NYONYA

For years I have been mesmerized by Malacca or Melaka as she was known in the history books. I was going to do a solo culinary study tour but since it is less than 2-hours from KL Dora and I decided to made our virgin pilgrimage.

Melaka is epicentre to the Nyonya Culture which defines all things to do with the interracial mix between the Malay & the Chinese. Those from Chinese ethnic origin are Peranakans or Straits Chinese. Men are 'Babas' women are 'Nyonyas' ... Chinese descendants who have adopted much of the Malay culture into theirs. These settlers have created a unique life style in; traditions, arts, businesses, spiritual identity, dialect, dress, and needless to say in the culinary space where an entirely different entity is enshrined as the Nyonya Cuisine.

Our driver, a Malaysian Chinese from generations of KL stock, taught us a not very complimentary term. 'We call these folks OCBC ... Orang Cina Bukan Cina ... literally translated as ... Man China Not China ... or simply, Chinese but not Chinese'.  Is he right, or is he wrong? I do not think this is worthy of a debate, suffice to say the Straits Chinese have carved a place in history, and firmly established themselves as successful contributors to what the country is today. It is Malaysia's job to ensure the Nyonya Culture survives, and better still, to help it thrive lest it will fade on the way side of history.

There are many Nyonya themed restaurants in KL and of course in Malacca, including a few tourist traps I am sure. Not an expert I dare not recommend. but if one samples enough one would arrive at the real thing. Start with the Laksa and the Fried Chicken .. you cannot go wrong.