The Art of Making Nian Gao: A Family Affair
During the Lunar New Year, nian gao, also known as kuih bakul, is an essential treat. In Chinese, "nian gao" translates to "higher year", and it is believed eating it will elevate one’s status and bring prosperity in the year ahead.
A Family Tradition
Since 1999, Balamurali Bathumalay has been rolling up his sleeves to produce this sticky snack for the Chinese New Year season. When he first started, many Chinese customers supported him and he even exported his nian gao to Singapore.
The Process
Making these sweet and sticky rice cakes is no easy feat. The process begins by heating banana leaves to soften them, and then cutting them to fit the moulds. The leaves add a lovely fragrance to the nian gao. Next, sugar syrup is mixed with glutinous rice flour. The mixture is carefully poured into the moulds before being steamed for approximately 10 hours.
Quality Ingredients
Balamurali emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients, especially the glutinous rice flour, which is essential to the kuih’s texture. Both traditional banana-leaf-wrapped and plastic-wrapped options are available in various sizes ranging from 200g to 800g.
A Family Business
Today, Balamurali’s business is a true family affair, with his wife and three other children pitching in to manage their stall at the bazaar. His eldest son, Raakesh, has been helping him with the business since he was about 11 years old. Raakesh finds joy in seeing customers of various races savouring their kuih bakul, and is especially happy when the Chinese community praises its quality and taste.
Conclusion
NYCC Enterprise is accepting orders for kuih bakul until Chap Goh Mei (Feb 12). To order, contact 019-779 4254 / 017-774 3664 (Balamurali) or 017-7495 269 (Raakesh). To find out more, visit their blog and Facebook profile.
FAQs
Q: What is nian gao?
A: Nian gao is a traditional Chinese rice cake that is believed to bring prosperity and good luck in the new year.
Q: How do you make nian gao?
A: The process involves heating banana leaves, mixing sugar syrup with glutinous rice flour, and steaming the mixture for approximately 10 hours.
Q: Can I order nian gao?
A: Yes, NYCC Enterprise is accepting orders until Chap Goh Mei (Feb 12). Contact 019-779 4254 / 017-774 3664 (Balamurali) or 017-7495 269 (Raakesh) to place your order.
Q: Can I visit the stall?
A: Yes, NYCC Enterprise has a stall at the Chinese New Year bazaar, where you can purchase their delicious nian gao.