Discovering Jalan Kukoh Teochew Kueh: A Nostalgic Food Haven in Singapore

Introduction to Jalan Kukoh Teochew Kueh

Though Singapore is just a small dot on the world map, it holds an abundance of intriguing experiences waiting to be uncovered. One such gem is the Kukoh 21 Food Centre (also known as Jalan Kukoh Food Centre), home to the Jalan Kukoh Teochew Kueh stall, which specializes in traditional handmade kueh. To indulge in these delicacies, I called ahead a day in advance to place my order. The only time slot available was 6 PM, as all other times were fully booked. Don’t forget to call +65 9838 0235 to reserve your kueh, or you might leave empty-handed!

A Unique Culinary Space

Upon arrival, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, there’s a food haven in this quiet spot?” Jalan Kukoh has an atmosphere that feels like time has paused, making me feel as if I’ve stepped into another world. The Jalan Kukoh Teochew Kueh stall occupies two units: one for the kitchen and one for customers to pick up their kueh. This family-run business is operated by the Loh brothers, who have been helping their mother sell kueh from a cart since childhood. With a history spanning over 100 years, it originated in Johor Bahru, where their grandmother first began selling these treats.

Culinary Experience at Jalan Kukoh Teochew Kueh

When I arrived, Mrs. Loh was ready to serve me. She presented a foam box filled with neatly arranged kueh. I requested a plate and some plastic sheets to enjoy my kueh on-site. The first treat I tried was the Koo Chai Kueh (S$1.60 each). The kueh was glistening with a layer of oil, giving it a shiny appearance. As I bit into it, the soft skin combined with the subtle flavor of chives created a perfect harmony. Their Koo Chai Kueh was generously filled, almost overflowing with deliciousness.

As I savored it, I discovered tiny dried shrimp hidden within the filling, adding delightful bursts of flavor. I added a touch of black sauce and sambal from Mrs. Loh, which completely transformed my tasting experience. The sweetness of the black sauce blended perfectly with the spicy sambal.

Exploring More Kueh Varieties

I continued to sample two more varieties: Ang Tho Kueh (S$1.70) and Tau Sar Kueh (S$1.70). Both had similar shapes and sizes but differed in color. The Ang Tho Kueh had a cute pastel pink hue, filled with a rich mixture of mushrooms, peanuts, and dried shrimp. The soft skin and abundant filling made for a delightful chewing experience, with the peanuts enhancing the flavor.

The Tau Sar Kueh featured a black sesame skin. Upon biting into it, the sesame flavor was fleeting, overshadowed by the dominant taste of the mung bean filling. Lightly sweet and not too overwhelming, this kueh is perfect for older adults.

Trying Soon Kueh and Yam Kueh

Next, I sampled Soon Kueh (S$1.60), a delectable steamed kueh I often enjoy for breakfast. The filling consisted of stir-fried radish, mushrooms, scallions, and dried shrimp, creating a perfect combination of soft skin and tasty filling. I found this dish to be far superior to similar kueh I had tried before.

Finally, I chose the Yam Kueh (S$1.60). This round kueh featured the character “福” stamped on top, symbolizing good fortune in Chinese culture. However, after all the wonderful kueh I had tasted, the filling of the Yam Kueh felt somewhat bland, with the yam pieces not as soft as I had hoped.

Final Thoughts

Jalan Kukoh Teochew Kueh and its surroundings evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting me back to a time when life was simpler and less stressful. As a descendant of the Teochew Peranakan, I hadn’t truly appreciated this heritage until today, enjoying the familiar kueh that my Teochew grandmother used to make for me. I plan to order 10 Ang Tho Kueh on my next visit to satisfy my kueh cravings!

Article referenced and edited from: Seth Lui Food