How to Make Meiji Yan Yan Biscuit Sticks (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Meiji Yan Yan Biscuit Sticks, a beloved snack among Singaporeans, combines crisp biscuit sticks with luscious dipping creams, often enjoyed as a fun treat at kopitiam stalls or after school. While originally a commercial snack, Singapore’s food scene has embraced Yan Yan with creative fusion twists, blending local flavors and healthier ingredients for a homemade version. This recipe draws inspiration from the vibrant hawker culture, where food is not only about taste but also sharing and nostalgia. Meiji Yan Yan Biscuit Sticks are a great lunch option because they’re light, easy to prepare, and deliver a playful eating experience that’s perfect for busy Singapore lifestyles. By making Yan Yan Biscuit Sticks at home, you have full control over the ingredients, allowing for a healthier, vegetarian-friendly version. Incorporating local flavors like pandan and kaya, and using whole wheat flour, this recipe gives the classic snack a nutritious upgrade while preserving its iconic taste and texture. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or sharing with friends at a kopitiam, homemade Meiji Yan Yan Biscuit Sticks offer a delightful fusion of tradition and innovation, making them a standout lunch choice in Singapore.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Preheat your oven to 180°C
Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2 · Combine whole wheat flour
Combine whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Mix well.
Step 3 · Add butter and milk
Add butter and milk. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Add vanilla extract and pandan paste if using.
Step 4 · Roll dough into thin sticks about 7cm long
Roll dough into thin sticks about 7cm long. Place on tray, spaced apart.
Step 5 · Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely before serving.
Step 6 · Prepare dipping creams: melt dark chocolate gently and pour into a ...
Prepare dipping creams: melt dark chocolate gently and pour into a small container. Place kaya spread in a separate container.
Step 7 · Arrange cooled biscuit sticks and dips in a lunch box or small cont...
Arrange cooled biscuit sticks and dips in a lunch box or small container. Serve and enjoy!
Why this recipe is healthy
Choosing homemade Meiji Yan Yan Biscuit Sticks lets you control sugar, fat, and portion size—ideal for calorie tracking and Singapore’s health-conscious community. Whole wheat flour boosts fiber and complex carbs, supporting sustained energy through busy days. The recipe’s flexibility allows for lower sugar and plant-based modifications, making it suitable for weight management, diabetic-friendly diets, and even kids. Enjoying this snack at lunch keeps it light, satisfying, and nutritious.
A note on tradition
Meiji Yan Yan Biscuit Sticks are popular among Singaporean children and adults alike, often found in convenience stores, supermarkets, and even kopitiam stalls. While not a traditional hawker dish, their playful nature and fusion with local dips like kaya reflect Singapore’s openness to global snacks and creative food culture. Enjoyed as a lunchbox treat or light midday snack, Yan Yan has become a nostalgic favorite, connecting generations through shared memories and evolving flavors.