Ban Cien Koay Stalls in Penang

Ban Cien Koay (16 July 2008)


The Penang Ban Cien Koay (Penang Hokkien: Ban₁ Chien₃ Koay₄ [ban-tsiɛn-koe]) is a Chinese peanut pancake with pretty much the same topping as the Chinese apong, except that it usually has a harder crust. There are two types of Ban Cien Koay, the large type made in a big griddle and then cut into triangles and rectangles; and the small type made in their individual griddle. I prefer buying the small ones. They are much crisper than the big type. And I love mine sweet, with a visible coating of sugar crystals inside.

The name Ban Cien Koay (also written Ban Chean Koay or Ban Jian Kway) means "slow-cooking cake" in Hokkien. Ban Cien Koay is made by leveling a layer of batter over the hot griddle. A lid is then placed over the batter to let it cook. Then a generous amount of sugar and fried grounded peanuts are sprinkled over it. Other ingredients added to the Ban Cien Koay include sweet corn, bananas, and in the case of Aki Pancake, anything goes, from peanut butter to tuna.

Medan Selera Taman Free School Ban Cien Koay stall (27 April 2013)


Ban Cien Koay stall, Medan Selera Taman Free School (27 April 2013)


Ban Cien Koay, Medan Selera Taman Free School (27 April 2013)




When the Ban Cien Koay is cooked, its sides are scraped with a knife to detach it from the griddle. It is folded over quickly before it hardens, taken out of the pan, and placed to cool in pancake racks. It is best eaten when still fresh and hot. When you buy the Ban Cien Koay, the seller wraps it with a piece of oil paper and puts it into a plastic bag. It's best that you take it out or else it will quickly soften, and then it won't taste so nice.

Comments

Says Teong Ong in Facebook: Ban Cien Koay and Apong have different origins. Apong is South Indian while Ban Cien Koay is Chinese. It is misleading to describe Ban Cien Koay as Chinese Apong. Apong is rice based; the version we know in Penang does not have any filling unlike Ban Cien Koay. I associate apong balek with another type of koay, similar to Ban Cien Koay but the dough is rice based and includes grated coconut; it also has sliced bananas.


If you suddenly feel like going out to get some Ban Cien Koay, I've created a food map pinpointing all the locations on Penang Island where it is sold. I'll continue to add to the map as I discover new locations.

Where to find Ban Cien Koay Stalls in Penang

Ban Cien Koay is available at the following locations in Penang:

Ban Cien Koay in Art

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