‘Gastronomy and I: My Favourite Dish’ Gold Winner (Adult) — Jasmine Tan Sze Min

Tasting one of Sarawak’s best delicacies—Laksa Sarawak, with its aromatic smell and flavourful taste. Photo by Jasmine Tan Sze Min.

Laksa Sarawak

“Aunty, a large bowl of Laksa, please!”

White, translucent sheets of hot steam billowed across the kopitiam, woven by the tireless
hawkers serving their customers. Pots clanged, water sloshed over oily plates by the sink and cooking utensils scratched against the sizzling wok.

It was a familiar, mundane symphony all Sarawakians knew in their bones. Aunty’s hands were deft as she boiled the rice vermicelli and cooked the omelette simultaneously. Within ten minutes, the aroma of Aunty’s Laksa Sarawak greeted my nose, enrapturing me with the promise of a warm, full belly.

“Aiyuh, a student like you should eat more! Aunty added some extra chicken and egg so you have more energy to work. Eat up!”

Unlike my family, I am not a wordy person when conversing with hawkers. I managed a polite smile and thanked her.

The combination of rich coconut milk, aromatic Laksa paste and newly-harvested lime in the Laksa soup was the epitome of Sarawak food delight. Aunty had also given me a generous portion of chopped omelette, bean sprouts, prawns, shredded chicken and a handful of coriander.

Despite Sarawak’s sweltering heat, its variety of savoury elements enticed anyone’s appetite. As I wolfed down my Laksa, my white shirt became a blank canvas speckled with yellow soup.

Within a heartbeat, a distant memory flashed by…

“One day, our children will grow their wings and fly away from home. Sometimes, I wonder if my daughter remembers me.”

Aunty had laughed while saying that to my family, but her eyes spoke of longing and quiet sorrow when she beheld me. Years had passed, yet there was no news of the daughter’s return.

It hit me then. One day, I would fly away to somewhere bigger to pursue my dreams and I would not see Aunty again. Stirred by the sudden emotions, I gulped down the last of my Laksa and inhaled a breath of courage before striding towards Aunty’s stall.

“Aunty!” I watched her swipe a bead of sweat and turn to me. Her eyes were dark, warm pools of motherly love. How could I not notice that? I felt my heart squeeze at the thought of her lonesome figure by the house, waiting for her daughter’s return.

I continued, “I will be off now. Thanks for the wonderful Laksa. Just dropping by to wish you a great day and I hope your business goes well.”

She came around the stall to pat my shoulder firmly and smiled, “Thank you, kid. I know it’s not easy to be young these days. You get busier, but don’t neglect your health, alright? Take good care too.”

To this day, those yellow specks of Laksa soup still cling to my shirt like a second skin. Time is fleeting, but not my memories of Sarawak.

Like those yellow specks, they stay with me like an old friend and a compass needle pointing back to my homeland, forever reminding me of Aunty’s Laksa Sarawak. — DayakDaily

Jasmine Tan Sze Min from Kuching is the Gold Winner (Adult Category) in the ‘Gastronomy and I: My Favourite Dish’ writing competition organised by DayakDaily and supported by the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Imperial Hotel Kuching. 

Never miss out this gem when you visit Sarawak—Laksa Sarawak, a must-try dish that will leave an unforgettable memory. Photo by Jasmine Tan Sze Min.