People and Food

Such lovely people

I have met such delightful, kind and friendly people all along the journey.  At the backpackers/cyclepackers hostel I’m staying I have made new friends and shared good meals, drinks and experiences.

Malay lunch with folk from hostel shortly after I arrived

Lots of delicious dishes

Walking tour of the old Malaysian village. Kampung Merton

Annerieke spotted me walking on the far side of the river and called me over for a pint. Excellent idea.

Taste Treats

The food here is delicious.  I’ve been trying to taste as many different dishes as possible but there are other delights to try as well.

Cendol and Durian

Cendol is refreshing dessert, it has a layer of jelly-like sago, coconut milk, palm sugar, shaved ice and red beans.  The green things in the picture are jelly-like noodles.  It’s cool and not very sweet – on a hot day it’s just what you need. It is a strange combination of ingredients but they work and it’s delicious,

Durian Fruit.
Photo Acknowledgement: DurianKingMalaysia

Durian is a somewhat contentious tropical fruit.  It has a very strong smell that someone described to me as reminiscent of onions and old gym socks.  In many places it is prohibited because of the smell especially on trains, buses, taxis, hotel rooms and shopping malls. The signs usually say “No Durian” and then below that “No Smoking”  However when you taste it, it’s creamy and slightly sweet and savoury.  It is close to Jack-fruit in texture and consistency.

Samantha, the owner of the restaurant where I tried the Cendol and Durian.

I popped into a shop to buy the Cendol and the shopowner, Samantha, asked if I wanted Durian flavour or original Cendol.  I said original but that I’d like to taste the Durian.  She brought me a taster and when I said I liked it she filled the bowl and brought me more later – all because she was so pleased to find a tourist who enjoyed it – and all at no cost.  She is a delightful woman and I enjoyed meeting her