Is traditional kueh a part of history in Singapore? Hopefully not but I believe all things need to progress and evolved to keep up with the present. Take for example Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery runs by the 2nd generation is using social media to bring awareness to the new and younger generation about their traditional nonya kueh. It is good to preserve the tradition but the world is changing and one must adjust to fit into the new world, be it in the food or business model. Especially in food, people's palate changes with time and if you don't do something, you will just be a chapter of the history book.
Today I am bring you to Bukit Merah to check out this popular traditional kueh shop with more than 30 years of history. Poh Cheu (宝洲) started selling their homemade kueh as a mobile hawker back in the dates at Boon Lay before moving to Jalan Kayu, Bedok and now at Bukit Merah. Now in its third generation, Poh Cheu still insist in hand making their kuehs instead of machine.
Ang Ku Kueh 4/5
While preserving the tradition of hand making their kueh to ensure of the utmost quality, Poh Cheu has also introduced new flavours for the Ang Ku Kueh ($0.80 each) to satisfy the new generation. Besides the traditional green bean and peanut flavours, there are also salted bean, green tea, mango, red bean, coconut, black sesame, pineapple and yam. The different colour of the traditional ang ku kueh already looked some appetizing. The skin was thin, some what like mochi texture and it was packed full with filling.
Soon Kueh 4.5/5
A delectable snack and my favourite at Poh Cheu is the Soon Kueh ($0.80 each). For a mere eighty cents you get a plump filled soon kueh wrapped under a thin transparent skin. I especially like the crystal like skin that is very palatable but not overshadowing the filling inside, allowing the ingredients inside to be the star. Ku Cai Kueh ($0.80 each) and Bamboo Shoot Kueh ($1) are also available at Poh Cheu.
Rice Cake 4/5
The Rice Cake ($1) is another traditional kueh that is essential in Chinese events especially as a form of offering for prayers and festive occasions. Stuffed with glutinous, mushroom and peanuts, this delightful snack can be eaten steamed or pan fried.
Poh Cheu is extremely busy during the Chinese festive occasions with many people ordering in bulk. It is best to avoid this period if you just want to go there for a morning breakfast or afternoon tea snack. Be warned not to expect the best of customer service as myself was denied having an extra plastic plate so that I can share the kuehs with my friends. The auntie servicing me insist that one plastic plate is for 2 kuehs only. So in the end I have to purchase another piece of kueh to make it even number for the extra plastic plate.
Poh Cheu (宝洲)
Blk 127 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-230 & #01-222
Singapore 150127
Tel: +65 62762287
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Poh-Cheu-Soon-Kueh-and-Ang-Ku-Kueh/138586599577630
Website: http://www.pohcheu.com/
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 8am - 6pm
(Closed on Sun & PH)
Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]
