I am Siti from Malaysia.
I have very recently turned to veganism after reading a book called 'The China Study' written by Drs. T. Colin Campbell and Thomas Campbell. The book proposes that a plant-based diet helps in improving our health and reversing cancerous diseases, among other benefits. All of these are based on the many, many scientific and ethnographic research conducted in China and other places across the world by the highly acclaimed writer/scientist/researcher, Colin Campbell, along with his fellow researchers, colleagues and graduate students.
The reason I started my introduction with the book is because I was and still am deeply affected by it. The way Campbell approaches the subject is so moving and holistic that I couldn't help but to share with you how life-changing this book is. I promise you, you can do a quick Google about it and you will not regret it. I am however still not fully vegan as I am slowly learning about it and I limit myself to take meat once or twice a week. But the important part is listening to your body; its struggle, its cravings and its state.
Now, on to who I am and what I am doing with this blog.
I am of Malay descent, living in the melting pot that is Malaysia which is known to be a multiracial country. I am not a proponent of nation-borders in general but I could not help but reflect on how a country that I grew up in for so many years defines me as a person.
Malay, Indian, Chinese, Javanese, American, British, Korean, Japanese, Kazakhstan, Nigerian, Sri Lankan, French, Pakistani- just name it. I can assure you that you can find all of these cuisines in Kuala Lumpur (Note: Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia). The list is endless.
This infinite list has inspired me to explore more cooking options, wider and transnational pantry list and better ways of adapting at eating. Once, I made a big bowl of hummus and the funny part is I had never tasted hummus prior to that! That particular trial was a disaster but I realised something; I love trying out new recipes. Thank goodness that I live in Kuala Lumpur; hence I have abundant opportunities to try various international cuisines without actually travelling.
Being a vegan pushes you to be consistently creative with your food and being a vegan in Malaysia or being a Malaysian vegan is a blessing! Again, the list of food you can make is endless. In this blog, I emphasize on adapting to local and seasonal ingredients (whatever you have in your nearest supermarket or farmer's market) and then making a variety of food that originates from different cultures. Sure, you can stick to your avocado toasts and acai smoothies, but what I aspire to do in my blog, is to let you taste cultures conveniently as a vegan.
I am truly grateful to be living in this melting pot city at this exciting time. And now, I want to share with you my writings, recipes and experiences as a vegan.
Happy reading!
Love,
Siti
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