Living overseas often comes with its challenges, but sometimes, the little comforts from home can make all the difference. One Malaysian in Chicago recently shared on TikTok how she enjoys the luxury of finding Malaysian ingredients in the city, something that makes her feel closer to home.
Photo via TikTok (@smolpal)
In her video, she took viewers on a trip to Chin Land Asian Food Market, a Burmese grocery store near her workplace. “Come with me to get some Malaysian groceries in Chicago,” she said, explaining that she had stopped by to pick up shallots for her sambal sotong.
She went on to explain, “A lot of people think I only eat American food and don’t have access to Malaysian groceries, but my mum is an amazing cook, just like many other Malaysian Americans, so I grew up enjoying Malaysian food.”
Living in a major city with a sizable Southeast Asian community, she feels grateful to be able to access these familiar flavours. “I’m lucky to live here,” she said, “where I can find Malaysian ingredients and cook the food I love.”
In the comments, fellow Malaysians were curious about the prices of the groceries. “How much was the Milo? That can usually costs $14–$19,” one user asked (around RM65–RM89). Another commented, “If you hadn’t mentioned it was in Chicago, I would’ve thought this was a Felda store!”
For many, food like this provides a comforting link to home, no matter how far away they are.
