Pie tee

A traditional Peranakan dish

Pie Tee

A serving of Pie Tee

Pie Tee, also known as Top Hats, is a popular Peranakan dish that consists of thin and crispy pastry cups filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and sometimes meat. It is a well-loved snack in Malaysia and Singapore, often served at festive occasions and gatherings.

History

Pie Tee has its origins in the Peranakan or Straits Chinese community, which is a unique blend of Chinese and Malay cultures. The dish reflects the fusion of these culinary traditions, combining Chinese cooking techniques with local ingredients.

Ingredients

The main components of Pie Tee are the pastry cups and the filling. The pastry cups are made from a batter of rice flour, wheat flour, and water, which is deep-fried until golden and crispy. The filling typically includes a mixture of julienned vegetables such as jicama, carrot, and turnip, often stir-fried with garlic, shallots, and sometimes shrimp or pork.

Preparation

The preparation of Pie Tee involves several steps:

Making the Pastry Cups

The batter for the pastry cups is prepared by mixing rice flour, wheat flour, and water. A special mold is used to shape the batter into thin cups, which are then deep-fried until crispy. The cups should be light and delicate, providing a perfect vessel for the filling.

Preparing the Filling

The filling is made by stir-frying the julienned vegetables with garlic and shallots. If meat is used, it is usually minced and cooked with the vegetables. The mixture is seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and white pepper to taste.

Assembling the Pie Tee

To serve, the filling is spooned into the pastry cups just before eating to ensure the cups remain crispy. Pie Tee is often garnished with fresh coriander leaves and served with a side of chili sauce for added flavor.

Cultural Significance

Pie Tee is more than just a snack; it is a representation of the Peranakan heritage and its rich culinary traditions. It is often served during Chinese New Year, weddings, and other celebrations, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.

Related pages

• Peranakan cuisine
• Nyonya food
• Malaysian cuisine
• Singaporean cuisine