Exploring Cultural Significance in a Sweet Treat
You hold the vibrant green waffle in your hands, ready to take a bite. Your tongue brushes against the square grooves, expertly gridded and pressed to perfection. The aroma of pandan wafts up, evoking memories of the vivid green pleats your neighbor plants along the corridor. The geography of the waffle captivates you: shades of golden brown across its surface, with green peeking out from underneath, and the crisp edges promise a satisfying crunch.
With every bite, your teeth leave imprints in the waffle’s center, where chunky peanut butter oozes out like a river. As you devour the delicious treat, you care little about maintaining your public image. The waffle reveals the truest, most unguarded version of yourself.
The Origins of the Pandan Waffle
After some investigation into the origins of the pandan waffle, it seems to trace back to Vietnam, likely influenced by French colonialism in the 19th century. Culinary historian Erica J. Peters and Vietnamese cuisine expert Andrea Nguyen suggest that these waffles may have been inspired by the pizzelle—a thin waffle-like cookie—blending elements of both Vietnamese rice cake traditions and European waffle-making.
Known in Vietnam as “bánh kẹp lá dứa” or “coconut pandan waffle,” this treat is a beloved street snack, particularly among children, usually sold at affordable prices. Traditionally, these waffles were cooked in cast-iron molds heated over charcoal, resulting in a slightly smoky flavor.
In Singapore, the pandan waffle has evolved, often paired with a variety of spreads. While classic fillings include peanut butter and fruit jam, more adventurous options range from Cookies and Cream to Tuna Mayonnaise. As one friend aptly noted, “Eating waffles is like eating bread. Can you imagine plain bread?”
Pandan waffles differ from regular waffles in that they use coconut milk instead of regular milk and are flavored with pandan extract or leaves, giving them their signature green color and unique fragrance—often referred to as the “Vanilla of the East.” Cooked on a waffle iron, they emerge crispy on the outside yet soft and chewy within.
A Convenient Snack
Though it’s unclear how the pandan waffle became a staple at local bread shops, its popularity in Singapore can be attributed to its convenience, delightful taste, and the lack of alternatives.
The batter is easy to prepare, using common household ingredients like plain flour, rice flour, tapioca starch, sugar, eggs, coconut milk, and pandan extract. This allows for efficient production; staff can manage orders and payments while the waffles cook, resulting in minimal wait times for customers.
The unique and invigorating taste of the pandan waffle, coupled with its freshness, contributes to the overall experience. No one enjoys a stale, soggy waffle; the pandan variety must be enjoyed hot off the iron to be truly satisfying.
Unlike our neighbors in Malaysia, known for their street snacks like ramly burgers and satays, Singapore offers fewer traditional snacks readily available. While kuehs exist, they are typically sold at specialty stalls or as side treats in coffee shops, lacking the same accessibility as the pandan waffle, which can be found in numerous local bread shops.
What the Pandan Waffle Represents
The enduring popularity of the pandan waffle speaks volumes about its role in our lives. Many Singaporeans still reach for this nostalgic snack after a long day, despite the rise of gourmet cafés offering pricier alternatives like Belgian waffles.
Our attachment to the pandan waffle reveals a longing for tradition and comfort. Just as we cling to beloved childhood treats, this dessert serves as a reminder of simpler times, resonating with the hearts of older generations who grew up with fewer snack options.
In an age where the pandan waffle remains relevant due to its convenience and affordability, it appeals to both budget-conscious students and the average neighborhood dweller. Our loyalty to these beloved snacks highlights a desire to stay young at heart, even as we grow older.
Unique to Singapore and Southeast Asia, the pandan waffle offers a taste of nostalgia and cultural identity. While it originated in Vietnam, we have infused it with our flavors and preferences, crafting a distinctive version that resonates with local palates.
Food is more than just sustenance; it embodies memories, traditions, and a sense of belonging. In a constantly evolving culinary landscape, the ongoing affection for pandan waffles, as seen in dedicated social media accounts like @pandan_pig and @hospitalwaffles, shows our commitment to preserving this cherished tradition.
As Singapore continues to change, the humble pandan waffle may serve as a delicious reminder of our past—a tangible connection to the flavors and experiences that define our identity.
