February 6, 2025
PENANG – THE Tan sisters, whose bond spans over five decades, gather each Chinese New Year in Penang to celebrate their connection through the joyful act of baking festive treats together.
This annual tradition is marked by the lovingly prepared kuih kapit (love letters) and kuih ros (beehive crackers), which bring warmth and nostalgia to their celebrations.
This year, sisters Ai Imm, 58, Ai Cheng, 61, Ai Geok, 62, Ai Suan, 63, and Ai Poh, 68, got together a month before Chinese New Year.
Another sister, Ai Hoon, 60, could not make it this time.
For the first three weeks, they carefully made kuih kapit using classic metal moulds over a charcoal stove.
Once done, they started on frying the kuih ros.
Laughter and lively chatter filled the air at the coffeeshop in Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, ever since they began their festive preparations at the end of December.
Ai Imm fondly recalled their humble beginnings, with a stove placed in the corner of a corridor in Gat Lebuh Macallum some 40 years ago.
There, they worked side by side producing about 300 jars of kuih kapit each year.
“We’ve been doing this together for decades.
“The recipe was handed down by our grandparents. We used to bake alongside our parents and relatives,” she said.
“It was such a communal experience back then.
“But as it became less practical, we moved to this coffeeshop in 2012,” said Ai Imm, adding that the coffeeshop was more spacious and they could make more biscuits.
This year, the sisters produced more than 1,000 jars of kuih kapit and about 30 jars of kuih ros, a remarkable achievement for the dedicated group.
They spend at least six hours daily on production, ensuring every piece met their family’s high standards.
The treats are then sold and shared with loved ones throughout the festive season.
Known affectionately as the jie jie mei mei (big and little sisters) biscuits, their treats have become a beloved tradition among family and friends.
“This has always been more than just baking.
“It’s a time for us to reconnect and reminisce,” Ai Imm said, her face lighting up with a smile.