How Many Calories in Kuih Talam?

Two layers: salty coconut top, sweet pandan or gula melaka base. The thick coconut top is the fat driver.

130kcal / 1 piece (~60g)

One piece of kuih talam is about 130 calories. The salty coconut top layer brings the fat and the sweet base brings the carbs. The ubi and keladi versions run a bit higher from the denser starch.

Nutrition facts

Per 1 piece (~60g) (60g)	Amount	Per 100g
Calories	130 kcal	217 kcal
Protein	2 g	3 g
Carbs	21 g	35 g
Fat	5 g	8 g

Where the calories come from

Sweet pandan / gula melaka base38g

85 kcal

Salty coconut top layer22g

45 kcal

The real talk

Kuih talam is the two tone one, a salty thick coconut top over a sweet green pandan or gula melaka base. That contrast is the whole appeal. The thick santan top is the fat driver and the sweet base is the carbs, landing a piece around 130 calories.

The ubi kayu (tapioca) and keladi (taro) versions are a bit heavier, around 150 to 170, because the dense starch replaces water. Still treat territory. One piece, enjoy it, move on.

Kuih Talam variants, ranked by calories

Variant	Calories	Notes
Talam pandan	130 kcal	Green sweet base
Talam gula melaka	140 kcal	Palm sugar base, richer
Talam keladi (taro)	150 kcal	Denser starch
Talam ubi (tapioca)	160 kcal	Densest, more starch

How to eat it lighter

Stick to one piece, the coconut top makes these moreish.
The pandan version is slightly lighter than the ubi or keladi ones.
Treat, not a meal component. Pair with a kosong drink.

Common questions

How many calories in kuih talam?

About 130 calories for a standard pandan piece. The thick coconut top brings the fat and the sweet base brings the carbs. Ubi and keladi versions are higher at 150 to 170.

Which kuih talam is highest in calories?

The ubi kayu (tapioca) version at around 160, because the dense starch replaces water. The pandan version is the lightest at around 130.

Is kuih talam a treat or a snack?

A treat. It is coconut and starch with little protein, so one piece is fine but it will not keep you full like real food.

Calorie and macro figures are estimates for a typical hawker or kopitiam serving. Actual numbers vary by stall, recipe and portion size. Use them as a guide, not gospel.

New to all this? Read how I went from 128kg to 86kg without cutting rice →