Fasting In Foreign Countries

There's nothing like home-cooked meals for breaking Ramadan fast with family members. Mom would pamper her kids in preparing the overly bothersome dishes that require mundane preparation or tedious cooking procedures that would certainly test the patience of any yoga guru.

Mom's tender loving care over her cooking - either in the form of baking, boiling, brewing, broiling,  frying, grilling, heating, roasting, simmering, sizzling, steaming, stewing or even toasting - all in the pursuit of excellence tasting dishes to satisfy our fussy taste buds.

As if that's not overwhelming enough, then there would be certain craving for after meal desserts. And sweet tasting caramel is not good enough - that's a western poppycock dessert. In this hot humid climate you can't get enough of the pengat families to drown your sore itchy throat. Starting off with the evergreen pengat pisang, keledek, keladi or kacang hijau.

What about the Kelantanese influence of Puteri Berendam or Lompat Tikam? The colorful tri-tasting elements that truly melt in your mouth exquisitely much more then the overly exaggerated candy commercial! And if that's too bitsy to your appetite, go and get yourself the ugliest, meanest and most distasteful looking pengat - Badak Berendam or as translated in English - are you ready for this - soaking rhinoceros!

So how is it going for you guys fasting in foreign countries? Many-many eons ago we had had our own experience of fasting in Adelaide, Australia for six long years. Back then perhaps the Asian cooking ingredients were not easily available either in the condensed versions nor like those kinds of pre-cooked instant meals packets. Asian living in the early eighties for the Australian was not in vogue back then.

We tried to pacify our cravings mostly on weekends with some sort of off-the-shelf cakes or candies to munch over our television movies. We certainly could not wake up for suhur (or sahur in Malay) - the recommended pre-dawn meal of Ramadan simply because it's too cold in middle of winter and more so due to our staying up late as being the norm of student's life. Besides those six lovely years were the easiest fasting period for us as it's still dark outside at 8am and best of all we broke fast somewhere around 5.30pm!

Riang Ria Hari Raya

This is the moment every Muslim in general and Muslim employees in particular, are looking forward to as we enter the fourth and final week of Ramadhan. It's beyond the threshold of fasting - where thirst, hunger or any kind of withdrawal symptoms would no longer be inflicting any more discomfort to the devotees.

As in the Olympic marathon, the last leg of Ramadhan would be similar to the marathon runners nearing to the stadium entrance tunnel as the sound of wild crowd ever cheering and applauding - with increasing roar as one emerges through the running tracks. The crowd goes ballistic as the runners spontaneously increase their running pace - striding effortlessly to the finishing line in all glory and jubilantly satisfying.

We will also be striding in the last few days of Ramadhan with mixed feelings of contentment, humbled, exalted and grateful to Almighty in blessing us yet another year of living, Insha'Allah.

Coincidently, it's also the end of the July where all the employees will be emptying their ATM salaried accounts without bothering with any of the interest-bearing opportunities that the banks would like to hold on to your monies.

No, this is not the time to worry about savings, retirement funds or even repayment installments - some petty financial jargons that can be done with a few months down the road...!

This is the final few days of Ramadhan before Eid al-Fitr or Hari Raya Aidil Fitri in Malay. It will be awfully busy for all parents or even singles alike.

Where to celebrate would be telling on the budget. Crisscrossing both sides of the families to please the other half would be draining on travelling expenses. More so when it involves air-travelling across the China Sea-divide.

Then how about the inevitable new clothes and shoes for the kids - and it must be differing attires for the couple of days they are on holidays visiting the kampong folks!

What about the cakes, cookies and special dishes? It would be totally rude and unbecoming to balik kampong empty handed. More so to your in-laws household.

Especially when your rival sibling-in-laws got back not only with their perfect ketupat-rendang or lemang dishes, or that their fully-attired ipaded or ipoded children all in-tow, but they drove back in their brand new shining sleek BMWs or at least any of the latest curvaceous Korean models (cars mind you, cars not K-pop version).

Not forgetting treating the in-laws to fancy unforgetful outings with or without meals! Surely one can't be too cheapskate to pack meals to recreational parklands or resorts. How about the over-priced entrance fees with or without the rides?

Happy holidays to all of you out there.

Various Kinds of 'Mat's' in KL

Malay colloquial expression for third person masculine singular pronoun would most likely be a 2-syllable word starting with the word 'Mat' followed by various colorful trait of the person. 'Mat' is the abbreviation of most common names in Malay - Ahmad or Mohammad.

Young Malay boys showing certain inclination of indulgence in their early lives would be spoken of affectionately by the adults with equivalent monikers with prefix of 'Mat' - followed by his idiosyncrasy.

Among them would be 'Mat Bola' - footballer, 'Mat Berangan' - dreamer, 'Mat Trumpet' - trumpet musician, 'Mat Besi' - strong boy, and so on. 

Most famous of all 'Mat Jenin' went on to become a proverbial household name - fabled story of a boy counting his eggs before they were hatched, with a fatal twist of the character in the end - a prevalent traits of the locals unfortunately.

Then the no-turning-back 'Mat' in the adult life. Even up to now the society seems to be at loss on how to contain such rampaging of these kind of Mat's.

Mat Gian - Male drug addict. Feminine - Minah Gian.
'Mat Gian ni suka curi barang, nak suap gian dia.'
These Mat Gian likes to steal things, to finance his addiction.

Mat Rempit - Male illegal motorbike racer. Feminine - Minah Rempit.

'Mat Rempit ni makin melampau - polis pun dibelasahnya.'

These Mat Rempits are getting bold - even the policeman was beaten up by them.

Unlike the effervescence of 'Mat Salleh's' ever since first came to Malay shore in the 17th century in seeking spices. It must be an unbelievable sights of the puny locals gawking at these giant bearded sailors in their armored suites and silvery weapons - initially mistaken with the smaller Punjabi traders - they were called 'Benggali Putih' or White Benggali.

Surely they weren't called 'Mat Salleh' then. The most obvious reference to these humongous humanoids would be 'orang putih' - 'white people'. Well, one can't blame the Mat Salleh in retort calling the locals 'orang coklat'..!

Always a fallacy that the term 'Mat Salleh' coming from English words 'mad sailor' - as being the land-deprived English commercial and military sailors would let off their steam at the ports-of-call at local outlets with their tipsy antics would be easy enough.

However, in true sense of madness the more appropriate description of such frequent incidences would be 'orang putih giler...!' - apology to my Caucasian friends. That's not how we Malays would treat our guests, totally far from it...!

In friending with the locals, the sailors would boast of fascinating far-away tales or exciting adventures beyond the seventh seas that would be the envy of young Malay men. Everyone wants to associate and converse with these outstanding - physically of course, burly fun-loving, easy going and enchanting 'mat' sailors.

And with the thick English twang, the Malays could not match the deep-baritone cockney pronunciation of the word 'sailor' - nor do they understand the meaning of it in all fairness since the profession do not have an equivalent word in Malay! It's only when the Portuguese lent us the word 'kelasi kapal' as closest to the English's sailor.  

As always, in all Malay good-humor demeanor, the best they can do is to mimic the word equivalent to our own familiar name that they can associate with - Salleh - a sophisticated Malay name for a upper society male.

That's what they want to be just like their new-found friends - a Mat Salleh - to visit and discover the exciting places far away around the world.

It has never been an ounce of derogatory to the moniker of Mat Salleh, au contraire it's the affection or fondness of the 'orang putih' that most of us dare not admit...! It even goes up a notch in the ever increasing acronyms of the digital world - 'omputih' ... well that's for another day..!

More so when one comes across the blue-eyed blonde 'Minah Omputih' ... glamour you.....!

KL - Sempoi Selalu

The meaning of the blog title 'Sempoi Selalu' being an increasing popular Malay catchword among the younger generation. It is a common misnomer even among the Malays who wrongly associate the origin of the word ‘sempoi’ from English adjective of ‘simple’; as the actual meaning of it is totally different to being ‘easy’, ‘plain’ or ‘uncomplicated’.

Some examples of wrong usage to the meaning of the word in Malay spoken conversations by the youngsters :-

“Sempoi giler ko nak pegi kenduri.... pakai la smart-smart sikit..!”

‘You are (dressed) crazily simple for thanksgiving function, wear (something) smart a little bit!’

“Macam haram buat kerja, sempoi giler!”

 ‘Damn bastard doing the work overly simplified!

Don’t bother to check your Malay or Indonesian dictionary on this fascinating lingo originating from the cultural laid-back, melting-pot lifestyle of Penang Malays. The birthplace of the cultural Boria stage singing performance - a form of Malay theatre of Indian origin which has through adaptive processes, becomes the one and only theatre of Malay community in Penang.

A typical Boria troupe consists of a leader, a chorus team in identical costumes, comedians and musicians alike. The performance normally begins with a short comic sketch, followed by a song-dance routine featuring a juxtaposition of choral and solo parts in rhythms of course. Totally opposite in all aspects to the African-American successful hip hop rap music!

Dressing of the performing troupe and the stage as well as the comic actors will be said to the act of ‘pakai sempoi-sempoi’ – an overall expression of achieving the best – in performing the show, attractive glittering costumes and delightful entertainment overall. It is the act of sophistication, awesome, fantastic and astonishing all roles into one!

 

Most commonly used by the youngsters with the adverb of ‘giler’ (gila) or ‘crazily’ after the word ‘sempoi’ in the following example.

‘Kat Seberang Perai pun apa kurangnya pi pekena char koey teow Sungai Dua teloq ayam berbasuh. Perghhhhh.... sempoi giler!’

‘What’s the difference in Seberang Prai, with the taste of Sungai Dua fried char-kwey-teow . Perghhhhh…. Crazily awesome!’

 'Sempoi' also means another way of describing the highest order of standard in taste - be in in food, fashion or even in daily lifestyle. Another example of the usage :-

‘Aku memang original mat Penang. Tok moyang aku beranak di pulau ni. Sebenarnya ada banyak lagi tempat makan yang sempoi-sempoi di sini.’

‘I am a true Penang man. My ancestors were born on this island. Frankly there are plenty more of fantastic eating places here.’

 

In summation, 'sempoi' translates into multi-facets of excellence that you may fancy. And the city of KL certainly reflects that in many ways.

Sempoi-sempoi – Top notch.

Sempoi giler! – Crazily awesome!

Sempoi selalu – Always the best/sophisticated/excellent.

 

Ramadhan Bazaar - Unwritten Etiquette for Everyone

Ramadhan in Malaysia is embraced with customary Malay kampong lifestyle and nostalgically craving for traditional dishes, cakes or desserts as Muslims devote fasting in the day time and increased praying and reciting the holy Koran at night or in between working breaks for spiritual contemplation and reflection. Fasting would be to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking during the fasting hours as well as abstinence on all vices of mankind in the month long of Ramadhan.

Inevitably, Ramadhan bazaars have been the convenient avenues for the ever-busy city dwellers to get hold of these home cooked delicacies that can only be purchased within the fasting month of Ramadhan.

In a true spirit of camaraderie, all Malaysian non-Muslims are coming out in droves alongside their fellow Muslims in search of the special fare and mouthwatering food for their breaking-of-fast that these quaint street food bazaars would offer.

Thus it is best for all of us to observe increased discretion and sensitivity in respecting fellow Muslims, even in the atmosphere of slapstick hollering of traders – more likely a tiring shout of a hard day’s work rather than an exclamation of trade persuasion.

Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts that we should all remember during our visit to Ramadhan bazaar.

Dressing

•        Women are advised to dress sensibly and modestly, avoiding spaghetti straps, sleeveless blouses or above-the-knee skirts;

•        Men are expected to dress modestly, avoid bold or vulgar prints of your attire. Shorts preferably of good length beyond knees if possible;

•        Cross-dressing is an absolute no-no, whether it’s Ramadan or not.

Etiquette – generally show consideration for those who are observing the fast

•        Refrain from drinking, eating, chewing gum or smoking in the Bazaar area.

•        Do not sample any of the food on display or even consuming your purchase in the bazaar area;

•        Do not be loud or obnoxious. Avoid getting into arguments or animated/offensive behavior to anyone – even if it’s your own family member, friends or coworkers;

•        Some kiasu locals will not queue at all or worse, jump on any opportunity to be served. Be patient and courteous so as not to harass the stressed-out traders. Do not expect even a 1-star hospitality service from street vendors sweating under the hottest time of the day in the sun! Even the cashiers will have a dour face due to fatigue!

•        Do not point fingers at others as this is considered disrespectful. Avoid making obscene gestures and using foul languages;

•        Talking aloud with your friends or on the phone can be construed as rude. So do any ear-plug listening devices while wondering around the bazaar;

•        Should you be ill-treated by the vendors or anyone in the crowd, do not retaliate. There is no need to get offended. Look at them somberly in their eyes and simply walk away from the scene. Be the nobler party;

•        It is a bazaar after all. Beware of pickpockets and snatch-thief all the time. Bring only small change instead of big notes or you will be quick to annoy the traders.

•        Picture taking is acceptable but with discretion of course. It’s polite to seek permission first before taking photo of an individual – be it a beggar alike.

•        Remember your right hand – to point to your selection, handing over the money and in receiving your goods. It’s overly rude to pass anything with your left hand.

•        Should you be short-handed, or your right hand somehow could not perform the required task, please acknowledge before-hand to the seller in a simple apologetic gesture –

“Maaf, tangan kiri ya Encik/Cik!” – Sorry for using my left hand Sir/Maam.

 Anymore tips from anyone?

Ramadhan Bazaar - Sungai Penchala

Bazaar Ramadhan Sungai Penchala is located conveniently a few hundred meters of Penchala Link junction to Taman Tun Dr. Ismail in this Malay reserved enclave residential neighborhood. It is an unpretentious bazaar of about 40 odd stalls laid out in encircling two rows of stalls.

 

Vehicular off street parking would be testing one's patience around 5 to 6pm as both sides of the road leading to the mosque and shops beyond would be congested. If you are familiar entering Sungai Penchala from LDP highway, that would be the better route to the venue.

 

In previous years there were interesting stalls selling unique selections such as barbeque stingray, dim sum, authentic cakes from the original stoves and hands of Kelantanese mothers and grandmothers settling in the kampung.

 

However, in passing of time and maybe the maestro chefs themselves the current traders are keeping safe to commercial varieties much available in bazaars anywhere else. Yet the uniqueness of certain home-cooked dishes would certainly reward anyone making a trip to this edge of Kuala Lumpur.

 

It is also encouraging to witness the city council's health officials in hand taking random samples and overall inspection of the stalls.

 

 

 Klate + KL = Klatel

Ain't that simply sumptuous?

Kuih-muih - Variety of cakes

Lauk-pauk - Variety of dishes

Interesting visitors pioneering the neighborhood.

Shorts for the ladies would be practical in the hot and humid afternoon weather, that is understandable. However, shorts in midst of the locals in the month of Ramadhan can also be disrespectful. Alas the uninformed!

The friendliest & happiest traders.

Legendary couple selling Murtabak solely outside the bazaar premise by the roadside. That's their young son on standby help.

 

And our friendly city council health inspectors - DBKL- drop by taking random samples from this drink stall.

The yellow officer's job would be to drag the sampling container around and take it back to the lab for health testing obviously.

 

Another team at the other end of the bazaar.

While the boss would be doing behind-the-counter inspection, as well as getting a few packed dishes to carry home.

Anak-Beranak - Family members

Air tebu - Sugar cane juice

Lemang brother, lemang special...!

 

Colored iced-drinks - just name your favorite color!

Even Supergirl would get her meal from here!

Mother-of-all-cholesterol ....!

Recessed wok counter-table - sempoi!

 A cutie looking back at you.

This poor guy got stuck by another Parker behind his car for quite a while.

 

Ramadhan Bazaar - Kelana Jaya

This is a 'must visit' ramadhan bazaar in Klang valley with it's location just off the fringe of Damansara-Puchong Highway ring road conveniently linking to the affluent mid-upper class residents to patronize. Parking should not be a problem around the residential single-storey terrace neighborhood surrounding it.

Weekends are always crowded with the apartment dwellers nearby joining in the feast as the evening sun cools down. It is best to arrive early around 4pm. That is when the traders have fully settled in and the crowd has yet to arrive, but be sure to avoid the trench of afternoon sun and it's heat.

The non-Malay speaking visitors should not be intimidated with the traders' shouting and howling of their merchandized. After all it is a bazaar and a few beggars wouldn't mind sitting down right in the centre of the crowded lane looking up as pathetic as they could muster to your eyes.

You should know that trading rules require all prices to be displayed by the traders. Keep a look out for their multi-facets of price lists. The exception would be for a serving of home-cooked dishes. That's when you have to keep an eye on the final tallied figure. It's not impolite to ask the price of each serving or a piece of the dish.

A common knowledge is that prices are non-negotiable but who knows what your hidden haggling talent might reward you after all...! A charming smile or two might earn one a discount - depending on the most pity face you could churn out with.

Once a trader tried out a pizza stall complete with his portable electric oven. He did not last long unfortunately. Maybe pizza cheesy after taste and fasting appetite did not get along too well in the stomach at the end of the day.

But nowadays Kambing Golek or spit-roasted lamb seems to be in vogue among the every-fussy purchasers seeking a different level of food flavor in their diet.

Bustling crowd all the way along the street ..!

Chicken grille smoke adding to the haze in Klang valley.

Cheese anyone...?

That's Sam Boi not Sampoi..!

Raja Ketam or Crab King - just look at his crab dish size.

'Tepung Pelita' - a darling must-taste sweet from Kelantan. Keeping it's price from a year ago that one will not be able to get next year...!

Not to be outdone, this guy self-proclaims to be 'Raja Puding' - or Pudding King.

Kambing Golek - spit-roasted lamb adopted from the eastern European barbeque concept down to the street of Kelana Jaya. A common sight nowadays at Ramadhan bazaars.

 Fried, fried and fried everything.

Hallmark of Kelana Jaya. Just look at the non-Muslims patiently queuing-up to buy. Tandoor clay-pot cooking chicken.

Opposite end of the street closer to the apartments.

Sempoi - Keep calm and eat chicken wings..!

The young turks are taking over as traders.

D' la mode setup. Biasa - Normal Besar - Big.

Not as famous as the cousin cookie business.

Now to get the juice flowing......

A different kind of product - Saudi Arabian juices.