Exotic Nonya cuisine

Some exotic dishes in Peranakan or Nonya cuisine are randomly selected and listed below:

Rojak: This dish means a mixture of everything in Malay. There are two different types. Chinese rojak is a kind of salad made of white turnip, cucumber, pineapple, tau pok i.e. fried bean curd with thin tiny slices of bunga kantan or torch ginger flower buds. The dish can be tossed in shrimp paste sauce and also sugar. You can also sprinkle some crushed peanuts and that will definitely enhance the taste. On the other hand Indian rojak consists of mainly fried fritters. This fried fritters are made from flour and various pulses with tofu and cucumber. Sweet and spicy sauces are the best accompaniments.

Popiah: Popiah is the other name of spring rolls. This one comes fresh or fried. They usually consist of fried tofu, boiled turnips, fried shallots and also garlic. Chopped omelet, chopped stir-fried long beans are the ingredients while chili sauce is optional. This is usually found wrapped in a thin rice skin covering. You can eat it like a fajita.

Ice cream: Ice cream is exactly like the one that can be found in Western countries. In Singapore various local flavours can be found such as durian and red bean. These are not available outside the region. While in Singapore you should try it once and I am telling you won’t repent. If you want to impress the locals, just try asking for ice cream in roti or bread.

Satay bee hoon: Satay bee hoon is usually rice vermicelli. This bee hoon can be served with the some peanut and some chili sauce. These ingredients are also used for satay and that is the reason for the naming the dish. Usually see ham or cockles, pork slices and dried squid are added in the dish.

Besides these dishes, the Peranakans are also known or their kueh or snacks. These are always different from the Malay versions and the reason is the stronger Chinese influences.