The love of traditional food in Singapore is still going strong. Just look at the never-ceasing popularity of food like pandan cakes, red-bean buns and bao.

One snack which never goes out of style, and perhaps most aptly represents a slice of Singapore life, is the traditional kueh.

Walk around town, however, and you'll notice a new variation of the baked and steamed delicacy. Many shops here have begun to sell kueh-inspired products, ranging from notebooks to bags, and even stationery such as erasers.

"Kueh are a good representation of Singapore's racial harmony, a cross-cultural snack appreciated by all," said Ms Jasmine Tuan, 35, founder and managing director of Blackmarket and Blackmarket no.2, which sells kueh-inspired fare.

She noted that the kueh-related items are "more popular among locals", but tourists who have tried the actual snack are also drawn to the items, buying them as unique souvenirs of Singapore.

For Ms Sheryl Wong, 36, founder of Ang Ku Kueh Girl - which also refers to a cartoon character created by her - kueh were the starting point for her business.

She offers notebooks with illustrations of the charming character, as well as kueh-inspired bags.

She said: "I thought it would be fun to incorporate Singapore's food culture into a cute cartoon character. This is something that Singaporeans can relate to and which showcases a part of our local culture to overseas visitors."

For design collective Wheniwasfour, nostalgia sells.

Founded by freelance graphic designer Tan Li Ling, 27, and two friends, the group has put out postcards, necklaces and pillows, all based on nostalgic things like the traditional Five Stones game, old-school jotter books and foodie items.

But it was a suggestion from Ms Tan's mother that got her amped up to create the brand's kueh series, starting with a tote bag emblazoned with the image of the humble huat kueh.

Today, Wheniwasfour sells tote bags and other kueh designs, all designed by Ms Tan.

Read on for our selection of all things kueh-inspired.

KUEH TU TU ERASER

Kueh tutu is a delicacy made mostly with rice flour, but Blackmarket no.2 has been selling a different version of the snack since August last year - in the form of an eraser.

Coming in a set of four and packed into pretty boxes, the Kueh Tu Tu Erasers (S$10 for a set of four) were created by design establishment Triggerhappy, the same group which brought us a very popular Singlish notebook.

Buy: At Blackmarket no.2,

#02-10 Orchard Central (http:// shop.theblackmarket.sg)

YUMMY TOTES

Look for the Wheniwasfour brand's kueh series, which all started with a tote bag emblazoned with the image of a huat kueh. Now available are bags (at S$24 each) with chwee kueh, peng kueh, ang ku kueh and kueh lapis designs.

Buy: Wheniwasfour tote bags are stocked by Supermama at 30A Seah Street; Tyrwhitt General Company at 150A Tyrwhitt Road and Modern Asian Diner (also known as MAD) at 200 Turf Club Road, #01-20/21 The Grandstand. Also find the totes at http://shop.wheniwasfour.com

MINIATURE KUEH

Started in 2006, A.L. Designs is an online store specialising in handcrafted jewellery made of polymer clay, gemstones and beads. But browse their many items and you'll be in for a surprise, for they make adorable miniature kueh to decorate your desk with, as well as kueh as jewellery and for your mobile phone.

Prices are in United States dollars and start at US$6.90 (S$9) for a mobile-phone charm.

Its founder, Ms Adrine Liu, 32, called her little kueh items "a form of wearable art".

Buy: Online at http://aldesigns. com.sg

BAG THIS KUEH

Ang Ku Kueh Girl is a brand that boasts Singaporean elements and detailing in its products. Look for notebooks, but also a lovely tote bag (S$25.90) and wristlet (S$18.90) that feature the kueh as an integral part of their designs.

Buy: At Cat Socrates at 231 Bain

Street; Roccoco Kent at 753 North Bridge Road, #02-02 Tangerine (entrance via Jalan Kledek); The Kindness Gallery at the Ministry of Communications and Information building, at 140 Hill Street; Tyrwhitt General Company at 150A Tyrwhitt Road and The Arts House at 1 Old Parliament Lane.

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