Chicken biscuits (Ji Zai Bing 鸡仔饼) have been my childhood snack obsession, and I’ve recently discovered there’s more to these treats than meets the eye. Growing up, Mum was absolutely mad about the thin crispy version. Every Malaysia trip meant bringing back packets of these golden delights for the family.
The Thick vs Thin Chicken Biscuits Discovery
My chicken biscuits journey took an unexpected turn during a KL holiday with the in-laws. When I offered my mother-in-law some ji zai bing, she looked puzzled. “I’ve never had this thin crispy version,” she said. “Back in my day, chicken biscuits were always thick and freshly baked.”
That comment sparked my curiosity. I went hunting for the thick versions she mentioned but couldn’t find freshly baked versions, only pre-packed ones. One bite and I was hooked. The texture completely won me over – chunky, substantial, with a proper bite that the thin versions just can’t match.
Stumbling Upon Xiao Fu Snack Store in JB
Our recent JB trip led us to 小福土产店 (Xiao Fu Snack Store) on Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, right opposite Hiap Joo bakery. We’d gone there for banana cakes but couldn’t resist exploring this treasure trove of Malaysian snacks.
Xiao Fu stocks everything – tambun biscuits, cuttlefish snacks, kiam sng tee, coffee, even freshly baked traditional pastries. The prices beat Tao Yuan at JB City Square hands down. If you’re buying Malaysian traditional snacks to bring back to Singapore, this is your spot.
The Contenders: Soon Ann vs Pun Chun Chicken Biscuits
I grabbed two different brands of thick chicken biscuits to compare. Can’t recall the exact prices, but I think Soon Ann cost RM7.90 and Pun Chun was RM8.90. Both came in 150g packets with 6 pieces inside.
Soon Ann Thick Chicken Biscuits 顺安饼家厚鸡仔饼
Product of Ipoh, Malaysia
150g | 6 pieces
Ingredients: Sugar, wheat flour, bean curd, wheat molasses, melon chips, pork lard, sesame seed, spices, eggs, chicken flavouring
The first bite hits you with a savoury bak kwa flavour. The crust is thinner compared to its competitor, which sounds good in theory. Unfortunately, the filling lets it down completely. It tastes artificial – like someone went overboard with chemical flavourings.
Pun Chun Thick Chicken Biscuits 品珍酒家厚鸡仔饼
Product of Malaysia
150g | 6 pieces
Ingredients: Wheat flour, bean curd, sugar, winter melon, maltose, cooking oil, sesame, spices, eggs & chicken flavouring
Pun Chun absolutely smashes Soon Ann in this chicken biscuits battle. The crust is properly thick – like a substantial biscuit with a satisfying crunch. The filling tastes authentic and well-balanced. There’s this lovely sticky-chewy texture that makes each bite interesting.
The Verdict: Pun Chun Takes the Crown
Pun Chun wins this chicken biscuits showdown by a mile. While Soon Ann disappoints with its artificial taste, Pun Chun delivers everything you want from traditional ji zai bing. The thicker crust provides better structure, and the filling actually tastes like it should.
The texture contrast between the crunchy exterior and chewy interior creates that addictive quality that keeps you reaching for more. This is how chicken biscuits should be made.
Where to Buy These Chicken Biscuits
No Malaysia trip planned? Both Soon Ann and Pun Chun chicken biscuits are available on Shopee Singapore — and here are two shops to check out.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve only tried thin crispy chicken biscuits, you’re missing out big time. The thick versions offer a completely different experience – more substantial, more flavourful, more satisfying.
Between Soon Ann and Pun Chun, Pun Chun easily takes the crown. These chicken biscuits show that sometimes, thicker really does mean better.