Let's talk FOOD

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Hi there
time for a new topic and one that is close to my heart, FOOD. The letter below from the the NST got me thinking about the delights of Malaysian food. Let's talk about our favourites and the weird ones. Let's talk about why duck outlets are so hard to find in Malaysia as compared to Singapore. Let's talk about the quality of local produce. Is the fish to your liking? What are your favourite ways to eat plantains? Does the world of economy rice have a special place in your diet. And of course there is the banana leaf curry.
Let's Go.
Donohue



TOURISM: It's all a matter of eating habits
By : Y. McKENDRICK, Kuala Lumpur
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I REFER to your report "Foreign tourists not so into nasi lemak" (NST, May 10).
Malaysians have a fondness for food but it is not surprising that the local rice dish and other local treats like char kway teow and roti canai are not held in the same regard by tourists.

But more interestingly, the findings do not specifically say if the tourists surveyed were Westerners or tourists from Asia or Africa. Westerners dislike food that is greasy while many Asians and Africans love their cholesterol-laden food.

It may well be true that tourists lack substantial knowledge about our food and drinks but the more plausible reason that they dislike nasi lemak, etc, is that their eating habits are different from ours.

Westerners and the Japa-nese have a healthy diet compared with ours. They are bombarded by the heavy promotion of healthy eating habits from the time they enter school, in the media and in eating establishments.
Every packet of food bought at the supermarket has a label with detailed information on it, such as fat content, fibre amount and calorific value. The same does not exist in Malaysia so we can blissfully carry on eating rich foods.

Westerners also do not eat rice on a daily basis and to eat nasi lemak for breakfast seems unnatural to them as rice is considered more of a dish for a main meal. Moreover, they consider that rice first thing in the morning is too heavy. There is nothing wrong with this. Just remember that we accept that it is not that appetising to have potatoes or bread at every meal, like what Westerners are used to.

Noodles may have shot to the top of popular dishes with tourists because pasta is a favourite dish in Europe.

Fruit juices are popular as people who live in the West are again used to eating healthily and for them, they must have five portions of fruit or vegetables a day. By contrast, Malaysians eat probably two portions of fruit or vegetables a day.

There is nothing unusual about beer being the number two drink popular with tourists. These people have come on holiday and for the majority, beer in their own country is an expensive commodity. It is also an astute observation that Westerners find our drinks or desserts too sweet, like ais kacang or cendol.

I agree that the government should promote Malaysian food. Good tasty nutritious food will always be well liked, whatever its links. But we should forget about making the aim of the promotion to identify people with the country, as it is misleading.

I say this because most people would identify fish and chips as a British favourite. But for many years now, chicken tikka masala has overtaken fish and chips and is now the top British favourite. Or as is colloquially known when out at a takeaway in Britain, one would ask for a "curry and chips".

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Hi,
On this topic of food I would like to ask the long term folks about their eating habits.
Now I bet you all pick up a pair of chopsticks and feel proud that you have mastered the art there BUT when in Indian places have you mastered the art of eating with your hands. I have to confess here that I have been 'doing Asia' for more than 35 years and I lived in India for nearly 4 years AND I have a house in Sri Lanka but I am rubbish at it. I look like a three year old in a high chair when I take on the task and always half way through the meal I resort to fork or spoon. I suppose it is just a case of practice but as much as I have tried it doesn't yet feel quite right. I'm ok with roti and chapati but when it gets to more liquid parts of the meal the mixing and mashing is a bit tougher.
My report card will read 'must try harder'.....much harder.

My apologies to all the Indians/Sri Lankans and some Chinese and others who are experts at eating with their hands from about 2 years old....I hope you understand.
Loopi.

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Hi

Having "Nasi lemak" with squids as breakfast was frequently make fun of by my American hubby. Especially when telling his friends about the life in Malaysia.

Alot of westerners can't figure out how could you have "Nasi Lemak', big bowl of "Laksa" and greasy "Chow Kue Tiew" as breakfast but thats the way Malaysians have  lived for many centuries.

I have been eating cereal and toast for many many years and dying to have a bowl of "Laksa".

Yummy!

Gin

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I personally have rather a Asian breakfast than a full English fry-up (baked beans, sausages, eggs).
Nothing wrong with fried rice in the morning  but I am not sure if I can handle the Chinese porridge though.
My favorite breakfast is Dim Sim and there are some great places to get that here in Penang.

Paul

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If we're talking brekkie, Mr P and I had a nice healthy bowl of watermelon and pomelo and yoghurt this morning.  (is pomelo called pomelo in Malaysia ?!  ) but will be having a not so healthy coconut-based curry tonight.

Char kway teow    - now you're talking - but NOT for brekkie.

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Every day I have porridge for brunch and on special occasions I have Char Kway Teow for breakfast or my favorite seafood fried noodles. I very rarely have the traditional American breakfast of bacon, eggs, home fries and toast. I do wish I could find good bagels or English Muffins here in Penang, though

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hi,

Thanks, Donohue, for a good topic.

Loopi, I can fight 'em off, and pick up the last peanut as fast as anyone with my chopstick prowess. But eating with my fingers - just can't get used to it.

My favorite food - anything with rendang or satay sauce. Total knockout.

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Sri Ananda Bhawan "Banana Leaf"

no more need to be said!

Bob

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Hi Bob
is that a reference to the exquisite restaurant offering banana leaf curries opposite the hotels in Tanjung Bungah.
I think I did cheat and use some utensils in additon to the fingers!
I must confess to a certain partiality to the roadside hamburger shops.
On another note I ordered a Malaysian special roti only to find that it was a roti encrusted in spun sugar. As a main course it was strange but it gave me something to talk about.
 

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Hi Trevor,

Yes indeed, it is the same restaurant we visited together. There are branches elswhere, certainly two more in Penang and one in Ipoh. I have never been disapointed and the breakfast array of rotis, dosai and murtaba etc is great.

Never tried the roti with the spun sugar that you mention.

They still talk about you in the kopi kedai and hamburger bars of Tanjong Bungah

regards

Bob

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For those who dream of home !!
Pictures also at: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/5/22/north/3915393&sec=North




Friday May 22, 2009
A taste of British classics
Story and photos by JEREMY TAN

EXUDING idyllic European countryside magic and serenity, Annabelle’s Place is a cafe that is as much charming as it is cosy.

Located in a shop house block called Permai 32 in the Casa Permai 2 housing area at where else — Lembah Permai, Annabelle’s Place certainly makes an impression the moment you step in. The hanging vines, garden chairs and floral bouquets all around give you a feel of the traditional English ambience as you step in.

Its theme is reflected in the menu which features British classics, with a smattering of continental European and contemporary flavours thrown in.

The cafe is largely inspired by proprietor Annabelle Teow’s experiences while studying in the United Kingdom. An accountant by profession, she has since switched over to her main passion — cooking.

“I found this place jiving with my concept. It is a secluded and serene environment where diners can enjoy their meals away from the hustle and bustle of downtown,” she said.

Not only are her dishes tasty, they are also healthy. Sauces and chutneys are home made, while breads and scones are specially baked using organic flour by a friend. Her all-day breakfast menu features a variety of gourmet toasts ranging from Brandy Butter to Cinnamon Butter, as well as Welsh Rarebit, a British speciality of melted cheese over toast.
Great texture: (Top) Brandy Butter on Toast (right) and Cinnamon Butter on Toast; (below, front) Corned Beef Sandwich.

One of Annabelle’s all-time favourites is the Corned Beef Sandwich served with house-pickled onion, cheese, mustard and fresh greens. At your request, the sandwich can even be super-sized with extra poached egg and corned beef, ideal for big appetites. The focaccia bread is toasted just perfectly, with a slightly crisp texture that contrasts with the moist helpings of corned beef. Besides focaccia, sandwiches are also available with English muffins.

Mediterranean flair is reflected in the Seafood Spicy Olio Pasta. Cooked al dente, the spaghetti is tossed with herbs, garlic and chillies, topped with chunky squids, prawns and mussels.
Mediterranean flair: The Seafood Spicy Olio Pasta is spaghetti tossed with herbs, garlic and chilli served with squids, prawns and mussels.

Another popular seafood item is the Ocean Treasures — baked crabs in creamy mushroom sauce served with hash browns. Piercing through the golden cheese layer covering the underside of whole crab shells is akin to opening a treasure chest; you’ll find lots of tasty morsels blended with chunky crab meat hidden inside.

Annabelle’s is also one of the few places where you can enjoy traditional English afternoon tea, at any time of day! A pot of your favourite brew is complemented with freshly baked English scones, clotted cream and strawberry preserve. There is also the Windsor Tea, with additional seasonal fruits, finger sandwiches, cakes and pastries, immaculately presented on a tiered dessert stand.

No detail is spared, even the scones are the typical English ones with a chewy texture, heavenly once you lather some clotted cream and jam on top.

There are also a variety of smoothies, floral teas and enzymatic fruit cocktails for the health conscious.

One novelty item is the Blooming Tea with a flower-shaped pouch infused with green tea, carnation and jasmine. As its name implies, the ‘flower’ slowly blooms once boiling water is added. Sweet with a hint of fruitiness, the refreshing beverage is packed with anti-oxidants.

Annabelle’s Place is located at 10, Lebuh Lembah Permai 4, 11200, Tanjung Bungah. Operating hours are from 11.30am to 2.30pm and from 4.30pm to 10pm Tuesdays through Fridays, and from 11.30am to 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It is closed on Mondays, except if it’s a public holiday. For inquiries or reservations, call 04-8901098.

       

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Ho Donohue

This place is just down the road from where I live, I have not visited it so far but the pictures surely look appetizing!
So maybe I should give it a try.
Last night Indian at Sri Ananda Bhawan. Second time this week and it is never disappointing. Also saw Bob digging into his Banana Leaf 

Rergards, Paul

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Hi Paul & Donohue,

Must go to Annabelle’s Place, I like the look of the corned beef sandwich (who said the English cant cook?).

Sri Ananda seems to be Expat Heaven. Paul, I will either have to stop eating there or take up jogging!

See you at the Dragon Boat Racing. Is anyone else going?

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Does the world of economy rice have a special place in your diet.
Donohue

But what do you mean by economy rice exactly?  Long grain?

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I like it too at the Sri Ananda Bhawan "Banana Leaf", but I get awfully thirsty after the meals, must be the higher salt content. Occasional meals ok there

That Indian one across from Caltex on Tanjung Tokong road is also good. Took my children and friends for breakfast when they came for visits and they all love it too - nearer for me 

Chinese Porridge is one of my favourite esp the one with the salted egg and 'century' egg and meat 

Papaya, Economy Rice is a name for the array of dishes one picks and ususlly go with rice. Till now I still do not know how much it costs as there are just too many to choose. Usually I go early when the dishes are freshly made - 1. to beat the crowd and 2. to get it fresh before the flies get to them or customers talking and picking their dishes and spraying the trays of food with 'extra protein' ....I know I'm just fussy
It's really cheap as I have tried piling up with 4-5 portions of different dishes together with rice and all I paid was RM7-8 !!