By Little Nonya on 16.10.2025
Hello dear readers,
It’s been a little while since my last post — work has been hectic lately, and I owe you an apology for not writing more frequently. But just like how some dishes take time to prepare, I believe stories should also be simmered slowly. So thank you for waiting patiently while I find my rhythm again.
Now that I’m back, I want to celebrate something close to every Nonya’s heart — kueh. These delicate, colourful little bites aren’t just desserts; they’re edible art pieces, crafted with care and filled with meaning.
Nonya kueh (or kuih) refers to a wide variety of traditional bite-sized snacks, both sweet and savoury, made with rice flour, coconut milk, pandan, and palm sugar. Each piece is a blend of texture and taste — soft yet chewy, sweet yet slightly salty, fragrant but never overwhelming.
While they may look simple, every kueh carries history. They were once made by hand for family gatherings, religious offerings, and festive occasions. The process itself — from grating fresh coconut to steaming layer by layer — was an act of love and patience.
Take Kueh Lapis, for instance — the rainbow-coloured layered cake that children love to peel apart. Beyond its charm, it represents the layers of culture, ancestry, and generations that make up Peranakan identity.
Or Ondeh Ondeh, those little glutinous rice balls filled with molten gula melaka and coated in shredded coconut — their burst of sweetness symbolises joy, togetherness, and a reminder to savour life’s small delights.
What sets Nonya kueh apart is its colour and presentation. Traditionally, natural ingredients were used to achieve those stunning hues:
Each piece is often neatly arranged on banana leaves — because in Peranakan cooking, beauty matters as much as taste.
Today, more people are rediscovering these timeless treats. Cafés and home bakers have reimagined kueh with modern twists — turning them into tarts, cakes, and even ice cream flavours. Yet, the essence remains: each kueh still tells a story of heritage, patience, and love.
Nonya kueh is more than dessert — it’s a reminder of where we come from. Whether you’re enjoying it with morning kopi or gifting it during festive seasons, it carries the same message: that sweetness is meant to be shared.
I’ll try to post more often (promise!), but for now — maybe treat yourself to a piece of kueh lapis and a cup of tea. After all, that’s how life should be enjoyed — one beautiful layer at a time.