Celebrating Christmas with Chef Melba Nunis
Growing up in Melaka, chef Melba Nunis absolutely loved celebrating Christmas.
A Taste of Kristang Heritage
Nunis belongs to the Kristang community, a unique group with Portuguese, Dutch and Malaysian ancestry. Also known as the Melakan Portuguese people, they have a rich culinary heritage influenced by various ethnic groups. Naturally, food is an important feature of their festive celebrations. Nunis still recalls returning home after midnight mass on Christmas Eve to enjoy a grand feast prepared by her mother, despite the very late (or very early) hour!
A Traditional Kristang Feast
There was always fiery devil curry – a dish synonymous with the Kristang people – as well as “seybah” (a salad), “beef semur” (a hearty stew), roast chicken with baked bean stuffing, and chicken macaroni pie. To complete the meal, there were decadent desserts such as sugee cake, fruitcake, seaweed jelly, and pineapple tarts.
A Passion for Preserving Heritage
Nunis is passionate about keeping her Kristang heritage alive. “I want to keep this cuisine going because very few of us are doing that. There are Nyonya, Chinese, Malay and Indian restaurants everywhere… but where are we?” So, during the Christmas season, Nunis opens her home to friends and family. Just as her mother had, she serves a memorable feast of Kristang food and uses the opportunity to share about these dishes with her non-Kristang guests.
A Legacy of Cooking
Over the years, Nunis has kept Kristang cuisine alive in other ways. One of them was through Simply Mel’s, a restaurant in Bangsar South started by her children in 2011, where Nunis cooked Kristang food. And having inherited her mother’s handwritten recipes, she combined these with her own and published two cookbooks, “Everything Kristang” and “A Kristang Family Cookbook”.
A Home-Based Food Business
These days, Nunis runs a home-based food business for takeaway or delivery. She is also available to cook a meal right in your home for a unique dining experience. “My hope is that the Kristang community will continue to keep our heritage alive in any way we can,” said Nunis, who shared that she is grateful for the support of her late husband, S M Victor.
Conclusion
Chef Melba Nunis is a true ambassador of Kristang cuisine, dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of her community. Her passion for cooking and sharing her culture with others is inspiring, and her dedication to keeping Kristang cuisine alive is a testament to the importance of cultural preservation.
FAQs
Q: What is Kristang cuisine?
A: Kristang cuisine is a unique blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and Malaysian flavors and traditions, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Kristang community.
Q: What are some popular Kristang dishes?
A: Some popular Kristang dishes include devil curry, chicken macaroni pie, beef semur, and sugee cake.
Q: How can I get Chef Melba Nunis’ cookbooks?
A: Chef Melba Nunis’ cookbooks, "Everything Kristang" and "A Kristang Family Cookbook", are available for purchase at major bookstores and online.
Q: How can I experience Kristang cuisine for myself?
A: Chef Melba Nunis offers home-based food delivery and cooking services, allowing you to experience Kristang cuisine in the comfort of your own home.