What is Onde-onde?

What is Onde-onde?

Onde-onde are delightful Southeast Asian sweet dumplings made from glutinous rice flour, traditionally filled with palm sugar (gula melaka) and rolled in freshly grated coconut. These chewy, bite-sized treats are popular across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. When you bite into one, the molten palm sugar center creates a burst of rich, caramel-like sweetness.

Essential Cooking Tips:

• Perfect the dough: Add hot water gradually to glutinous rice flour until you get a smooth, pliable dough that doesn't crack when shaped.

• Seal properly: Pinch edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during boiling. Test-cook one first to check your sealing technique.

• Fresh coconut is key: Use freshly grated coconut with a pinch of salt for the coating - desiccated coconut lacks the moisture and flavor.

• Gentle boiling: Cook in simmering (not rapidly boiling) water. They're done when they float to the surface.

• Serve immediately: Best eaten fresh and warm when the palm sugar is still molten and the coconut coating is at its freshest.