Ang Ku Kueh is a small oval-shaped Chinese pastry with soft, sticky glutinous rice flour skin wrapped around a sweet filling in the center.
It is molded to resemble a tortoise shell and is presented resting on a square piece of banana leaf. As suggested by its name, Ang Ku Kueh are traditionally red and has a sticky, chewy texture when eaten.
Ang Ku Kueh is shaped like tortoise shells because the Chinese traditionally believed that eating tortoises would bring longevity to those who are eating it and bring about good fortune and prosperity.
Considered to be auspicious items, these sweet pastries are especially prepared during important festivals such as Chinese New Year as offerings to the Chinese deities.