TOO many times we hear or even have people turning their noses up at food which may not be a gastronomical delight to them personally.
Take for example a friend who was recently introduced to a dish of sago worms cooked with turmeric. She made a fuss with a show of disgusted facial expressions and a series of high pitched “eeee… yuck!”.
Okay, so this friend has been downgraded to just being an acquaintance, thanks to her embarrassing behaviour in front of gracious hosts.
If you cannot show respect towards the cultures of others and demonstrate some semblance of politeness or manners, you are no friend of the Eye.
In a place as culturally diverse as Sarawak, it is not uncommon to find delicacies or dishes that may be taboo to some and at the same time are perfectly normal for other cultures.
“But it’s yucky lah!” said this particular acquaintance who apparently did not get acquainted with the sago grub dish.
So? Just because it is “yucky” to you, does not mean that it gives you the right to turn your nose up at the traditional dish of certain ethnic communities and put on an immature display, being rude and obnoxious.
The Eye has always been taught to appreciate food that is placed on the table. Even if it culturally or religiously taboo for us, it is still food for others. So show some respect.
Appreciating and respecting these out of the ordinary dishes does not necessarily mean that we too have to consume them.
There are ways that are subtle and polite to refuse them if we cannot or do not want to consume them. There is no need to complain.
There is no need to put down the type of food other people consume.
Then there are those who think they are gastronomical experts, so they are so picky even when “normal” food is served to them.
Not too long ago, the Eye witnessed a yuppie who ordered a dish at a restaurant. Apparently it was not to his liking and he made a display of setting his fork and knife down (loud clatter against the dishes) and pushing the dish aside.
“This is not how this should be cooked! I am not going to eat this %$*%!”
His dining partners did not seem to have any complaints about the dish as they continued eating, heads bowed low and eyes averted.
No one attempted to give the fellow a telling off about manners and being all high and mighty.
Yes, one may argue that since he paid for the dish, he has to right to expect what he paid for.
But let’s just think about this rationally – he was not served something that was inedible and neither was he served poison. Plus, the other diners were enjoying the dish.
So what is with the display of huffiness? Why could he not behave instead of being an unappreciative ingrate and embarrassing others with such an attitude?
Each time the Eye is served with food – may it be too salty, too bland or just nicely done, or if the Eye can or cannot consume it due to religious restrictions, the Eye is still appreciative towards it.
Why? Because the Eye has seen what it is like for people who are not as blessed as many of us to have good food put on the table three times a day (or even more!) or even a bottle full of water to drink each day.
To those spoilt brats out there, the next time you come across food that you cannot stomach or well, just doesn’t appeal to your diamond-plated tongues, remember that there are people in this world who have to constantly worry when their next meal will be and who will never have the luxury of even tasting soggy fries in their entire lifetime.