Take pleasure in pek nga, a conventional Malaysian coconut pancake, any time of day. These Malaysian pancakes are studded with coconut and completely fried to perfection.

All people loves pancakes

I used to be a choosy eater as a toddler. Once I say choosy, I imply that even dipping my fries in ketchup (to not communicate of mayo) was too daring of a step for me.

However, there was one dish that I might by no means resist.

Palatschinke is a Hungarian number of pancake, which my father used to cook dinner for me once I was refusing to eat anything. Even after my palate developed and opened as much as new flavors, pancakes of all shapes and varieties have had a heat spot in my coronary heart.

A visit to Malaysia’s rice fields

Immediately, nonetheless, we will go away behind the chilly plains of Central Europe and journey to Langkawi, a tropical island in Northwestern Malaysia.

Langkawi is a magical place, with a serene shoreline, wild jungles, and luxurious rice fields.

Its individuals are a few of the most hospitable that I’ve ever met, and they’re extremely happy with their distinctive tradition, folklore, and delicacies.

On my second day in Langkawi, I set off to Langkawi’s rice fields. The island, often known as “Malaysia’s rice bowl”, has had an necessary function in Malaysia’s rice manufacturing all through historical past. To this present day, inexperienced plains of rice plantations cowl a major a part of the island.

These days, the world remains to be largely untouched by the tourism trade, which is centered across the shoreline space. However, you may often spot cultural museums, mosques, and native eating places.

Discovering Malaysian pancakes

After strolling across the plantations for some time, having fun with a pleasant strolling meditation, my abdomen required some consideration, and I discovered myself dropping by the closest restaurant.

When touring and visiting a neighborhood restaurant, I make myself an adventurous behavior of all the time ordering a dish from the menu that I don’t acknowledge. “Pek nga” it was!

As my pek nga arrived, my interior little one abruptly awoke, able to dig in – I obtained a freshly fried pancake!

What’s pek nga?

Pek Nga is a conventional pancake from Northern Malaysia, particularly fashionable in Kedah state, the place Langkawi is located.

Its full title is Tempek Belanga Nyok.

Within the Malay language, “tempek” means to smear or unfold, whereas “belanga” refers back to the pan used for cooking. “Nyok” is the Northern Malaysian slang for coconut. Certainly, this wheat flour pancake is characterised by the bits of shredded coconut which can be added to the pancake batter.

Some variations could embody substituting a few of the water with coconut milk, to reinforce the coconutty aroma, or including mashed banana to the batter (if serving the pek nga with candy toppings).

Particular suggestions for making these Malaysian coconut pancakes

Pek nga, opposite to my beloved Hungarian palatschinke, is sort of a thick pancake.

To realize the suitable consistency, one should let the pancake batter sit for about 10 minutes earlier than pan frying. Throughout that point, the batter thickens a bit. This additionally helps in spreading the batter evenly over the pan (as its title suggests).

If desired, it’s potential to make a big batch forward and reheat the pek nga on a frying pan till crispy once more. Since it’s vegan, it may be stored within the fridge for fairly a while, obtainable as a fast snack, a facet dish for dinner, and whilst a dessert.

serve these coconut pancakes

In Langkawi, Pek Nga is historically served with gulai panas, a sizzling fish curry that’s distinctive to the area as nicely.

Nevertheless, since Pak Nga could also be loved at any time of the day, and as a result of its versatile taste profile, it could even be accompanied by a spicy sambal, dried fish, and even powdered sugar or condensed milk.

But, for me, it’s all about that pek nga and gulai panas mixture.

That second I sat in that restaurant, gazing on the pastoral plains and dipping my pancake in that spicy curry, I felt full serenity and satisfaction.

The textures, flavors, and views have been worlds aside, but nonetheless…

It was similar to having Dad’s well-known pancake.

Oz is initially from central Israel, and is at present based mostly in Amsterdam. Alongside being a jazz musician, he’s a devoted foodie and an expert chef. He has traveled the world since 2021, exploring a few of his favorite cuisines akin to Thai, Greek, Moroccan and rather more! His favorite technique to journey goes to meals markets and venues, interacting with the native individuals and listening to their tales by meals. He’s impressed by the unbreakable bond between a tradition and culinary traditions. By travelling and consuming, he enjoys witnessing how meals can affect and be influenced by historical past and cultural trade.