Having only seen it on TV, my impression of Hakka Abacus Seeds has always been of a firm yam “gnocchi” with its signature flat round shape and distinct indentation in the middle. Thus I was surprised (and maybe even a little disappointed) to find The Beef House’s rendition ($2) to be missing the dimple in the middle. However, the taste was not compromised and certainly not the texture (as assured by Ni Zhen with her Hakka roots).

Soft, chewy, and a touch starchy, each button held just the right amount of bite. Each glistening yet not greasy, the yam seeds were kneaded with pumpkin and had the added sweetness which I absolutely adore. And though I haven’t had others to compare by, their suan pan zi was pretty well-executed. The bits of dried mushroom and hei bi also supplied a great umami flavour.

Next to it, packed full of dried shrimps and turnips, their Hakka Soon Kuehs ($1) are not to be missed. With a “QQ” skin, ours were cut for easy consuming and to reveal the crunchy fillings that exploded with each bite.

#BurppleJalanBesar