The Toddy Palm Wine of Asia, Tuak, is a typical drink among Malaysia’s local Indian communities.
Discover Toddy Palm Wine in Malaysia: A Unique Local Experience
Toddy shops, or Kedai Tuak, are legal liquor outlets in Malaysia.
They are approved to stop illegal moonshine makers from selling dangerous alcohol that contains methanol.
These Kedai Tuak are located across Penang Island and Seberang Perai.
Toddy is an authentic palm wine made from fermented palm sap, combined with yeast and sugar.
For just RM2 a glass, it’s worth a try, but be warned that after a few drinks, you may find yourself hobbling.
Toddy Shops (Kedai Tuak) in Penang
Friendly warning! These are unusual times, so please check that venues remain open before going.
Toddy Shops on Penang Island
There are four Kedai Tuak outlets on Penang Island, which are legacies from the colonial era.
The Customs Department issues the license for the toddy sale.
MBPP manages the service contracts by open tender.
Here’s a list of toddy bars you can visit.
1. Kedai Tuak Lorong Pasar (Market Lane)
2. Kedai Tuak Lebuh Macallum (Macallum Street) – demolished
3. Kedai Tuak Jalan Cantonment (Cantonment Road)
4. Kedai Tuak Kampung Baru (Kampung Baru)
Toddy Shops in Butterworth (Seberang Perai)
1. Kedai Tuak Butterworth – JKR 86, Jalan Paul, Butterworth
2. Kedai Tuak Perai – JKR 175, Perai, Seberang Perai (Prai)
3. Kedai Tuak Kepala Batas –JKR 20, Jalan Kedah, Kepala Batas
4. Kedai Tuak Bukit Tengah – JKR S-7, Jalan Bukit Tengah, Bukit Mertajam
5. Kedai Tuak Nibong Tebal – Jalan Baru, Nibong Tebal
6. Kedai Tuak Sungai Bakap – J 16 Jalan Stesen, Sungai Bakap
7. Kedai Tuak Simpang Empat – Jalan Besar, Simpang Empat
What Is Toddy (Tuak) Palm Wine?
Toddy, also referred to as Tuak (Malay) or Kallu (Tamil), is a fermented alcoholic drink with a unique flavor.
It can be consumed fresh, at room temperature, or chilled.
When fresh, the palm sap is sweet and non-alcoholic, known as Neera or Padaneer in Tamil.
After fermentation, it becomes palm wine, with its alcohol content increasing over time.
The drink has a short shelf life of about 24 hours.
It turns sour if not consumed promptly.
If stored in a fridge, its life can be extended, but the taste may continue to change.
Toddy is used in some local Chinese and Indian delicacies, including the famous toddy huat kueh (steamed rice cake).
Toddy in Malaysian Cuisine
When toddy evaporates, it turns into jaggery, an unrefined sugar commonly used in Indian desserts.
Jaggery adds flavor to traditional snacks like fried sweet pancakes and spongy cakes or sprinkled in Puttu and Puttu Mayong.
The Chinese community uses toddy from toddy shops to prepare huat kueh.
- “Huat Kueh” in Hokkien
- “Fagao” (发糕) in Mandarin
- “Pak Tong Koh” in Cantonese
This is a steamed rice cake that symbolizes prosperity during festivals like Chinese New Year and the Jade Emperor Festival.
The secret to making good toddy huat kueh lies in using fresh toddy as a natural leavening agent for the rice flour.
The cake “smiles” or rises during steaming, signifying good fortune.
Toddy becomes “Jaggery” when the liquid evaporates.
Jaggery is an unrefined sugar used in Indian snacks and sweets.
Where Else to Find Toddy in Penang
Looking for a modern twist on toddy?
Head to Narrow Marrow, a trendy café located on Lebuh Pantai in George Town.
Besides its famous tiramisus and cheesecakes, the café offers toddy tong in 2-liter bottles.
Check it out for a contemporary take on this traditional drink.
Image: Narrow Marrow Facebook
For those wanting to explore more, other places like Antarabangsa Enterprise, Kwongtuck Sundries & Liquors and Taichang Wine Merchant may offer toddy in George Town.
Source:
They prefer toddy, samsu is for the lower income group – The Star
