Png Kueh

Peng Kueh

The word "Png" in chinese dialect means "Rice". Even though these snacks are popularly known as Png Kueh, Teochews actually call these dumplings Poong Tor which literally means "rice peaches". In Mandarin, they are known as 桃粿 which means "peach dumplings". The peach is regarded in Chinese lore as a symbol of longevity. There is reference to the sacred peaches of immortality in the story of Sun Wu Kong (The Monkey King) where he ate the sacred peaches of the Jade Emperor's garden and obtained immortality. So the Chinese used peaches as an offering in religious ceremonies as a symbol of longevity. Since peaches are only in season once a year, dumplings like the Png Kueh and even Pao that is made in the shape of peaches are used out of season as offerings. Both of this items have the familiar pink hue to make them look more like peaches. (Source: http://ieatishootipost.sg/2010/09/teochew-kueh-why-is-there-red-and-white.html)