When it comes to planning an Asian wedding in the UK, the main thing to think about is what type of wedding cake to serve. Traditionally, in Asia, marriage is done with a lotus or tambourine ceremony. The ceremony is then followed by a banquet meal, which is where the bride and groom share food and gifts.
Nikah Cake
If you’re having an Asian wedding, the traditional dessert is the so-called Nikah Cake. A Nikah Cake is a multi-tiered cake with numerous cakes stacked on top of the other. Traditionally the cakes are decorated with red icing. Today the flavors and ingredients may vary depending on the choice of the couple and the particular wedding. In some Asian countries, the cake may be covered in gold or silver foil. The Japanese believe that eating an Asagi (lit. scroll) of cake, symbolizing the bond between the two people, will help them stay together.
There are several types of Asagi. In Japan, the most popular one is the sugar and filling one. Japanese couples also like to have some fruit and vegetables as toppings on their Asagi. In China, there are more elaborate versions of Asagi, sometimes using actual vegetables to represent the blending of the ingredients. In Singapore, there is a type of Asagi called Lim Sui Ko which is made with three layers of thick white cakes covered in red icing, layered again in fruitcake, and finally topped with pineapples.
Popular Wedding Cakes
In the UK, Asian wedding cakes are also popular. There are many Asian flavor cakes available for the reception, and these can vary from traditional Asian foods to modern delights such as chocolate. Some British companies also produce their own versions of Asian cakes. It is worth trying out some of these at your reception as they can be a great way to incorporate foods from your region into your wedding day.
Although not actually originating in Japan, Japanese wedding cakes are the most popular choice among brides and grooms looking for something different. They are mainly because they are simple and sweet, perfect for a wedding ceremony that is not too formal. Japanese wedding cakes are traditionally made of fruit, although nowadays they can be made from many different ingredients, such as fresh fruit, ice cream, or nuts. Many people prefer the ones with a red or marbled finish because they are less fussy. The traditional Japanese cake is quite heavy, so if you are looking to have your cake carried in a box, it’s worth looking for those which come in smaller boxes.
Asian Wedding Cakes
There are a lot of different types of Asian wedding cakes and most people prefer the baked variety. Japanese eggless Asian wedding cakes are the most popular, mainly because they are very easy to make. One method is to use a pre-made puff pastry to press the layers, but this isn’t really difficult. Once the filling has been added, all one needs to do is cook the cake and spread the filling around. Once cooled off, the cake should be able to spring back to its original shape.
Honey glazed or waxed cakes are becoming more popular and are an excellent choice if you want a simple, yet delicious wedding cake. The honey glaze cakes can be bought ready-made, but if you’re prepared to do half the job yourself, it’s worth buying a book and preparing the cake yourself. Start by mixing the yolks and whites to form a stiff paste, then add the required amount of water. The result is a very thick and rich cake, which will be quite delicious when served. The best cakes have four pages of written instructions and are quite tricky to prepare, but there is a free recipe available on the internet.
There are two kinds of Asian wedding cakes which have become hugely popular with brides across the world. One is called a granny Weatherall and the other is called gyoza. Both are created from a traditional Japanese design called banegari and they are decorated using flowers called kakuro. Other interesting designs are more suited to Asian Weddings, so look at the link at the end of this article for a selection.
