This Old-School Kueh Shop Has Been Around Since 1981, Sells 13 Ang Ku Kueh Flavours

146 Famous Bukit Merah Ang Ku Kueh has handmade kueh

Vintage finds have been on the rise lately, from digicams to vinyl records and thrifting. Amid the froyo craze and matcha fatigue, I find myself craving traditional desserts from time to time, so I’m glad shops such as 146 Famous Bukit Merah Ang Ku Kueh are still around and thriving—an old-school kueh shop specialising in handmade kueh with a modern twist.

Tucked under a void deck at Block 146 Bukit Merah, this kueh shop first started as a provision store in 1981 before pivoting to sell ang ku kueh in 1991. It’s run by a husband-and-wife duo, who pride themselves on making all their kueh by hand to yield the thinnest skin and softest mouthfeel.

Back then, the shop only sold Peanut and Mung Bean ang ku kueh, but now offers 13 flavours. Unique ones include Sweet Corn, Coconut, and Durian, to name a few. Each ang ku kueh is priced affordably at $1.60.

Though ang ku kueh is what they’re famous for, they offer a plethora of other treats, including soon kueh, png kueh and more. The kueh looked too enticing to pass up, so we had to get some ourselves. 

We were spoilt for choice, so we opted for the Mini Assorted Ang Ku Kueh ($8), which gives you a box of 10 different flavours, alongside Ondeh-Ondeh ($2.60 per box) and Green Tea Ang Ku Kueh ($1.60).

Most people start their day with caffeine, and I did the same with the Coffee ang ku kueh—the coffee flavour was prominent without being overpowering. What really stole the show for me was its thin and chewy skin, and I appreciated that the kueh was stuffed generously with mung bean and coffee paste.

Next up, I tried the purple-coloured Yam, which ended up being my favourite flavour. I was worried it would be too jelak, but it turned out impressively well-balanced. I liked that I could still taste the nutty mung beans through the subtly sweet yam. Plus, the yam paste was creamy and smooth, melting in my mouth with every bite.

Of course, I also had to try the OG Mung Bean. The filling was made of grainy mung beans, which gave it a grittier texture, and the skin felt thicker than the others. Texture aside, it was still a familiar and nostalgic classic, though it’s nothing to rave about.

Next up was the Green Tea Ang Ku Kueh, which was massive. It had a floral fragrance, and strong hints of tea coming through in each bite. It’s almost as if I were drinking the actual thing and was surprisingly refreshing to eat.

Besides kueh, we also snagged the last box of ondeh-ondeh for the day. One nearly burst as I picked it up, which I took as a good sign of how delicate the skin was. Upon the first bite, it exploded with rich gula melaka syrup and was incredibly shiok to eat. 

The coconut flakes helped to cut through the sweetness of the liquid gold within and added a nice crunch, giving it a satisfying mouthfeel. We could see why it sold out in only a few hours of opening.

As someone who was initially not too big on ang ku kueh, I’d say that these definitely changed my mind. Their grit and innovation are worth applauding, and I’d certainly go back to try the other flavours and creations.

On the topic of old-school treats, check out our Love Confectionery feature for some affordable bakes in Queenstown. Read our Everton Park food guide for more good eats in the area.

Address: 146 Jalan Bukit Merah, Block 146, Singapore 160146
Opening hours: Daily 7:30am to 7pm
Tel: 6273 5159
Website
146 Famous Bukit Merah Ang Ku Kueh is not halal-certified.

Photos taken by Genecia Tan.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.