Tong Hulu, also known as "buah melaka," is a traditional Malaysian street‑food dessert that dates back to the colonial era. It originally featured fruit skewered and dipped in hot sugar syrup, symbolizing festive indulgence during celebrations and night markets.

In Penang, Tong Hulu often uses tropical fruits like mango and jackfruit, while in the east coast states, pineapple and papaya are common. Some regions add a thin layer of coconut milk after the sugar dip for extra richness.

Vendors usually serve Tong Hulu on bamboo sticks, freshly dipped in hot caramelized sugar, and handed to customers still warm. The fruit is eaten immediately to enjoy the contrast of hot syrup and cool fruit.

Tong Hulu is popular during Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and local night markets, where its bright colors and sweet taste make it a crowd‑pleasing treat for both children and adults.

The classic version uses fresh tropical fruit, wooden skewers, and a hot sugar syrup made from granulated sugar and water. The sugar‑free version replaces the hot syrup with ice‑cold water (optionally colored) to create a frozen coating while keeping the fruit fresh.

Tong Hulu pairs nicely with other Malaysian sweets such as cendol, ais kacang, and kuih lapis, offering a balance of textures and temperatures on a dessert platter.

Common errors include not freezing the fruit long enough, using water that is not cold enough, and dipping the fruit for too long, which causes the coating to melt. Follow the freezing and quick‑dip steps precisely for a solid coating.

The ice‑cold water method creates a thin frozen layer without added sugar, making the dessert suitable for low‑sugar or diabetic diets while still providing the fun visual of a coated fruit stick.

Yes, you can skewer and freeze the fruit up to two days in advance. Keep the dipped fruit in an airtight container in the freezer and dip fresh fruit just before serving for the best texture.

The YouTube channel Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 focuses on playful, family‑friendly cooking tutorials that blend classic Asian comfort foods with creative twists, often emphasizing quick, budget‑friendly recipes for home cooks.

Little Remy Food combines traditional Malaysian flavors with modern, health‑conscious adaptations—like this sugar‑free Tong Hulu—while using clear, step‑by‑step visuals that make even intricate street‑food techniques accessible to beginners.