Best Bak Kwa To Buy For Chinese New Year in Singapore (2024)

Love indulging in the tantalisingly sweet, smoky, charred taste of good bak kwa during Chinese New Year? Then check out these best bak kwa prices in Singapore 2024.

The only thing better than receiving ang baos during Chinese New Year (CNY) is snacking — and in our humble opinion, bak kwa is definitely a top-tier CNY snack. 👀 From household names like Bee Cheng Hiang, Kim Tee, and Sang Hock Guan to lesser-known brands like Golden Gourmet, choosing your favourite bak kwa for the CNY season is always a struggle.

Consisting of a blend of sweet and savoury notes, this marinated pork snack offers many tempting variations. Still, one thing's for sure — them being thinly sliced, smoked to perfection, and adorned with a glossy, caramelised glaze make each piece a delectable treat. 

To help you decide on which bak kwa brand to indulge in this CNY, we've compiled some of the best bak kwa brands (in terms of flavour and price points) in Singapore 2024 to try this lunar new year!

Table of contents

• Overview: Best bak kwa brands for CNY 2024
• Best credit cards for buying bak kwa in Singapore

Overview: Best bak kwa brands for Chinese New Year in Singapore 2024

Cheaper bak kwa brands: Kim Joo Guan (From S$17), New Peng Hiang (From S$30), Kim Peng Hiang (From S$24), Fragrance (From S$9.50)

More expensive bak kwa brands: Bee Cheng Hiang (From S$21 to S$108), Lee Chee Guan (From S$37), Kim Tee (From S$34), Hock Wong (From S$30 to S$98), Kim Joo Guan (From S$17 to S$108), Bee Kim Heng (From S$37), Golden Gourmet (From S$31.61)

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Disclaimer: As of 30 January 2024, most online pre-orders have either concluded or been sold out. Please head down to their outlets in person to purchase any remaining stock of your preferred bak kwa.

#1: Bee Cheng Hiang (S$21 – S$108)

For many of us, Bee Cheng Hiang needs no introduction. As a prominent figure in the bak kwa scene, this juggernaut chain offers a delicious spread of bak kwa variations. 

With prices starting from as low as S$21 per 300g, Bee Cheng Hiang is an affordable option for those satisfied with basic bak kwa flavours like Minced Pork, Sliced Pork, Golden Coin, Chilli Pork, Sliced Chicken, and more. Meanwhile, for their more premium flavours, you can opt for the Gourmet Bak Kwa, Gourmet Fusion, Prime Bak Kwa, and other flavours.

But perhaps, the brand's biggest claim to fame has to be its Applewood Sliced Pork Bak Kwa. This variation is smoked for two hours using Applewood imported from the US. Prepared from high-quality pork hind legs, this style of bak kwa is marinated with their traditional secret recipe, all while absorbing the rich essence of the smoky BBQ flavour.

It's no wonder that this Applewood Sliced Pork Bak Kwa has a loyal cult following of its own every Chinese New Year.

💡 Pro-tip: Spend at least S$50 on a single order to receive complimentary red packets! For more details on their online deliveries, read their FAQs here.

#2: Lim Chee Guan Bak Kwa (From S$37)

Source: 8days

Source: Lim Chee Guan FB

As another one of the OGs in the bak kwa scene, Lim Chee Guan was established in 1938 by Lim Kay Eng. With its rich history, the meticulous care and attention to detail devoted to perfecting its Signature Sliced Pork bak kwa recipe over the years are evident through its dedicated fanbase.

Besides that, they've also expanded their menu to include alternative BBQ flavours like BBQ Chicken, BBQ Beef, BBQ Bacon, BBQ Chilli Pork, BBQ Prawn, and BBQ Fish. Although these might not be innovative or fusion variations by any means, they are classic flavours that you can't go wrong with.

If you're putting together a bak kwa platter catering to different palates for your CNY visitations, you can order 500g of each flavour, with prices starting from S$37.

Note: At the time of writing, Lim Chee Guan has officially sold out on online pre-orders. Please visit their stores in person to purchase your preferred bak kwa flavour, while stocks last.

#3: New Eastern Kim Tee Bak Kwa (From S$34)

Source: Kim Tee

By now, it's evident that many successful bak kwa vendors still in business have been in the industry for a long time, and Kim Tee is no exception. Having opened their doors around 1976, they boast 100% handmade bak kwa products and strive to serve the thinnest slices.

Moreover, their Signature Bak Kwa is low in fat content and not made with any meat tenderisers. Instead, its wonderfully crunchy and tender texture is achieved by cooking it over charcoal at the optimal temperature and duration, suitable for all ages to enjoy. So if you prefer munching on bak kwa with a good crunch, this will undoubtedly suit your palate. 

Although their online pre-orders have officially concluded at the time of writing, you can still try your luck by heading down to their stores in person to see what's still in stock. In total, they have five outlets islandwide – so that's convenient for all our last-minute bak kwa shopping!

#4: Hock Wong Bak Kwa (S$30 – S$98)

Source: Hock Wang SG FB

Although not as prolific as other competitors, Hock Wong is gradually gaining popularity due to their interesting variety available. 

Apart from the classic Sliced Pork Bak Kwa, Minced Pork, and Minced Chicken Bak Kwa, spice-lovers will also adore their other unique offerings such as Chilli Grab Minced Pork Bak Kwa, Mala Spicy Bak Kwa, and even Vegetarian Bak Kwa! Not to mention, these portions can be purchased in exclusive CNY gift boxes and sets featuring goodies like tea bags, a "roulette wheel of happiness", and more. Along with its iconic Caishen "God of Wealth" packaging, Hock Wong's bak kwa might just grant you extra fortune and prosperity this CNY. 

Prices for their classic bak kwa flavours start from S$31 to S$32 per 500g.

Unlike other vendors that are already sold out, Hock Wong currently still has bak kwa stock available for online purchase.

#5: Kim Joo Guan Bak Kwa (S$17 – S$108)

Source: Kim Joo Guan FB

With a rich history and heritage dating as far back as the early 20th century, Kim Joo Guan has continually made their mark as a top favourite bak kwa store among Singaporeans and local celebrities alike. They serve nothing but quality Bak Kwa through their traditional recipe that's been preserved within the Ong family for four generations with origins from Fujian, China.

To maintain the utmost quality of their bak kwa, they use exclusively 100% Australian grain-fed fresh pork that's been chilled (as opposed to frozen) to keep the freshness and natural fragrance during the Bak Kwa preparation and cooking processes. 

It's no wonder Kim Joo Guan's reputation precedes itself, with a growing clientele comprising even local celebrities!

Note: As of 30 January 2024, their Premium Pork Belly Bak Kwa is fully sold out. The new batch will only be available after CNY. Other flavour variations are still available, while stocks last.

#6: New Peng Hiang Bak Kwa (S$30 – S$50)

So far, we've covered loads of bak kwa vendors offering pretty standard selections, but how about more unique variations like Kimchi Pork Bak Kwa, Pineapple Pork Bak Kwa, Turkey Bak Kwa, Coffee Pork Bak Kwa, and even MSW Durian Pork Bak Kwa? Then New Peng Hiang might just be your go-to this CNY.

For such distinctive flavours, you might expect them to come with a hefty price tag but they're surprisingly affordable – mostly priced at S$32 per 500g, except for the MSW Durian Pork which retails for S$45 per 500g. 

In any case, those in search of more unique bak kwa options should consider purchasing from New Peng Hiang before they're sold out. 

*Currently out of stock

#7: Kim Peng Hiang Bak Kwa (S$24 – S$52)

Source: Burrple

On our list, Kim Peng Hiang Bak Kwa is probably one of the cheapest yet reputable bak kwa vendors to date. Despite the age of online and social media presence, Kim Peng Hiang does not have any website nor take any online orders. Instead, its dedicated fanbase alone is enough to keep its business running each CNY.

Its popularity is so legendary that each customer has to physically visit the store to place an order, where each pax is limited to only 3kg per purchase, and only cash is accepted for payment. Thereafter, you'll have to come back down the next day to collect your bak kwa order.

💡 Pro-tip: Kim Peng Hiang also claims to be one of the first vendors to ever introduce Pineapple BBQ Pork Bak Kwa into the scene. So if there are any bak kwa recommendations to try from them, we'd reckon that'd be a solid choice!

#8: Bee Kim Heng Bak Kwa (From S$37)

Since 1951, Bee Kim Heng has been #keepingitreal by grilling bak kwa over charcoal at People's Park Centre for both locals and tourists to enjoy. This tried-and-true method has stood the test of time, ensuring that each bite into their bak kwa maintains the right amount of smokiness and tenderness.

Since 26 January 2024, the price has increased slightly from S$34 to S$37 per 500g which is a reasonable mid-tier price. To place an order, you can either Whatsapp them at +65 8852 9921 or head down to People's Park Food Centre physically.

#9: Fragrance (S$9.50 – S$54.40)

Besides Bee Cheng Hiang, another popular household name for bak kwa has to be Fragrance (香味). They boast many outlets islandwide, making them convenient and accessible – especially for any last-minute bak kwa orders. Other than that, their Signature Sliced Tender Bak Kwa is also reasonably priced at only S$27.90 per 500g. This is honestly a steal compared to the other listings above.

If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can try their Crocodile Bak Kwa retailing at only S$9.50 per 100g, but proceed with caution. It's not for the weak of hearts (and perhaps, stomach). 😅

Note: Spend above S$128 to enjoy free shipping! Otherwise, delivery will incur the following charges:

• S$79 to S$119.99: S$8 delivery fee
• S$38 to S$78.99: S$10 delivery fee
• S$37.99 and below: S$11 delivery fee

#10: Golden Gourmet (S$31.61 – S$74.12)

Even though Golden Gourmet might not bring any special flavours to the table, they do offer the classics that never disappoint. Ranging from standard choices like their Signature Bak Kwa to more luxurious selections like their Premium Organic Chicken Bak Kwa, you can easily place an order for your family's preferred flavour directly on their online marketplace. Alternatively, you can also visit their physical store to shop for bak kwa in person.

Their bak kwa prices begin from S$31.61 per 500g (including GST), which is relatively affordable, all things considered.

*Currently out of stock

Best credit cards for buying bak kwa in Singapore 2024

While some bak kwa stores still uphold the tradition of only taking in-person orders, the majority of them have shifted to offering online delivery, especially on a pre-order basis.

That said, even if most coveted flavours from popular bak kwa stores might have already sold out or concluded their pre-order sales, most of them might still have available stock for other flavours. 

However, a crucial aspect to consider when digitising businesses is their Merchant Category Code (MCC). Essentially, an MCC is the transaction code assigned to a merchant, determining the transaction category it's classified under.

For instance, Bee Cheng Hiang is coded as MCC 5499 (Miscellaneous Food Stores – Convenience Stores and Specialty Markets). Consequently, whether your credit card accrues cashback or miles on your bak kwa order depends largely on whether the bak kwa merchant is an eligible MCC for your card.

So regardless of whether you've placed an order early for bak kwa this CNY, or rushing some last-minute grocery shopping, here are some credit card recommendations for settling your bak kwa bill at checkout:

• Cashback 🪙
• Miles ✈️

Credit card	Key benefits	Requirements
UOB EVOL Card Apply Now	8% cashback on online and mobile contactless transactions No annual fee with min. 3 purchases per month throughout card membership year	Min. S$600 spend per month Capped at S$60 cashback per statement month; S$20 on online spend and S$20 on contactless spend
OCBC FRANK Card Apply Now	8% cashback on online and contactless transactions	Min. S$800 spend per month Capped at S$100 cashback per calendar month; S$25 per category
DBS Live Fresh Card Apply Now	5% cashback on online and contactless transactions	Min. S$600 spend per month Capped at S$75 cashback per calendar month; S$25 per category
UOB One Card Apply Now	3.33% base cashback per quarter upon hitting min. spend for 3 consecutive months	Min. S$500 / S$1,000 / S$2,000 spend per statement month Min. 5 transactions per month
Any unlimited cashback card Apply Now Apply Now Apply Now Apply Now	From 1.5% to  1.7% unlimited cashback on all spend* No min. spend  No cap on cashback	*Certain MCC exclusions apply

Compare Best Cashback Credit Cards

Credit card	Key benefits	Requirements
HSBC Revolution Card Apply Now	4 mpd on select online and contactless transactions No annual fee	Bonus points capped at S$1,000 spend per calendar month
UOB Lady's Card Apply Now	6 mpd on one enrolled category (must select 'Dining' category + check if UOB$ merchant)	Bonus UNI$ capped at S$1,000 spend per calendar month
UOB Preferred Platinum Visa Card	4 mpd on select mobile contactless transactions on Dining & Food Delivery, Grocery, and other categories Check if UOB$ merchant to earn up to 10% cashback	Capped at UNI$2,000 spend per calendar month

Compare Best Miles Credit Cards

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