The food: Fried Black Pomfret
Where to find it: Kuching, Malaysia
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On any given family household property in Kuching, Malaysia a visitor may discover a clash of sensations. The Southeast Asian humidity pulses into blood streams despite ubiquitous ceiling fans’ attempt at warding off the mug. Roosters crow outside beckoning a new day, and later dogs howl as if attempting to one-up their feathered neighbors in the evening. Between the day’s bookends of heat and noise families rush around the kitchen. They whisk up their morning cup of Kopi O. Or they scarf down a midday yam puff pastry with their tea. School at 8am, doctor appointment at 3pm, piano and swim practice on the weekends: families all across the world know the drill. And the family kitchen holds together this flurry of familial chaos.
When the day finally wilts, the entire Kuching family retires to a grand, round dinner table. Atop this table spins a glass lazy susan displaying the bounty of the day: steamed clams and rice, stir-fried jungle fern and morning glory vegetable and, of course, whole fish—the mother of all shared dishes.
The fish reminds everyone they’re family. For that brief moment before multiple forks claw from all sides, everyone stares at the fish in anticipation. Who will first pierce the fish skin to release the floodgates of succulent, seafood steam trapped within? Of course once the first fork stabs, it’s fair game for all family members to have at it. With carnivorous expedience, the first half of this fish gets ripped clean. They pause. Before the feasting continues, they all make sure everyone has eaten their share of the fish. Despite a tiring day that would build up the appetite of anyone, the family makes sure to share—even with visitors—at the family dinner table. It is here where a traveler may discover one of the most comforting facts of life: home is where the kitchen lives.
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1 This post is dedicated to my incredible host family in Malaysia who were more loving and generous than this foolish traveler should ever deserve. They taught me the meaning of “Malaysian Hospitality.”
2 JOB OPPORTUNITY: The above picture comes straight out of another scene from my travel & food web series I’m shooting in Asia. Longa Travels Productions is currently seeking (documentary/trailer) editors for post-production. If you’re interested in learning more, then please send an email to [email protected].