There are many differences between American and Malaysian youth. One differences about Malaysian youth is the “yumcha” session that we
always go for. “Yumcha” is a Cantonese word, by translating it directly it
means to drink tea; but what it really stands for is a time to hang out with
friends. These “yumcha” sessions occur throughout the day, but mostly at night
when most people are free. Most of the restaurants and cafes in Malaysia do not
close until past midnight. The most popular place for these hang out
sessions will be the Mamak stalls with their Roti Canai and Teh Tarik. Mamak, which
refers to Muslim Indian stalls found in Malaysia. Roti Canai is a toasted Indian flat bread and is
available with a variety to flavors, such as Roti Banana, Roti Telur (egg),
Roti Bom (round shape flat bread with condensed milk and sugar) and more, that
comes with curry. Teh Tarik is made of black tea and condensed milk
from the pouring process “pulling”. Roti Canai is kind of similar to tortillas, except that it is crispy and flaky on the outside, fluffy
and soft inside, larger in serving, and comes in a square or round
shape.
The next option for “yumcha”, or supper session, will be the Nasi Lemak, rice cooked with coconut cream and pandan (a type of fragrant leaf) with sambal (smashed chili paste), fried peanuts and fried ikan bilis (anchovies). On top of that, you have the option to add fried eggs or fried chicken or any other dish to your Nasi Lemak, making it go from delicious to heavenly. Other than that, there are Taiwanese desert cafes, such as bubble tea or pearl milk tea (flavored tea with chewable black pearl balls) and Snowflake (flavored shaved ice with toppings), that are also really popular with the youth for “yumcha” sessions. And there are also the cafes with singers singing live music which are good choices for a hang out session too. So usually, the youth will have their frequent “yumcha” session with their group of friends at these places chatting, catching up with one another, playing games such as monopoly deal, cracking random jokes, just simply having a great time.
However, the most distinct difference between Malaysia and the United States is that, youth, that are above the age of 18, are able to drink alcohol in Malaysia! Unlike the United States, where the minimum age to drink is 21, I am able to drink alcohol and go to the bars and clubs in Malaysia. Now that I am in the United States, it is illegal for me to drink alcohol-it's as if I have gone back in time and am 17 again. It's a bit of a culture shock. Other than the partying, and “yumcha” sessions, there is a whole lot more of other Malaysian youth culture yet to be mentioned, such as the games, the dances, and the activities we do. The best way to experience the life of Malaysian youth, is to visit Malaysia, especially Kuala Lumpur!
The next option for “yumcha”, or supper session, will be the Nasi Lemak, rice cooked with coconut cream and pandan (a type of fragrant leaf) with sambal (smashed chili paste), fried peanuts and fried ikan bilis (anchovies). On top of that, you have the option to add fried eggs or fried chicken or any other dish to your Nasi Lemak, making it go from delicious to heavenly. Other than that, there are Taiwanese desert cafes, such as bubble tea or pearl milk tea (flavored tea with chewable black pearl balls) and Snowflake (flavored shaved ice with toppings), that are also really popular with the youth for “yumcha” sessions. And there are also the cafes with singers singing live music which are good choices for a hang out session too. So usually, the youth will have their frequent “yumcha” session with their group of friends at these places chatting, catching up with one another, playing games such as monopoly deal, cracking random jokes, just simply having a great time.
However, the most distinct difference between Malaysia and the United States is that, youth, that are above the age of 18, are able to drink alcohol in Malaysia! Unlike the United States, where the minimum age to drink is 21, I am able to drink alcohol and go to the bars and clubs in Malaysia. Now that I am in the United States, it is illegal for me to drink alcohol-it's as if I have gone back in time and am 17 again. It's a bit of a culture shock. Other than the partying, and “yumcha” sessions, there is a whole lot more of other Malaysian youth culture yet to be mentioned, such as the games, the dances, and the activities we do. The best way to experience the life of Malaysian youth, is to visit Malaysia, especially Kuala Lumpur!
Written by: Jen Juan Wong
WSU International Student
Malaysia
You rock JJ...I am so glad yet to have another Malaysian buddy on campus.
ReplyDeleteSharon
The other Malaysian!