Ang Ku kueh

Ang ku kueh

Ang ku kueh, 红龟糕, is a small round or oval shaped Chinese pastry with soft sticky skin and fillings in the centre. The oval shaped Ang ku kuih, 红龟糕 is designed to resemble a tortoise shell. Oval or round, the  Ang ku kuih, 红龟糕 rests on a square piece of banana leaf.

Ang ku kueh, 红龟糕 is usually red in color as suggested by its name literally translated as “red tortoise cake” (红=red, 龟=tortoise,糕=cake or pastry). 

Despite the color definition in the name, other common colors include yellow, grey, and green. The colors indicate the type of fillings inside the pastry. Traditional filings include bean paste, sesame, and peanut. New flavors like durian have emerged reflecting manufacturer’s continuous innovation to incorporate popular tastes. 

Tortoise symbolizes longevity and when the Ang ku kuih is shaped like a tortoise shell, it creates a high symbolic and ritual value. They are used for ritual offerings during religious events and as gifts when a child is born (one month old) or during birthdays. 

Outside the ritual or gift context, it is also a very popular snack available all year round in traditional pastry shops, cake shops, cafes and even hotels.