What Is Gula Apong? Sarawak Palm Sugar, and Where to Taste It in Singapore
30 October 2026 · By the Eventful team
Photo: KANTIN
Gula apong is palm sugar made from the sap of the nipah palm, and it is a staple of Sarawak cooking. In Singapore you can taste it at KANTIN on level 5 of Jewel Changi Airport, where it glazes the Gula Apong Chicken Satay ($14 for three sticks) and goes into the Nanasi pineapple fried rice ($20).
Most Singaporeans know gula melaka, the palm sugar on top of chendol. Gula apong is Sarawak's version, made from the sap of the nipah palm, a palm that grows along rivers and mangroves in Borneo.
The sap is cooked down until it thickens into a dark, sticky sugar. People describe it as deeper and a little smoky next to gula melaka. In Sarawak it goes into desserts, drinks and grilled meat. If Sarawak food is new to you, our 8 Sarawak dishes guide is the starting point.
Where to taste it in Singapore
KANTIN is a Sarawakian restaurant at #05-206/207 Jewel Changi Airport, and it uses gula apong in two dishes on its menu.
Gula Apong Chicken Satay, $14 for 3 pieces. Grilled in the Borneo smokehouse section, glazed sweet and charred at the edges. This is the cleanest way to taste the sugar.
Nanasi, $20. Pineapple fried rice served with gula apong chicken satay, chicken floss and manicai. A full meal with the satay built in. Our call: get the satay as a starter even if you order Nanasi, because the glaze is the point.Photo: KANTIN
What to eat with it
Sweet satay wants something sour or spicy next to it. Pair it with Sarawak Laksa ($24), which we broke down in our Sarawak laksa piece, or the Umai Jellyfish ($12).
For two people: satay, laksa, umai and Belacan Paku ($15) comes to $65 at menu prices before drinks.
Booking and the practical bits
KANTIN is on the public side of Jewel, so you do not need a flight. Take the MRT to Changi Airport and walk over. You can book KANTIN free on Eventful Tables for up to 8 people, any day from 11am to 9pm.
There is no discount on bookings; you pay menu price. KANTIN is not halal and serves alcohol, including tuak and jungle cocktails.
Good to know
· Order the $14 satay to taste gula apong on its own before anything else.
· Nanasi ($20) already comes with gula apong satay, so you get both in one plate.
· KANTIN is not halal.
· Jewel is public. You can eat at KANTIN without a flight.
FAQs
What is gula apong?
Gula apong is palm sugar made from the sap of the nipah palm, used widely in Sarawak cooking for desserts, drinks and grilled meat.
Is gula apong the same as gula melaka?
No. Both are palm sugars, but gula apong comes from the nipah palm in Sarawak, while gula melaka is usually made from coconut palm sap.
Where can I try gula apong in Singapore?
KANTIN at Jewel Changi Airport uses gula apong in its Gula Apong Chicken Satay ($14 for three) and its Nanasi pineapple fried rice ($20).
Is KANTIN halal?
No. KANTIN is not halal certified and serves alcohol.
