Kue lapis, also known as kuih lapis, and kueh lapis is a traditional Southeast Asian steamed dessert known for its colourful, multi-layered appearance and soft, chewy texture. It is commonly found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, and is particularly associated with Peranakan cuisine. Due to historical migration and colonial ties, the dessert is also popular in Suriname, where it is known simply as lapis, as well as in the Netherlands.
The dish is believed to have originated from Chinese immigrants, especially those from southern China, who introduced steamed rice cakes such as jiu ceng gao (("nine layer cake") to the region. Over time, the recipe was adapted with local ingredients such as coconut milk, pandan and tapioca flour, resulting in the distinctively Southeast Asian version known today as kuih lapis.
Dances and dishes known across the province.