Makanan
I have moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, about two years ago. Both my wife and I have been wanting to live in Asia for a while, and we found a country so welcoming that it shocked us. I have to admit, I didn’t know much about Malaysia before moving here.
But I have been so surprised by what I found here, for the better and for the worse, that it really got me some time to process all of it. I have never been in a more diverse country. Ethnicities from everywhere in South-East Asia have been historically coming and going to this peninsula, mixing and melting for centuries, and it’s very visible in the everyday life.
Malaysian food - makanan - is a great example that will very easily make you understand what I am talking about. First of all, the deliciousness of Malaysian food is out of this world. I take great pride in belonging to one of the countries that is recognized worldwide for its outstanding food traditions, Italy. And let me tell you, beyond the obvious differences in flavors and ingredients, Malaysian food doesn’t lag behind.
And when it comes to street food, they kick our Italian ass. The street food in Malaysia is to die for, and for some reason in Penang it will always be better than anywhere else in the country. Sorry not sorry, but it’s true. A char kuey teow in Penang will always be better than a char kuey teow anywhere else, for reasons that nobody has ever been able to explain. Better to just enjoy it. I have literally been asking every single person I have met in here, and they all told me the same thing.
And Penang is to me a place where I love to return as soon as I can. I have been there 4 or 5 times in less than 2 years already. Yes there is the historic charm of Georgetown’s city center, yes the air is more breathable, yes there are many natural areas where to stroll and relax… That’s all true and great.
But really, I go there hunting for food.
And memories start to pile up. In my second visit there I encountered an old couple who makes this delicious fried breadsticks near the newly built Chowrasta Market. Not far from there, a coffee house that serves Ipoh white coffee and kaya&butter steam bread (amongst other things) is managed by incredible people. Then a quick ride to Air Itam, to dive into an Asam Laksa so good that was celebrated by Anthony Bourdain in person. I visit these places, and many others, ever since. And I add new ones to the list.
It sort of feels like home, and that’s one of the powers of food. It brings people together, it creates memories to be cherished, and it creates a sense of belonging to something bigger than our little personal corner. Because food is unity. Beyond the different spices, beyond the different ingredients and traditions, food is clearly speaking to the oneness of humankind.
I am so grateful for being able to experience all this, and much more.
