Manis Up Your Event with Our Sweet & Savory Nonya Kueh
Manis Up Your Event with Our Sweet & Savory Nonya Kueh
Calling all dessert lovers! If you’ve ever been to a traditional Peranakan gathering or simply explored Singapore’s rich culinary scene, you might have encountered the vibrant and delicious world of Nonya (or Nyonya) kueh.
Inspired by Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines, these bite-sized treats are not only a feast for the eyes but also an explosion of flavour and texture. Join us as we delve into the best 5 Nonya kueh you can find in Singapore and how they can sweeten just about any occasion.
1. Kueh Ubi Kayu
Tapioca kueh, also known as kueh ubi kayu, is a simple yet delectable Nonya treat made from grated tapioca and coconut milk, steamed to perfection. The result is a soft and slightly sticky, chewy kueh with a rich coconut flavour. Often tinted with natural colours such as pandan or turmeric, this kueh is both visually appealing and delicious.
2. Kueh Salat
Next up is the iconic kueh salat, a two-layered treat that’s both savoury and sweet. The base is a glutinous rice layer infused with coconut milk, giving it a creamy texture. On top sits a vibrant green custard layer made from pandan leaves and eggs. This traditional Nonya kueh is a staple at many celebrations and is known for its beautiful contrast of textures and flavours. Peranakan versions of kueh salat often use blue pea flowers to tint the glutinous rice layer, giving it a gentle periwinkle blue-purple hue.
3. Ang Ku Kueh
Ang ku kueh, or “red tortoise cake,” is a traditional red-coloured glutinous rice cake made for special occasions. Shaped like a tortoise shell, this Nonya kueh’s red skin symbolises good luck and prosperity. Inside, you’ll find fillings such as sweet mung bean paste or peanut paste, giving you a creamy or crunchy burst of flavour in every bite. Ang ku kueh is also used during ancestral worship due to its symbolism of longevity and auspiciousness.
4. Harum Manis
Harum Manis is a lesser-known but no less delightful Nonya kueh. This treat is made from a combination of sweet potato and tapioca, creating a wonderfully chewy texture. The sweet potato lends a natural sweetness and a vibrant orange hue to the kueh, while the tapioca gives it a satisfying bite. Topped with a sprinkling of grated coconut, Harum Manis is a delightful addition to any dessert table, bringing both colour and flavour.
5. Kueh Lapis/Lapis Sagu
A favourite at many events, the vibrant colours of kueh lapis (sometimes called lapis sagu) easily brighten up any dessert table. Not to be confused with kek (cake) lapis, which is a baked dessert, Nonya kueh lapis is a multi-layered steamed cake made with rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. Each layer is dyed a different colour using food colourings or ingredients such as pandan, and painstakingly steamed to perfection before adding the next – resulting in a visually stunning and delicious cake. The layered structure also makes it fun to eat even for little kids, as you can peel it layer by layer.
Why Choose Chilli Manis for Your Nonya Kueh Fix?
Chilli Manis is your go-to caterer for halal Peranakan catering in Singapore near you. Our Nonya kueh selections are prepared with the utmost care, ensuring authenticity and flavour in every bite. We understand the cultural significance and delicate art of making these traditional treats, paying homage to the various cultural influences that have helped to create such visually stunning delicacies. Plus, our MUIS halal certification means that everyone can enjoy our delectable offerings, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Planning an event and need a dessert table that stands out? Look no further! Be it birthday catering, mini high tea catering, or baby full month party catering in Singapore, our menus offer an assortment of Nonya kueh and more that will delight your guests and leave a lasting impression.
Let us bring the magic of Nonya kueh to your next event and make your next corporate event catering or even wedding catering an occasion to remember. Check out our menu and place your order with Chilli Manis – where tradition meets taste.
