Worth Queuing For

Our favourite pineapple tarts and bak kwa

Thursday, 10 Jan 2013

Chinese New Year music playing in your local supermarket, in the malls, and even on the telly.
We know – the season is a total pain… until you get to the food. Perfectly crumbly pineapple tarts, sweet barbecued pork, and the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
They almost make up for that barbaric noise over the PA speakers.
If there’s only one Chinese New Year treat you’re going to indulge in, make it worth those calories. We reckon Le Café’s signature golf-ball sized pineapple tarts are the best with their pastry to perfectly fibrous jam ratio. The jam is one of the rare few that has also nailed the sweet-tart balance. Order now or risk losing out on these for the festive season.
If you prefer your pineapple tarts open-faced, then haul yourself down to Ang Mo Kio and put in your order at Pine Garden’s Cake. We like that the jam isn’t your pre-packaged pulp-free nonsense; it’s fibrous, juicy, and best of all, it’s tangy. Excuse to eat another 3 more?
Those who love the Taiwanese version of pineapple tarts (or just a really pretty-looking pastry) – the acclaimed Sunnyhills has got you covered. All Sunny Delights, as the cakes have come to be known, are made with premium New Zealand butter, Japanese gourmet flour, and the healthiest eggs sourced from a responsible local farm. Email your order to service@sunnyhills.com.sg or place it through SMS or telephone at 8522 9605. You can also visit them at their Raffles Hotel flagship store.
We love our Bee Cheng Hiang as much as the regular aunties around the block, but mention the legendary Lim Chee Guan and we’re drooling fangirls. For the first time ever, you get to have your bak kwa, eat it too, and enjoy even greater flavours and better texture. The premium organic grocer, SuperNature, has teamed up with Lim Chee Guan to produce limited quantity BBQ free-range pork made using only premium Linley Valley free-range pork (sans artificial hormones and antibiotics) from Western Australia. We tried them, and guys – we never thought bak kwa could be better (or more tender) until we had these.
The limited edition Lim Chee Guan for SuperNature minced BBQ pork slices is available exclusively for pre-order until 30 January 2013 only, with collection from 5-8 Feb 2013 at the SuperNature flagship store. Orders may be made in-store or online at www.supernature.com.sg/cny.
For a heartland fave that has consistently proven their chops, head to Clementi’s Chai Ho Satay and Dried Pork, located at a hawker centre. Be prepared for snaking queues though!
Chai Ho Satay & Dried Pork, Blk 448 Clementi Avenue 3, Clementi 448 Market & Food Centre, #01-10, Singapore 120448
Image: Sunnyhills