Popiah

Popiah is a delightful fresh spring roll originating from the Fujian province of China and has also gained popularity in Taiwan. This dish, dating back to the 17th century, gets its name from the Chaoshan dialect, where "popiah" means "thin wafer." It is known by various names depending on the Chinese dialect or language.

The essence of popiah lies in its wrapper—a soft, thin crepe made from wheat flour. Inside, you'll discover a delectable mix of ingredients such as turnip, bean sprouts, Chinese sausage, tofu, peanuts, and more. To enhance its flavors, it’s typically accompanied by savory sauces like sweet bean sauce or hoisin sauce.

Popiah boasts numerous variations across different regions. In mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia, each locale adds its unique twist. For instance, in Taiwan, you can find both fried and non-fried versions, each with distinct regional fillings and cooking techniques. In Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Vietnam, popiah is a cherished street food. Thai cuisine also features similar fresh and deep-fried spring rolls reminiscent of popiah. Comparable dishes in other cuisines include Indonesian Lumpia Basah and Filipino lumpiang sariwa.