Title: Tapai - Travels & Guilty Pleasures of a Fermented Malaysian
Author: Hishamuddin Rais
Publisher: ZI Publications
Ratings: 7/10
If you think the title of the book is intriguing as the reviewer did, you are in for a treat. Written by Hishamuddin Rais, the columnist for Off The Edge magazine, blogger and former ISA detainee has plenty to say in this book that pays tribute to a diverse selection of gastronomic adventures.
From his sister's home-made tapai, gulai itik at a village restaurant and satay in Kuala Lumpur, his many accounts of flavourful dishes are consistently both detailed and drool-worthy.
Hishamuddin's tales of tasty concoctions are not only from Malaysia but from cities across the world, including Rawalpindi, Tokyo and London.
Tapai - Travels & Guilty Pleasures of a Fermented Malaysian is a unique read as it fuses stories about a variety of food fetishes with real life travelling anecdotes. Between "food porn" and cultural experiences from his days of exile, it is hard to pinpoint which aspect defines the book.
While the mixing of English, Bahasa Malaysia and French may be frowned upon by hardcore linguists, it portrays the author's straight-forward, relaxed and open minded persona to the front. Hishamuddin's personal and candid method of writing is a breath of fresh air.
Adding to the authenticity of his stories are colourful photos of dishes he tried with relish and people he met while on his quest for good old fashioned food. Warning - this book may make you hungry and cause you to travel the world in search of new flavours. - By Anu Venugopal
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