Bak Kwa Meets French Pastry in Tiong Bahru Bakery and Kim Joo Guan’s Latest Collaboration for CNY

Tiong Bahru Bakery is celebrating Chinese New Year 2026 with a new seasonal collection titled A Twist on Familiar Rides. This launch marks the brand’s first festive collaboration since its September 2025 rebrand, featuring a partnership with the local heritage bak kwa brand Kim Joo Guan.

Available from 29 January to 3 March 2026, the menu is inspired by traditional festive staples like pineapple, mandarin orange, and pork floss, reimagined through French pastry techniques.

The collaboration with Kim Joo Guan is a significant highlight, as the heritage brand is well known for using 100 percent Australian grain fed pork that is chilled rather than frozen. This partnership brings a savory edge to the bakery’s signature laminated doughs, blending local heritage with artisanal craft.

The Bak Kwa Kouign Amann ($7.50) is a returning favourite that feels even more robust this year. The finely diced Kim Joo Guan bak kwa is folded directly into the buttery, caramelised layers of the pastry, providing a smoky contrast to the sweetness of the dough.

A new addition to the lineup is the Pork Floss Shio Pan ($4.50), which is the first time the bakery has used pork floss in its pastries. The soft shio pan is stuffed with a savoury mix of Kim Joo Guan pork floss and cheese. The result is a nostalgic bite that feels elevated by the high quality salt bread base.

For those who prefer fruitier flavours, the Osmanthus Pineapple Tart ($8) offers a refined take on the classic pineapple tart. It features a crisp vanilla shell layered with smooth pineapple paste and honey osmanthus chantilly. The addition of osmanthus konjac jelly adds a delicate floral aroma and an interesting texture to the traditional holiday treat.

The Mandarin Orange Pain Suisse ($7.50) is visually striking and packed with citrus notes. Inspired by the mandarin oranges that symbolise luck and prosperity, this pastry uses a blend of blood orange and mandarin puree along with citrus zest and a tangy jam. It is bright, refreshing, and perfectly balanced against the rich, buttery pastry.

Festive Rewards and Gifting

Beyond the food, customers who spend a minimum of $15 at any Tiong Bahru Bakery outlet will receive a lucky envelope. These envelopes contain various rewards, including a set of eight red packets featuring original in house designs. One design depicts a “secretly stressed” horse character reflecting the social pressures of festive visits, while the other features a lighthearted pineapple motif. Other potential prizes inside the envelopes include discount vouchers for Spa Esprit Group brands like Common Man Coffee Roasters, Strip, and Browhaus worth up to $330, or a chance to win exclusive bakery merchandise.