For the love of love letters: Thor with her husband Tan Eng Hin, 55, making the kuih kapit at their home in Kampung Jalan Baru in Balik Pulau, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: It’s the all-time Malaysian favourite delicacy during the festive period.
Affectionately referred to as the Malaysian love letter cookies, kuih kapit occupies a significant place in the hearts of many, notably during Chinese New Year.
Housewife Thor Lay See, 45, said this delectable snack is renowned for its unique preparation method involving the use of a special moulding clamp to create the thin wafer-like sheets.
“The batter, often made from a blend of coconut milk, eggs, sugar and rice flour, is meticulously poured onto the mould to create intricate patterns that give each cookie its distinct appearance.
“The sheets are then carefully folded, resulting in a delightful layered treat that captivates both the eyes and the palate,” she said when met at her home in Kampung Jalan Baru, Balik Pulau.
Thor has been busy making this delicacy since September, as and when she receives orders from customers who come from as far as Singapore and Indonesia.
“The past few weeks have been especially hectic and I had to rope in my husband and two children to help, or else I will not be able to fulfil the orders.
“My husband, who is a fisherman, will stop going out to sea these few weeks to help me out. He is able to handle up to 25 of the mould clamps at one time over the rectangular charcoal stove.
“We dedicate a minimum of eight hours from 6am each day to make kuih kapit over a hot charcoal stove. There had been occasions when the demanding process required us to extend our efforts, pushing the duration to 13 hours on certain days,” she said, adding that she has been making kuih kapit for the past 18 years.
In addition to crafting kuih kapit, she also prepares a variation filled with pork floss and, furthermore, she opts for organic kampung chicken eggs to impart a smoother and richer mouthfeel to the cookies.
“Most of my customers have been with me for more than 10 years and many would personally come to my home to collect their tins of cookies from Kuala Lumpur.
“In total, I calculate that I would have produced at least 3,000 tins and I plan to conclude production by Feb 5 to allow myself sufficient time to prepare for Chinese New Year with my family,” she said.
Thor said she may retire in a few years’ time and pass the business to her son and daughter, aged 20 and 24, who are already quite adept in making the delicacy, if they are interested in taking over.
