Ji Xiang Confectionery in Everton Park specializes in traditional Ang Ku Kueh. We think they make one the best ang ku kuehs money can buy in Singapore. Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kuehs are made fresh on the premises in batches. Ji Xiang ang ku kuehs are not all “ang” – as they come in many colours with different fillings. It is not unusual to see a queue at Ji Xiang Confectionery. Sometimes when you reach the front of the queue, certain varieties of the ang ku kuehs would have run out. On a recent visit to Ji Xiang Confectionery, we managed to buy most of the different varieties of ang ku kuehs available.
Ang Ku Kueh (红龟粿) is a small traditional Chinese pastry having a soft sticky glutinous rice flour skin with sweet fillings. It is molded to resemble a tortoise shell, and in Singapore it is often presented on a square of banana leaf. It has its origin from Fujian, China and “Ang Ku Kueh” literally means “Red Tortoise Cake” in Hokkien. The traditional red ang ku kueh is considered auspicious as it symbolises Prosperity, Longevity and Good Fortune.
Traditional Confectionery
Nestled in a neighbourhood which has become known as a hipster enclave, Ji Xiang Confectionery in Everton Park is as old school as it comes. It has been making and serving ang ku kuehs there for around three decades. The storefront has the 80s look and the only sign of modernity is a “Like us on Facebook” poster. The “factory” is situated in an adjoining shop unit where ang ku kuehs are moulded and filled by hand and placed neatly in circular steaming trays.
Price
One thing that has changed over the years is the price; as can be seen from the pictures of the new poster on top and the old poster below. Currently, an ang ku kueh costs between 80 cents and $1.60; and the prices go up by 10 cents during Chinese festivals.
Different Flavours
Ji Xiang ang ku kuehs come in a variety of pretty colours. The different types of filling of the ang ku kuehs are distinguished by the colours of the skins. The fillings of Ji Xiang ang ku kuehs include bean (or tau sar), yam, corn, peanut and coconut. The more exotic non-traditional fillings are chempedak and durian.
The texture of the Ji Xiang ang ku kueh skin is slippery, soft and chewy. The thin skin is slightly sweet. It holds in the generous amount of filling well.
All the fillings of Ji Xiang ang ku kuehs we have tried are good. Our favourites are the are sweet tau sar, peanut and coconut. The tau sar is really smooth and tasty. The peanut filling is rich and crunchy. The coconut is moist and sweet and has a very nice texture.
Ji Xiang Confectionery is of the few traditional confectionaries that is still thriving in Singapore. It is good that traditional delicacies prepared with quality ingredients the old school way are still available. Ji Xiang ang ku kuehs with delicate skin and delectable fillings are worth a trip to Everton Park every now and then.
Ji Xiang Confectionery
Block 1 #01-33 Everton Park
Singapore 081001
Tel: +65 6223 1631
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday 8 am – 5 pm
Closed on Sunday & Public holidays
Nearby MRT Station: Tanjong Pagar
The Ordinary Patrons | Real Dining Experience of Ordinary People
an independent Singapore food blog
Share this:
Discover more from The Ordinary Patrons
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.