Of Popiah and Karipap

It is the fasting month again, Ramadhan Al-Mubarak. Starting from tomorrow, there will be no more morning coffee at 8.30 am, no more lunch break, and no more afternoon tea-break at 5.00 pm.

However, for most Malaysians, this is the month where there will be endless choices of food. You can find a 'Pasar Ramadhan' in almost every district in the country, offering various local delicacies such as Nasi Kerabu, Nasi Dagang, Ayam Percik, Ayam Golek, Otak-otak, Murtabak and many more. You can also find various local kuih such as kuih talam, buah melaka, kuih cara berlauk, tepung pelita, bubur pulut hitam and many more at the said market. Hence, you can guarantee that people from all walks of life, from different races (not reserved for Malays/Muslims only) will flock these stalls as soon as it opens at around 4pm starting from tomorrow.

As for me, I have stopped going to the Pasar Ramadhan since 2 years ago. I find it to be too crowded for comfort. Furthermore, the food sold just doesn't appeal to my taste bud anymore. I would prefer to have a home-cooked meal as compared to most of the dishes sold at the Pasar.

Maybe I can rule out that hygiene is one of that push-factor in this case. I just hate the fact that you have to pay so much just to eat something that will cause stomach discomfort later on. In the end you ibadah will also be ruin because you will be spending most of the time in the toilet instead of at the mosque performing the terawikh.

Nevertheless, one thing for sure, my buka puasa ritual will not be complete without either popiah or karipap. These are my two all-time favorite kuih. Hence, I would usually do a quick dash to the Pasar to buy either kuih almost everyday, with out fail. Last two years, I actually made the popiahs myself and stored it in the freezer to be fried every evening - lagi sedap - juicy: filled with lots of minced chicken meat, taugeh and etc. *drool*. I don't think I'll do that this year, due to the time factor (plus a wee bit malas).

So, here is a wish to everyone out there, Selamat Berpuasa! May all our ibadah will be accepted by Him. During you trips to the Pasar Ramadhan - Beli jangan ikut nafsu, ok *winks*...


p/s: Lil Sis.. hope you'll survive your 1st Ramadhan away from home. *hugs*





binx: makcik... karipap ubi 5...