My memories of Nyonya Chang (Nyonya Rice Dumpling)

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My late grandmother made the best Kueh Chang (Nyonya Rice Dumpling) no doubt about that. I remember as a kid, I looked forward excitedly to that time of the year to eat her Kueh Chang. She’ll made them by the boxes and take a bus from Melaka to where we were back then, in Lumut, Perak as my father was with the Navy. 

I anticipated her arrival with great delight as I know though I was sharing a room with two of my elder sisters,  I’ll get to ‘migrate’ and share the guest room with my grandma, staying up all night (with her homemade bedak sejuk smothered all over my face) and listen to all her interesting stories. My late grandmother always smelled so good. I can still remember her smelling of Cuticura powder. 

Sigh.. I miss her so much. 

Though my mother is a great cook, she never did learn how to make kueh chang from my late grandmother. I don’t blame her as I myself have no interest in mastering this tedious task of making rice dumplings. Several of my aunts did learn and yes, they do make them from time to time. I used to get to eat them back then but lately since I don’t go back Melaka that frequently, I don’t get to eat them anymore. 

During my last trip to Melaka, a random conversation between my mother and I lead to her mentioning about this Peranakan Rice Dumpling that she bought, ate and was satisfied with. I was so excited to learn that I can finally taste this one thing that reminds me of my beloved late grandma so much.

My Dad helped me purchase them the next day. 

I excitedly grabbed them away from my Dad and ran outside to take the above picture using my iPhone. My Dad saw what I was doing and said, “No, you got to carry them up like this” that lead me to get this gorgeous picture below. 

I like this picture. My Dad’s hand gave it so much feel but I kept taking more and after looking at all my pictures, this picture below is my favourite. 

My father’s grip is firmer yet more relax and I am happy with the clarity of the picture though the open dumpling itself was not too clear. Who needs a camera when you have an iPhone? 

Anyway, after taking so many pictures, I finally tasted this Nyonya Dumpling and I love it but after eating the entire thing, it does feel a little peppery and my throat got hot but I still love it nevertheless. Darling on the other hand can’t handle it. He said it burns his throat. Ok lah, he should just continue eating his Chinese Bak Chang 

Should I reveal where my Dad bought this Nyonya Chang from? But I am afraid people will all go buy from there and they will increase their price due to the overwhelming demand so I better not say but if you really want to know, you can always PM me and I’ll be glad to share  *he bought it from Baba Charlie*