Search Results for: Malaysia

Malaya, is what this country once was called, which means, “hill or high ground.”  Malay is the main ethnic group that inhabits the country.  The earliest Malays were referred to as Kun-lun people by the Chinese, back in 688 A.D.  Malays, or more specifically Austronesian's, were reported in the “Old Book of Tang”, as merchants who arrived in ships with valuable goods to trade with the Chinese.  Today the country is called Malaysia, which holds a rich history.  After gaining independence from the United Kingdom, in 1957, Malaya was known as the Federation of Malaya.  In 1963, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak were combined with Malaya to become the country of Malaysia.  However, shortly thereafter, Singapore was expelled from the federation, due to racial riots and became a country of its own.

Malaysia is part of Southeast Asia.  It is located on the Asian mainland known as West Malaysia and shares a border with Thailand.  It is connected by a causeway and a bridge to the island state of Singapore, with coastlines on the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca.  East Malaysia is on the island of Borneo and shares borders with Brunei and Indonesia.

The capital city, and largest city, Kuala Lumpur, is located on the Malay Peninsula in West Malaysia.  It is home to the bulk of the Malaysian population.  It is much more developed and urbanized than the east.  The two sides of the peninsula are separated by the Titiwangsa mountain range.  East Malaysia is about 800 km from the West Peninsula and occupies the northern third of the island of Borneo.  The island is partly covered by impenetrable jungle and is rich in natural resources but has a history of headhunters.

Malaysia is run as a federal, parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch.  The king’s position, nominally heads the government and rotates every five years between nine hereditary Malay rulers.  The king selects the prime minister from the leading coalition in parliament; a body of elected representatives.  There have been several uprisings but never a military coup since their independence.  The government demands a great deal of deference from the public.  Malaysia retains aspects of a police state, from back in the days of British Malaya.  The police are heavily armed and anyone found possessing an illegal firearm receives a mandatory death sentence.

Malaysia has a complicated history with kingdoms and sultanates, along with colonization from European powers like the Portuguese, Dutch and ultimately the English.  Japan had even taken over the area for a brief period, during World War II.  They arrived at the port of Khota Baru the same day they bombed Pearl Harbor.  They stole bicycles from villages along the way and it took them 45 days to arrive in Singapore.  The English however wanted to maintain the colony, as they were interested in the tin and rubber industries there.  It was the English who were responsible for bringing in Chinese and Indian laborers to work in those profitable industries.

These events have made Malaysia a very cultural and ethnically diverse country.  Today, Malay make up about 55 percent of the population, with Chinese around 23 percent, indigenous people about 12 percent and 7 percent are from India.  The balance are non-citizens from surrounding areas, including some Europeans.  The Malays and the indigenous groups are known as Bumiputras or “Sons of the soil.”  The official religion of Malaysia is Muslim, however they allow freedom of religion. The Chinese population is mostly Buddhist and the Indians are mainly Hindu.  Christianity is also practiced by about nine percent of the population, mostly in Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia.  The official language is Malay, with English taught as a secondary language. However, each ethnic group speaks their own language, with at least 137 languages identified.

Malaysia is ranked 14^th in the world, as one of the most competitive economies. They are the third richest in Southeast Asia, by GDP per capita, after Singapore and Brunei.  Back in 1971 they put economic reforms in place called, “The Malaysian New Economic Policy” and ran a newly industrialized, market economy.  This move allowed the Bumiputeras to rise out of poverty through special privileges in housing development, scholarships, and ownership of publically traded companies.  The government also subsidizes and controls prices on essential items to keep the cost of living low.  They have an extremely low unemployment rate, of only three percent.  Malaysia is a major hub for electrical component manufacturing, solar equipment and the automotive industries.  Although agriculture no longer plays a prominent role in exports, they are large producers of palm oil and rubber.  In an effort to make Malaysia’s economy less dependent on exports, the government pushed to increase tourism.  This was another big success, as Malaysia is now ranked 11^th in the world and second in Southeast Asia for tourism arrivals.

It is no wonder that tourism ranks so high.  Aside from the multicultural society, where festivals of all types take place, there is astonishing natural beauty, from gorgeous beaches to ancient, tropical rainforests.  The national parks are excellent for wildlife watching and offer cave exploration and river rafting.  There are six UNESCO World Heritage sites to explore, a couple of them are entire, historic towns.  Shopping is another big enticement, with malls in Kuala Lumpur being destinations in and of themselves.  One also cannot underestimate their exquisite cuisine as another draw for tourism.

As we look into the cuisine of Malaysia, they share many dishes with neighboring Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore.  They also have influences from the Chinese, Indians and the indigenous populations. Thai, Portuguese, Dutch and British cuisines are also represented.  The fusion of the multicultural society makes for a highly diverse, complex and delicious cuisine.  Rice, nasi, remains the most important staple food.  Malaysia produces about 70 percent of the amount of rice it needs and imports the rest.  Noodles are also extremely popular, as is Indian style breads.  Fish, both fresh and dried, are abundant and mainstays in the diet.  Chicken and beef are also readily available and handled according to Halal standards, which means it is permitted under Islamic Shariʻah (law.)  The Chinese eat pork, but it is marked as non-halal, and Muslims do not consume it.  All types of exotic fruits and vegetables are grown and consumed as part of the Malaysian diet.  Often, green, leafy vegetables are stir fried with a shrimp paste and hot chili peppers.  Carrots, cucumbers, onions and beans are used to make a pickle called acar.  The durian is a pungent, spiky fruit known as the “King of Fruits.”  People either love it or hate it.  The fruit is sometimes banned from hotels and subways due to its pungent smell.  The mangosteen, in contrast to the durian, is called the “Queen of Fruits.”  Chili peppers are indispensable in Malaysian cuisine.  The come in all shapes and sizes and are used both fresh and dried. They are often ground into a paste or sambal and served alongside as a condiment or garnish.  Lemongrass, garlic and ginger, tamarind and pandan leaves, are also prevalent.  Coconut, in all its forms, is quintessential in Malaysian cuisine as well.

So let’s enjoy a Malaysian meal:

The Menu

Starter

Chicken Sate (BBQ Chicken on Sticks)

 Main Course

Nasi Lemak (Coconut Rice with Dried Anchovy Sambal)

Served with

Laksa (Coconut Curry  Soup)

Kerabu (Coconut and Chili Salad)

Dessert

Pisang Goreng (Fried Bananas)

We set the scene with a variety of exotic flowers, including hibiscus, which is the national flower of Malaysia.  Tiger figurines represented the national animal but we also included a picture of an orangutan, as they are endemic to the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.  The name orangutan means, “man of the forest” and they are the closest genetic relative of humans.  Also, we had a photograph of the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.  They are the largest twin towers in the world.  The two massive buildings are joined by a sky bridge at level 41 which is 558 feet off the ground.  The towers are an astonishing overall height of 1483 feet and a prideful symbol of Malaysia.

We began with a very popular street food that is loved all over the world.  Sate, as it is spelled in Malay, is known as satay everywhere else.  This appetizer is one of my all time favorites.  The complex marinade that the chicken is flavored in and the peanut, dipping sauce, are just simply scrumptious. The chicken was perfectly tender and delicious.  It is almost always served with cucumber and onions.  Simply awesome!

Meals are typically served all at once in Malaysia, as opposed to in courses. So everything else was brought out family style, except for dessert.  We said, “Jemput makan” which means, “Please eat” in Malay.

Nasi Lemak is ubiqutious in Malaysia and considered to be the national dish.  Although it is typically served for breakfast, it was enjoyed as part of our Malaysian feast.  The dish is a coconut milk, steamed rice that is flavored with pandan leaves.  A dried, anchovy sambal called Ikan Bilis was served alongside the rice.  The sambal was super spicy, with complex flavors and we served it next to fried sardines, fried anchovies, hardboiled egg, peanuts and cucumber.  It was served on a banana leaf, as would be customary in Malaysia.

A laksa was made with a delicous, coconut, curry broth and topped with vermicelli noodles, shrimp, tofu cake puffs, hardboiled eggs and bean sprouts.  Nearly every region has its own version of laksa and we loved this one.  It is really a meal unto itself.

A delicious coconut and chili salad, called kerabu, was also served.  Fresh, shredded cocounut with thinly sliced, red onion, bell pepper, chilis and bean sprouts, made up this light and refreshing salad.  However, it was clearly the dressing that was the star, bringing on those distict Southeast Asian flavors, that we love so much.  The dressing was made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar and gingerroot. It is a keeper indeed.

For dessert, we prepared a deep fried, baby banana, which is another common street food or snack called, pisang goreng.  The warm banana was served on a banana leaf and dipped in the sweet, soy based sauce, called kesap, which is so loved in the region.  Although it seemed odd to dip it in soy sauce, it somehow was as satisfying as a rich chocolate.

After our meal, we decided to try a Malaysian game called “sepak takraw”  or “hit the ball.”  The game resembles volleyball.  The object is to keep the ball (typically made from bamboo or ratan) from hitting the ground, using anything but your hands.  Exact rules were drawn up and were formally introduced in the Southeast Asia Games in 1965.  It is not so easy, but we enjoyed trying!

Until next week,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

How did Thailand get its name?

Thailand is a relatively new name for this beautiful country. The name translates to “Land of the Free” or “Land of the Thai people,” who are also an ethnic group.  The translation of “Land of the Free,” is a source of pride for the Thai people as they were the only country in Southeast Asia among all the others, to not be colonized by Western powers.

Prior to the country being named Thailand in 1939, it was called Siam.  Siam comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “dark or brown,” referencing the color of the natives’ skin.  The country was called Siam once again for a brief period between 1946 and 1948 and has been called Thailand ever since. 

Formally, the Thai people call their country prathet Thai but informally they call it mueang Thai. This is a way to differentiate the place from the people and the language.  

Where is Thailand located?

Thailand is in the heart of Southeast Asia.  Its neighbors are Myanmar, to the west, Laos, to the north and east, Cambodia, to the southeast, the Gulf of Thailand, to the south, Malaysia, also to the south on the peninsula and the Andaman Sea, to the west.  If you look at the shape of the country on a map, many say it resembles an elephant’s head.  The elephant is the national animal of Thailand.

The country has forested mountains, hidden waterfalls in lush jungles, rich, fertile rice fields, plains, and a long-rugged coastline along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. It is also home to 400 Islands with glorious beaches, most of them in the Andaman Sea.

Generally speaking, Thailand has a tropical climate.  It is hot and humid.  The best time to visit is from November to March.  March through May has the hottest weather and June through October is the monsoon season.

A Brief History of Thailand

It is believed the ancestors of today’s Thai people began migrating from southern China about 5000 years ago. They worked their way south into Thailand, Burma and Laos. It was these migrants that formed the first city states in present day Thailand.

Multiple Kingdoms were established and abolished throughout the centuries.  It was the Chakri dynasty that ascended to the throne on April 6, 1782 and has remained in power ever since. King Rama, moved the capital to the east bank of the river and it became known internationally as Bangkok (The City of Angels.)

In 1932, King Rama VII approved the constitutional change from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.  This marked the beginning of a democratic form of government in Thailand.

Democracy is never easy and since that time there have been several coup d’état attempts and martial law has had to be evoked on more than a few occasions.  Today the government focuses on economic development, and international relations. 

The people of Thailand still revere the monarchy and the king.  The motto is “Chat, Satsana, Phra Maha Kasat,” which means “the king serves as the traditional knot,” that binds the whole nation.

Thai Culture

Thailand is also referred to as “The Land of Smiles.”  The people are very friendly, hospitable, and kind. It is something you will notice right away.  But don’t be fooled by every smile.  Each smile has a different meaning as the Thai people literally smile through virtually every situation. There are at least 13 identified, distinct smiles with different meanings, in Thai culture.

The official language of Thailand is Thai, which is taught in schools, along with English.  There are a few different dialects of Thai, especially in the very southern and northern parts of the country.

About 95 percent of the country is Buddhist.  Although Thai people have freedom of religion written into the constitution, the King is required by law to be a Theravada Buddhist.  It is no surprise that there are about 40,000 Buddhist temples throughout the country. Historically, nearly all males have been a monk at one time in their life, usually before the age of 20.

The very small remainder of the population are Muslim, especially in the southern region of Thailand near the Malaysian border and there are a few Christians scattered throughout the country.

When you are greeted by a Thai person, you will likely encounter a gesture called wai . It is a beautiful and welcoming greeting where they put their hands in a prayer position with a slight bow of the head.  The lower they bow their head and the higher they raise their prayer hands indicates their level of respect for you. 

The elderly are revered in Thai culture, as is family. Cousins are often referred to as brothers and sisters and extended family often live together or very near each other.  

Prior to Buddhism in Thailand, many centuries ago, Spirit worship or animism was practiced.

Thai households still have what is known as a spirit house called san phra phum or phi houses.   Typically, they are little colorful, intricate, shrines dedicated to the guardian spirits of the land and are in the front of homes, businesses, parks, and highways.  Daily offerings are made in the form of incense, candles, flowers and even food and drinks. 

Although Thailand is developing and becoming more modern, one of its most charming features is how rituals and traditions are passed down from their ancestors.  Thais learn from a very young age to worship and respect the spirits around them.  They believe that by honoring the spirits, it will bring peace and prosperity to them and to their loved ones.  

Thailand is also known for several celebrations and festivals.  Some of the most popular are Songkran aka the “Water festival,” Loy Krathongor “the Festival of lights,” Visakha Bucha which is “Buddha’s Birthday,” and they celebrate the King and Queen’s Birthdays as well.  There is also a “Monkey banquet festival,” where they literally have a feast for the resident monkeys to thank them for bringing in tourism.  Chinese New Year is also celebrated in Thailand.

Thai Cuisine

Thai cuisine is famous throughout the world.  It is not by accident, as the government of Thailand has wisely subsidized numerous Thai restaurants in other countries as an introduction to their delicious food.  It is no wonder that many people travel to Thailand simply for the food.

Thai food is known to have a wonderful balance of flavor with a combination of five tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and spicy.  Like most countries, Thai food is different depending on where you are, having its regional specialties.  It also has many influences from southern Chinese and Indian cuisines as well as from its other neighbors.  

Some of the most common herbs and spices used in Thai cuisine are: basil, caraway, cardamom, chili peppers, cilantro, cumin, curry powders and pastes, galangal, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, onions, pepper, star anise, and turmeric.

They are also famous for exotic fruits like mangosteen, which is considered the national fruit and the stinky durian fruit, which is something you will love or hate, as well as dragon fruits, coconuts, passion fruit, bananas, lychee etc.  While traveling through Thailand you will see “NO Durian” signs in hotels, on elevators and in public transportation.

Thais use a mortar and pestle for many dishes and if you don’t have one you must get one.  You simply can’t get the proper result without one, especially when making curry paste.  The pounding of the ingredients in the mortar, releases oils from the chilies and herbs and spices that simply are not there when you use a processor or blender. I personally find the process therapeutic, as well.

Street food is ubiquitous in Thailand.  It is cheap and simply delicious.  Whether you go into an establishment or eat on the street, there are several Thai dishes one must try.  The beauty of street food is that each stall has a specialty and if there is a line, well you can be sure their food is amazing.

We went to a night market in Chiang Mai and saw the woman that was featured on an episode on Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown.”  She was very popular before the show but is now famous in the market.  Her signature style is the cowboy hat she wears.  Expect to wait a long time for her famous pork knuckle, served over rice with a sauce, pickled mustard greens, and one half of a hard-boiled egg,  It is absolutely worth the wait!

Here is a brief list of some of the must try Thai dishes:  Curries in every color, green, red and white, plus Massaman Curry, Tom Yum Soup, Pad Thai, Guay Tiew or (noodle soup), Thai spring rolls, Thai fried chicken, Beef and chicken Satay, Grilled squid skewers, Grilled or deep-fried pork, Som Tam (papaya salad), Mango Sticky rice, banana pancakes, Thai sausage, basil chicken, Thai crepes, grilled fish, ……and the list goes on and on.  

So, let’s enjoy a Thai meal:

The Meal

Starter

Som Tam Papaya Salad

Main Dishes

Pad Thai (Fried Noodles with Shrimp)

Phad Kaprao Gai (Basil Chicken with Rice)

Dessert

Kluay Bod Chii (Bananas in Coconut Milk)

We set the scene in the colors of the Thai flag; red, white and blue.  Red, represents the blood spilled for their independence, white is for purity and Buddhism, and blue is for the monarchy.  

We placed a Buddha statue, an elephant candle holder, (as the elephant is their national animal) and the national flower, which grows on a tree that is called the golden shower or dok koon.  We also placed a wooden long boat to represent the main mode of transportation.  Thai chilies, and a fresh coconut completed the setting, representing two prevalent ingredients in their cuisine.

We began by first learning Thai dining etiquette, which is a little different.  We sat on a bamboo mat with our feet tucked under our body. It is considered rude to have your feet pointing at a person or even a statue while dining.

Generally, Thai people eat with a spoon in the right hand and a fork in the left. The spoon is the main utensil, with the fork assisting in getting items onto the spoon.  A knife should never be necessary as Thai food is served in bite size pieces and can easily be cut with the side of the spoon or fork.  Chopsticks are sometimes used for noodle dishes.

We served the som tam green papaya salad as the starter.  It is one of my all-time favorite salads.  Much of the world agrees and  it has been listed on CNN’s poll of the top 50 dishes of the world.  It perfectly strikes the balance of flavors for which  Thai cuisine is famous.  The Thai chilies can be quite spicy, so when you make it, be sure to add them based on your heat tolerance.  This is a wonderful, refreshing salad that you will love.

The other dishes were served family style (all at once,) which is customary in Thai cuisine.  Rice is always served, whether it be sticky or Jasmine. Rice is extremely popular and is Thailand’s biggest export.  When you ask someone “Have you eaten yet?” you would say ,”Heaw Kaow,” which translates to “Would you like rice?”

Pad Thai is the national dish of Thailand. It can be found all over the world.  It is one of my favorite dishes especially when served with shrimp, but it is sometimes made with chicken, pork or just tofu.  You will be surprised how quick and easy it is to make this at home.  I love the accompaniments of lime, and peanuts.

The other dish was had was chicken with Thai basil and both of which we loved served with rice. 

For dessert, we enjoyed bananas in coconut milk, simply flavored with a pandan leaf, and a touch of palm sugar.  It was a wonderful ending to our scrumptious Thai meal. 

As we say goodbye to this magical country, I leave you with a brief photographic journey of our time there.  From Bangkok to Chiang Mai, we loved every minute of it.  We plan to return, not just for the extraordinary food but we want to experience the islands and more of their amazing Thai hospitality. 

Until next time,

Sa-wat-dii-kha ( goodbye)

Warmest regards,

Darlene

New Year's Eve traditions around the world

It is always fascinating to learn a little something about how other places and cultures celebrate special days.  New Year’s Eve, (or Old Year’s Day) is celebrated in many parts of the world, although it has many different names.  Countries in Europe call it St. Sylvester’s Day.  Malam Tahun Baru is what it is called in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.  It is called Hogmanay in Scotland and Reveillon or Wallonia in Brazil, and Portugal.  This special evening is held on the last day of the year of the Gregorian calendar, which is December 31^st, and rings in the New Year at midnight.

Fireworks are a common way to celebrate the New Year in many countries around the world.  Festivals and celebrations also include song, dance and of course, great food.

Here are some fun and quirky things people do around the world to say goodbye to the old year and bring in the new:

In Australia, people run out into the streets and bang on pots and pans.

In Denmark, they shatter dishes and plates against the front doors of friends and family.

In hope for good fortune, in Ecuador, giant scarecrows are made of paper and burned, along with photographs of the past year.

Speaking of South American countries, many believe that, your fate in the New Year is determined by the color of the underwear you wear that night.  If they are red, they will bring you love, wealth if they are yellow, and peace if they are white.

In Peru, there is a festival in a small village called the Takanakuy Festival, where at the end of the year people settle their differences with a fist fight, so they can start off the year without holding any grudges.

An easier way to ring in the New Year is practiced in Argentina, where at the stroke of midnight they take their first step with their right foot, thereby, “Starting the year off on the right foot.”

In Romania, people toss spare coins into the river for good luck.

Dropping ice cream on the floor is what they do in Switzerland.  (We are not sure how this tradition emerged.)

In Puerto Rico, people throw buckets of water out of their window to drive away evil spirits.

In Turkey, they smash pomegranates. The more pieces it breaks in to, the more good luck will come.

In Belgium, even the livestock get in the spirit as they are decorated and paraded around town with bells ringing.

Columbia believes that if you carry around an empty suitcase, travel will come your way in the New Year.

Many places including Bolivia, like to bake a coin into their sweets.  Whoever finds it in the treat will have good luck for the next year (and hopefully not a broken tooth.)

In Spain, they eat grapes, one for each chime of the church bell at midnight.  It is believed to bring good luck for each month of the coming year.  The grapes enjoyed along with some Cava of course.

In Finland, they cast molten tin into a bucket of water and then predict what’s in store for the coming year by the interpretation of the resulting shape.

In the Philippines, they turn on all the lights to ward off evil spirits.  They also wear polka dots, as anything round is considered to bring luck and prosperity in the New Year.

In Japan, the Buddhist temples strike the gong 108 times to expel 108 human weaknesses. The Japanese also have a tradition of eating soba noodles on New Year's Eve, the long noodles represent longevity.

In Brazil, everyone wears white to scare away bad spirits and in Chile they sleep beside their loved ones in the cemetery.

Lentils and black-eyed peas are popular in many places to welcome in a full year of work and money.  In fact in Texas, black eyed peas are called Texas caviar.

Pork in many forms is another way the New year is celebrated, pigs root their food in a forward motion, so pork represents looking forward in the New Year.  My sister makes pork and sauerkraut every New Year's day. 

Also in the United States, watching the giant crystal ball drop in Times Square (formerly called, Longacre Square) in New York City is a favorite at midnight, along with a toast of champagne, a kiss, and singing the Scottish classic called Auld Lang Syne which means, “old long ago.” According to Scotland.org, “The song is about love and kindness of days gone by, but it also gives us a sense of belonging and fellowship to take with us into the future.”

However you and your loved ones celebrate this New Year’s Eve, be safe, and why not do a little something special for good luck, travel and prosperity.

I would love to hear how you celebrate the New Year, Please do let me know in the comments below.

Happy New Year my friends!

Warmest regards,

Darlene

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How did Singapore get its name?

Singapore is a tiny country that has had several names.  Originally it was known as Temasek, which is believed to originate from the Malay word for “Sea town” or a piece of land surrounded by water.

Later the country was renamed Singapura, which is a Sanskrit word for “The Lion City.”  It was a Sumatran Prince who named it this, because he thought he saw a lion when he landed on the island.  However, there have never been lions on Singapore, only tigers. 

Although the names were used interchangeably from the 13^th to the 15^th centuries, when Portuguese traders arrived in the 16^th century, Temasek was no longer used and Singapura remained.

Singapore is also known as “The Little Red Dot”, a term coined by Indonesian President Habibie who referenced the country’s appearance on a map, where it always showed up as a red dot.  Singaporeans do not like this term as it serves as a reminder that their small size makes them vulnerable.

Where is Singapore Located?

Singapore is an island city-state, one of only three city-states in the world; the others are Monaco and Vatican City.  It is located at the end of the Malayan Peninsula, between Malaysia and Indonesia.  It has no land borders and has a total land area of only 278 square miles.  However, Singapore is not just one island.  It has 62 small, outlying islands, nearly all uninhabited.  The mainland of Singapore measures 31 miles from east to west and 17 miles from north to south, with 120 miles of coastline.

Singapore is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor and from Indonesia by the Singapore Strait.  Singapore is one of the few nations that is growing in size, as it reclaims land with earth obtained from its own hills, the seabed and sand from neighboring countries.  It is expected to grow by another 62 miles by the year 2033.

Despite its small size this country packs a large punch on the global scale.  It is one of the richest countries by GDP, the cleanest, the most honest and yet heavily urbanized.

A Brief History of Singapore

It is believed that the history of Singapore may date back as far as the third century.  It became a significant trading settlement by the 14^th century.  In 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles negotiated a treaty to allow the British to locate a trading port on the islands.  This led to the establishment of The British Colony of Singapore in 1819.  During the subsequent decades, Singapore grew to become an important port in the region.  It was set up as a free port, which was a great advantage to the other nearby ports of Manila and Jakarta who levied tariffs on trade.  It allowed the introduction of the Chinese market, which greatly reduced the time and cost of shipping goods to Europe, after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. 

By 1880 over 1.5 million tons of goods passed through Singapore each year.  The Chinese, mostly Peranakans, who were descendants of early Chinese settlers, became the largest ethnic group in Singapore.  Malays were the second largest ethnic group but they were eventually outpaced by Indians as the second largest group. The Indians were brought in to carry out public works projects.  Despite its growth, Singapore was mismanaged with a predominantly male, transient and uneducated society.  Prostitution, gambling and drug abuse (mainly opium) were widespread.

During World War II, the Japanese occupied Singapore.  The fall of Singapore was the largest surrender of British-led forces in history.  Singapore was renamed by the Japanese to “Syonan,” which means “Bright Southern Island”  and was under their control from 1942-1945.  However, this three year period was not at all bright, but rather a very dark time in Singapore’s history. 

After the Japanese surrendered to Allied forces, the British returned to Singapore.  The failure of Britain to defend Singapore had destroyed their credibility in the eyes of the Singaporeans.  This led to the beginning of self-governance.  After many trials and tribulations and alliances, Singapore gained Independence on the morning of August 9, 1965, after the Parliament of Malaysia voted 126-0 to expel Singapore from the short lived federation. 

Singapore wasted no time to seek international support and recognition of its sovereignty.  The new state joined the United Nations on September 21, 1965.  Although Singapore is a top country in many categories, it is rated one of the worst for freedom of the press and not so great on the level of democracy.  Generally speaking, Singaporeans have imposed the “surveillance” of its citizens to protect them. Today, Singapore’s economy is one of the best in the world.  The current president of Singapore is a woman, Madam Halimah Yacob.

Singapore’s Culture

One of the most beautiful things about Singapore is the way in which so many diverse people with varying religious beliefs, live in harmony.  This can be attributed to Singaporeans’ learning early on, the religious customs and traditions of each others religions.  They celebrate each other’s holidays as public holidays including Christian, Muslim, and Indian holidays, to name a few.  I happened to visit Singapore during the Chinese New Year, which was celebrated in large pagentry by all.  The state is home to ten major religions including: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity. 

There are four official languages; English, Tamil, Malay and Mandarin Chinese.  Despite this, most people speak what is known as Singlish, another reflection of Singapore’s diversity.  It is a Creole language made up of local slang and expressions from the various official languages.  You will hear it spoken right away when visiting there.

Despite Singapore’s fast paced and rapid growth, it remains a very conservative and religious society.  Here are a few things you should know about how to stay out of trouble when visiting Singapore.  Respecting elders is of the utmost importance and you should never call someone older than you by their name.  They  should be called Auntie or Uncle or Grandmother etc.  Homosexuality is still illegal there.  Smoking in a non-smoking area is strictly enforced.  Don’t even think about trafficking drugs, it is punishable by death.  Littering or vandalism can result in hefty fines including  caning, and public shaming.  Chewing gum is against the law, as is not flushing a toilet after using it.  Perhaps it is these laws and punishments that make it one of the cleanest cities in the world, with one of the lowest crime rates.

Singapore has become a major tourist destination with several famous landmarks.  One of the newest is the Jewel Changi Airport, which opened in April 2019 and has a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex adjacent to the number one rated airport in the world.  The Marina Sands Hotel is one of the most Instagram-able hotels in the world; famous for its boat shaped infinity pool that overlooks all of Singapore. Another landmark is a giant observation Ferris wheel known as the Singapore flyer, that held the record as the largest from 2008 to 2014.  They have the second largest Aquarium in the world, which is part of the Adventure Cove Park.  A botanical garden, that is a UNESCO world heritage site, houses their beloved orchids, which are also a symbol of Singapore.

Aside from new attractions you will also find older establishments such as: the old Buddhist and Hindu temples, shop houses, mosques and areas like Little India, Haji Street and Chinatown.

Singapore Cuisine

Singapore imports nearly all of their food, as they only have 6% arable space.  They do try to grow what they can and recently put an emphasis on building vertical and growing roof top gardens.  Being a wealthy metropolitan city-state, you can find just about any type of food in Singapore.  I would argue the best can be found in what are known as hawker centers.  These are food stalls where you will find inexpensive but authentic cuisine of the people.  These food centers dot the country.  There is one food center that boasts a Michelin star which serves their famous chicken rice for only $1.42 per serving.  A few of Singapore’s favorite dishes are: chili crab, a spicy and delicious treat, laksa, a thick noodle dish often served with prawns and fish cakes, and a pulled tea, called Teh terik, made with black tea and condensed milk.  Make no mistake, you can find authentic Chinese, Malaysian, Indian and Indonesian food all over Singapore.  You can also enjoy a traditional Peranakan meal by the famous Violet Oon, who is hailed as the Julia Childs of Singapore.  She has been the food ambassador of Singapore since 1988.  Also a trip to Singapore would not be complete without a stop at the famous Raffles Hotel, where the Singapore Sling cocktail was invented and is still served with warm peanuts.  Culinary excellence is an integral part of the culture of Singapore.

So let’s enjoy a Singapore meal:

The Menu

Appetizer

Singaporean Chili Crab

Main Course

Hainanese Chicken Rice with Sauces

Dessert

Pandan Chiffon Cake

We set the scene with orchids, as that is their national flower, along with a candle, decorated with the merlion, (the official mascot of Singapore, a mythical creature with a lion’s head and the body of a fish.) The colors used in our décor were red and white, to represent their flag.  A crab shell and other seashells were placed to represent the island’s seaside.  We also added symbols of the different religious faiths represented there.  Finally, a little F1 race car was placed, as Singaporeans were the first to introduce a night time Formula one race in the series.

We sat down with our Singapore Slings and said  “yumseng”, which is how you say “cheers” in Singlish.  Our first course was the amazing chili crab.  I had the privilege of eating this dish while in Singapore at the famous Jumbo’s restaurant.  I can attest that this recipe is just as wonderful.  It is spicy, rich and simply sensational.  It was served with steamed buns, as is customary there.  This could typically be a meal unto itself but I felt like it had to be only part of the IC menu.

For the main course, we savored the national dish called Hainanese chicken rice.  This dish can be found in all the hawker centers and is a true specialty of Singapore.  It is unique way to cook chicken, by poaching it.  The result is excellent, especially when served alongside seasoned rice.  The sauces that accompany the chicken and rice are what makes it truly extraordinary;  a chili sauce and another sauce made of ginger and spring onion oil, as well as a dressing, made with sesame oil, soy sauce and the poaching liquid.  Per their tradition, cucumber and tomato was served alongside the main dish.

For dessert, we enjoyed the pandan chiffon cake.  Pandan is a leaf, also known as screwpine, which is a very common ingredient in Singapore and Southeast Asian cooking.  It adds a nutty flavor and scent, as well as a bright green color.  This cake was light, fluffy, but not too sweet.  Delicious.

As we say goodbye to this intriguing little country of Singapore, I leave you with a few Singaporean proverbs:

Where there is a sea, there are pirates.

A given excuse that was not asked for implies guilt.

Never take a quiet person for granted.  He might have great qualities underneath his quiet nature.

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

How did Palau get its name?

The name Palau comes from the Palauan language.  Belau, is the word for village, as is beluu or aibebalau, which relates to a creation myth. The name in the English language took a journey from the islands’ heritage.  The Spanish called it Los Palaos and then the Germans named it Palau.  Today, the official name is the Republic of Palau.

Where is Palau located?

Palau officially became a sovereign state on October 1, 1994.  Palau is made up more than 200 volcanic and coral islands, many of them surrounded by a single barrier reef in the western Pacific.  It is part of the larger island group of Micronesia and shares its maritime boundaries with Indonesia, the Philippines and the Federated States of Micronesia.

A Brief History of Palau

The first inhabitants of Palau date back to 2500 BC where they are believed to have come from present day eastern Indonesia.  They perfected their fishing, farming and developed complex social systems.

Captain Henry Wilson from England, became the first westerner to visit the islands when his vessel shipwrecked off shore in 1783.  In 1885, the Spanish asserted claims to the islands but that was short lived as the Spanish sold the islands to Germany in 1899.  The Germans did much to exploit the islands’ natural resources.  Phosphate mining began and coconut plantations popped up everywhere and cultivated for export.

When the Germans were defeated after World War I, the Japanese took over the islands.  Their reign only lasted until they lost the war in World War II.  A fierce battle between the US and Japan took its toll on the islands of Palau.  Many ship wrecks resulted, which are now dive sites, as well as too many lives lost, on both sides.  In 1947, Palau became a United Nations Trust Territory under the US administration until their Independence in 1994, as did several other Pacific nations.  Today they are independent under the Compact of Free Association with the US.  The US is responsible for their defense and financial aid and the US has the right to operate military bases on the islands.  The US dollar is the official currency of Palau and English is the official language, along with Palauan.

Palauan Culture

Despite all these outsider influences on the islands, monoliths and other relics are reminders of ancient culture and traditions that once thrived on the islands.  Today, Palauans hold strong to their heritage.  Although there are over 200 islands, only a few are inhabited.  The Koror Island is the hub where 2/3rds of the 21,000 inhabitants call home. The ethnic makeup of the islands is a mix of Micronesian, Melanesian, Asian and Western elements.  Koror is the main city and the economic hub and was also the former capital.  However, in 2006 the capital was moved to Ngerulmud, which is located on the nearby island of Babelbaob.  The other two satellite islands are Malakai and Ngerkebesang.  Tourism is the main economic driver for Palau.  Subsistence farming and fishing are also contributors to their economy.

The government is by far the largest employer on the islands.  A traditional government operates in conjunction with the federal government which sometimes creates conflicts, mainly over land rights.  Traditional matrilineal practices remain prevalent in nearly every aspect of Palauan life.  This is especially seen in funerals, marriages, inheritance and the passing of traditional titles.  One of Palau’s most important cultural symbols is the bai.  This is an impressive thatched, gable-style building that is the center of political and social life.  The beams are decorated with carvings that depict the life and the histories of the villages.  Today replicas called storyboards are sold to tourists as wonderful mementos of the islands.  Shell jewelry, watercolors and weavings are also popular tourist items.  Traditional dance, especially by women formed in two lines, is considered an art form. The men’s typical line dance includes war stances using sticks.

Why you should visit Palau

Palau is home to the most pristine waters in the world.  Most people go there to dive or snorkel and enjoy the breathtaking, white sand beaches that dot the islands’ coastlines.  Palau was the first country in the world to establish a shark sanctuary, in 2009.  They are also home to a lake called Jellyfish Lake.  It is located on the island of Eil Malk which is part of the uninhabited Rock Islands in Palau’s southern lagoon.  The Rock Islands’ southern lagoon was listed into the UNESCO world heritage sites in 2012.  The unique Rock Islands are rounded knobs of forest-capped limestone that plunges steeply into the sea.  Jellyfish Lake is connected to the ocean through fissures and tunnels in the limestone of an ancient Miocene reef.  It is a place where you used to be able to snorkel with the golden-colored jellyfish, that don’t sting. The lake is currently closed to visitors as the jellyfish were beginning to decline due to environmental issues.  They hope to be able to reopen it when the jellyfish are replenished.

Another popular area is called the Milky Way, also located in the lagoon, amongst the Rock Islands  This area is known for its white, limestone mud found on the water floor.  It is believed that it will make you look ten years younger if you lather it all over your face and body, let it dry and then rinse it off with a swim in the lagoon.

Palau’s economic growth is tied to its conservation legacy.  Its marine sanctuary ensures a vibrant future for the nation’s marine life and for its economy for years to come.  That is, as long as climate change doesn’t take its toll on the islands.  The President of Palau has to look no further than his own backyard.  When there is a full moon, due to rising sea levels, the garden his wife used to keep at the back of their house gets flooded with salt water by the high tide.  “We no longer have flowers.  We had to put them in a pot and when there is a high tide, we move them.”  According to data from the United Nation, low-lying, small islands in the Pacific are disproportionately at risk of losing land as sea levels are expected to rise by 10-32 inches by the late 21^st century.  Palau has begun looking for alternatives to relocate its population to higher ground, before it’s too late.

Food of Palau

As we look into the cuisine of Palau, it comprises what they are able to grow and catch in the surrounding Pacific Ocean.  Root vegetables like taro, pumpkin, and yams are prevalent.  Pandan, with its unique aroma  and sweetness is widely used in cooking and desserts.  Colorful, exotic fruits are plentiful, such as: dragonfruit, mango, passionfruit, breadfruit, the very healthful soursop and the queen of fruits, the rambutan.  Of course, coconut is abundant and used for flavoring everything from fish to soups.  Rice is commonly served at mealtime.  An interesting island tradition there, is that women are the only ones allowed to harvest taro.

One unique dish you will find in Palau is fruitbat soup where the fruit bat wings and head are cooked in a broth of coconut.  Fish from the sea are cooked in all different ways and also eaten raw.  The cuisine has influences from America, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other Pacific Islands.  A few specialties are: Tinola, a soup made with chicken, papaya and ginger, Ulkoy, a deep fried shrimp and squash fritter and Pichi-Pichi, a dessert made with coconut and cassava.

So let’s enjoy a few more Palauan specialties:

The Menu

Starter

Tuna Poke Salad

Main Dish

Grilled Snapper; Palauan Style

Dessert

Halo-Halo (Shaved Ice with Milk, Fruit and Beans)

We set the scene with plumeria. the fragrant national flower of Palau.  We decorated with a shark figurine and sea shells, representing the shark sanctuary and the stunning marine life.  A baseball glove represented baseball as the national sport, which was brought to the islands by Japan in the 1920s.  Lastly, we added tropical fruit and a grass cloth covering, along with tapa rounds to complete the island feel.

We began our meal with a tuna poke salad.  Tuna is abundant in the waters of Palau and I absolutely love raw tuna.  This dish is inspired from the Hawaii Islands in the USA.   It is an absolutely delicious salad and is very versatile.  It has avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, shallot, scallions and pea sprouts, with diced up, sashimi grade, tuna.  It is dressed with sesame oil, light soy sauce, lime, a hint of chili powder and black sesame seeds.  Heaven in a bowl.

For the main course we made a whole snapper.  It was grilled in a banana leaf and stuffed with kaffir lime leaf, garlic and ginger.  It was covered in a mixture of dark, mushroom-flavored soy sauce and sesame oil.  The fish was grilled for about 15 minutes (until tender and flaky.)  We served the fish whole, with white, steamed rice, flavored with the same mushroom, soy sauce and sesame oil.  The result was a quick, easy and sumptuous main dish that makes you feel like you are on a tropical island.  We loved it!

For dessert we enjoyed Halo-halo (pronounced hollow-hollow).  It is perfect for a hot, summer, tropical day.  It is a simple bowl of shaved ice that is covered with a bit of sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk.  It is then topped with nata de coco, which is a jelly-like square that comes in different colors and flavors.  It also has some sweet red, mung beans and jackfruit .  It is finished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  Halo-halo was a welcomed, cool and refreshing dessert to end our Palauan meal.  All in all we said “Ng ungil a chasi er ngii”  which means “It tastes good!”

After dinner we decided to treat ourselves to a mud spa.  Although I could not get the Milky Way mud, I did find a spa mud, in hopes of looking ten years younger.  If it doesn’t do the trick, a trip to Palau is in order.

As we say goodbye to this beautiful, tropical paradise, called Palau,  I leave you with a Palauan proverb.  “A ungil el merreder a ua chull el melemedem er a daob” Translated it means, “A good leader is like rain that calms the ocean.”

Until next time,

Thank you, (Ke kmal mesaul) Pronounced Kuk-MAHL-ma-SAHL

Darlene

If you haven't yet, please be sure to join the culinary journey around the world so you don't miss a thing, it's free!

The week I want to share a few favorite dishes, perfect for the fall weather.  I also have some exciting news.  My husband and I will be embarking on a four month journey beginning December 1st.  This is a life-long dream of ours to travel the world.  I truly hope you will follow along on our journey.

We will be heading to Southeast Asia and the first country we will be exploring is Cambodia.  This Cambodian soup, made with pork and shrimp and those amazing, glass noodles, is a big reason why this country is a must see and taste for us.  Once you make it you will understand why.  It is amazing!

Kuy Teav (Pork and seafood noodle soup)

India will also be on our journey.  We can't wait to explore this country and plan on eating lots of Chicken Butter Masala, as well as many other delectable Indian dishes. As it happens, we will be there during the Holi Festival of Colors, something I have always wanted to see and experience firsthand.

Chicken Butter Masala (Murgh Mahani)

Laos is another stop on our trip.  We hope to see the monks receiving their alms at the cultural center of Luang Prabang.  You can look forward to new, authentic recipes from this spectacular country.

Khao Poon (Coconut Noodle soup)

Nepal is our next country. This lentil soup would be perfect to sustain you while trekking in the Himalayas, or adding comfort and warmth to any cool, fall evening.  We will not be scaling Mt. Everest but we will certainly be warmed by this staple soup, called Dal Bhat.

Dal Bhat (Red Lentils and Rice)

There has been plenty of negative press about Myanmar of late.  We added Myanmar to our itinerary and although we have mixed feelings about going there, we ultimately decided to include it.  As you know International Cuisine shares the traditions and cultures of world counrties but also includes their struggles as well.  Hopefully on our visit, we will experience more of the positive aspects. In any case, we know the food will not disappoint. This dish, called Mohinga, is a favorite!

Mohinga (Fish Base Soup with Rice Noodles)

Malaysia, our next destination, will be so exciting. We will be heading to Penang for their authentic Nyonya cuisine and to learn firsthand about Peranakan culture.  Of course enjoying Laksa, this scrumptious Malaysian soup, will be a real treat while there.

Laksa (Coconut Curry  Soup)

Oh and we cannot forget Indonesia. We will make a stop in Bali and Java on our journey.  Bakmi Goreng is a dish I make regularly.  I simply love this recipe as it is a quick and easy meal to prepare.  It has a little bit of everything: sweet, sour, savory and spicy. It is also a very flexible recipe; you can make it with beef or chicken or seafood, it is all soooooo wonderful!

Bakmi Goreng (Seafood Stir Fried Noodles)

We will also be exploring Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and then making a stop in Portugal, on our way home.  Of course, exploring street food and cooking with locals will be the highlight of every country.  Be on the lookout for great new posts, with recipes as well.  In the meantime, I hope you will enjoy some of our favorite dishes listed above.  Simply click on the name or the picture to get the recipes.

Until next time,

Stay warm with these amazing recipes.

Darlene Longacre

How Oman was named remains a bit of a mystery.  The area was called Mazoon, which stems from the word muzn, which means, “heavy clouds which carry abundant water.”  The name Oman is thought to originate from the Arab tribes who migrated there from the Uman region of Yemen.

Oman is the oldest, independent state in the Arab world.  The official name is, The Sultanate of Oman and it is one of the few countries in the world that is run as an absolute monarchy.  The Sultan, Qaboos bin Said al Said, has been the leader of Oman since 1970.  He is the longest serving leader in the Middle East and the fourth, longest reigning monarch in the world.

Oman is strategically located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf.  Its neighbors are: United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west and Yemen to the southwest.  It also has two exclaves, territories called the Madha and the Musandam, which are surrounded by the United Arab Emirates, on their land borders and with the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, forming their coastal boundaries.  Oman shares marine borders with Iran and Pakistan.  The coastal border is the Arabian Sea on the southeast and the Gulf of Oman, on the northeast.  It is made up of towering mountain ranges, vast deserts and about 2000 miles of coastline.

Oman has a fascinating history, as the area was a key place for trade for thousands of years.  Recent discoveries in Oman have shown pre-historic, human habitation dating back over 125,000 years.  Some stone tools found, resemble those made by humans in Africa, during the same time period.  Oman is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  A couple of these sites date back some 5000 years.  They are called tombs but possibly could have been silos, as no human remains have been found.  They are made of stone and shaped like a bee hive.  There is a sense that there is much more yet to be discovered in the mountains of Oman.

Ancient civilizations traversed through the deserts of the Middle East to Mesopotamia (Iran and Iraq).  The camel caravans would carry incense, an extremely important product of antiquity.  Oman is one of the few places in the world where frankincense trees grow.  The Land of Frankincense is one of the world heritage sites.  Additionally, ships carried copper and other various minerals by sea.  Omanis often get credit for being some of the best shipbuilders in the world.

Due to its strategic location, the region was impacted by several invaders.  These included, other Arab tribes, Portugal and Britain.  Oman at one time even had its own colony, which included the island of Zanzibar, off the east coast of Africa and was the place where Oman became wealthy from the slave trade.  Oman also has oil wealth and reserves which it began exporting in 1967.  It has tried to have a diverse economy that is not solely based on oil and gas.  The economy has focused on tourism, fishing, mining and agriculture.  The main crops grown in Oman are dates, limes, tomatoes, eggplant, bananas and carrots.  Its most fertile land is found along the coast in the northeast.

Oman is a Muslim country and governed by Shari’a law.  Most of the Muslims adhere to the Ibadi sect of Islam, while the remaining are either Sunni or Shia.  The Sultan is a member of the Ibadi community, however, the government does not give official preference to any particular religious group.  Despite being a Muslim country, they allow freedom of religion and prohibit discrimination of individuals on the basis of religion.  About five percent of the population is Christian, Hindu or Buddhists; mostly non citizen immigrant workers.  Arabic is the official language in Oman, although English is also spoken.  In the capital city of Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was completed in 2001, built from 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone.  It has a capacity of 20,000 worshipers.  It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful architecture.

In the mid 20th century and up until the 1970s, Oman was basically shut off from the outside world, until the current Sultan overthrew his father in a bloodless coup.  Since that time, the country has opened up in all sorts of new ways.  Prior to 1970 Oman basically had no national infrastructure.  There were no hotels in Oman, yet today there are hundreds.  Back then, Oman had only six miles of paved roads whereas today there are over 3800 miles of paved roads.  In 1970, only three primary schools existed for just 1000 boys. Today, there are well over 500,000 kids (boys and girls) in over 1000 schools.  Education is free up until the higher education level.  Today the country has been totally transformed.

The Sultan is often called a Renaissance man, for his transformation of a nation in so little time.  Despite being run as an absolute monarchy, he is not considered a dictator.  He has developed a constitution, as well as two houses of Parliament.  A recent change in the constitution gives the lower house even more power.  The Parliament consists of both males and females from all over the country.  The Sultan is loved in his country and highly respected.  The biggest concern in Oman is who will succeed the Sultan, as he has no children of his own.  He recently spent eight months in Germany for an undisclosed medical condition.  When he returned, the country erupted in celebration.

As we look into the cuisine of this most interesting country, it is clear that they have many wonderful influences.  Located along the spice trade route, their cuisine is loaded with the best and most expensive spices like: saffron, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon, to name a few.  Oman was responsible for bringing clove to the island of Zanzibar.  The main influences come from Persia, India, Asia, and East Africa along with her neighbors.

In Oman, the cuisine is regional, however, most dishes have some element of curry, cooked meat, and vegetables.  Seafood, is of course, very popular along its long, fertile coastline.  Rice is a staple. Omani cuisine is full of different biryanis and machboos, (Middle Eastern rice with meat and spices) but it also has its own unique element of beaten or mashed rice.  This is rice that is cooked a very long time along with other ingredients, like chicken, to the point where it becomes like a porridge.  Soups are also common and typically made with chicken, or lamb and vegetables.  One element in the cuisine that is quintessential Omani, is the dried lime or black lime.  The lime, which originally came from Malaysia, is dried in the sun until the shell becomes rock hard and the interior is a gummy black.  This dried lime adds an intensive, citrusy, earthy, almost fermented flavor, to many of their dishes.  It is a beloved ingredient in Persian cuisine and other Middle Eastern cuisines.  In Oman it is called loomi.

Shuwa is considered to be the national dish and requires a distinctive, underground pit.  It is a time intensive dish that usually takes a few days and is reserved for special occasions.  It is typically made with beef, lamb, goat or camel, with a mixture of spices and oil and then wrapped in banana leaves and placed in the pit.  It is served over a massive platter of rice.  It is a big production, in both the preparation and in the enjoyment of the feast.  Alcohol is available in Oman but requires a special license, proving that you are spending less than ten percent of your income on it.  Pork is strictly forbidden.

So let’s eat an Omani meal:

The Menu

Starter

Balah, Juz and Kahwa (Dates, Nuts and Coffee)

Salad

Omani  Salata (Omani Salad)

Main course

Paplou Hasa’ (Fish Soup)

Madrouba (Beaten Rice & Chicken)

served with

Khubz (Omani Thin Bread)

Dessert

Halwa (Sweet)

We set the scene with a special coffee pot called a dallah.  For this meal, we were honored to have my sister and her husband as our guests.  We began by saying, “As-salem alaykum”, which means “Peace be with you,” in Arabic.  Coffee and dates are the ultimate form of hospitality in Oman.  The hot Omani coffee is served in little cups without handles called fenjans.  The coffee is lightly roasted and ground with cardamom and often times rose water is added to the mix.  Dates are served as a sweetner for the coffee.  Your coffee will be constantly refilled until you shake your cup vigorously, signalling that you have had enough.  You will be offered coffee and dates just about everywhere you go in Oman.  We began our meal with coffee and dates, both fresh and dried, along with some nuts.  It was the first time we had ever had a fresh date and we loved the crunchy texture and sweetness.

For the dinner setting we included a rug, as sitting on the floor and eating with your right hand is how food is enjoyed by the locals in Oman.  An Arabian horse figurine was placed, since they are believed to have originated in Oman and Omanis are known to be some of the best, Arabian horse breeders in the world.  Dried limes and spices were also positioned, along with a incense burner filled with frankincense.  I don’t think I ever had the privilege of smelling frankincense before and it turned out to be a lovely, earthy scent that we all enjoyed.  Pictures of elaborate carved doors were also added, as they were one of the things I loved so much about our trip to Stonetown in Zanzibar.  (I really wanted to bring back a set of carved doors,)  I loved them, and it turns out Oman is full of them.  Even the smallest, most unassuming abode, will be graced with a spectacular entry door.

Our next course was a spicy cirtusy seafood soup called paplou.  It was made with those dried limes and fresh lime juice, which was a perfect balance to the spiciness of the broth.  There are many variations to this dish but generally speaking it will contain, black lime, onions, tomatoes, turmeric, chili and fresh tuna.  It is served over a scoop of basmati rice.  We loved it!

Next were three dishes served communally, all at the same time.  It was a simple Omani salad that  had cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, parsley and mint but what made it unique was the addition of preserved lemons.  These are like a pickled lemon and added a unique element to the salad.  This was another keeper, everybody loved the salad; simple and delicious.

The main course was called madrouba, which literally translated means, “beaten rice.”  Despite the long cooking time, this dish is pretty easy to make and will infuse your kitchen with wonderful scents.  It has many spices but is not a hot spicy dish at all, it is simply a flavorful one.  It was enjoyed alongside Omani bread called khubz which is simply made with flour, water and salt.  It is cooked on a stainless flat surface above a hot flame where the dough is just lightly touched to the surface resulting in a very thin almost lace-like piece of bread.  The bread is not flipped but removed from the pan with what resembles a paint scraper.  It was very delicious hot off the grill.

For dessert, we served a small bowl of Halwa.  This is a gelatinous, sweet dessert made mostly of sugar and water and then flavored with saffron, cardamom and nuts.  It was a lovely end to our delicious Omani meal that left us wanting more.

As we say goodbye to this peaceful Middle Eastern nation, that has essentially no terrorism or crime, I leave you with a quote from His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said:

““The path we have followed in our foreign policy over the past decades has shown itself to be both sound and effective, with God’s guidance.  We are committed to this approach, which supports justice, peace and security, and tolerance and love; which calls for international cooperation in order to reinforce stability, promote growth and prosperity and tackle the causes of tension in international relations by producing just and permanent solutions to critical problems; which fosters peaceful co-existence between nations; and which generates well-being and prosperity for the whole of mankind.”

Until next time,

Shukran (thank you)

Darlene

Indonesia gets her name from the words “Indus” (the name of India) and the Greek word “nesos,” which means, islands. The name was coined in the 18th century by James Richardson Logan who was a student of English ethnologist, George Earl and used Indonesia as a synonym for the Indian Archipelago. Indonesia is located in South East Asia. She is bound by Malaysia and the South China Sea to the northwest, Papua New Guinea to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the northeast and the Indian Ocean to the southwest.

Indonesia has been described as a gargantuan tree with many branches. She is the largest archipelago in the world. The country is made up entirely of islands, some 17,000 of them and they stretch over an area of 3,200 miles, from east to west. About 6000 of the islands are inhabited. Sumatra and Java are two of the largest Islands in the archipelago. Jakarta is the capital city, the largest city and located on the island of Java. The beautiful, tropical island of Bali is sometimes referred to as the tourist capital of Indonesia.

Indonesia is the fourth most populous nation on earth, with over 257 million people. Java holds the majority of the population, over 51 percent, and is the most populous island on earth. Indonesia is also home to the largest population of Muslims in the world, with 87 percent of the population practicing Muslim. The government only recognizes six religions, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Protestantism, Catholicism and Confucianism. Every citizen must officially declare their religion whether practicing or not and two individuals that want to marry must belong to the same religion or one must convert.

Indonesia has a rich and fascinating history. Each island has its own unique, cultural background. The majority of the population is made up of Austronesian people, who originally migrated to South East Asia from Taiwan around 2000 BC. They began pushing the indigenous people to the far eastern regions. During the sixth and seventh centuries, the Srivijaya Kingdom and the Majapahit Empire were basically world powers in trade and in bringing Hindu and Buddhist influences to the area. They also brought cultural influences from India, China, and mainland Southeast Asia. These dynasties left behind several grand, religious monuments such as Buddhist Sailendra’s Borobudur and Hindu Mataram’s Prambanan, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites today. Although Islamic influences began in the eighth and ninth centuries, it wasn’t until the 13th century when Marco Polo visited Northern Sumatra, where he found already established Islamic states. Other areas of Indonesia gradually adopted Islam and it became the dominant religion by the end of the 16th century.

It was around this time that Indonesia’s abundant resources, particularly spices, began to attract the attention of the Europeans, especially the Portuguese. Spices were as good as gold, as they were believed to cure everything from the plague to many other diseases. The Portuguese were followed by the English and the Dutch. It was eventually the Dutch who won and colonized the area. The Dutch East India Company, established a spice monopoly that lasted well into the 18th century. After the dissolution of the Dutch East India Company, the Dutch began cultivating sugar and coffee on the island of Java, providing three quarters of the world’s coffee supply. It is no coincidence that java is often used as a slang term for coffee. Speaking of coffee, today the Indonesians sell the most expensive coffee drink in the world, a drink called “kopi luwak”. A cat, called the Asian palm civet, consumes coffee berries and the enzymes in the civet’s stomach removes the bitterness from the coffee berry. Well, you can use your imagination on how the berries come out of the civet. These berries are sold for about $1000 per pound.

The Indonesians were anxious for independence, which came after the Japanese occupation of Indonesia, from 1942 until the end of WWII, in 1945. The Dutch were unable to defend the colony from the Japanese, as they were under German occupation. At the end of the war and within days of the Japanese surrender, the Indonesians declared their independence. The Netherlands did not agree and a four year struggle ensued. They finally gave Indonesia their sovereignty in December of 1949. For years, Independence was still a struggle for the Indonesian people. After much strife, they finally were able to hold free elections in 1999.

Today Indonesia is a huge melting pot of over 300 ethnic groups. The official language is Bahasa Indonesia but there are several hundred other local languages, like Javanese and Papuan. Most Indonesians speak their local language, as well as the official one. Indonesia’s climate is tropical, mostly hot and humid, as many of the islands lie right along the equator. They have two seasons, a wet and dry season but the temperatures do not vary much from season to season. They mainly stay in the low to mid 80’s year round. Cooler temperatures can be found at the higher elevations.

The Indonesian archipelago is one of the most geologically evolving and diverse countries in the world. Over 150 of Indonesia’s 17,000 plus islands are active volcanoes. The, over 400, volcanic mountains that dot the islands, have a huge impact on both the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates. The islands are stretched out between the two plates and the area remains extremely active. Indonesia experiences at least one earthquake per day and three or so lesser vibrations. The Mount Tambora eruption that occurred in 1815 on the island of Sumbawa, was the largest observed volcanic eruption in history. The 2004 earthquake had a magnitude of 9.0 and created one of the world’s worst tsunamis ever. The epicenter was in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. In Indonesia alone, over 166,000 people died, over a half a million were displaced and 11 other countries were affected. On a personal note, when that tragedy occurred, I did not know much about Indonesia and I felt I needed to connect to the people and place. It was highly influential in why I started International Cuisine, to learn and understand more about the people and cultures populating our planet.

The flora and fauna of Indonesia is astounding, being the second most bio-diverse nation on earth. There are about 28,000 species of flowering plants, with 2500 orchid species, 6000 traditional, medicinal plants, 122 species of bamboo, 350 species of rattan and over 400 types of rare woods. Tropical rain forests in the region are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Along with the flora and fauna, there are animals and birds, reptiles and fish that are equally astonishing. One of the most famous reptiles, resides on one island in Indonesia, and is known as the komodo dragon. This is only place in the world where this huge creature is found. Komodo Island is another UNESCO World Heritage site.

As we look into the cuisine of this extremely diverse nation, it is easy to see the many different influences on their amazing food. The Europeans, Arabs, Indians, South East Asians and the Chinese all contributed. Being located along the spice trade and with the natural resources that abound, the combinations are endless. The foundation of any authentic Indonesian meal is rice called (nasi). Everything served with it is considered an accompaniment. Rice is grown in many areas throughout Indonesia, in the rich volcanic soil. Indonesian cuisine is a combination of flavors, usually hot, salty, sweet and sour, all at the same time, which makes Indonesian food one of the most vibrant cuisines of the world.

So let’s enjoy the flavors of Indonesia:

The Menu
Nasi Tumpeng
(Assorted dishes surround the cone shaped rice)

Bakwan Sayur (Vegetable Fritter)

Bakmi Goreng (Seafood Stir Fried Noodles)

Gado Gado (Vegetables with Peanut Sauce)

Beef Rendang (Braised Beef in Coconut Milk)

Achar (Pickled Vegetables)

Nasi Kuning (Yellow Rice)

Dessert
Dadar Gulung (Caramelized Coconut pancakes)

We set our low table with the colors of the Indonesian flag; red and white. We used banana leaves and bamboo mats to set the scene, along with orchids, coconut and candles, accented with a komodo dragon and the coat of arms. The platter, called Tumpeng, has a giant cone of rice in the middle of the platter. Tumpeng is served at many celebratory occasions. The cone represents the mountains. We sat on the floor and used only a spoon and fork, as would be customary in Indonesia. The rice was made with coconut milk and turmeric to give it a beautiful, yellow hue.

Surrounding the Nasi Kuning were many delicious dishes. We began with the Bakwan Sayur, which is basically tempura like, vegetable fritters that were served warm and crispy. We devoured them.

Next was the gado-gado. This dish is loved all over Indonesia, it literally means “mix, mix” so it can be made with any combination of vegetables (salad type ingredients, boiled, blanched and/or fresh) that you can imagine, but a few key ingredients are a must. The sweet and spicy peanut dressing is what makes this dish oh so delicious. Hardboiled egg, tempeh and potatoes are also commonly used in gado-gado. It would make a lovely light meal for any occasion.

We then enjoyed the seafood, stir fried, noodle dish called, Bakmi Goreng. This is an amazing dish full of robust flavor. The noodles are also a staple in their cuisine and one can imagine any number of uses for these delicious noodles. This dish had shrimp and squid as the seafood of choice and used a combination of hot chili sauce and sweet soy sauce, called Kecap. (Which, by the way, is how ketchup evidently got its name.) The sesame oil added a perfect essence and blended well with the mushrooms, onions and chives. The fried onions gave it a caramelized richness. Honestly, I have made this stir fry with all sorts of ingredients, multiple times, since our Indonesian meal. I am in love!

Next was the dish called beef rendang. Red meat is not eaten very often in Indonesia but reserved for special occasions. This traditional delicacy is made by slow cooking beef for hours in a rich, spiced, coconut sauce, until the beef has absorbed all the intricate flavors. It is cooked until perfectly tender and is a dish to be celebrated; simply outstanding.

All these dishes were served with a condiment/pickle called “achar”. These are vegetables, pickled with a hot and sour sauce and provide a lovely bite to accompany just about anything or even eaten all by themselves.
For dessert we savored dadar gulung. This is a caramelized coconut mixture, wrapped in a pancake, made with the flavoring of pandan leaves. It was a magical end to our Indonesian feast.

As we say goodbye to these amazing islands and flavors of Indonesia, I do so with renewed hope. Just this past week, on December 2nd, there was a terrorist attack in the United States. It happened in San Bernardino, California and the attack is believed to have been inspired by radicalized jihadists. As Indonesia has also suffered terrorist attacks by radicals, I was moved to see that the government released a film called, “Rahmat Islam Nusantara” (“The Divine Grace of East Indies Islam”.) It has been translated into English and Arabic for global distribution. In a nut shell, the film challenges and denounces the ISIS interpretation of the Quran, as factually wrong and perverse. This strong message, coming from the most enlightened form of Islam in the world and dating back more than 500 years, is highly significant. It promotes a spiritual interpretation of Islam that stresses non-violence, inclusiveness and acceptance of other religions. Amen!

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

Brunei Darussalam is a tiny country located on the northwest coast of the Island of Borneo. She has two separate territories neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia and also borders the South China Sea. It is a common misconception to assume this country is in the Middle East, rather than Southeast Asia.

It is said that back in the the late 1300’s, a group of fourteen brothers, in search of a new place to live, landed at Burit on the Brunei River. The brothers found the place beautifully surrounded by lush vegetation, rolling hills and rivers, abundant with fish. When they realized what they had discovered, they shouted “Baru Nah”, meaning “That’s it” and thereafter this land was known as Brunei. It is also believed Darussalam known as the “Adobe of Peace”, was named by the third Sultan of Brunei.

An absolute monarchy (one of only seven in the world), is run by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khari Waddien, the 29th Sultan of Brunei. (His friends call him Hassanal.) He is also the first and incumbent Prime Minister of Brunei. He is the only Sultan that has reigned since gaining full independence from Britain in 1984, although the family has ruled here for 600 years. An absolute monarch has absolute power among the people. The current Sultan is considered to be one of the richest men in the world.

Brunei is rich in oil and liquid natural gas, having one of the highest GDP in the world and no debt. The citizens are rewarded with free healthcare, education and pensions. Even housing and cars are subsidized here.

The Sultan’s 300 acre palace, named Istana Nurrel Iman, meaning “Palace of the Light of Faith”; is a combination of Persian and Arabic. The Palace, built with Brunei and Malay influences, has golden domes and vaulted roofs and cost 1.4 billion US dollars to build. It has 1788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, a banquet hall to accommodate up to 5000 guests, a mosque to serve 1500, a 110 car garage, and air-conditioned stable to house the Sultan’s 200 polo ponies and 5 swimming pools. With its 2,152,782 square feet of floor space, it is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest private palace in the world. He owns over 9000 cars, 17 planes including an airbus, a custom designed 747, as well as a private zoo and a golf course. The Sultan opens up the doors to his private residence for a three day period during the annual Islamic festival which marks the end of Ramadan. Guests receive gifts of food and green packets, containing money, are given to children who visit during this event.

The people of this small country are mostly Malay, with a small minority of Chinese, Indians and some Indigenous tribes. The official language is Malay, although English is also widely used especially in trade and business. The Chinese citizens there still speak Chinese. The country’s religion is Islam, and the country takes it very seriously. They recently enacted Sharia, an Islamic law. Sharia is a moral and religious law, largely identified with Islam. Sharia law is controversial to say the least, addressing topics such as sexual intercourse, hygiene, diet (pork and alcohol are forbidden), prayer, everyday etiquette and fasting. The countries that have enacted Sharia (including Brunei) use flogging, amputations and stoning as legal punishments, prescribing the death penalty by stoning for homosexual acts, adultery and rape. As Sharia differs from secular law, there is ongoing controversy as to whether Sharia is compatible with democracy, freedom of thought and women’s rights. It is also said that the Sultan and his family members do not abide by this law and it is rumored that flagrant sexual affairs, often with underage girls and orgies run rampant in their palaces. But to speak badly of the Sultan or to critique how they spend money, is a punishable crime.

Brunei is known for her raw, unspoiled nature. The government has acted to conserve huge parts of the country for national parks and is home to some of the finest in Asia. Pristine rainforests, mangroves and coral reefs are easily accessible from the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. Visitors take pleasure in a longboat ride down a winding jungle river, surrounded by rainforest and wildlife. A walk on the shores under the vast rainforest canopy will unfold an abundance of birds, plants and animals, such as the entertaining Bornean proboscis monkey. Brunei is known to be one the best places on the planet for macro photography.

Blessed with a tropical climate and shielded from natural disasters, Brunei has many exotic fruits, vegetables and spices. Game animals in rural areas, such as, sambar deer and barking deer, are commonly hunted as a food source. Wild birds are eaten there as well. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the neighbors Malaysia and Indonesia, with additional influences from India, Thailand, China and Japan. Fish and rice are their staple foods and they like it spicy; usually adding hot chilies to their dishes. Flavors like shrimp paste, galangal, turmeric and lemongrass infuse a delightful richness to their cuisine. A dish peculiar to Brunei is called “ambuyat.” It is a sticky ball of sago starch which is wrapped around a bamboo fork and dipped into a sour fruit sauce.

As I started my search for the recipes to make our Bruneian meal, I was struck by the complexity and number of ingredients in them. It would likely be one of my biggest culinary challenges to date but I was ready. I couldn't wait for those exotic Asian flavors that as yet, we haven't experienced on our journey.
So let’s eat:

The Menu

Appetizer
Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Main Course
Prawn and Petai Sambal (Shrimp and Green Beans) Served with Khao Man (Coconut Rice)

Hot, Sweet and Sour Pickles

Dessert

Sticky Rice with Mangoes

We set the table with the Bruneian colors; yellow, black, white and red. We used chopsticks for utensils, after all this is Southeast Asia. Since alcohol is forbidden in Brunei, the meal was served with a pineapple and mango tropical fruit juice.

We began with our appetizer, the chicken satay and peanut sauce. Although Brunei cannot claim satay as their own, it is loved all over the country. The chicken thighs were marinated in a complex mix of exotic ingredients overnight. The result, after grilling, was absolute heaven on earth. The warm and tender, moist chicken, dipped in peanut sauce, was beyond belief.

The hot, sweet and sour pickles were made of pineapple, cucumber and carrots. The dressing was an awesome combination of robust flavors. This dish is commonly found on tables as a condiment or side dish. We ate it with both the satay and the main dish and savored every bite.

The main dish was shrimp and green beans. In Brunei, it is made with a green bean called petai, which is a large bean and only the seed of the bean is used after the pod is removed. However, I could not find this exotic bean. So I made our dish with fresh, organic green beans from our garden and cut them on the diagonal. This dish was simple to make, cooked up quickly and was delectable. The shrimp were cooked perfectly and served over delicious coconut rice. The tamarind paste added an awesome sourness to the dish and the sugar and sesame oil provided a lovely rich and complex sweetness.

For dessert we laid fresh mango slices over coconut rice and smothered this with an amazing warm, coconut cream; a perfect ending to our amazing journey to Brunei.

As we say goodbye, here are a few points of etiquette to be aware of, should you visit this rich, little country. Public displays of affection are considered rude and if it is with someone of the opposite sex and they happen to be Muslim, it could land you in jail to be prosecuted by an Islamic court. If someone offers you food, be polite and always accept it with your right hand (the left is considered unclean.) Take small bites and never eat while walking. Do not sit with your legs stretched out in front of you, don’t lean on a table and don’t pat or touch anyone on the head that is a sign of disrespect. If you want to get someone’s attention, use all four fingers of the right hand, palm facing downward, never use your forefinger. People there are considered friendly however with rare exception, are not likely to invite you into their home. Dress conservatively, be discreet and polite.

Although I find the Sharia law that the Sultan recently enacted, to be a huge step backwards for this country (even creating protests in front of the Beverly Hills Hotel, owned by the Sultan), I must say their complex cuisine and rich flavors are a counterpoint to be commended. With that, I will say “Makan Makan!” in Malay, meaning “Eat Eat.” The food of Brunei is truly divine!

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene