Reviews, Singapore

Review: Jian Bo Shui Kueh (Chwee Kueh) – Chye Poh Still Dances

Jian Bo Shui Kueh has been serving up chwee kueh since 1958, starting as a modest pushcart in Tiong Bahru before it became a household name.

Now, with multiple outlets scattered across Singapore, Jian Bo, a family-run business, continues to dish out its famous steamed rice cakes topped with chye poh and sambal. Sure, they’ve got some stiff competition—looking at you, Bedok Chwee Kueh—but Jian Bo’s loyal fans know where to get their fix.

Photo of Jian Bo Shui Kueh (Chwee Kueh) on a plate, top view

Jian Bo Shui Kueh (Chwee Kueh)

After snagging the Michelin Bib Gourmand award three years in a row, Jian Bo or “Tiong Bahru Chwee Kueh” as they are affectionately known as, didn’t just sit back and bask in the glory—they expanded. The chwee kuehs now come from a central kitchen so base quality is still there. What you might find varying is the amount of chye poh and sambal on the plate.

Close up Photo of Jian Bo Shui Kueh (Chwee Kueh) on a plate,

Jian Bo Shui Kueh (Chwee Kueh)

The Price – For this review, we headed to Lau Pa Sat Market where they have a stall in the Foodfolks section. You can get 5, 8 or 10 chwee kuehs for $3, $4.8 or $6.

The Chwee Kuehs – The rice cakes are steamed just right—smooth on the outside with a bit of chew, not too soft, not too firm, just steady and reliable.

Close up Photo of Jian Bo Shui Kueh (Chwee Kueh) on a plate, with a spoon cutting the rice cake

Jian Bo Shui Kueh (Chwee Kueh)

Then there’s the chye poh, the preserved radish topping that could easily make or break this dish. Here, it’s generously plopped on top and does exactly what it’s supposed to: adds a sweet-salty kick that defines the flavours of the dish. It’s got a nice crunch, too, which is always a plus.

Close up Photo of Jian Bo Shui Kueh (Chwee Kueh) on a plate, with a chopstick holding a pice of rice cake

Jian Bo Shui Kueh (Chwee Kueh)

The sambal is the final touch, and Jian Bo keeps it mellow. It’s got a mild heat, just enough to keep things interesting, and the dried shrimp gives it that extra umami boost. It’s like a good supporting actor—doesn’t try to steal the show, but you’d miss it if it wasn’t there.

All in all, Jian Bo Shui Kueh gets it right. The rice cakes hold their own, the chye poh brings the flavour, and the sambal wraps it all up neatly. No frills, no surprises—just solid, dependable chwee kueh done right. For $2-10, depending on how many chwee kuehs you get, its a great plate for breakfast or sides.

Jian Bo Shui Kueh

Michelin Bib Gourmand Location
Tiong Bahru Market
30 Seng Poh Road #02-05
530am – 830pm

Review location
Lau Pat Sat
18 Raffles Quay, Stall 79 (Inside Food Folks)
8am – 7pm

Michelin Bib Gourmands At Lau Pa Sat

jian bo, jian bo chwee kueh, jian bo kueh, jian bo shui kueh, jian bo shui kueh compass one, jian bo shui kueh delivery, jian bo shui kueh menu, jian bo shui kueh nex, jian bo shui kueh outlets, jian bo shui kueh price, jianbo tiong bahru shui kueh, shui kueh, tiong bahru chee kueh, tiong bahru chwee kueh, tiong bahru shui kueh, tiong bahru tian bo shui kueh, tiong bahru zui kueh

Suggested Reading

2 thoughts on “Review: Jian Bo Shui Kueh (Chwee Kueh) – Chye Poh Still Dances”

Leave a Comment