Popiah Making

The origin of popiah making

The tradition of Popiah making was believed to have originated from the Fujian province in south eastern China. Popiah, also known as spring rolls were commonly eaten during the spring season as there was always an abundance of vegetables. Nowadays, since everything is factory made, it is quite hard to find homemade popiah skins that retains the thin yet rich texture of the batter. Therefore, we will explain and recommend some places to go to if you want to eat traditional homemade popiah.

What is the popoiah skin made of?

The white paper-thin skin of the popiah is usually made from wheat flour mixed with water. Salt may also be be added in to give the skin some flavour. The slightly elastic dough is then separated into small balls, dropped into a skillet and then quickly lifted off, creating a thin layer on the pan.

Varieties of popiah fillings

Anyone who has eaten Popiah before would know that there is a wide variety of fillings to choose from as well as different techniques of wrapping the Popiah skin.

Some commonly used ingredients for the fillings are:

  1. Lettuce leaves

  2. Grated carrots

  3. Chinese sausages

  4. Fried shallots

  5. Chopped peanuts/ peanut powder

  6. Black sauce (sweet)

The technique

There is a proper technique required to wrap the ingredients together. If one does not wrap the ingredients properly together or uses too much force, the ingredients will fall apart or the thin skin of the popiah will tear.

why is popiah skin making vanishing?

The traditional way of making popiah skin has long been replaced by factory made popiah skin. More shops chooses to use factory made popiah skin as it is much more faster, convenient and hassle-free compared to handmade popiah skin. Hence, the art of handmade popiah skin is quickly becoming a vanishing old trade.

Places to explore

Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah

  • Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah takes great pride in their long history of making the most authentic popiah skins in Singapore. Ever since the shop opened in 1938, they have been using a secret family recipe handed down from their forefathers who came from the Fujian Province in China.

  • Address: 95 Joo Chiat Rd , Singapore 427389

  • Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9am-2am (closed on Mondays)

  • Demonstration of making popiah skin: Every Sat & Sun 8.30am-11am

Maps & Directory

  • MRT stations nearby: Eunos, Paya Lebar, Dakota

  • Restaurants nearby: Cugini Trattoria Pizzeria, Kim's Place Seafood