The Interwoven Histories of Malay Cuisine | Khir Johari | TEDxSingapore
If you’ve ever wondered what your food says about you, this talk will open your eyes to the deeper meanings behind every bite. Food is more than what we eat - there is a story of identity, history and connection which far often we tend to oversee. Khir Johari speaks on the lost history of time and geography where centuries of trade, culture and migration have shaped the foods that define a region.From ancient inscriptions to colonial spice routes, Khir takes us on a journey through the Malay Archipelago’s rich culinary heritage. He explores how food connects communities and shares a story of belonging. Khir Johari is a food historian, author, and cultural archivist devoted to preserving the culinary heritage of the Malay world. Raised in Singapore’s storied Kampong Gelam district, Khir grew up surrounded by the aromas, rituals, and rhythms of traditional Malay cooking. He left his teaching career to dedicate himself to preserving Malay culinary heritage throughout Southeast Asia.His award-winning book, The Food of Singapore Malays, is both a scholarly achievement and a love letter to heritage. Through his extensive research and storytelling, Khir highlights rich, interwoven histories behind Southeast Asia’s food traditions. Khir invites us to see food not just as sustenance, but as living history, passed from one hand to another. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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