Kuih and Desserts

Authentic Singaporean Ondeh Ondeh Recipe

These delightful green gems are a staple of Singaporean heritage, featuring a soft, chewy pandan dough that yields to a burst of liquid Gula Melaka. Coated in lightly salted fresh grated coconut, they offer the perfect balance of floral, sweet, and savory notes in a single bite.

Ondeh Ondeh
Prep
30 min
Cook
15 min
Serves
4
Level
Medium
Per serving
285 kcal

Method

  1. Prepare the coconut coating by mixing the freshly grated coconut with a pinch of salt. Steam it for 5 minutes to prevent it from souring quickly, then let it cool on a flat plate.

  2. Create the natural pandan extract by blending the chopped pandan leaves with 150ml of water. Strain through a fine muslin cloth or sieve, squeezing hard to extract all the green juice.

  3. Place the glutinous rice flour in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the pandan juice while kneading until a smooth, pliable, and non-stick dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water; if too sticky, add a little more flour.

  4. Pinch off a small piece of dough (about the size of a walnut) and roll it into a smooth ball. Use your thumb to create a deep well in the center.

  5. Fill the well with about half a teaspoon of chopped Gula Melaka. Carefully pinch the edges to seal the ball completely, ensuring there are no air bubbles or cracks.

  6. Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Drop the balls into the water. They are cooked once they float to the surface. Let them float for an extra 30 seconds to ensure the sugar inside is fully melted.

  7. Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls and immediately drop them into the grated coconut. Roll them gently until evenly coated.

Notes

Chop the Gula Melaka very finely; large chunks may not melt completely during the short boiling time.

Do not let the dough sit out for too long or it will dry out; cover it with a damp cloth while working.

Ensure the seal is perfect; any tiny crack will cause the Gula Melaka to leak out into the boiling water.

For an extra aromatic dough, you can mix a tablespoon of coconut milk into the pandan juice.

Questions

Why did my Ondeh Ondeh burst while boiling?
This usually happens if the dough skin is too thin or if there were air bubbles trapped inside when sealing the Gula Melaka.
Can I use store-bought pandan paste?
Yes, you can use a few drops of pandan essence/paste mixed with water, but the flavor and color will not be as vibrant or authentic as fresh pandan juice.
What is the best way to store these?
Ondeh Ondeh is best eaten within a few hours of making. If you must store them, keep them at room temperature. Refrigeration makes the glutinous rice skin go hard.
Where can I find fresh grated coconut?
In Singapore, this is easily found at wet markets. If abroad, look for frozen grated coconut (unsweetened) in Asian grocery stores and steam it before use.

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