Chef Daniel Tay, founder of Bakerzin, has opened a new shop, Madam Ang KK, at Paragon Shopping Centre, specializing in ang ku kueh with 16 unique flavors. This venture marks a return to his Hokkien roots, offering both traditional and modern varieties such as truffle mushroom and hazelnut praline. The vibrant kiosk, located opposite Ya Kun Kaya Toast, stands out with its brightly colored treats, ranging from classic red and green to bold shades of purple, yellow, and black.
Tay’s inspiration for Madam Ang KK stems from a personal realization of his cultural heritage. After excelling in Western pastries like strawberry shortcake and macarons, he decided to delve deeper into Chinese desserts. He shared that a pivotal moment came when he turned 40 and felt the need to embrace his Chinese roots. The decision to specialize in ang ku kueh was sparked by a celebration for a factory staff member’s newborn, where they prepared ang ku kueh as a gift and discovered a passion for perfecting the recipe.
Madam Ang KK offers an array of flavors categorized into Classic, Premium, and Delight. Traditional fillings like mung bean, peanut, and red bean sit alongside gourmet options such as Parma ham with shallot oil, XO scallop sauce, and truffle mushroom. Tay plans to expand with additional kiosks at Square 2 mall and a sit-down outlet at Parkway Parade. His ang ku kueh stands out for its distinctive dough and unique fillings, some sourced from Taiwan. Emphasizing the importance of cultural appreciation, Tay hopes to inspire the younger generation to explore and appreciate traditional Chinese treats, albeit with a modern twist.
