Ever tried Hainanese Yi Bua before? This traditional kueh is made of glutinous rice flour dough, filled with a mixture of grated coconut, toasted sesame seeds, and crushed roasted peanuts sweetened with gula melaka. It is then shaped and wrapped with sheets of banana leaves and customarily marked with a dab of red food colouring. Wondering where you can find this rare gem? Well tucked away at Toa Payoh is Hainan Cuisine & Snacks, the only remaining stall in Singapore serving this unique kueh! Definitely a spot you have to check out!
Hainan Cuisine & Snacks is a family-run stall that has been around since 1978. Serving traditional Hainanese Kueh and other snacks, the business was initially started by the late Mdm Yeoh. She started her business as means to support her five children after the passing of her late husband. She initially started off selling bread and butter, eventually settling to specialise in Hainanese kueh to set her stall apart. After her sad passing as well, her daughters and grandchildren are currently taking the reins, ensuring Mdm Yeoh’s legacy continues to live on.
Preparation starts as early as 6am daily, and the hard work is definitely reflected in the quality of the Yi Bua! Served at $1.30 per pc, it is seriously affordable and a bang for your buck! It has an incredibly sticky and chewy texture like ang ku kueh, making each bite incredibly satisfying! The filling has a pleasant amount of sweetness, with a crunchy texture similar to chai poh that you typically find in chwee kueh. Compared to ang ku kueh, the filling in the yi bua are in bigger chunks, giving them more crunch than the usual gritty texture.
Don’t be alarmed by the strong kick of ginger upon the first bite as it soon mellows down and blends perfectly with the sweetness of the filling! Additionally, the ginger leaves a lingering spice at the end, a flavour profile we don’t find very often in our typical kuehs! A unique and tasty dish that you should seriously give a try!
It is advised to pre-order the Yi Bua as they are usually sold out for walk-in customers! Simply order through their contact number at 9338 1903 to not miss out on this rare gem! Hurry pick up your phone and order this tasty dish today!
Address: Blk 22 Toa Payoh Lorong 7, #01-35, Kim Keat Palm Market & Food Centre, Singapore 310022
Operating Hours: Wed to Sun, 7:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m.
Cover Photo: Singapore Foodie
For more rare gems to try, check out Soh Food’s Stewed Duck!
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