We all have these traditions, right? Like, things we keep doing just because that’s what we’ve always done. So, get this—I recently figured out one of mine. It involves munching on these childhood cookies, Kue Bangkit, every Diwali. My Amma buys them, thinking I’m crazy about them. But, spoiler alert: I’m not.
Now, Kue Bangkit is a traditional Peranakan cookie (another bit of Peranakan culture that has somehow made its way into our lives). It’s this Nyonya Kuih made of sago starch, baked until crispy, and the ones Amma gets are shaped like animals.
They taste alright, I guess, if you can get past the paper-like texture. And trust me, I just couldn’t. But, without fail, there I am, nibbling on them every Diwali because they’re always around. And if, by some miracle, I manage to “not notice them,” she makes sure to pack a whole box for me to take back to Singapore. Sometimes more, so I can give them to my friends — and my “boss”, as she referred to my manager.
So, here I am, just back from spending the Diwali weekend in Jakarta, and what am I doing? Complaining about Kue Bangkit while munching on it. Go figure! I can’t help myself.
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🍪 ━ KK
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