What to Expect
At the Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh flagship store on Victoria Street, participants can look forward to a warm and engaging introduction to one of Singapore’s most beloved traditional treats. The session begins with a behind-the-scenes look at Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh’s history—how Ji Xiang was founded in 1988 and blossomed into a cherished family-run brand known for its lovingly handmade kuehs. You’ll learn about the cultural significance of ang ku kueh (red turtle cake), traditionally associated with blessings of longevity and prosperity, as well as ang ee, the egg-shaped version often gifted during celebrations and milestones.
A key distinction between these two kuehs lies in their symbolism. In Chinese culture, particularly during a baby’s first month celebrations (满月 or man yue), Ang Ku Kueh represents a baby girl, while Ang Ee represents a baby boy. The Ang Ku Kueh is typically a flat, tortoise-shaped kueh, symbolising longevity and protection, while the Ang Ee is often pointed or triangular in shape, representing a boy’s future journey. Both are often given out as gifts, along with red eggs, to announce the birth of a baby to family and friends.
This experience is especially meaningful in the context of the festival’s theme, My First Journeys, as ang ku kueh is often used to mark a baby’s first month, symbolising good health and a blessed start in life. These kuehs are not just delicious—they are edible expressions of love, hope, and tradition passed from one generation to the next.
A highlight of the programme includes a special demonstration of Ka Ta Kueh (脚踏粿), also known as Big Ang Ku Kueh. Measuring approximately 12cm x 10cm, these large kuehs are part of a traditional Chinese custom where a baby steps on a pair of kuehs that have first been offered to the gods. After being blessed, the baby is gently assisted in stepping on the kuehs before putting on a new pair of shoes. This symbolic act expresses the family’s wishes for the child’s smooth and successful journey through life. Watching a Ka Ta Kueh demonstration offers a rare glimpse into this beautiful and lesser-known ritual that blends food, family, and hope for the future.
Following the demonstration, participants will take part in a hands-on workshop to prepare both ang ku kueh and ang ee from scratch. From wrapping the fillings and pressing each kueh into its mould, the process reveals the care and heritage behind each bite. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favourite or discovering these colourful pastries for the first time, this session at Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh promises a delicious and meaningful journey through tradition, memory, and new beginnings.
About Meet My Craftsman
From the soothing touch of a traditional Javanese masseuse helping a new mother regain her strength, to the gentle folds of a child’s first saree, or the lovingly hand-stitched chouchou, our constant companion from childhood—our first journeys through life are often accompanied by the care and craftsmanship of those who make these moments tangible.
Meet My Craftsman is a celebration of the crafts, rites, and rituals that mark the beginning of life. On the theme of My First Journeys, this programme explores the many ways communities across Singapore commemorate milestones such as the birth of a child, the first month, first year, or first rite of passage. These early steps are steeped in meaning—often marked with traditional foods, handmade tokens, and symbolic objects that express hope, protection, and joy.
From practical postpartum traditions like Javanese massage and herbal care, to edible celebrations like Ang Ku Kueh (red tortoise cake given during a baby’s first month) and Yi Bua (a steamed coconut glutinous rice dumpling from the Hainanese community), each object or treat carries with it a deeper cultural resonance. Clothing, too, becomes a marker of growth and identity—like the physical and symbolic meaning of sarees in the Indian community, handmade and passed down through generations.
Many of these traditional ways of welcoming and celebrating new life are fading in today’s fast-paced world. Through demonstrations, conversations, and hands-on experiences, Meet My Craftsman shines a spotlight on the artisans and practitioners who keep these customs alive. Join us as we meet the craftspeople who have helped generations begin their life journeys with care, meaning, and beauty. Slow down be reminded of the objects, gestures, and traditions that make our earliest memories so deeply treasured.
About the Organisation
Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh was first opened in 1988 by husband and wife, Mr. Toh Poh Seek and Mdm. Toh Bong Yeo at 1 Everton Park, dreaming of selling one million Ang Ku Kuehs.
Today, Mr. and Mrs Toh have long surpassed their dream and Everton Park now sees thousands of customers daily. Despite the popularity, Mr. and Mrs Toh still insists that Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh still makes each and every one of our delicious Kuehs by hand, with lots of love, for you to enjoy.
In 2021, Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh launched a new flagship store at 235 Victoria Street, helmed personally by Mr Toh's younger son, Mr. Kelvin Toh. Just like the thin skin of our Kuehs, we continue to humbly bring the same goodness with the biggest feelings for you in a brand new location.
Meet your Host
Kelvin Toh is the second-generation co-owner of Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh, a beloved family-run business that has been hand-making traditional red tortoise cakes since 1988. Driven by a deep respect for his parents’ legacy and a passion for preserving this heritage craft, Kelvin is committed to keeping Ang Ku Kueh relevant for new generations.
Through innovation and thoughtful reinvention, he continues to uphold the art of handmade kueh while adapting to modern tastes—ensuring that this time-honoured tradition lives on.
Who should come?
- Everyone is welcome to participate! Participants 12 years and under must be accompanied and supervised by a parent/guardian at all times.
Programme Details
- Approximate Duration: 2 hours (Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration)
- Language: English
- Meeting Point: Meet at the Entrance of Ji Xiang Kueh (235 Victoria St, Singapore 188027)
- Ending Point: The event will start and end at the same point.
- The events will proceed rain or shine.
What to bring?
- Participants should dress comfortably and come in covered shoes.
- Participants should bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water.
- Please ensure that you bring along any personal medication. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.
Other important information
- Parking is available at Bugis+ Carpark.
- The venue is not wheelchair friendly.
- Photography is allowed during the event.
Disclaimer
- All ticket sales are final. There will be no refund if you wish to cancel your tickets.
- Each ticket admits only one participant.
- By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
- Participants must abide by the house rules set out by the host. Facilitators will brief participants at the start of the programme.
- Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.
For updates:
- Follow us at @mycommunitysg on Instagram and @myqueenstown on Facebook.
- Visit mycommunity.org.sg to learn about our initiatives.
- Visit mycommunityfestival.sg for all our latest updates.
