Saturday, March 4, 2017

Sang Hock Guan Dried & Minced Pork : old-school bak kwa

I read that they are voted as better than the famous Lim Chee Guan. And, I decided to find out. I went on the day just before the eve of Chinese New Year at about 11.00 am, I was told that they have only left with the chilli bak kwa and the rest have been reserved. I went back again after the Chinese New Year. This time, there was no other customer in the shop but an elderly Uncle seated beside a table next to the counter. I decided to order 500 grammes of the original flavour for $24.00. He took a piece of pink paper together with a piece of the white one and started to place pieces of bak kwa on it. He then placed it on the weighing scale, he took out a piece and cut it into a smaller piece then put it back to that pile. He then wrapped it and placed it in a paper box then into a plastic bag that has their name printed on it. 


I was telling Uncle that their Bak Kwa is voted as better than the famous Lim Chee Guan. He said, "The business was extremely good this Chinese New year and we were sold out pretty quick." I asked him, "How much earlier do I need to order during the Chinese New Year?" He said, "You might not get to order it even in advance as we have only catered a certain amount for that and the rest is for the walk-in customers." In another word, they do not do mass production to cater to a larger crowd. The Uncle added, "Everything is handmade here. We have been doing so all these years." 


Though it might not be the best but it tasted different. It is slightly thinner thus not as tough with a rather old-school flavour and a distinct smokiness that most of the others do not have. To be fair, I would not think they are better than Lim Chee Guan but is definitely on par. You could taste the efforts that have been put in to ensure the consistency of their bak kwa as every piece tasted just the same. They really take great pride in doing so. It still tasted good even after left it for a few days.



If you do not want to queue for hours during the Chinese New Year, this particular family-owned bak kwa shop is definitely a good alternative but do order earlier to avoid disappointment. I could not help but wonder how much longer would they still be around? I do hope there is a next generation ready to take owner this family business and sustain it. 


SANG HOCK GUAN DRIED & MINCED PORK
Block 163 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 #01-446 SINGAPORE 560163
Operating Hours: 9.30 am to 9.30 pm (Daily)

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