In the culinary world, Malaysia is known for its vibrant and diverse cuisine that incorporates various mouthwatering dishes. Among these dishes is a delightful Malaysian treat named "Apam Balik". This pancake-like snack is beloved by many, locals and tourists alike. Versatile and delicious, Apam Balik is especially known for its 'sedap' (delicious in Malay) and 'gebu' (fluffy in Malay) qualities.

Apam Balik is essentially a type of pancake that is served folded in half, containing a tasty mixture of sugar, peanuts or other optional ingredients such as sweet corn, cheese or chocolate chips. The generous filling coupled with fluffy exterior makes haunts the taste buds in an appetizing combination.

This delightful snack begins with a base of a fluffy and delicate pancake-style batter. The batter for Apam Balik includes common ingredients such as all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, egg, and water. These ingredients work harmoniously together to achieve a soft and fluffy texture. A unique addition to the batter is bicarbonate soda, which helps the pancake rise and give it that light and airy feel. A touch of yellow colouring is also used in some recipes to give the dish an attractive, inviting hue; but this step can be eliminated if preferred.

Following the preparation of the batter, comes the equally crucial part - the filling. Traditional Apam Balik flaunts a filling made up of crushed peanuts, sugar, sweet corn and margarine. The peanuts are preferred to be without oil and are coarsely pounded to give that satisfying crunch, providing a balance to the soft, fluffy pancake. The sweet corn balances out the taste with its subtle sweetness coupled with the underlying aromatic hint from margarine, making it a delicious concoction that's both sweet and savoury.

In terms of preparation, the process is straight-forward but requires care, patience and technique. Firstly, the batter ingredients are added and whisked until a smooth mixture is formed. Once the batter is prepared, it is time to work on making the pancakes. A small amount of margarine or butter is brushed onto a non-stick pan's surface. One or two scoops of the batter are then poured onto the pan depending upon the desired thickness of the pancake. Traditionally, Apam Balik can be either thin and crispy or thicker and softer - with the former being more common in Malaysia.

As the pancake cooks and begins to harden, the filling is sprinkled on one side of the pancake which is eventually flipped over to encompass the filling, thereby earning it the moniker of "turnover pancake". The end result is a golden yellow pancake stuffed with a delightful filling of peanuts, sweet corn and sugar.


The association between "orang kampar" and Apam Balik is strong. Legend has it that a man from Kampar, who had recently moved from Bangkinang to Perak, was searching for a business idea. Suddenly, he had the inspiration to create Apam Balik. Nowadays, if you see someone selling Apam Balik at a day or night market, chances are high that they are from Kampar.

In summary, Apam Balik is undoubtedly a scrumptious and fulfilling snack. The concoction of the creamy filling with a perfectly cooked, fluffy pancake is truly a food lover's delight. It epitomizes the essence of Malaysian street food, being a staple in many street stalls and markets. Savouring a piping hot Apam Balik is indeed a gastronomic pleasure, which tantalizes the taste buds, leaving a yearning for more. It is an unassuming yet delicious dish that represents the heart of Malaysian cuisine.