I’m not Malay but I enjoy the local traditional Malay crackers better than potato crisps anyday! And the Hari Raya season is the best time to indulge in the traditional crackers and cookies.
When we visit friends and family during the Hari Raya festive season, it is common to have cookies and crackers or cakes placed on the table for everyone to enjoy, besides all the rendang, ketupat and curries! When I see a selection like this one, I inevitably chow down on the Kerepek Bawang which is the orange crackers with swirls.
Kerepek Bawang (Onion Cracker) is so called because the swirls cause it to resemble an onion sliced into half. Don’t you think it does? It is made from flavoured and spiced flour which is rolled into a roll like a swiss roll, then sliced very thinly and deep fried till crisp.
I’ve had Malay friends tell me that Kerepek Bawang has no onion in its ingredients but some others tell me that it does. So, if anyone out there has an idea, do let me know! It will surely be educational 
Taste wise, it is crispy and mildly salty with a hint of spices. It is very addictive and I can polish off handfuls of this at one go! The only problem is that many commercial ones these days no longer have the slightly spicy flavour that makes this cracker so addictive. Many just taste of flour and look a scary bright neon orange. The proper traditional ones are brownish rather than orangish!
Does anyone know where I can get some delicious and original traditional Kerepek Bawang?
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
wow…kerepek bawang. Now that’s something new to me! (Superhero S). Must ask whether or not Superhero W knows about the kerepek! Haha.. :p
I’ve never had this before-where have I been??
Me wants.
@twosuperheroes: Oh try to get hold of it – yummy! Most Malay kerepek stalls will have them
@Monstro: Hop down to any kerepek stall – they usually have them in neon orange colours LOL
Wow, haven’t had bawang in a long time. They really are delicious.
I wonder if some of those “onion flavored” ones actually have onion powder as a seasoning.
I remember getting some fresh made ones at a stand over in the Ikano Power Centre.
@Nate: I’m not surprised if they are mostly made with onion flavouring instead of proper onions this time. Price of commercialization eh?
hey i thought those kerepek bawang used to call like the “cow’s ear biscuit”? or issit something same same but different?
@billy: I think i know which biscuit you mean. This is different. I’ll try to find some of the ones you mean – biskut telinga or ear biscuits I think – hard ones that look like a hat?