MALACCAN’S COMFORT FOODS

1. Putu Piring Melaka

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Putu Piring is originated from India and it is a popular sweet snack often found in Malaysia. It is made of steamed rice flour cake and in the center is filled with palm sugar or commonly known as gula Melaka in the shape of a plate (piring). The Putu Piring will be covered with cloth and steamed to perfection. It is usually placed on a banana leaf topped with slightly salted young grated coconut. The famous Putu Piring from Tengkera Melaka has been the favourite of most locals. The humble putu piring seller started in front of his house over 30 years ago before shifting to this shop. The soft texture of putu piring comes with gula Melaka filling with the crunchy coconut flakes.

This snack is delicate with a crumbly texture but every bite which combines the coconut, steamed rice flour and a hint of palm sugar is incredibly tasty. It was aromatic, flavourful and the gula melaka filling is quite large in portion. What makes it so scrumptious is the generous amount of gula Melaka filling that being steamed and turns to a very crunchy texture. The slightly salty coconut flakes gives the putu piring more texture. Putu piring is best eaten when it’s warm as it no longer tastes as good when they have cool down. It is RM 1.30 each and they are worth the visit that it is definitely a must go and must try.

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Address: 252, Jalan
Tengkera, 75200 Melaka
Phone: 017-672 8971
Business hour: 1 - 5 p.m.
(Sunday closed)

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2. Dong Sheng Popiah (Non-Halal)

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Popiah is believed to have originated from the Fujian Province in South Easthern China. Popiah also being known as spring roll which was eaten during spring season. This culture has been brought by the Chinese throughout Asia, incorporating ingredients from various local cultures. One example is the Melaka version of popiah.

In Melaka, however, pork lard is one of the core ingredients in serving a popiah, and the addition of pork lard has turned the popiah for a more succulent taste. Requisite amount of juicy fillings are wrapped inside the popiah, accompanied by its usual chilli and sweet sauce and it taste just about right.

Xin Ann Kopitiam that is located in Kampung Jawa, Melaka serves one of the best pork lard popiah in Melaka. According to the owner of Dong Sheng popiah, Lee Wah Chui, 69, the skin of the popiah is being made everyday from scratch to maintainits freshness. It can’t be too hard or too soft so that it is just right and can hold off the generous amount of the fillings such as shredded turnip, beancurd, egg, lettuce and is distinguished by its sweet and chilli sauce. Turnip is also one of the important fillings needed in the popiah. According to Lee, turnips are cook and steam every morning before they start their business. The secret ingredient which makes this popiah so great is the deep fried pork lard.

Lee said while preparing the fried crispy pork lard needs some secret effort too. These are then paired with other fillings such as omelette, beancurd, cucumber, lettuce and with a hint of chilli and sweet sauce that increase the whole flavour. The popiah is served piping hot and moist which you can just standing by the roadside munching on it. 

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Xin Ann Kopitiam
Address: Jalan Pasar
Baru, Kampung Jawa,
75100 Melaka
Business hour:
9 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
(Tuesday closed)