Sunday Times 2
Launch of recipe book “Malay Culinary Delights”
View(s):A Malay recipe book titled “Malay Culinary Delights” compiled by Group Captain, Sri Lanka Air Force, Noor Rahim now domiciled in Toronto, Canada, has been published by Kumpulan Melayu Kotikawatta (KMK).
The noteworthy feature of this book is the process through which the book came into existence.
In the Facebook (FB) group “Young Melayu”, at one stage, there were continuous sessions of questions and answers about Malay food; recipes; and different methods of making mouth-watering Malay dishes. Information relating to the Malay cuisine was exchanged and shared on FB in the form of comments, posts, and images. These Facebook dialogues from time to time, brought in a bit of Malay history, grammar, spellings, pronunciation, and the connection with Malays in the East Asian Countries.
The ultimate result was that Mr. Noor Rahim compiled the book “Malay Culinary Delights” and KMK undertook the printing, with proceeds to be utilized to help in the education of needy children.
Interestingly, none of the people sharing information on Malay food on FB were culinary experts or professionals but laymen trying to rekindle the memories of tasty Malay food passed down through generations.
Since one of the main objectives of the FB group was to improve the Malay language usage in Sri Lanka and understanding of Malay heritage, the contents of the book have placed greater emphasis on these areas.
In her foreword, Dr. Romola Rasool, PhD., Lecturer, University of Kelaniya writes, “This book contains some of the well-loved staples of Sri Lankan Malay diet like “Serikaya”, and “NasiKuning” as well as dishes which are more Sri Lankan in nature like “Aappa” and “Laksa”. This is a reflection of the Malays of Sri Lanka: a unique combination of Malay and Sri Lankan, adding to the rich and diverse tapestry of this country.”
The book launch will be at Rajasingha National College Auditorium, Kotikawatta on April 26.