NOT far from the famous seafood township of Bukit Tambun is a well-known place for its freshly steamed rice cakes or better known as ‘huat kuih’ in Hokkien.
It is in the Bandar Tasek Mutiara residential area, about a 15-minute drive from Tambun. You wouldn’t know where the place is if you are not a local.
As you are about to enter the terrace house and meet its proprietor, a lovely aroma of the cake wafts around the premises and brings delight to the noses.
In an interview with Buletin Mutiara recently, Hng Hui Lin shared her journey and passion for making the traditional rice cakes that are sought by devotees as altar offerings during auspicious Chinese celebrations.
Hng said ‘huat kuih’ is offered as gifts to the gods during important festivals, namely Jade Emperor Gods Festival, and when the Kitchen God returns from heaven. It is also offered during the first and 15th day each month of lunar calendar.
‘Huat’ in Hokkien means prosper, hence the cake symbolises prosperity. So, the Chinese believe that by offering ‘huat kuih’, good things will happen to them.
Developing her interest in making ‘huat kuih’ back in 2014, she said she could not believe that her hobby has now turned out to be her passion.
“I learnt to make the rice cakes under the guidance of a relative. Later on, I posted my ‘achievements’ on social media platform.
“Soon after discovering my capabilities, I decided to go serious and venture into business. I also received encouragement from my family and friends.
“At the beginning, it was difficult but it has since showed some results.
“I was able to produce a nice ‘huat kuih’ after learning for months.
“I would say it’s a tedious process and you need patience and perseverance to succeed.
“Time is an important element as it requires a few hours to complete the baking process, depending on the size of the ‘huat kuih’,” the housewife said.
As for the recipe, Hng said she uses coconut milk, rice flour, sugar and coconut wine.
“You need to have quality coconut wine to come out with a tasty ‘huat kuih’. I would usually order it from a supplier in Selama, Perak.
“Once you use the coconut wine from there, you wouldn’t want to switch to other suppliers anymore.
“Besides that, the selection of ingredients is of paramount importance. The ingredients must be up to the standard.
“We can’t downgrade the ingredients to cut cost if we want to maintain the quality,” she said.
At present, Hng could sell more than a thousand of ‘huat kuih’ monthly.
When approaching the main festivals such as Qing Ming Festival, Winter Solstice, or even any Chinese celebrations, she can expect brisk business.
“I don’t have a store or shop but my regular customers will contact me or come to my house to place their orders.
“At least, I can earn an additional income during this Covid-19 pandemic, which has been hampering many businesses,” she added.
Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, who was present, proposed to the authorities to set up an online system meant for home businesses.
“This is to assist some of these small businesses during pandemic. It is important to provide assistance during this challenging period.
“Besides that, many businesses are facing transportation or logistic issues now as we couldn’t cross districts or to other states in this lockdown period. When they use certain transportation company to distribute their products, they will be highly charged.
“Hence, I hope there will be a mechanism, led by the local authorities to create a delivery system for them,” he said.
Goh also noted that future business model is no longer relying on physical premises but rather on digital platform.
Those interested to buy ‘huat kuih’ can contact Hng at 012-5575902 or 04-5882660.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar