Chwee kueh (Chinese: 水粿; pinyin: shuǐguǒ; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: chúi-kóe; lit. 'water rice cake'), also spelt chwee kweh, is a type of steamed rice cake originating in Teochew cuisine that is served with preserved radish.[2]
Chwee kueh (zwee gway) served in Singapore, with hot preserved radish relish
| |
| Place of origin | China (Guangdong) and Singapore |
|---|---|
| Region or state | East and Southeast Asia |
| Associated cuisine | Singapore[1] |
| Created by | Teochews[a] |
| Main ingredients |
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| Similar dishes | Banh beo |
During the 19th century, many Teochew people moved to Singapore, bringing their culinary expertise with them. Today, chwee kueh is a popular breakfast item in Singapore, served in many of its hawker centres and it is commonly associated with Singaporean cuisine.[1][3]
To make chwee kueh, rice flour and water are mixed together to form a slightly viscous mixture. The mixture is then poured into small saucer-like aluminium cups and steamed, forming a characteristic bowl-like shape when cooked. The rice cakes are almost tasteless on their own, but are topped with diced preserved radish and served with chilli sauce.[4]
Even though it has Teochew roots, the version of Chwee Kueh that we love today, with its sweet-savoury topping of chye poh (preserved radish), is a distinctly Singaporean breakfast dish.
Chwee kueh
