Nostalgia hits hard when it comes to Malaysian food and snacks. These culinary delights, ingrained in our upbringing, become a part of our identity.
Once accustomed to them, leaving them behind feels almost unimaginable.
Photo via TikTok (@bucintirs)
Recently, a TikTok user shared her longing for Sabahan flavours while living in Kuala Lumpur. Her video showcased a carefully curated package filled with essential Sabah-friendly items. Each item carried a story, a connection to her roots.
First up was a humble bag of all-purpose flour, a staple for frying chicken the Sabahan way. "I received a 1kg bag of flour. You can find it here too, but it's just not the same," she mused, emphasising the rarity of encountering these familiar products outside Sabah.
Next came a weighty bundle of soy sauce bottles, each bearing a brand recognisable to any Sabahan. "If you're from Sabah, you know this brand. It's perfect with chilies," she explained, hinting at the unique flavour profile cherished by her community. She jokingly added, "If you don't like this, are you even a Sabahan?"
Indeed, these sentiments reflect a cultural attachment that transcends mere food preferences. They speak to the profound connection between food and identity, a bond that remains strong even when miles away from home.
As we ponder these stories, it begs the question: What food item would you miss dearly if one day you had to leave home?
