Ang ku kueh is a oval-shaped Chinese pastry made with soft, sticky glutinous rice flour and filled with either mung bean or peanut. It is also known as red tortoise cake, an animal believed by the Chinese to bring longevity, good fortune and prosperity.
Traditionally, the vibrant red skin features an intricate design resembling a tortoise shell and rests on a piece of banana leaf. Previously made only for occasions such as birthdays and celebrations, the traditional snack is now ubiquitous throughout Singapore.
Times have changed, which is why Madam Ang KK by Old Seng Choong presents ang ku kueh in a rainbow of colours with 16 flavours to savour (from $1.90). According to founder and pastry chef Daniel Tay, the kuehs have been given a contemporary twist in an attempt to innovate and capture pastry lovers, especially the younger generation.
Visit the cleverly named store at Paragon Shopping Centre to discover a spectrum of flavours. There are savoury options such as XO Scallop, Parma Ham with Shallot Oil, and Braised Meat Mung Bean. For a modern twist, try the Hazelnut Praline, Truffle Mushroom, and Pistachio flavours. But of course, tradition anchors the pastries. If the new flavours are too off tangent, fall back on the familiar Mung Bean and Peanut ang ku kuehs.
The eatery also offers fluffy steamed paus (from $2.90) such as Gourmet Truffle Char Siew and Mystic Sesame Mochi, steamed rice dishes (from $9.80) like Granny’s Minced Pork with Salted Fish, and Fragrant Chicken Mushroom and Chinese Sausages.
Madam Ang KK by Old Seng Choong is at #B1-K12, Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238859.
