Bak chang (or rice dumpling) is one of the must-haves during the Dragon Boat Festival season, when it is enjoyed by Chinese families all over the world. With the festival just around the bend, here’s a list of where you can get your fix of the most unique flavours to indulge in.
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This Insta-worthy rice dumpling is not only a feast for your tastebuds, but one for your eyes as well. It’s made with purple and orange Hokkaido sweet potato custard that oozes out when you cut into it. Enjoy it either as a meal on its own, or as a sweet dessert.
Available for takeaway, delivery and self-collection from ParkRoyal Marina Bay, from now till June 14. To order, click here. Order by May 31, 2021 to enjoy 25 per cent off all rice dumplings except the bundle set. You can also call 6845 1118 or email peachblossoms.prsmb@parkroyalhotels.com.
This gourmet dumpling set from Resort World Singapore (RWS) combines unique and traditional dumplings together to create a delicious feast. It is a collaboration between various RWS chefs and specialty dining concepts in RWS: Feng Shui Inn; Syun; as well as Osia Steak and Seafood Grill.
Have a family feast with eight different dumplings ranging from Hakka and Nonya to Japanese and Thai. There’s a pink-hued Ocean’s Jewels Dumpling with Japanese hoshi ebi, responsibly harvested sea whelk and dried scallop; a Thai sticky rice-inspired Siamese Jade Dumpling with coconut milk and creamy taro in banana leaves; and a Bouquet of Rubies Dumpling that showcases various grains with dried longan, kumquat, tapioca and azuki red beans and more.
Available for takeaway or delivery, pre-order from now till June 11, 2021. Order here or visit Feng Shui Inn at Crockfords Tower in RWS, Level G2. This set is available at a discounted rate of $98 for RWS Invites and Genting Reward members.
Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant’s new creation is a luxurious indulgent — a rice dumpling stuffed with a generously-sized 5-Head Australian abalone, together with flavourful Iberico and parma ham, conpoy and mushroom. We liked that the rice while sticky, wasn’t mushy.
If you’re a ma la fan, the restaurant also has a tongue-tingling Sichuan Pepper Chicken with Lotus Root, Fungus, Peanuts & Mushrooms Rice Dumpling ($14) that draws on ingredients from the popular mala xiang guo.
Purchase a minimum of four rice dumplings in a gold premium box and enjoy 15 per cent off, till 14 June 2021. Available for takeaway or delivery. Order here or call 6831 4605.
Two of Singapore’s iconic crab dishes are highlighted in this flavour-packed dumpling, crafted by the award-winning Golden Peony’s Chinese executive chef Ku. It’s also studded with succulent prawns and tender Bedford scallops for a mouthwatering treat.
If you prefer something sweet, the restaurant also has a Egg Custard Sweeties Rice Dumpling ($12.80), as well as a Luxury Package ($118) with five dumplings and a bottle of Homemade XO Sauce.
Available for takeaway or delivery. You can also pre-order from now till June 13, 2021 here . Call 6432 7482/88 or email sinci.goldenpeony@conradhotels.com for more information.
Fullerton Hotel’s Cantonese restaurant Jade has some interesting bak chang flavours on its menu this year, and one of them is this bak kut teh-inspired dumpling that holds a tempting combination of marinated pork belly, red bean, spring onion, salted egg yolk and black mushrooms. The rice itself has been infused with a special blend of herbs, spices and garlic.
Another creation worthy of mention is the Ginseng Chicken Glutinous Rice Dumpling ($18), which has ginseng, marinated chicken thigh, Chinese ham, black mushroom and salted egg yolk.
Available for delivery or takeaway from now till June 14. Place your order two days in advance. From now till May 31, 2021, enjoy 10 per cent off when you pre-order your rice dumplings via the online store. Not valid for hampers.
For mala fanatics, Paradise Group’s Spicy Smoked Duck with Dried Shrimp Dumpling is a must-try. Think smoked duck, pork belly, dried shrimp, salted egg yolk, and more in a glutinous dumpling that’s infused with a house-made mala sauce that gives it a red hue and a spicy kick.
While it’s not for sale on its own, you can get it as part of the Luxury Trio Dumplings Gift Set, which also features a Deluxe Pork with Conpoy and Chestnut Dumpling, and a Black Truffle Five Grain Dumpling.
Available for takeaway or delivery from now till June 12, while stocks last, at Paradise Group brands including Taste Paradise, Paradise Teochew, Seafood Paradise, Beauty In The Pot, Canton Paradise, Paradise Dynasty, Paradise Classic and Paradise Hotpot. Place your delivery orders here.
Another creation to satisfy your mala craving is Xin Cuisine’s Mala Chicken Dumpling that’s filled with spicy chicken chunks and fragrant dried scallops. At 380g, it’s also heftier than your average dumpling, making it a satisfying meal on its own.
If you don't like spicy dumplings, then opt for Xin’s Signature Red Lotus Seed Paste Dumpling served with Osmanthus Sauce ($11.80); it comes with creamy lotus paste, chestnuts and gingko nuts, as well as a fragrant osmanthus dipping sauce.
Purchase before May 31, 2021 to enjoy 20 per cent off a la carte dumpling orders. Place your order here. You can also call 3138 2531 or email xin.sinhi@ihg.com.
For the health-conscious and those on a vegan diet, Mitzo has a plant-based option for you. This truffle multi-grain dumpling doesn’t just have gut-friendly grains like brown rice, pearl barley and buckwheat, it’s also stuffed with Heura plant-based chicken as well as cordyceps flower and osmathus honey.
Available for delivery and takeaway, from now till June 14, 2021. Place your order two days in advance here. Islandwide delivery at $15 per order.
For Shanghai-style dumplings, check out Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel’s Grand Shanghai restaurant.
This year, it has created a Shangainese-style dumpling generously filled with smoked duck, scallops and mushrooms. If your tastebuds lean towards sweeter offerings, there’s the Crystal Rice Dumpling ($10.50) that oozes lotus seed paste with hints of osmanthus.
Available for takeaway from now till June 14, 2021. For pre-orders, call 6836-6866/8202 0836, or e-mail restaurant@grandshanghai.com.sg. Grand Shanghai is at 390 Havelock Road, King’s Centre, Level 1, Singapore 169662. Closed on Mondays.
This delicious rice dumpling from Hai Tien Lo draws inspiration from the classic Taiwanese dish of sesame oil chicken. Packed with juicy chicken leg chunks, crunchy black fungus and premium glutinous rice, the sesame oil and Chinese rice wine also lend a wonderful aroma to the dumpling.
For a hearty family treat, give the premium rice dumpling gift sets (from $104.86) a try. It offers different flavours of dumplings and a bottle of Hai Tien Lo’s Signature Homemade XO Chilli Sauce.
Available from now till June 14, 2021. Place your order here. Pan Pacific Privileges Members enjoy 10 per cent savings with point accrual on individual dumplings only, not applicable for dumpling sets. Use promo code DUMPLING10.
Another Insta-worthy dumpling because of its unique purple rice, this sweet dumpling from Shang Palace can be eaten as a dessert — kids will love the milky and rich custard filling. For a family feast or to treat your loved ones, you can also consider ordering their Shang Palace Rice Dumpling Gift Set ($78) that consists of four types of dumplings and a canister of Chinese tea.
Available for delivery or takeaway from now till June 14, 2021. Place your order here (order two days in advance). Enjoy 15 per cent off selections of rice dumplings when you order by May 30, 2021 at the online store.
A version of this story first appeared in Singapore Women's Weekly.