{"id":45400,"date":"2026-04-18T10:07:56","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T02:07:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=45400"},"modified":"2026-04-18T10:07:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T02:07:56","slug":"reflections-what-an-ancient-chinese-dish-can-teach-people-about-the-proper-way-to-eat-dishes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=45400","title":{"rendered":"Reflections | What an ancient Chinese dish can teach people about the \u2018proper\u2019 way to eat dishes"},"content":{"rendered":"


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It was a familiar situation that I found myself in. I was one of two Singaporeans among half a dozen or more Malaysians, and predictably \u2013 and almost always unprovoked \u2013 the trashing of Singapore\u2019s food began, especially its supposed unoriginality and blandness vis-a-vis Malaysian fare.<\/p>\n

I have learned to grin and bear it, recognising that these barbs are less about food than the complex emotions Malaysians harbour towards their southern cousins, which are shaped by history, resentment and a sense of frustration. That said, the mutual dissing is usually lighthearted, resembling the good-natured ribbing between old friends.<\/p>\n

Then someone at the table sneered, \u201cIn Singapore, they add chilli<\/span> sauce to their wonton noodles!\u201d The didact in me was instantly triggered and I felt compelled to retort \u2013 not out of any nationalistic pride, but from a desire to inform and educate.<\/div>\n
\u201cThe people in Hong Kong<\/span> and Guangzhou would similarly shudder at the sight of Malaysians drowning their wonton noodles in dark soy sauce<\/span>,\u201d I said.<\/div>\n
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\"Malaysians<\/div>
Malaysians typically eat wonton noodles in dark soy sauce, unlike how they are served in Singapore and other parts of Asia. Photo: Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

I am not sure if anyone got it, but my point was to illustrate the fallacy underlying such a remark: that there exists an unchanging way in which a dish ought to be prepared and enjoyed across time and place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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