The coming of the Lunar New Year marks the start of many things for the Chinese, with excessive feasting and snacking ranking the highest among our list of priorities. Among the popular mainstays such as pineapple tarts, love letters and other confectionery delights, the one we always go berserk for, is bak kwa—otherwise commonly known as rou gan or barbecued pork jerky.
Starting out from humble roots, turning his interest into passion and passion into a business, founder, Mr Teo Kim Tee began his own signature brand—New Eastern (Kim Tee) Dried and Minced Pork—back in 1976, setting up shop in the heart of Serangoon Gardens. They’ve remained at the same location ever since and have now grown to become a popular name among many.
Their bak kwa is unique in that it is made considerably thinner than most, allowing the complex smoky aromas and sweet, porky flavours to melt on the tongue. Priding themselves on producing bak kwa that is 100% hand-made, their products begin the traditional way, cooked in a charcoal oven before subsequently grilled over a charcoal stove.
As of today, the family heirloom that is Mr Teo’s bak kwa is run by his two grandchildren who not only aim to ensure that his legacy lives on but to give the brand itself a breath of new life through contemporary approaches—all while maintaining the stellar standard of their traditional handmade bak kwa.
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