How many calories are in Kuih Talam?

December 10, 2025 •

3 min read

A single piece of Kuih Talam can contain anywhere from 130 to over 200 calories, depending heavily on the specific recipe, portion size, and ingredients used. Determining the exact calorie count requires a look at the key components.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for Kuih Talam is not fixed, varying significantly with preparation methods, ingredients, and portion sizes. The rich blend of coconut milk, rice flour, and sugar are the main contributors to its caloric content.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in Kuih Talam is not fixed and depends on the recipe and serving size.
Main Ingredients: The primary contributors to its calorie and fat content are coconut milk and sugar.
Homemade vs. Commercial: Calorie content can differ significantly, as homemade recipes allow for ingredient adjustments.
Portion Control is Key: Eating smaller, thinner slices is the easiest way to manage your calorie intake.
Healthy Alternatives: Reduce sugar, use lighter coconut milk, and consider variations with healthier ingredients to lower the caloric value.
Comparison: Kuih Talam has a moderate to high calorie count compared to some other traditional kuih like Kuih Ang Koo.

Understanding the Calorie Count in Kuih Talam

Kuih Talam, a beloved Nyonya two-layered steamed cake, is a staple in Malaysian and Southeast Asian cuisine. Known for its distinct flavor profile—a salty coconut-milk top layer and a sweet pandan bottom—it is a popular snack or dessert. However, pinning down an exact calorie count can be challenging. The number of calories in Kuih Talam can fluctuate wildly based on who makes it, the ingredients they use, and how large a serving is cut.

Factors That Influence Calorie Count

Several key factors directly impact the final nutritional profile of Kuih Talam:

Coconut Milk Content: The creamy top layer and sometimes the bottom layer rely heavily on coconut milk, which is high in saturated fat and calories. The richer the coconut milk or the thicker the layer, the higher the calorie count will be.
Sugar Level: Both the top and bottom layers contain a significant amount of sugar. Homemade recipes allow for adjusting the sweetness, whereas commercially produced kuih often uses generous amounts of sugar for flavor and preservation.
Serving Size: This is arguably the most important factor. A small square piece from a hawker stall will have a different calorie count than a large, thick piece cut from a homemade tray. Some nutritional estimates are based on a cup serving size, which is not a standard portion for this type of kuih.
Recipe Variations: Some modern or regional variations may include additional ingredients like durian, brown sugar, or cendol, which will alter the calorie content.

Comparing Kuih Talam Calories with Other Malaysian Snacks

To put the calories of Kuih Talam into perspective, it's helpful to compare it with other popular local desserts. The following table provides approximate calorie counts for a standard single serving of various kuih, though these values can vary significantly by source and recipe:


Snack (per piece/serving)	Approximate Calories (kcal)	Key Calorie Sources
Kuih Talam	~170-190	Coconut milk, sugar, starches
Kuih Seri Muka	~155-180	Glutinous rice, coconut milk, sugar
Kuih Koci	~183	Glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, palm sugar
Kuih Ang Koo	~111	Glutinous rice flour, mung bean paste
Kuih Apam Balik	~282	Sugar, peanuts, flour

Tips for a Healthier Kuih Talam

For those who want to enjoy this delicious dessert while being mindful of their calorie intake, here are some tips, especially for homemade versions:

Reduce Sugar: Experiment with reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe. The pandan layer's sweetness can often be cut back without losing flavor.
Use Lighter Coconut Milk: Instead of full-fat coconut milk, opt for a light version or dilute it slightly with water to reduce the saturated fat and calorie content.
Control Portion Size: Simply cutting smaller, thinner pieces can drastically reduce the total calories consumed per serving.
Incorporate Healthy Ingredients: Some recipes use healthier flour alternatives or include nutrient-dense additions. Explore variations that use ingredients like sweet potatoes, which add nutrients and fiber.

The Nutritional Breakdown of a Standard Serving

While a precise value is elusive, a typical, moderate-sized slice of pandan Kuih Talam contains a blend of carbohydrates, fats, and some protein, primarily from the coconut milk and rice flours. For example, some sources suggest a cup-sized serving may contain around 345 calories, with 12g of total fat (largely saturated) and 58g of carbohydrates, including 27g of sugar. A smaller, more realistic serving would have a fraction of these values, so it's crucial to be aware of the portion.

Conclusion: Enjoy in Moderation

Ultimately, the number of calories in Kuih Talam is a variable influenced by many factors, from recipe choice to serving size. While it is a high-sugar and high-fat dessert due to its traditional preparation with coconut milk and sugar, it can be a delightful treat enjoyed in moderation. By being aware of the ingredients and controlling your portion size, you can savor this Malaysian classic without overindulging. For those seeking healthier alternatives, adjusting homemade recipes is the best way to enjoy this tasty snack.

For a general nutritional guide on various Malaysian snacks, the Gleneagles Hospitals website offers useful information on calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for Kuih Talam can vary significantly, but a moderate-sized piece is often estimated to be in the range of 170-190 calories. A standard serving (or cup) can be higher, around 345 calories, as noted by Nutritionix.

The calorie count varies due to different ingredients, preparation methods (homemade vs. commercial), and portion sizes. The amount of coconut milk, sugar, and the thickness of the kuih are major factors.

While it's a delicious treat, Kuih Talam is not considered a healthy snack due to its high content of sugar and saturated fat from coconut milk. It is best enjoyed in moderation.

Yes, you can. By reducing the amount of sugar, using lighter coconut milk, and controlling the portion size, you can create a less caloric version at home.

Kuih Talam and Kuih Seri Muka have similar calorie ranges per serving. A slice of Kuih Talam is often estimated to be around 170-190 kcal, while a piece of Kuih Seri Muka can be around 155-180 kcal, but both can vary by recipe.

The main ingredients contributing to the calorie count are coconut milk, which contains a high amount of fat, and sugar. The rice and tapioca flours also contribute carbohydrates.

To control your portion size, cut thinner slices. You can also make smaller kuih by using a smaller tray or mold.

Traditional Kuih Talam is naturally gluten-free and vegan, as its primary ingredients are rice and tapioca flour, coconut milk, pandan, and sugar. However, it's always best to check with the manufacturer or recipe creator for specific details.