Singapore’s bak kwa culture is fierce, flavour-packed, and festive all year round—not just during Chinese New Year. The grilled pork jerky isn’t just a snack; it’s a tradition, a gift, a queue-worthy indulgence. With dozens of brands across the island, only a few stand out for their legacy, quality, and creativity. Here’s a list of 10 standout bak kwa makers that continue to draw crowds and convert first-timers into loyal fans.
1. Lim Chee Guan
- Established: 1938
- Famous for: Signature sliced pork bak kwa
- Why it’s loved: Smoky, tender, well-balanced flavours
A name that brings to mind long queues on Chinatown streets, Lim Chee Guan has built its reputation on consistency and craftsmanship. Their bak kwa is freshly grilled with a rich caramelised glaze and a charred edge that meat lovers wait hours for. Efficient staff manage the surge, especially during festive periods, turning crowd management into an artform. The result? A bite that’s sweet, savoury, and deeply satisfying.
- Location: Various outlets
- Website: www.limcheeguan.sg
2. Bee Cheng Hiang
- Established: 1933
- Famous for: Classic sliced pork, Gourmet Bak Kwa, Applewood-smoked variants
- Why it’s loved: Ubiquitous presence, wide product range
With outlets across Singapore and beyond, Bee Cheng Hiang is often a starting point for bak kwa newcomers. Their classic sliced pork is widely considered the standard. Some find inconsistency in juiciness, but their range—from bacon-cut bak kwa to Grillery concept store fusions like bak kwa aglio olio—makes it a go-to for the curious. Special mention goes to their limited-edition Applewood Sliced Pork, richer and smokier than the usual fare.
- Location: Various outlets
- Website: www.beechenghiang.com.sg
3. Kim Hock Guan
- Established: 1905
- Famous for: Charcoal-grilled lean sliced pork
- Why it’s loved: Traditional methods, no price hikes during peak season
Kim Hock Guan’s bak kwa is firm, chewy, and smokier than most. By insisting on using only sliced hind leg meat and forgoing minced alternatives, they stick to an older style that divides opinion. Some find it tougher, others praise the old-school integrity. There’s no artificial inflation during Chinese New Year either—a rarity.
- Location: The Bencoolen, 180 Bencoolen St, #01-25, Singapore 189646
- Facebook: kimhockguantraditionalbakkwa
4. Fragrance Foodstuff (Fragrance Bak Kwa)
- Established: 1969
- Famous for: Sliced Tender Bak Kwa
- Why it’s loved: Affordable, accessible, family-friendly
With 40 outlets around the island, Fragrance offers wide reach and wallet-friendly prices. Their bak kwa has consistent appeal and is a staple in many households. While traditionalists might find the taste less complex compared to premium players, the value and convenience make it a reliable choice, especially for bulk gifting.
- Location: Various outlets
- Website: shop.fragrancebakkwa.com
5. Kim Joo Guan
- Established: 4th-generation family recipe
- Famous for: Handmade pork belly and Iberico bak kwa
- Why it’s loved: Fresh chilled pork, artisanal techniques
A brand with heritage and flair, Kim Joo Guan’s bak kwa is meaty, moist, and perfectly charred. They use chilled Australian grain-fed pork—not frozen—and it shows in the bite. Their Iberico variant and fatty pork belly cut are rich and indulgent. For years, they quietly supplied raw bak kwa to other big-name brands. Now, they’re building recognition of their own.
- Location: Chinatown Point, 257 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058806
- Website: www.kimjooguan.com
6. Bee Kim Heng
- Established: ~50 years ago
- Famous for: Traditional charcoal grilling at People’s Park Food Centre
- Why it’s loved: Sweet and smoky flavour, handmade by the elderly founder
The octogenarian behind Bee Kim Heng still grills each piece by hand. His bak kwa is sweet, lightly charred, and made in small batches. Some say it’s gamey or leathery, but loyal customers see those as signs of authenticity. The aroma alone draws regulars to this heritage stall.
- Location: People’s Park Food Centre, 32 New Market Rd, #01-1010, Singapore 050032
- Website: beekimheng.com
7. Peng Guan
- Established: 2014
- Famous for: Affordable, tender charcoal-grilled bak kwa
- Why it’s loved: Great value, online-friendly
Peng Guan has grown rapidly thanks to fair pricing, consistent quality, and strong online presence. Their bak kwa is sweet, tender, and mildly smoky. Popular flavours include traditional and spicy variants, with limited runs of pastries and baked goods infused with their signature meat. A solid pick for younger consumers and digital shoppers.
- Location: Various outlets
- Website: pengguan.com.sg
8. Century Bakkwa
- Established: Boutique producer
- Famous for: Yuzu Osmanthus, Lychee, Black Truffle bak kwa
- Why it’s loved: Small-batch creativity with premium ingredients
For those seeking something beyond pork and fire, Century Bakkwa offers daring combinations. Their Yuzu Osmanthus bak kwa layers floral and citrusy notes over charcoal-grilled Spanish pork. Lychee and truffle versions also surprise and impress. Every batch is handmade, adding a personal touch to their gourmet experiments.
- Location: 30 Dunlop St, Singapore 209358
- Website: centurybakkwa.com
9. Kim Peng Hiang
- Established: Family-run stall
- Famous for: Pineapple BBQ Pork
- Why it’s loved: Bold fusion of fruit and meat, thick-cut slices
This stall is known for doing things their own way. Their Pineapple BBQ Pork—thick, sweet, slightly tangy—is unlike anything else on this list. Fans describe it as a love-it-or-leave-it blend, almost like pineapple pizza in jerky form. No online orders, no shortcuts, just queues outside a humble storefront.
- Location: 465 Changi Rd, Singapore 419886
10. Sang Hock Guan
- Established: Neighbourhood favourite
- Famous for: Authentic handmade thick-cut bak kwa
- Why it’s loved: Robust texture, traditional grilling, limited daily batches
Operating out of Ang Mo Kio, Sang Hock Guan offers no fanfare—just rich, smoky bak kwa with a meatier bite. Less sweet than mainstream versions, theirs focuses on depth rather than glaze. Small batches sell out quickly, especially around the holidays. For those who enjoy a firm, flame-kissed chew, this one satisfies.
- Location: 163 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, #01-446, Singapore 560163
Summary Table
| Brand | Year Started | Signature Item | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lim Chee Guan | 1938 | Sliced Pork | Iconic queues, traditional flavour |
| Bee Cheng Hiang | 1933 | Gourmet Bak Kwa | Global presence, wide variety |
| Fragrance | 1969 | Sliced Tender Bak Kwa | Value-driven, accessible |
| Kim Hock Guan | 1905 | Lean Sliced Pork | Oldest brand, consistent pricing |
| Kim Joo Guan | Family legacy | Iberico/Pork Belly | Handmade, premium cuts |
| Bee Kim Heng | ~1970s | Traditional Sliced Pork | Charcoal grilled by hand |
| Peng Guan | 2014 | Traditional & Spicy Bak Kwa | Online popular, great price |
| Century Bakkwa | Boutique | Yuzu Osmanthus | Inventive flavours, Spanish pork |
| Kim Peng Hiang | 2000s | Pineapple BBQ Pork | Signature fruity twist |
| Sang Hock Guan | Neighbourhood | Traditional Charcoal Bak Kwa | Small-batch, less sweet |
Whether you’re seeking lean, old-school craftsmanship or looking to try a fruit-infused version, Singapore’s bak kwa scene offers remarkable variety. These ten brands reflect decades of passion, technique, and bold taste experimentation—each slice a reflection of local flavour and pride.
