Thomas et. al....A cultural anecdote:
In the Moslem world, including here in Malaysia, it is the time of Rahmadan, the month of fasting that precedes Hari Raya, the most important holiday of the year. What I have learned however is that "fasting" is a bit of a misnomer. While it is true that Muslims fast from approximately day break until sunset, they are allowed to eat and drink before and after those times. This has led to an interesting cultural practice. Very early in the morning, as early as 3:30 am, lights go in the kitchens around town, as the women rise to prepare
a morning meal. These meals are large and folks, who might normally consume only a small bit of breakfast, will now rise and consume more then their normal. Then, in the evening time, there are parties and banquets all over the city as people gather for what is locally called buka puasa which translates as break fast. (Note: this is two words, not one) Even if one is not attending a party or banquet, the meal at home is usually larger then normal and features many of the local favorites. Another common sight is the springing up of food stalls, (more then the normal hawkers stands that are everywhere.) At these one can stop and pick up any number of specialty dishes. These cater to the hungry who do not want to go home and spend anytime cooking, but who want to have their food ready to eat at the moment of buka puasa. This is important, as to consume first water, then food, at exactly the proscribed time is required by religous edict.
In my neighborhood one of these impromptu food centers has sprung up. Tonight we went there to buy our supper. My wife, son, and I spread out to purchase our favorites from the different stalls. We were feeding 6 people so we bought generous ammounts. Here is what we purchased. Six pieces of broiled chicken (redolent in chili sauce), two kinds of fried noodles, stewed bean sprouts with tofu in garlic, a bowl full of sambal cockles (sambal means chilied), stir fried kang kong ( a bit like spinach), a litre of freshly squeezed sugar cane juice (we watched the vendor put the cane through the machine--delicious!), six spring rolls, assorted pastries and fried banannas. This feast we carried home and consumed with relish, as I assume was happening in homes all across the city.
During the dinner conversation I quickly polled my wife and son. Together we spent a total of 24 Ringiit. By today's money that is about $ 5.60. Remarkable.
Whats even more remarkable is that a Muslim friend of mine admitted to me the other day that he gains weight during Rahmadan, a time of fasting. I am not surprised.
Best,
Stitch
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