Garuda Indonesia Colours Magazine July 2014 | Page 94
92
Explore | Flavours
During Ramadan a nation
celebrates devotion, humanity
and kinship through the
unifying force of food; the
same fasting and feasting
happens in every Muslim
community on every island.
Followers of Islam believe that fasting is
a time of introspection to be grateful for
what you have and to reflect on your
relationship with the Almighty through
learning patience, discipline and modesty.
A food seller carrying snacks.
Tofu – just one of the skewered snacks offered
in the mosque during Ramadan.
it was all systems go. Lights, cameras, action
in a theatrical cooking act of Medan’s famous
Aceh-style noodles, tossed in enormous
woks, whipped up in a frenzy of feasting
activity. I ordered mie aceh with prawns;
a plate of moist noodles tossed with
a handful of prawns, shredded cabbage,
bean sprouts, sliced tomato, curry leaves
and fried shallots, swimming in an
intriguing Indian-style gravy. (The diversity
of Indonesian cuisine never ceases to amaze
me.) Savoury martabak, crisp-fried filled
pancakes, and roti canai, Indian-style folded
flatbread with curry sauce, is also famous
here and prepared at the entrance of the
restaurant adding to the noise, action
and jostling of this culinary night show.
Plate upon plate was being prepared.
I imagined it was going to be a long night!
Always a good thing in my book. But like
most religious celebrations, it is also
ultimately about the fundamental
importance of family and community:
strengthening the ties that bind. During
Ramadan a nation celebrates devotion,
humanity and kinship through the unifying
force of food; the same fasting and feasting
happens in every Muslim community on
every island. The gathering ar ound the table,
sharing a meal and enjoying the bounty
of this glorious archipelago with friends,
neighbours and loved ones must surely be
one of the greatest investments in emotional
well-being and goodwill. Noor Huda Ismail,
friend and journalist, sums it up by saying,
“The best thing about Ramadan is eating
together with family, friends and less
fortunate people; the spirit of sharing.”
And the monetary benefits add to the
overall abundance and joy. After all,
what goes around comes around.