Today, I had the rare treat of having nasi lemak for breakfast. For some, having coconut rice accompanied by fish, anchovies, cucumber, peanuts, a scrambled egg and topped with sambal chilli can be a shocking idea. But not for Singaporeans or Malaysians. This is, in fact, common fare for us.
My nasi lemak may be just coconut rice, a semi-boiled egg and anchovy-sambal chilli, but it was definitely the authentic taste that Henry and I have been craving for. Translated, "nasi lemak" means "delicious rice", and the one I had this morning was definitely sedap (good)!
And I owe this treat to Auntie M, my Malaysian midwife friend, who dropped by for a visit with her Singaporean friend Kay. Auntie M had remembered that I miss dishes from home and had specially whipped up the nasi lemak this morning. She also came laden with presents for Julien.
There is something to be said for meeting fellow countrymen or regional friends when in a foreign land. We may not have known each other for very long, but I have found from experience, the friendship does not take long to form and is often strong. I suppose being away from home makes one happy to meet others from home and the conversation soon takes on a local turn, as we make references to places, popular culture, food etc from home.
I was especially glad for Mum and Dad to meet Auntie M and Kay. I can see that they enjoyed the visit, but more than that, I think it assures them to see that there is a Malaysian/Singaporean community here. I know they both feel better having checked out the Asian supermarket here and today, Mum told me having walked down every aisle in Tesco, she knows I can buy anything I want or need, so there is no need to worry. When one becomes a parent, one understands more the worry that parents can have for their children.
Today's visit also reminds me once again of the close links between Singapore and Malaysia. My parents as well as in-laws are both Singaporean-Malaysian pairings and today's visitors reflect that as well. Perhaps, this explains why I was once told by a foreigner with an all-knowing air, "Singapore...oh, that's the capital of Malaysia, isn't it?" To this day, I have yet to figure out if one would consider this a compliment or otherwise.
Whatever the geographical boundaries, we do share much in common. And when one is overseas, I think I am not far wrong to say that Malaysians and Singaporeans do feel alike and gravitate towards one another. I remember feeling indignant in the States, when I visited a Malaysian restaurant and realized that most dishes offered on the menu were Singaporean. But when one has been overseas in different countries, one does learn that the two countries share largely the same cuisines. And so I suppose a Malaysian might feel the same when faced with a similar menu when in a so-called Singaporean restaurant. After a few years overseas, all I can say is it no longer bothers me what it tags itself (Malaysian or Singaporean); all I know is either label means we can find food that will satisfy those homesick-for-local-food cravings.
I have a feeling we will be seeing more of Auntie M and Kay. And they will be seeing more of us. For now, I will just say my thanks for today's little box of friendship - the very sedap nasi lemak. Terimah kasih!
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| Auntie M's Very Sedap Nasi Lemak |
P.S.
This is a food blog by a Malaysian Chinese girl that I am following. Great recipes and yummy pictures... Enjoy!
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