Friday, August 7, 2009

Preserving Culture, Tradition & Food



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Sweet Heritage Treats 2009, part of the Singapore Food Festival this year, was a weekend event from the 18th to the 19th of July, held at Kampong Glam's Malay Heritage Centre. The event showcased a wide array of traditional Malay food and desserts, traditional performances, as well as fun-filled activities awaiting the visitors.



Among the many delectable traditional Malay dishes served were:

- Nasi Ambeng
- Nasi Ayam Penyet
- Nasi Lemak
- Mee Rebus
- Apam Balek
- Putu Piring
- Keropok Lekor

Other than the gastronomic delights, there were performances by the Dikir Barat; where people clap and sing together in large groups, the traditional Malay dance, and competitions like the Fruit Basket Decoration Competition, as well as the 'Teh Tarik Pulling' challenge.




Mr Mahmod Eron, 70, was one of the ‘Teh Tarik Pulling’ participants. He was inexperienced in it, but he did a flawless job, pullling the 'Teh Tarik' on stage. Mr Mahmod came down with his family and friends to support the event, besides spending quality time with his loved ones.

“This event is beneficial for everyone, especially the younger generation. I think they should be exposed to events like these more often... They should be interested to get to know the traditional food, the history, and everything. It’s the only way to ensure that our rich culture is not lost,” he said in Malay.

Na Xin Yi, a 17-year-old Meridian Junior College student, was there at the event with her friends. She recorded a video of the performances on stage which she found interesting and entertaining.

“This is a great event for family bonding. It’s quite a pity I don’t see that many people here though. I hope there would be festivals like these in the future and more people coming down to support. I’m sure they will, because there is a lot of good food to taste, and we all know Singaporeans love to eat!” she said.

A veteran celebrity chef, Madam Asmah Laili, 69, was conducting a culinary workshop in the Istana Hall.

She thought the event allowed the public to open their eyes to the various types of traditional Malay food in Singapore. She hoped more youths would attend future festivals like these. Cultures, food and tradition are feared to be lost if the Gen Y are not interested in such things.

“These days, the younger generation don’t even know the wide variety of traditional Malay food. They don’t know where they came from, they don’t know how they are made... only know how to makan!” she chuckled.

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Article and Pictures (1st, 3rd & 4th) by Humairah Jamil


Photo Credits: Malay Heritage Centre http://www.soshiok.com/articles/13393 (2nd Photo - Food)

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