hoppers/paalappam Cooking workshop
video : Dinos Bitsios @di_clipz_
Join Our Paalappam Cooking Workshop!
Date & Time: Friday, 11 October 2024, 17:00–20:00
Venue: Aventura Plaza, Lönnrotinkatu 9 (basement), 00120 Helsinki
Cost: 65 EUR/person
Teacher: Mala, founder of Malesian keittiöklubi
Organiser: Veera Pitkänen
Language of Instruction: English
Join us for an immersive Paalappam (also known as hoppers) cooking workshop where you’ll learn how to create one of Malaysia's most beloved dishes. Paalappam is a soft, lacy-edged, fermented rice pancake, popular in Malaysian, South Indian, and Sri Lankan cuisine. It can be served savory or sweet, and it's a staple dish enjoyed by all ethnic groups in Malaysia.
This hands-on class will guide you through the full process of making Paalappam from scratch. You'll master everything from preparing and fermenting the batter to perfecting the cooking technique. Alongside the hoppers, you’ll also learn to make a delicious sothi (coconut milk curry) with the choice of egg, mushroom, or tempeh to suit your preference and spicy onion chutney.
What You'll Learn
Batter Preparation: Understand the ingredients and techniques to create the perfect Paalappam batter.
Fermentation: Learn the essential steps for fermenting the batter to achieve that authentic taste.
Hands-on Hopper Making: Practice the art of cooking Paalappam to perfection.
Sothi and Onion Chutney: Make a flavorful Sothi (coconut milk curry) with egg, mushroom, or tempeh, and a spicy onion chutney.
What’s Included
Coffee and Tea: Enjoy a warm beverage while you cook.
Tasting Session: Savor the fruits of your labor with a meal of freshly made Paalappam, onion chutney, and Sothi.
All Ingredients and Equipment: Everything you need is provided.
Detailed Recipes: Take home recipes to recreate the dishes.
What to Bring:
Apron: Stay clean while you cook.
Containers: Take home any leftovers!
The Story Behind This Workshop
This Paalappam cooking workshop is part of a bigger vision—one that goes beyond just learning to make a traditional dish. I am committed to supporting indigenous communities in Peninsular Malaysia, where people face unique challenges in protecting their land, traditions, and way of life. Through culinary workshops, I aim to raise funds, with all proceeds going directly toward these communities' needs and projects.
Why Paalappam?
Paalappam is not directly connected to indigenous food, but it holds an important place in Malaysian cuisine, transcending ethnic lines. Enjoyed by Malaysians of all backgrounds, this simple yet beloved dish brings people together through shared food culture.
The reason I’m starting with Paalappam and not indigenous dishes is due to the complexity and cost of sourcing indigenous ingredients, which are often specific to their regions and difficult to transport to Finland. This workshop aims to raise the funds needed to support indigenous communities and eventually feature their unique ingredients in future workshops. This way, I can introduce these underrepresented ingredients to a broader audience and highlight their cultural and environmental significance.
A Path Forward
This workshop is just the first step. By starting with Paalappam, a widely loved and approachable dish, I hope to generate excitement and interest in Malaysian cuisine. Over time, I will gradually introduce indigenous ingredients and share the stories behind them—how they are grown and harvested, their cultural importance, and the vital role they play in the daily lives of indigenous communities.
The funds raised will directly support these communities, helping preserve their traditional knowledge, improving access to necessary resources, and empowering them to maintain their connection to their land and heritage.
Why This Is Important
This workshop is not only about learning a new recipe but about making a real impact. By participating, you’re supporting indigenous voices, contributing to the preservation of their knowledge and culture, and helping to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and wild ecosystems. Together, we can create meaningful change—one dish at a time.
Thank you for being part of this journey!
register here
pic : veera pitkänen