Thursday

Sambal Days, Kampong Cuisine
Aziza Ali
Singapore: Ate Media, 2013
ISBN: 9789810755201

Sambal Days, Kampong Cuisine reveals stories of a time when life was simpler in the kampongs of Radin Mas, but cooking and mealtimes were sometimes much more elaborate, with meticulous preparation in the kitchen and generous presentation at the dining table. Nostalgic tales of living in a communal atmosphere of 13 family members and interacting with kampong neighbours from various ethnic backgrounds are also shared by Aziza in her book.

Referencing her childhood memories in the book, Aziza recounts how family values, neighbourly gotong-royong (community ties of mutual cooperation) and cultural tradition are expressed and celebrated through the preparation and enjoyment of food - not just reserved for festive occasions such as Hari Raya or on outings such as seaside staycations at Tanah Merah, but also every single day.

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