Editor’s Picks: Our favourite Malaysian kuih

“My favourite kuih by far is rainbow-coloured kuih lapis. I have fond memories of eating the bouncy, fragrant treats with my cousins when I was younger, peeling the layers one by one and dangling them into my mouth.”

- Katelyn Tan, Senior Writer, Tatler Dining

“Kuih seri muka! It’s the kuih my late grandmother used to make every Raya.” 

- Izrul Izelan, Video Producer 

"My favourite kuih is popiah and basically any type of it. The best is popiah goreng and nothing comes close to these crispy-on-the-outside, vegetable-filled snacks. Now, sellers have tweaked their recipes with cheese and carbonara fillings which I think are not too bad but still cannot beat the original. We've also got Nyonya style popiah basah the non-fried freshly rolled with fillings of crushed peanuts and dried shrimp...yummy for the tummy!"

- Shahrul Hilal, Production Manager
 

“It's the perfect balance of sweet and fragrant pandan married with a creamy yet mildly acidic layer of coconut jelly, it's like the Malaysian equivalent of a salted caramel tart, but better.”

- Kiran Pillay, Senior Writer

“I love the hint of pandan and its smooth, jelly-like texture. So easy to eat and just yummy!” 

- Eke Sumber, Head of Branded Content 

“Without a doubt, honey cornflakes—sweet, simple, and crunchy, it’s fuss free and delivers all the satisfaction you need during the festive period!”

- Sim Wie Boon, Digital Editor 

"It’s sweet, salty, and smooth. It’s like eating a local version of panna cotta.” 

- Suraya Rahmat, General Manager Commercial 

See also: Hari Raya 2024: A guide to edible gifts

“Purely because of the nostalgic factor of coming home from school and excitedly raiding my mother’s pantry to find the round, colourful, tortoise shell-stamped treat. I especially love ripping open the sticky glutinous rice flour skin to unwrap the mung bean filling underneath. The perfect after-school snack.”

- Quinny Tan, Senior Social Media Executive 

“The light crunch and fluffy pastry topped with a piece of jammy cherry makes it hard not to eat 20 in one sitting! Buttery cookies are my kryptonite.” 

- Nicole Andres, Commercial Team 

“My favourite kuih is onde-onde. What's not to love about a pillowy, bright green orb oozing with melted gula Melaka? Biting into one of these is like experiencing a little, desiccated coconut-covered explosion.” 

- Chelsea Rozario, Writer, Tatler Dining

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“Kuih ketayap, also known as kuih gulung or kuih dadar, is my all-time favourite breakfast and tea-time snack. The sweet Nyonya kuih is immensely popular in my household and can easily be found in morning or night markets. It’s not easy to get it right. The soft pandan crepe has to be thick enough so that it doesn’t tear but thin enough so it offers a nice bite. It also has to be generously filled with sweet desiccated coconut that’s not too dry. Have it with a cup of coffee or tea and give yourself an unbeatable combo of a treat!”

- Lainey Loh, Digital Director

Last but not least, is a response from our Events Executive whose sheer passion for kuih ketayap has rendered him speechless: “Because it’s green and has coconut.” 

- Yaoshan Chung, Events Executive 

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