Fragrance’s Mickey Mouse-shaped Bak Kwa: A Magical CNY Treat

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Photo Credits: https://static.mothership.sg/

As the Lunar New Year approaches, Singaporeans are gearing up for a festive season filled with tradition, family gatherings, and, of course, delectable treats. This year, Fragrance Bak Kwa, a beloved local brand, has introduced a whimsical twist to the classic Chinese New Year delicacy with their limited-edition Mickey Mouse-shaped Bak Kwa. This innovative offering combines the rich cultural significance of bak kwa with the universal appeal of Disney’s iconic character, creating a unique culinary experience for the 2025 celebrations.

The Magic of Mickey Meets Traditional Bak Kwa

From 4 to 29 January 2025, Fragrance Bak Kwa is partnering with Disney to offer this special creation, crafted with premium free-range pork air-flown from Australia. Each 300g box of Mickey-shaped Bak Kwa comes paired with a limited-edition Disney-themed canvas tote bag, priced at S$29.80, making it an ideal gift for both Disney enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

The Mickey Mouse-shaped Bak Kwa is not just a visual delight; it’s crafted with the same meticulous care that Fragrance applies to all its products. Every slice is prepared through a precise 15-step process, using only whole pork hind legs that are boneless, tendon-free, and double-sliced to perfection. This attention to detail ensures that each bite delivers the melt-in-your-mouth experience that Fragrance Bak Kwa is known for.

The Cultural Significance of Bak Kwa

To truly appreciate this innovative offering, it’s essential to understand the cultural importance of bak kwa in Chinese New Year celebrations. Bak kwa, which means “dried meat” in the Hokkien dialect, has its roots in ancient China, specifically in the province of Fujian. Originally, it was a luxury reserved for special occasions like the Lunar New Year, especially during times of widespread poverty when meat was scarce.

The tradition of consuming bak kwa during the New Year is steeped in symbolism. Its red colour is particularly significant in Chinese culture, representing good luck and blessings. The act of sharing bak kwa with family, friends, and business associates is seen as a way of spreading prosperity and good fortune.

Where to Find This Special Treat

Singaporeans and visitors eager to try this magical creation can purchase it at various locations:

  • All 40 Fragrance outlets across Singapore
  • The Garden of Wonder retail store at Floral Fantasy, Gardens by the Bay
  • Online through Fragrance’s official website

Beyond Mickey: Fragrance’s Festive Offerings

While the Mickey Mouse-shaped Bak Kwa is the star of this year’s lineup, Fragrance Bak Kwa offers a range of other delectable options for the festive season:

  • Signature Sliced Tender Bak Kwa: Made from the finest pork and marinated with ginseng, wolfberry, and other Chinese herbs.
  • Gold Coin Bak Kwa: Bite-sized, round pieces that pack a burst of flavour.
  • Honey Bak Kwa: Infused with premium honey for a perfect balance of sweetness and smoky richness.
  • Bacon Bak Kwa: A savoury twist, ideal for pairing with bread, noodles, or fried rice.
  • Kurobuta Bak Kwa: The gourmet’s choice, crafted from 100% USA Berkshire Pork and marinated with a blend of 18 carefully selected herbs and spices.

Disney-themed Merchandise and Promotions

Fragrance Bak Kwa has extended the Disney magic beyond just the bak kwa. Customers who make a minimum purchase of 1kg of signature Bak Kwa along with any Disney-themed CNY goodie can receive complimentary gifts, including a stylish Disney-themed canvas tote bag and a food-grade airtight container.

For those looking to add even more Disney charm to their CNY celebrations, Fragrance has introduced a collection of Disney-themed luggage gift sets. These limited-edition sets feature luggage bags adorned with iconic Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse designs. Each set is filled with an assortment of CNY goodies, including pineapple tarts, love letters, prawn rolls, cashew nut cookies, and a selection of Fragrance’s staple Bak Kwa offerings.

Exclusive Promotions for DBS Credit Card Holders

To make the deal even sweeter, Fragrance is offering exclusive promotions for DBS Credit Card holders when purchases are made in-store during the campaign period. These include:

  • S$4 discount per kilogram on the Signature Sliced Tender Bak Kwa
  • S$8 savings on the Spring Prosperity Bundle and Lucky Fortune Box, priced at S$158 and S$168 respectively

The Art of Bak Kwa Making

The process of creating bak kwa is an art form that has been refined over generations. Traditionally, pork is sliced into thin strips, marinated in a mixture of sugar, spices, and soy sauce, then air-dried and cooked over a hot plate. The Singaporean version adds an extra step of grilling over charcoal, which imparts a distinctive smoky flavour that has become a hallmark of local bak kwa.

Fragrance Bak Kwa’s commitment to quality is evident in their careful selection of ingredients and their meticulous preparation process. The use of premium free-range pork from Australia for the Mickey Mouse-shaped Bak Kwa is a testament to their dedication to delivering the best possible product to their customers.

Bak Kwa: A Staple of Chinese New Year Celebrations

While bak kwa is enjoyed year-round in Singapore, its consumption peaks during the Chinese New Year period. The tradition of gifting bak kwa to family, friends, and business associates has become an integral part of the festive season. The long queues that form outside popular bak kwa shops in the lead-up to Chinese New Year have become a familiar sight in Singapore, with some people willing to wait for hours to secure their favourite brand.

A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Fragrance’s Mickey Mouse-shaped Bak Kwa represents a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. It respects the cultural significance of bak kwa while introducing a playful element that appeals to both young and old. This creative approach to a traditional delicacy demonstrates how Singapore’s food scene continues to evolve, embracing new ideas while honouring its rich culinary heritage.

As we approach the Year of the Dragon in 2025, Fragrance’s Mickey Mouse-shaped Bak Kwa offers a unique way to celebrate the festive season. Whether you’re a long-time bak kwa enthusiast or simply looking for a special treat to share with loved ones, this innovative offering is sure to add an extra layer of joy to your Chinese New Year celebrations. It’s a delightful reminder that even the most traditional of foods can be reimagined, bringing a touch of magic to our festive tables and creating new memories for generations to come.

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