BOOK REVIEW: Stir-fried and not Shaken - A Nostalgic Trip Down Singapore's Memory Lane by Terry Tan (courtesy of MDIS library)
Singapore recently celebrated her National Day and this book, I believe, is reviewed at just the precise moment, in commemoration of all that is Singapore.
What we see with our eyes today is only of Singapore's unceasing technological development and academic success which is famous the world over. But what actually took place years ago before Singapore relished all of these developments? How did she look like and how were the people then and now?
If any of these niggling questions have been buzzing in the back of your mind, this book will prove to be a salve to that looming headache of unanswered queries.
Perhaps more than any other Southeast Asian city, Singapore has seen tumultuous changes that have catapulted this once-sleepy colonial port into a buzzing metropolis. From its humble beginnings, it has emerged with an identity, social lifestyle and language imbued with the most fascinating mix.
In this book, Singapore's favourite cookbook author, TV chef and food writer takes a trip down memory lane offering an intriguing insight into a very different Singapore that existed from the 1940s to 1970s. Resident or visitor, you will be endlessly fascinated by his memoirs that recall funny, familiar and forgotten moments of this 40-year passage.
Meet Khan Chia Peh the trishaw man, Muthu the barber and delight in Granny's flying fox curries. Peel away the decades and discover what it feels like to be "stir-fried but not shaken". Lap up the mirth of his anecdotal observations and enjoy memories that would otherwise be relegated to the mists of history.
I found this book humorous yet informative, regaling tales of Singapore's lost past, the glorious moments that made Singapore what she is today. I give this book a serious thumbs up, and if anyone would love to relish this book, it is available in MDIS college library. Happy reading!
BOOK REVIEW: The Hundred Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais (from MDIS library)
I love my full-bodied college life. The campus, the lecture halls and yes, most importantly......THE LIBRARY! Well-equipped with computers and strong wi-fi connection and definitely BOOKS galore, the library is my most favorite place in the whole of the college. It is from this magical place that I found this gem of a book which I have been meaning to read for a long, long time.
As if being surrounded by food in Singapore wasn't enough, my unsatiated hunger pangs were further stoked by this book in all its food porn glory. Wonderfully written about the passions that food could incite to create a dream, I had to reluctantly put down this book whenever I had to continue with my requisite assignments.
This book is the story of Hassan Haji, a boy from Mumbai who embarks, along with his boisterous family, on a picturesque journey first to London and then across Europe, before they ultimately open a restaurant opposite a famous chef, Madame Mallory, in the remote French village of Lumiere.
A culinary war ensues, pitting Hassan's Mumbai-toughened father against the imperious Michelin-starred cordon bleu, until Madame Mallory realizes that Hassan is a cook with natural talents far superior to her own.
Full of eccentric characters, hilarious cultural mishaps, vivid settings and delicious meals described in rich, sensuous detail, Hassan's charming account lays bare the inner workings of the elite world of French haute cuisine, and provides a life-affirming and poignant coming-of-age tale.
This book resonated with myself as I, just like Hassan, found my world, comfort and warmth through the culinary world. If you are hungry, please be ready with some snacks when you read this book as highly descriptive writings of Indian and French cuisine abound in this book. Highly addictive, I recommend this book to anyone who is a born foodie or just love books that put a smile on your face.
