Mei arrived at Ah Ma’s kitchen with a notebook. Not for school — for recipes. She had drawn the rainbow layers in colored pencil, labeling each with Ah Ma’s secret names: Courage. Healing. Joy. Mystery. Hope. Love.
Whether you’re a curious home baker, a lover of heritage food, or simply someone who believes dessert should be a little magical — The Rainbow Kueh Book invites you to taste the rainbow, the traditional way.
Traditional kueh making is a labor-intensive, dying art form. It requires immense patience, precise temperature control, and a deep understanding of starch gelatinization. By documenting these time-honored techniques, The Rainbow Kueh Book prevents oral histories from fading and empowers a new generation of global bakers to keep the colorful tradition alive.
— End of The Rainbow Kueh Book —
+-------------------------------------------------------------+ | RED LAYER (Good Fortune & Joy) | +-------------------------------------------------------------+ | ORANGE LAYER | +-------------------------------------------------------------+ | YELLOW LAYER | +-------------------------------------------------------------+ | GREEN LAYER (Pandan / Prosperity) | +-------------------------------------------------------------+ | BLUE LAYER (Bunga Telang / Harmony) | +-------------------------------------------------------------+ | (Repeated layers scaling up to 9) | +-------------------------------------------------------------+
The true test of a master baker lies in temperature and time management.
The book uses the vibrant imagery of "Rainbow Kueh" (a traditional multi-colored steamed snack also known as Kueh Lapis ) to engage children in cultural appreciation and character building.
The text breaks down notoriously difficult, multi-layered treats. It offers foolproof, step-by-step instructions for classics like:
"Kueh has such a great social and cultural significance," shares Christopher Tan, a writer who turned his love for kueh into a recipe book. In it, he explores Singapore’s diverse kueh culture, chatting with respected kueh makers about the art form.
—often come from plants like pandan leaves or butterfly pea flowers. Family Heritage
"The Rainbow Kueh Book" aims to inspire a new generation of bakers and food enthusiasts to explore the vibrant world of kueh. With its diverse range of recipes and colorful designs, this book is sure to delight both locals and tourists alike. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, this book will guide you through the process of creating your own rainbow kueh at home.