Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Chicken rice, Bidayuh style

CHICKEN rice is a dish many Malaysians cannot do without.

It is prepared in different ways throughout the country but the main components of the dish are the same. It not only makes a tasty meal but is also a soul food for some people.

The Bidayuh community in Serian, however, has brought chicken rice to a whole new level with its unique assam (not to be confused with the sour tamarind).

If one were to attend a function or celebration in the Sadong and Bukar areas of Serian, about an hour’s drive from Kuching, one would find that the most popular dish on the table is the assam.

Prepared only on festive occasions, the dish has been handed down from generation to generation. It was therefore a treat when sisters Madeline Ummai and Susie Samin whipped up this traditional dish just for this feature.

“We don’t actually prepare assam on normal days. It has to be a festive time like the Gawai celebration or a happy gathering to give us a reason to cook this dish,” said Madeline.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Chicken rice, Bidayuh style
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