Mum recently saw an article in the papers about "Black" Kuih Kapit (also popularly known as "Love Letters") and she was appalled. Being a true blue Nonya, bound by age-old traditions, customs and superstitions, she could not believe that anyone, especially the older generation, would want to buy and eat black-coloured Kuih Kapit on an auspicious occasion such as Chinese New Year.
"Black" Kuih Kapit
An innovative gentleman had come up with this new version of Kuih Kapit combining the traditional batter with powdered green bamboo heated over a charcoal fire. Hence the "black" colour.
I must admit that I am a little old fashioned like Mum and cannot adapt easily to change or new trends. I always like everything to be "original" and quite frankly, the Kuih Kapit looked to me like they had been badly burnt! The maker claims this new version is crispier, contains less sugar and has numerous other health benefits. Sales have been reported to be good since people are more health conscious these days.
Kuih Kapit has been a part of Malaysian culture for decades and Chinese New Year without it would be "incomplete". I still prefer my "love letters" to be golden brown. Where's the romance and passion if they're charcoal black?
The original golden brown Kuih Kapit
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