Kuala lumpur: Despite the rise of contemporary treats, kuih bakul, commonly known as nian gao, remains the dessert of choice for Chinese New Year, treasured for its flavour and the cultural values it carries. Its authentic flavour, chewy texture, and irresistible taste ensure the round-shaped cake remains a favourite, even in the age of modernisation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, for 53-year-old Sim Beng Ai, last-minute orders from family and friends are proof that the beloved traditional cake has stood the test of time. The mother of three shared that making kuih bakul is no simple task, as it demands patience, care, and attention to detail. Sim explained that she uses only glutinous rice flour and sugar, but the process is painstaking, taking three days to achieve the perfect, beautiful, and delicious result.

"Steaming slowly and wrapped in banana leaves, the cake gives off a delightful fragrance. But making it isn't easy; if you get it wrong, the cake won't turn out well," she told Bernama. Sim detailed that the process involves soaking, grinding, and drying the rice first, then making the mixture and steaming it for 24 hours, all while maintaining a steady heat.

Sim noted that currently, she could not take on large orders because her husband, Saw Beng Hup, 58, was only able to assist on weekends. Nevertheless, she emphasized that every kuih bakul is made with care despite their busy weekdays. Meanwhile, Saw highlighted the significance of kuih bakul during Chinese New Year, as it symbolises prosperity, abundance, and close family ties within the Chinese community.

Saw, who is the principal of a secondary school, shared that he learned the recipe and the traditional method of making kuih bakul from his mother, who inherited it from her grandmother. He expressed his intention to take over the entire kuih bakul business after his retirement, as his other siblings have shown little interest in inheriting it. In the three weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, the couple prepared over 1,000 kuih bakul in different sizes, with prices ranging from RM6 to RM12 based on the size.