By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
Nian Gao or ‘Kuih Bakul’, the iconic Chinese New Year delicacy, holds a special place in the hearts of the Chinese community.
A symbol of prosperity and good fortune, this traditional sweet is a must-have during vibrant celebrations.
However, Nur Farrah Diba Azhar, a 35-year-old entrepreneur, has added a unique twist to this tradition.
Since 2015, she has produced halal nian gao, successfully bridging cultural and religious divides while preserving a timeless heritage.
“I grew up surrounded by the aroma of nian gao made by my grandfather, who was of Chinese descent from China.
Every Chinese New Year, our family would gather to enjoy his homemade nian gao. When he could no longer make it, I deeply missed the treat,” she shared in an interview with Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic.
Encouraged by her grandfather, Farrah decided to learn the art of making nian gao. This marked the beginning of her journey to mastering the intricate craft.
A Leap of Faith
Leaving her career as a civil servant to pursue her passion for nian gao production was no easy decision for Farrah. Initially, her family opposed the idea, but her determination and the knowledge gained from observing her grandfather at work eventually paid off.
A Commitment to Excellence
Farrah, who lived in Ipoh for nine years before moving to Bukit Mertajam, where she currently resides, explained that making nian gao demands extraordinary patience.
“Steaming alone takes 16 to 48 hours. The process must be carried out meticulously, with no shortcuts.
“After four years in the business, I truly began to understand this philosophy. A happy heart and a harmonious workplace lead to better results,” said Farrah, who now runs her shop, Farrah Diba Baker, in Bandar Baru Perda, Bukit Mertajam, with a team of 10 employees.
Today, Farrah produces between 600 and 800 nian gao daily, selling out within minutes during TikTok live sessions under her handle, Farrah Diba Kuih Bakul.
Keeping Tradition Alive
Amid plans to open a new factory and introduce innovations such as vacuum packaging to extend the shelf life of her nian gao, Farrah remains steadfast in her commitment to tradition.
“I’m not solely focused on profits. My priority is ensuring this heritage lives on and can be enjoyed by future generations,” she said, hinting at upcoming variations like durian-flavored nian gao.
Nian gao, a delicacy with a history spanning over 3,000 years, is believed to bring good fortune. Its name translates to “higher year,” symbolising progress and prosperity.
With unwavering dedication, Farrah continues to preserve her family’s legacy, ensuring that this cherished tradition is shared and celebrated by all.