Among many traditional delicacies during the festive season, Brunei has one sweet delight that stands out—Kek Tapak Kuda. This cake is not just an ordinary dessert; it’s a must-bring souvenir and must-have delicacy in Brunei, especially during special occasions like Hari Raya. Here is a closer look at what makes this cake so beloved in Brunei.
What is Kek Tapak Kuda?
Kek Tapak Kuda, which can be translated into “Horse’s Hoof Cake” or “Horseshoe Cake" in English, gets its name from its unique shape. Before being sliced, the cake is similar to the roll cake, but once cut into pieces, it takes the form of a horseshoe, which the origin this cake got its name.
Although it has gained popularity across Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Singapore, Brunei is the origin of this delicacy and has already become a symbol in Bruneian celebrations. It’s commonly found during festive seasons, such as Ramadhan and Eid Al-Fitr, and other celebrations where it's shared among family and friends. People also often bring this as a souvenir for their loved ones.
Taste and texture
Kek Tapak Kuda has a light, moist, and slightly dense sponge texture. The flavor is not overly sweet, but its rich, buttery aroma makes it a comforting indulgence. The cake combines a soft sponge base with a generous filling—commonly filled with Nutella—which creates balanced flavors of buttery and sweet.
While Nutella is the most common filling, you can also easily find other variations using pistachio, Lotus Biscoff, peanut butter, and matcha. Not only the filling, several local bakeries also vary the cake with colorful and brighter colors to make their own Kek Tapak Kuda unique and stand out among others.
How to make Kek Tapak Kuda
Making Kek Tapak Kuda is relatively simple and similar to methods used in a common sponge cake. They include eggs, caster sugar, flour, baking powder, melted butter, vanilla essence, and emulsifier.
For a fluffier and richer texture, bakers often use more eggs and butter. Many people also add a sponge stabilizer to help the cake remain soft and flexible, preventing cracks when folded.
What you need to do first is whisk the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes thick and forms a fluffy white batter. Then, fold in the dry ingredients along with the melted butter. Once all the ingredients are well combined, bake the batter until fully cooked. While the cake is still warm, immediately roll or fold it to prevent cracking—this is the trickiest step. Before adding the filling, you can also chill the cake in the refrigerator to help maintain its shape.
Kek Tapak Kuda is known for its generous filling, and Nutella is the most common filling. So, whatever filling you choose, be sure to use a generous amount of filling to enhance the flavor.
What makes Kek Tapak Kuda special?
The most distinctive feature of Kek Tapak Kuda is its unique horseshoe shape. Its visual characteristic makes this cake instantly recognizable and distinguishable from other types of roll cakes.
In addition, it is strongly associated with celebration, family gatherings, and hospitality, especially during Eid. Because of that, Kek Tapak Kuda often embodies goodwill and togetherness among Bruneian homes.
Where to buy and how much?
The original Brunei Kek Tapak Kuda could be bought in the local Brunei bakeries or home-based sellers. However, due to its popularity, Kek Tapak Kuda is widely available across Southeast Asia as well. Many online platforms, especially in Malaysia and Singapore, sell this cake. They also often label it with “Original Brunei,” indicating high demand for the original one.
On average, the cake is priced around B$15.00 per roll. On Malaysian e-commerce platforms, it’s typically sold for RM6.50 for a small size and RM23.00 for a large size. Higher-priced versions are often labeled “premium” or “original recipe,” indicating the use of 100% pure butter and Nutella as their ingredients.
For those who are visiting Brunei, Kek Tapak Kuda could be a delicious souvenir or gift for loved ones. Its rich taste and cultural roots make it a treat worth savoring to try the original taste of Brunei.
If you're looking to experience a truly Bruneian delicacy, Kek Tapak Kuda should be at the top of your list. Whether enjoyed during a holiday or as a special gift, this cake delivers both tradition and tasty flavor in every bite.
