Do you remember the old Singapore Wonderland? If you do, you would be born in the mid 60’s to 70’s. I remember the small rollercoaster with the head of a lion in front of it. That coaster, together with Van Kleef aquarium i.e. National Theatre were iconic of Singapore in the 70's (for a 6 year old boy at least). I remember visiting Wonderland at night. I don't know if it is just because I was a kid, but Singapore nights seem to be cooler then. The best things to eat on a cool night were steaming hot peanuts and Kueh Tutu (Putu Piring).
Kueh Tutu Steamers
The Kueh Tutu almost went out of fashion in the 80s (around then) but thankfully, like the handmade Paus, Gen Xers who grew up eating the traditional food took it upon themselves to re-introduce the old favourites to a new generation.
Putu Piring is essentially the Malay version of Kueh Tutu. According to the friendly uncle at the stall, this dessert has its origins in India. The Malays use gula melaka for the filling and serve it with grated coconut while the Chinese put grated coconut or peanut filling i.e. Kueh Tutu and they are generally smaller in size.
This uncle has been running the stall for more than 15 years. He used to be in the building industry and was involved in many hotels. It was during this time that he learned the art of kueh-making by observing the many Hotel Chefs he worked with. After several attempts and rounds of experimentation, he finally arrived at the “perfect recipe” for his Putu Piring.
There is a perpetual queue of people outside the stall even at 3pm in the afternoon, but the hardworking staff are always cheerful and friendly.
Who can resist the finest grade Gula Melaka (from Malacca of course) oozing out of the kueh when it is piping hot? Yum!
Rating – Food: 4; Service: 3; Value: 4
Traditional Haig Road Putu Piring
Main stall: Mr Teh Tarik, 970 Geylang Road; open daily 11am to 10.30pm; Tel: 96883067
Branch: Blk 14 Haig Road, Haig Road Hawker Centre, #01-08; open daily 12 noon to 10.30pm
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