The Original Bakwan by ShakaSG

The Original Bakwan by ShakaSG brought authentic Indonesian vegetable fritters to Singapore's halal food scene, specialising in the traditional street snack that remains beloved across the Indonesian archipelago. Bakwan, also known as bala-bala in some regions, consists of shredded vegetables including bean sprouts, cabbage, and carrots bound in a lightly spiced batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy outside while remaining tender within.

This Muslim-owned establishment focused on maintaining the authentic taste profiles expected by Indonesian expatriates while introducing local Singaporeans to proper bakwan beyond the occasional versions found at Malay stalls. The fritters could be enjoyed as standalone snacks, side dishes, or accompaniments to main meals, offering versatility across eating occasions. Fresh preparation and attention to batter consistency differentiated quality bakwan from mediocre versions, with the best examples achieving a delicate crunch that yields to flavourful vegetables without excessive oiliness.

While information about The Original Bakwan by ShakaSG remains limited in mainstream food media, its presence in halal dining directories indicates it served Singapore's Muslim community seeking familiar Indonesian comfort foods. The business appears to have ceased operations, though during its active period it contributed to the growing diversity of Indonesian snack options available to Singaporeans. For those who discovered it, The Original Bakwan by ShakaSG offered an affordable taste of Indonesia's street food culture, demonstrating how simple vegetable fritters could satisfy cravings when executed with care and authenticity.