Whether rich or poor, everyone would have surely had these snacks when they were kids.
Also, I would say ‘savoury’ because if I were to add the sweets, this list would have over 30 snacks. So let’s get to it!
1. Biskut Piring
Remember those times you saw them in packets, hanging from the roti man’s truck, wondering if it’s edible? And of course, as a kid, you definitely had to try something that looks as colourful as that. Biskut Piring, for those who unfortunately haven’t had it before, are very light and crispy, and with every bite you take, some will stick on your tongue (which makes it all the more fun to eat). Another name we use for it is “the Styrofoam biscuits”. Now I don’t know who would want to eat Styrofoam, but child me wanted to.
2. Wheel Crackers
This. This is my personal favourite. In fact, the moment I spot this, I run to it and purchase it, no matter the price. No one really knows what it’s called, but we all associate it with steering wheels, hence why I personally call it “those wheel things you find at pasar malams”. It’s a really simple snack and any kid who grew up going to pasar malams would definitely recognise it. You can still find them at certain pasar malams and some kedai runcits. But I do warn… it’s highly addictive.
3. Xiao Man Tou (小馒头)
This was one of the few snacks I’ve totally forgotten about. The name translates into “small steamed buns”, which is because… well, the look like small steamed buns. The difference though is that these are crunchy and powdery more than soft and squishy. It’s another highly addictive snack.
4. Mamee Monster
This is probably one of the more famous childhood snacks that we still snack on today. And for those who have not truly lived and have never tried it before, do not add water to this, please. It’s not instant noodles, even if it does look like one. You just unwrap it and eat it. Of course, how you eat it is always a debate. Do you bite into it immediately? Or do you crush it first? Careful how you answer, you might lose a friend. Or two.
5. Fish Muruku
Now, we actually have two versions of this, but I’m sure, like me, you only remember the one with the baby. But surprise, surprise! Both the versions have babies on them:
AND
This snack is seasoned perfectly with spices and flavouring, bringing back all the feels when I saw a picture of it. When you see this snack at house parties today, you’re likely to yell “OH MY GOD THE NAKED BABY MURUKUS” – even when both the babies aren’t even naked. Also, is it just me or we all thought those babies were naked? Nope? Just me? Okay.
6. Cissy Crackers
When I was researching for this article, I had a few snacks in mind, but when I saw Cissy Crackers’ logo, I was flooded with childhood memories. This was something I have not had in more than 10 years. These thin potato crisps are stacked neatly in each packet. They’re still being sold today, but with a different logo and packaging that made me go “There aren’t Cissy! These are lies!”, because I’m getting old now and like our parents, I’m starting to come up with conspiracy theories to deny that things are changing. I mean look at this new packaging and logo:
7. Grilled Seaweed
This snack is something we have when we have ‘itchy mouths’ and don’t want to feel bad by snacking on some other ‘unhealthier’ stuff. It’s as if by eating bags of this, we will somehow feel healthier than when we’re eating a bag of ice gems. Not forgetting to mention, this is a very financially deceptive snack because not only is one pack more expensive than other childhood nibbles but also because one pack is never enough. I don’t know if the old ones are still being sold, but we all know this brand is leading the seaweed snack business:
“It’s not the same though…” says old Shareen.
8. Super Ring
This snack had the potential to stain everything. But despite that, it was a price well worth paying for since it was highly addictive, sweet and savory at the same time, and please tell me I’m not the only one who does this.
Now, sing it in your head: “Super Ring Lazat, Super Ring Riang, Super Ring Super Duper Gembira~”. Don’t forget the epic finger-licking session you’ll have after having a bag.
9. Tam Tam / Mi-Mi / Bika
Who else still snacks on these whilst watching Netflix?
I know I still do. These mini packets were highly addictive and you won’t notice you’ve completely devoured 5 – 10 bags of it until your show is over. Which one do you prefer more? I know I’m #TeamTamTam!
10. Kacang Puteh
These titbits were well-known for how it was served – in a newspaper, or more recently, in white paper, which is rolled into a cone. Kacang Puteh are basically chickpeas that are roasted slightly without oil or salt, and it was what Malaysians snacked on in the cinemas before popcorns came about.
11. Wang Wang Crackers
Feel that pang of nostalgia? Can you taste the savoury seasoned coating of the Wang Wang Rice Crackers? We won’t judge you if you lick the powder off the cracker before eating the cracker itself. Wang Wang is also known as ‘Want Want’. Don’t ask me why.
12. Pig’s Eat Biscuits / Er Duo Bing (耳朵饼)
These were amazing at giving you strong jaw muscles. Er Duo Bing translates into ‘Eat Biscuits’ because it resembles ears of a pig, and is a Chinese favourite. I can remember them in every Chinese household, all year round.
13. Dahfa Dried Cuttlefish Strips
This is a personal bae of mine. This snack is made from real cuttlefish, is a little spicy and never made me feel guilty when stuffing a whole bunch in my mouth. It definitely made the entire room smell like a fish market, but the tastiness of the snack definitely made the smell more bearable. Plus, after eating a whole bunch, you start smelling like it, and you won’t even realise the smell anymore!
BONUS:
I don’t know whether to consider this a candy or a savoury snack, so I’m just going to leave this as a bonus!
Wu Hua Guo (无花果) / Asam Tahi Idung / Asam Mo Far Kor
These small cylinders are filled with shreds of sour, dried figs, and is also known for looking like ‘boogers’, hence why it’s nicked name Asam Tahi Idung. It’s a great pick-me-up for those who are sleepy, and more amazingly, they’re amazing when you’re feeling nauseated whilst in a car ride.
*Sigh*. Which snacks do YOU miss the most?
