Stork King and Queen

July 13, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

If the lion is the king of the jungle, then the stork reigns in Zoo Negara, Malaysia’s national zoo. They live, eat, nest, fly, walk and roam freely just about everywhere. To me, they are the kings and queens of the 110 acres of land that is home to over 5137 specimen from 476 species […]

My mum’s recipe 4: Sambar

July 6, 2020.Reading time 7 minutes.

I learnt how my mum cooks ‘sambar’ or ‘dhal’ in her kitchen a couple of weeks ago. I’ve seen her prepare it many times but have never paid any attention to what it entailed. I now know that it entails quite a lot. Too much dicing and slicing, spices, cooking and slaving over a hot […]

It wasn’t me

June 29, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

I always wonder if it’s just me being ‘bodoh’ or stupid. What did I miss? What didn’t I read right? Did I tap the wrong key? Usually, I cannot be absolutely certain of my innocence. But this time, I am pretty sure it wasn’t me. I know the familiar drill. If something goes wrong with […]

In the present

June 22, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

I can feel sad. Surprisingly, suddenly. Without warning. A song. A paragraph in a book. A poignant message on WhatsApp. A scene from a movie. Just a few triggers that make me feel melancholy for no apparent reason other than the trigger itself. The change in emotion is quite dramatic. Thank goodness they are mostly […]

I, me and myself

June 15, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

It’s June. Six months into 2020. I was flipping through my table-top calendar (yes, it’s not digital) to check what I had jotted down in January for the rest of the year. Stopped in March, which was my birthday month, not the whole month. Although I do try to stretch my birthday for as many […]

Onde Onde ice cream

June 8, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

Onde Onde ice cream potong? Who would have thought of making ice cream from a traditional kuih or cake/snack in Malaysia? I didn’t. I am glad someone did because it’s fabulously creamylicious. I am familiar with most local cakes, snacks and pastries. Ice cream, I know only too well. Both making and eating them. Which is […]

My mum’s recipe 3: Pulut kacau

May 18, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

‘Pulut kacau’ is another favourite ‘kuih’ of mine. And, naturally my mum’s is the yummiest. While not an Indian ‘palavaram’ or cake, it nevertheless makes an annual appearance at Deepavali. My mum’s is not just any ‘pulut kacau,’ it is the pink, rosy, glistening variety. Glutinous rice, creamy coconut milk and sugar. Three yesses. This […]

Wash. Clean. Repeat. Wash. Cook. Repeat.

May 4, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

Wiped all surfaces. Dusted rugs. Vacuumed floors. Scrubbed sinks and bathroom floors. Cleaned toilets. Repeated the sequence at my mum’s unit. The following week – washed, cleaned and repeated the routine at my unit, and then my mum’s. Hard work these. I like a clean house and bathroom just like the next person. But, I […]

My mum’s recipe 2: Muruku

April 13, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

I like my mum’s ‘muruku’ best. Of all the savoury delicacies at Deepavali, ‘muruku’ or crunchy crackers is my favourite. Golden brown with little ‘mullus’ or spikes. Twisted, like a pretzel but not quite. A textured consistency with just the right snap. Yummy and flavourful. Not biased. Just honest. My mum’s ‘muruku’ should come with […]

My kampung

February 17, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

I have lived in Kuala Lumpur city for more than a dozen years now. I know Kampung Baru. I know where it’s located. I never visited it. Not until sister number 4, who is here from Brisbane, expressed an interest to go to a nearby kampung or village. I quickly read up on Kampung Baru. […]