Gastronomic travels through the archipelago
This is not a cook book. It is the unwritten story of a people.
Between the vast Indian and Pacific oceans lies a realm of extraordinary natural abundance: the Malay Archipelago, known widely as the Nusantara.
These islands have nourished the lives of indigenous Malays throughout the centuries and nurtured the diverse peoples that have set foot on their shores. In the heart of this region lies Singapore. Today, the Malays make up less than a fifth of the population of Singapore, a city with ancient ties to the Malay world.
This book explores their food, not just as a means of sustenance but as a cultural activity. Inheriting the Nusantara’s rich flavours, Singapore Malays have a grand culinary heritage reflecting their worldviews, social values and historical interactions with other cultures. Through close examination of their daily objects, customs, art and literature, these pages reveal how the food Malays enjoy is deeply embedded in different aspects of their identity.
“ This book is deeply educational about Malay culture, which has become less well understood these days. Many of the stories found here are no longer familiar to most Singaporeans… This painstakingly research will enlighten future generations.”
— Toh Puan Noor Aishah, inaugural First lady of Singapore
“ This is an epic in the classic sense. Our author embarks on a hero’s quest to uncover the origins of Singapore Malay Food… In doing so he tells a riveting and timeless tale of how food lies at the heart of identity.”
— Kennie Ting, Director of Asian Civilisations Museum and Peranakan Museum
“ Using Singapore as his vantage point to look across the Malay region, Khir Johari pushes back the barriers of research. Khir uses food to draw a series of concentric circles and review questions surrounding preparation, consumption, symbolism, exchange, syncretism, and cultural value.”
— Dr. Peter Borschberg, Fellow of the Royal Geographical & the Royal Historical Societies, London.
“ This book is a perfect gateway to discover Malay culture and heritage through a gastronomical lens. Definitely an important publication for my generation, and many generations after.”
— Naadhira Ismail, Baker/Owner of Mother Dough Bakery, Singapore
A look Inside
About the Author
Khir Johari was born and raised in historic Kampong Gelam, Singapore, in his family home Gedung Kuning, a treasure house of culinary knowledge and recipes.
Khir studied mathematics at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit university in California. He then completed a Masters in Education at Stanford University. Since returning to Singapore, Khir has focused on research into the food cultures of maritime Southeast Asia. He relishes every opportunity to document oral histories and preserve objects of material culture such as old publications, artifacts, textiles and music. He was elected Vice President of the Singapore Heritage Society in 2016 to promote public education and advocacy. Khir enjoys writing articles and giving talks on history, heritage and culture.