The signature item. These glutinous rice dumplings come in many flavours and savoury fillings — pork, salted egg yolk, chestnuts, and more. Each dumpling is hand-wrapped in bamboo leaves, a technique passed down through generations. The rice is perfectly moist and flavours are balanced, neither too sweet nor too salty.
Tips from diners
Madam Helen Lim brought new recipes to honour her mother-in-law's legacy. Ask which flavours are in stock today — some are seasonal.
This shop doubles as a visitor centre. Browse the heritage display while waiting and learn about Joo Chiat's Peranakan history.
A delicate pastry shell filled with smooth egg custard. Similar to Portuguese custard tarts but with a more delicate Peranakan approach. The custard is silky and not overly sweet.
Tips from diners
Very affordable. Buy a few different kueh to taste-test. A sampling of 3-4 items costs around SGD 8-10.
A traditional Peranakan dessert with 12-15 thin layers of rice flour and coconut, creating a uniquely moist, jiggly texture. Each layer is brushed with coconut custard. The result is subtly sweet and very different from Western layer cakes.
Tips from diners
This texture surprises first-timers. It's not fluffy or dry; it's moist and creamy. If you like coconut, this is essential.
A Peranakan crispy roll (like a popiah variant). The pastry is paper-thin and golden, wrapped around a savoury filling of shredded radish (or daikon) and egg. Served with a light chilli sauce.
Tips from diners
These are best eaten fresh and warm. Order and eat immediately — they soften as they cool.
Fresh spring rolls made with thin rice-flour wraps rather than egg or wheat. The wrapper is delicate and the filling is cooked vegetables (turnips, carrots), egg, and sometimes meat. Served with sweet soy dipping sauce.
Tips from diners
Popiah is lighter than kueh chang and works well as a snack or light lunch. Two popiah plus a drink is a complete light meal.
Founded in 1945 by Madam Lee Kim Choo, this is a living heritage business specializing in Peranakan kueh chang (rice dumplings) and traditional kueh. The daughter-in-law, Madam Helen Lim, modernized the recipes in the early 2000s while preserving tradition. Now featured in National Heritage Board's Street Corner Heritage Galleries scheme, Kim Choo also operates as a visitor centre for the Katong-Joo Chiat precinct, offering workshops in beading, cooking, and Peranakan craftsmanship.
This is officially recognized heritage. Browse the front display area which celebrates Peranakan culture and Joo Chiat history. The staff can explain the significance.
Kim Choo offers workshops in kueh-making, beading, and Peranakan craftsmanship. Book in advance if interested in learning traditional techniques.
This doubles as a visitor centre where you can buy souvenirs, get neighbourhood maps, and pick up tickets to local attractions and tours.
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