Gallimaufry#155

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸

Kacang putih

Stumbled upon this kacang putih seller in my hometown—such a wave of nostalgia! Back in my school days, there was always a kacang putih seller outside the school gates, serving up crispy treats in cone wraps torn from Yellow Pages. For those who don’t remember, the Yellow Pages was a thick business directory before the internet took over, and its pages were often repurposed as snack wrappers!

 

Modern-day kacang putih vendor in a local mall

In Malaysia, a kacang putih seller is someone who sells a variety of crunchy, spiced snacks, often made from legumes, nuts, and flour-based ingredients. The term kacang putih (literally "white nuts" in Malay) originally referred to steamed or roasted chickpeas but has since expanded to include a wide assortment of traditional Indian snacks.

Origins and History

The kacang putih trade in Malaysia has strong roots in the Indian community, particularly among the Tamil population. The trade is believed to have started in the 1940s in Buntong, Perak, where Indian migrants turned to selling snacks as a livelihood. Buntong remains famous for its kacang putih industry today.

Types of Kacang Putih Snacks

A kacang putih seller typically offers:

• Murukku – A deep-fried, crunchy, spiral-shaped snack made from rice and urad dal flour.
• Peanut varieties – Roasted, spiced, or honey-coated peanuts.
• Fried peas & lentils – Spiced green peas, chickpeas, and dhal coated in a crispy batter.
• Broad beans – Fried and lightly salted or spiced.
• Tapioca chips – Thinly sliced and fried, sometimes with chili or turmeric seasoning.

Where to Find Kacang Putih Sellers

Traditionally, kacang putih was sold by street vendors pushing carts, setting up roadside stalls, or selling from small shops. Today, you can find them in:

• Night markets (pasar malam)
• Roadside stalls
• Indian sundry shops
• Some supermarkets, where pre-packed kacang putih is available

Modern Adaptations

While kacang putih sellers have adapted to changing times by offering pre-packaged snacks, some still maintain the traditional method of selling from carts. There are also wholesalers in Buntong supplying these snacks nationwide. Some sellers even take orders online and deliver in bulk.

There’s something special about getting them fresh from a street vendor—just like the good old days!

Dinner

Lemon grass pork

Tofu with minced pork

Spinach with century eggs and goji berries

Strolling through our pasar malam (night market), I was instantly drawn in by the smoky aroma of sizzling seafood on the grill.

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

The Loggia of the Church of the Holy Cross, Rovinj

Tucked away in Rovinj, the Church of the Holy Cross features this beautiful loggia, a serene spot overlooking the Adriatic. This historic site adds to the town’s charm, complementing the legendary tale of St. Euphemia, whose sarcophagus was found mysteriously drifting at sea nearby.

 It is said that the sarcophagus remained for a while in this church before being moved to its final resting place. An inscription on a pole at the foot of the church, set up on a rock by the sea, bears witness to this event

Read more about the fascinating story of St. Euphemia here: The Church of St. Euphemia Mystery.