With a hectic weekend and the rush of Hari Raya, my greetings have come a little late! But here it is! Hope those celebrating Hari Raya Puasa are enjoying themselves and the rest of us enjoying the occasion in our own ways.

I had a happy day relaxing, and the pleasure of a delicious Hari Raya dinner! My neighbour went back to his hometown in Banting and brought back chicken in peanut sauce, ketupat (rice cake) and the tastiest serunding (spicy beef floss) I have ever had, all of which were homecooked by his mother! For the past two years since they moved in, I have had his mother’s chicken in peanut sauce — which I enjoyed — and discovered a bit of history in that it is a speciality dish of the Banting area.

Between neighbours, we have developed this little tradition of exchanging food over the attached low wall between our link homes. At Christmas, I share with them Christmas goodies and at Hari Raya I enjoy a delightful portion of Banting’s chicken in peanut sauce! During the fasting period I also get some interesting snacks. Last year I had Malay kuih; this year the best murtabak (chicken-stuffed pancake) one can get from the gerai gerai in SS19 in Subang Jaya.

Food is a sure-certain way of building bridges over the fence between neighbours!

So, folks, I had a pleasant Hari Raya and hope you are enjoying yours as well!