Nasi: When Rice Grains Cry, A Pictorial Guide to Malay Rice Dishes

Nasi: When Rice Grains Cry tells the stories of 12 quintessentially Malay rice dishes, eaten and enjoyed by people of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.

• In essence, the book captures the stories of rice dishes of the Malays in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei while promoting an appreciation for Asia’s staple food.
• Essential, as there is no book like this one.
• Educational for everyone, students, researchers, and foodies, who will be introduced not only to local rice culture but also to some proverbs and literary aspects of rice.
• There are about 50 beautiful illustrations in the book.
• This book is designed with a classic open spine sewn with threads exposed, symbolising the exposed rice grains when they are dehusked from their paddy stalks.

These small rice grains that we eat… they whisper forgotten stories. Tales relating to rice grains are diverse and varied, given that nasi or rice is a staple for most people in the world. In fact, 90 percent of rice is being grown and eaten by people in Asia. One of the many stories which we might have heard when we were young was likely to be about the crying rice grains. Every rice dish has its own story. How did it come about? What is in its name? Why use a particular ingredient? What makes the dish unique?

This book tells the stories of 12 quintessentially Malay rice dishes, eaten and enjoyed by people in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.