Tau sar piah, this tiny cake that is often a typical Malaysian souvenir, is more than just a green bean filling wrapped in a crispy skin. The first bite of this cake will immediately take you to the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, but the tau sar piah journey doesn’t stop there.
History of Tau sar piah
Tau sar piah was first brought by Chinese traders to Penang in the 19th century. Over time, this cake adapted to local tastes, and the Malaysian tau sar piah we know today was born. The soft and sweet green bean filling combines with a skin made from wheat flour, oil and sugar, creating a texture that is crunchy and slightly oily, but still delicious.
However, tau sar piah is not just a matter of taste. This cake is an inseparable part of Malaysian traditions, often served during important moments such as Eid, Chinese New Year and family celebrations. Eating tau sar piah with hot tea in the afternoon with your beloved family creates an irreplaceable atmosphere of togetherness and warmth.
Not only that, tau sar piah is also proof of the long-standing acculturation of Chinese and Malay culture in Malaysia. The manufacturing process, which requires patience and precision, reflects the values of simplicity and perseverance, which are highly upheld in both cultures.
The Taste of Tau sar piah
Tau sar piah is not only famous for its classic green bean taste. In Malaysia, you will find various flavors that are no less tempting, such as pandan, chocolate, durian and even strawberry.
For lovers of traditional flavors, tau sar piah with red bean, coconut and black sesame filling could be an option. Not only that, several shops also offer tau sar piah with salty fillings, such as shredded meat, pork and chicken, suitable for those of you who want a savory snack. The shape of the tau sar piah is no longer limited to being round and flat. Now, you can find tau sar piah shaped like squares, moons, and even cartoon characters, which attract children’s attention.
Here are some famous tau sar piah shops in Malaysia:
- Ghee Hiang: One of the oldest tau sar piah shops in Penang which is famous for its recipes handed down from generation to generation.
- Him Heang: A popular shop in Penang that offers various flavors of tau sar piah.
- Ban Heang: A legendary shop in Kuala Lumpur that is famous for its tau sar piah with dense green bean filling.
- Soon Seng Heang: A shop in Penang famous for its tau sar piah with thin and crispy skin.
- Tean Ean Local Products: A shop in Penang that offers tau sar piah at affordable prices.
So, the next time you taste tau sar piah, don’t just focus on the taste. Bite slowly, enjoy the fusion of textures and flavors, and feel the traces of history and tradition hidden behind every bite.
Article curated by Mika Natalia
