Pathein Halawa
IN the section on traditional Myanmar delicacies, we previously featured Mandalay Htomont (Mandalay Glutinous Rice Butter Cake). Across Myanmar, each region and town has its own well-known and beloved traditional treats. When visiting Mandalay, people often buy Htomont as a gift to take home. Likewise, when travelling to Chaungtha or Ngwehsaung beaches, it has become a tradition to buy Pathein Halawa on the return journey. That is why Mandalay is associated with Htomont, while Pathein is instantly recognized for its famous Halawa.
Pathein Halawa – A Heritage Sweet from the Ayeyawady Delta
Pathein Halawa has been around for nearly 90 years and remains a thriving local industry for the people of Pathein. It is loved nationwide and is a staple sweet served at traditional Myanmar donation ceremonies and proudly displayed in the living rooms of Myanmar households.
So, for this week, here is a simple and delicious recipe for making Pathein Halawa at home – rich, sweet, smooth, and wonderfully satisfying.
How to Make Pathein Halawa
Ingredients
(Makes one small tray)
• Glutinous rice flour – 3 cups
• Water – 4 cups (1 cup = 240 millilitres)
• Coconut milk – 1 can (400 millilitres)
• Milk – 1 can (use the empty coconutmilk can to measure)
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Sugar – 1 cup (about 4 tablespoons)
• Thickened toddy palm syrup – 1 cup (or about 3 tablespoons of concentrated syrup)
• Oil – ½ cup (about 8 tablespoons)
• Melted butter – ¾ cup (about 5 tablespoons)
• Poppy seeds – ¾ cup (or 4 tablespoons)
Instructions
• Lightly toast the poppy seeds over low heat until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
• In a rice cooker, combine the glutinous rice flour, water, and salt. Stir until smooth, then cook as you would cook rice.
• Once cooked, add coconut milk, milk, toddy palm syrup, oil, butter, and sugar. Mix well until fully combined, then cook again.
• When the mixture cooks for the second time, transfer it into a greased pot and place it on the stove.
• Add the cooled poppy seeds and stir continuously until the oil begins to separate from the mixture (about 15 minutes).
• Once the oil rises, pour the mixture into a tray and let it cool completely.
If prepared at night and left to cool, it will be ready to enjoy the next morning. If made in the morning, it will be perfect by the afternoon. Enjoy your homemade Pathein Halawa!
Note:
Mandalay is the capital city in Mandalay Region, while Pathein (formerly Bassein) is the capital city in Ayeyawady Region. — Moon
