If Malaysia has a national condiment, it would be sambal. Yet as central as sambal is to Malaysia's culinary heritage, it wouldn't exist without Portugal.
As Melaka's fortunes grew, the empire attracted the envy of Europe. By the 16th Century, Portuguese merchants began trading with Melaka, introducing new products like chillis and tomatoes. But this trade partnership wasn't enough and Portuguese rulers soon wanted more from Melaka. And so kicked off a long era of European colonialism in the region.
Portugal left a significant mark on Malaysia's culture, best represented by the Kristang community. We hear from chef Melba Nunis (@chefmelbanunis) about her Eurasian roots and the uniqueness of Kristang cuisine. She shares her experience in keeping traditions alive by publishing a cookbook, which remains one of just two cookbooks specialising in Kristang cuisine.
We also hear from community leader Martin Theseira, who grew up in the Portuguese settlement of Melaka. We learn about the Kristang creole language, a once thriving dialect that is now spoken by just 2,000 people.
References and Resources
A History of Malaysia (2016), Barbara Watson Andaya, Leonard Y. Andaya
A Kristang Family Cookbook (2015), Melba Nunis
The Melaka Portuguese Eurasian Heritage Arts and Culture Society
The Majestic Melaka - 188, Jln. Bunga Raya, Pengkalan Rama, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia
Kumi Cafe - 21, Lorong Setiabistari 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
Quentins Eurasian Restaurant - 139 Ceylon Rd, Level 1 Eurasian Heritage Gallery, Singapore 429744
Noel Felix - Kristang Musician
Credits
Hosted by Dr Noby Leong and Philip Gibson
Produced by Dr Noby Leong and Philip Gibson
Sound Design by Jack Barr
Satay? Okay! is produced by Kopi Productions Limited
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