks to its red color and tortoise shape (both things are considered to bring luck and longevity).
Its sticky and chewy texture is addicting, and the sweet filling just hits the right spot.
Sometimes, I just order a box full of this type of kueh and eat them all by myself. No regrets at all!
Kueh Lupis
— From: tommy_immotz
Kueh lupis originally comes from Indonesia, but it’s made its way to Singapore where it’s now a local delicacy. It’s usually triangular and smothered with a brown sugar sauce or palm sugar syrup.
I love eating kueh lupis first thing in the morning, and I even add a good amount of shredded coconut toppings for more sweetness. I also recommend pairing this kueh with tea or coffee.
Kueh Lapis
— From: alam_travellingfoodies
Not to be confused with the previous kueh, kueh lapis is one of the most distinctive types of kueh in Singapore. It’s hard to look away from this sweet treat because of its cheerful rainbow color!
It’s made from tapioca flour, rice flour, and coconut milk, so it has a glossy sheen and a sticky texture.
I love peeling the layers and eating them one at a time—that way, I get to enjoy the cake longer—but you can also devour everything in one bite if you want.
Kueh Salat
— From: wensdelight
I love sticky rice cakes and creamy custards, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that kueh salat is one of my favorite types of kueh. Kueh salat features a base of glutinous rice tinted blue using blue pea flowers and a top layer of coconut-pandan egg custard.
What I love the most about this tasty little snack is its flavor and texture combinations. The stickiness of the rice flour pairs really well with the richness of the custard, and the sweetness level is the perfect amount for me.
Kueh Bahulu
— From: i_cook_wan
Do you like the classic French pastry madeleine? If so, then you’ll also enjoy eating kueh bahulu, a Malay sponge cake.
It features a crispy outer layer, but the moment you bite into it, you’ll be met with a soft and fluffy center. This kueh also has a slightly eggy and sweet taste.
I would also recommend that you eat kueh bahulu with a cup of rich kopi. This combination really makes for a satisfying snack or breakfast meal.
Kueh Bugis
— From: alicewwp
Traditionally, kueh bugis is a soft sweet treat with glutinous rice as the skin and grated coconut flesh sweetened with palm sugar as the filling. It also has a green color thanks to the pandan leaves.
Other kinds of kueh bugis exist as well. For example, there’s a black kueh bugis that uses black glutinous rice flour.
There’s also kueh bugis mandi, which features a green center with palm sugar syrup and is covered in a white layer made of glutinous rice and coconut milk.
Kueh Bingka Ubi
— From: flofongsg
The first thing you might notice about kueh bingka ubi is its scent. It’s so fragrant because of the coconut milk and the pandan leaves!
Kueh bingka ubi is quite chewy with a slightly crispy top.
Personally, I love eating this kueh as an afternoon snack, and I also brew my favorite tea to pair it with.
Kueh Bakar Berlauk
— From: sharlizepantry
Do you want another savory kueh? Then, you need to try kueh bakar berlauk.
This particular type of kueh is known for its flower shape, like tutu kueh, but where tutu kueh has a filling of crushed peanuts, kueh bakar berlauk is topped with minced meat and chili.
This treat is very filling; sometimes, I even eat it for lunch and dinner.
Kueh Kosui
— From: jamietan04
Kueh kosui was one of my go-to snacks as a child, and now that I’m an adult, I still think it holds up. There’s just something so satisfying about biting into this cake with its bouncy texture and slightly sweet taste.
Sometimes, to make things more interesting, I would add a sprinkle of grated coconut topping with a bit of salt. The slight saltiness complements really well with the sweetness of the grated coconut and the kueh.
Kueh Bangkit
— From: jamietan04
Another great kueh that is usually featured during Chinese New Year is kueh bangkit. This one stands out from the other kuehs mentioned in this article because it isn’t sticky or chewy.
Instead, it’s a light and airy cookie that melts in your mouth!
Kueh bangkit is quite tricky to make—it requires a certain level of skill—and that’s why I always end up buying a jar full of this kueh instead of preparing on my own. I also have to hide said jar because I might finish all the kuehs in no time!
Soon Kueh
— From: makoeats
Admittedly, soon kueh isn’t my ultimate favorite, but it’s definitely one of the most distinctive types of kueh I’ve tried. This kueh features a filling of stir-fried bamboo shoots, Chinese turnips, and dried shrimp.
And oh, how the combination works. When you bite into it, you’ll get a savory explosion, and if you want to spice things up even more, dip the kueh into a sweet dark soy sauce with chili.
Ondeh Ondeh
— From: ghostguan
If I were to pick only one favorite kueh out of all the options, I’d have to say it’s the ondeh ondeh. This glutinous rice ball hits all the right spots for me.
The chewy skin is pandan-flavored and coated with grated coconut. When I pop it into my mouth, the sweet molten core of palm sugar just explodes!
Best Places to Get Kueh in Singapore
Borobudur Snacks Shop
— From: weeteck
Address: 537 Bedok North Street 3, #01-523, Singapore 460537
Contact Number: +6564427637
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 6 pm
The Borobudur Snacks Shop is a hidden gem in Bedok, and it’s known for quite a few desserts. But if you’re here for kueh, you shouldn’t miss out on their ang ku kueh.
The filling they use for ang ku kueh is salted mung bean and yam. The ang ku kueh here is also quite chunky, so you’ll really get the most out of your money.
Other kuehs you can buy here are ondeh ondeh and kueh lapis.
Pro Tip: This shop is nondescript and almost hidden within a housing complex, so it can be tricky to get here. I suggest having a navigation app open while traveling so that you won’t get lost on the way here.
Ratu Lemper
— From: artofmoood
Address: 31 Arab St, Singapore 199730
Contact Number: +6598132450
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
- Friday—10 am to 1 pm, 1:30 to 6 pm
- Closed on Monday
Located on the iconic Arab Street, Ratu Lemper is a halal restaurant serving delectable snacks. The restaurant’s bestselling product is the titular lemper, which is a glutinous rice snack with an assortment of meat fillings.
But you can also find various kinds of kueh here, such as kueh bingka ubi, ondeh ondeh, kueh bakar pandan, and kueh lupis.
The best part about Ratu Lemper is that all their kuehs are freshly made every morning and prepared with no preservatives. They also have a menu of kuehs that are only available on the weekends, so don’t miss out on them.
Pro Tip: You can order kueh in bulk. The cost ranges from S$53 to S$65, and the tray contains 60–80 pieces.
Kueh Ho Jiak
— From: foodiejerm
Address: 6 Tanjong Pagar Plz, #02-20, Singapore 081006
Contact Number: +6587509271
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday—7:30 am to 2 pm
- Closed on Thursday and Sunday
Located within a hawker center in Tanjong Pagar, Kueh Ho Jiak stands out by offering kuehs in playful shapes and colors. This is because the owners, Sandy Tan and Elizabeth Chan, want to modernize the kueh and make them appealing to the young.
You’ll be presented with kuehs so pretty you can’t help but take a picture and share it on social media!
Pro Tip: If you’re having a special celebration, you might be interested in hiring Kueh Ho Jiak to do kueh dessert tables and other custom-shaped sweets.
Molly’s Nonya Kuehs
— From: alicewwp
Address: 104 Hougang Ave 1, #01-1121, Singapore 530104
Contact Number: +6562864234
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday—4 am to 7:30 pm
- Monday and Saturday—4 am to 6:30 pm
- Sunday—4 am to 5 pm
Molly’s Nonya Kuehs has been around since 1971. This shop actually has about 100 products, so you might need to take some time before ordering!
My go-to order will always be the ang ku kueh, but I also really like the big wah kor kueh, chwee kueh, and kueh lapis. Aside from kuehs, I’ve tried and enjoyed the custard puff and chocolate éclair.
Pro Tip: Check out any of the savory offerings here as well, such as the bao, rice dumplings, and lemper udang.
Ji Xiang Confectionery
— From: where.is.karl
Address: 235 Victoria St, Singapore 188027
Contact Number: +6598888500
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 7 pm
Ji Xiang Confectionary is basically ang ku kueh heaven. This store specializes in ang ku kueh and has garnered a loyal following.
This shop has even won the Green Book Best Food Award multiple times and the Slow Food Singapore Heritage Hero Award!
Pro Tip: If you’ve become a big fan of their products, you might want to order their full-month celebration gift sets. These sets are technically meant to celebrate the birth of a baby, but you can still enjoy the treats all by yourself.
Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery
Address: 84 Bedok North Street 4, #01-21, Singapore 460084
Contact Number: +6564490815
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—5 am to 5 pm
- Sunday—5 am to 2 pm
Looking for a halal restaurant that specializes in sweet delicacies like kuehs? Then Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery is the one for you.
This shop had a humble beginning: the owners started producing and selling kuehs from their own kitchen in 1968, but eventually, the business grew and they relocated to Bedok in 1972.
Right now, Lek Lim boasts an extensive menu of local desserts, including treats for special occasions. They even have platters, which I love because I get to try various dishes in one order.
Pro Tip: Try at least one item from the seasonal menu. The dishes on this menu change every few months, so this might be your only chance to try a rare delicacy.
Chalk Farm
Address: 290 Orchard Rd, B1-K5/K6 Paragon, Singapore 238859
Contact Number: +6562352872
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Technically, Chalk Farm specializes in typical cookies and cakes, but they do offer a few types of kueh I love.
My favorite kueh here has to be the kueh salat. It’s extremely decadent, and whenever I can’t get enough of it, I buy a whole cake to take home!
Pro Tip: If you want to try their non-kueh offerings, I suggest the basque cheesecake, chocolate Battenberg, and gula melaka chiffon.
Bengawan Solo
Address: 23 Woodlands Link, Singapore 738730
Contact Number: +6567569088
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 3 pm
Bengawan Solo has to be one of the most popular places to go for kuehs in Singapore.
You can find many branches all over the island. The head office is in Woodlands, but other popular spots include one in Changi Airport and another on Orchard Road.
This shop features several time-honored favorites, such as kueh lapis, lapis sagu, ondeh ondeh, and pandan chiffon. But you can also find other sweets, such as buttery cookies, decadent tarts, and light-as-air cakes.
Pro Tip: Are you having a party or any kind of special occasion? You should check out the offerings under “Celebration Cakes” on Bengawan Solo’s menu.
Lina Confectionery
— From: pollystory_9898
Address: 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-138, Singapore 150124
Contact Number: +6562716996
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9:30 am to 8 pm
- Saturday—9:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Closed on Sunday
Lina Confectionery is another hidden gem of a dessert shop in Singapore. It sells authentic Indonesian kueh and food.
One thing I particularly like here is that the kueh lapis comes in three flavors: original, prune, and chocolate. I’m a chocolate lover through and through, so of course, I appreciate the latter.
Aside from kueh lapis, you can also find kueh salat, pineapple tarts, and lemper ayam.
Pro Tip: Lina Confectionery is tucked away in a housing building, so you might have a hard time finding it. To make your hunt for this shop easier, just keep in mind that it’s directly opposite Alexandra Hospital.
HarriAnns Nonya Table
Address: 230 Victoria St, #01-01A Bugis Junction Towers, Singapore 188024
Contact Number: +6562381200
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8:30 am to 6:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 7 pm
HarriAnns Nonya Table started out as a wooden pushcart in the 1940s, but now it’s a full-fledged business with various locations in Singapore.
The great thing about this restaurant is that it offers a wide variety of dishes. Their kuehs are definitely the highlights, but there are also savory meals like rendang chicken, nonya laksa, and babi pongteh with radish and mushrooms.
There’s also a great selection of whole cakes—both local favorites and Western flavors.
Pro Tip: If you can’t pick just one type of kueh to try, you might want to order the family platter since it offers a varied selection.