A Family Affair: Soya Belacan’s Journey to Bridging Cultures
A Crash Course in Malay Cooking
Tan Yan Yin never expected marriage to a Muslim to come with a crash course in Malay cooking. Growing up in a traditional Chinese household in Ipoh, her meals were mostly steamed, stir-fried, and delicately seasoned. The term "pecah minyak" (oil splitting) was as foreign to her as deep-frying mooncakes – until she married Azrul Mukhri Azizul Affendi.
From Chinese to Malay Cuisine
She recalled a video call with her mother-in-law as a newlywed. "I wanted to put something in, and she said, ‘No, not yet. Wait until pecah minyak.’ This was the first time I heard about this concept," Tan, 35, told FMT Lifestyle with a laugh. Azrul, grinning, jumped in: "Surprisingly, the dish turned out great, even though you just learnt about it!"
The Real Turning Point
The real turning point for Tan was about something more significant than cooking techniques. "My mother-in-law told me, ‘If one day I’m not around, you’ll be the one making rendang for Raya.’ And that really hit me." Now, Tan has not only mastered Malay cuisine, she’s also putting her own spin on halal Chinese food. She and Azrul share their culinary adventures on Instagram under the name "Soya Belacan" – a vibrant mix of cultures, much like their marriage.
The Name Represents Our Identity
"The name represents our identity," Tan explained. "Soya is commonly associated with Chinese food and belacan represents Malay heritage. We wanted to share that different cultures can mix and blend together beautifully." With over 300,000 followers, their videos are a feast for food lovers. From snow fungus pear tong shui to claypot udang garam, their dishes connect two rich culinary traditions.
A Family Affair
The couple, now parents to a five-year-old girl, first met in a Wing Chun class in Ipoh, where Azrul was the instructor of this style of martial arts. "Over time, we had deeper conversations," Tan recalled. "He asked me about the purpose of life and I couldn’t answer that. But he had a very good answer. He showed me some Islamic videos. At first, I felt a bit reluctant. But when I was free, I started to watch the videos, and it finally made sense."
A Devout Muslim
Today, Tan is a devout Muslim, a decision she made after great consideration. And while she has embraced her new faith, she still treasures her Chinese heritage. She celebrates Chinese New Year, enjoys eating pineapple tarts, and loves the sound of her aunties playing mahjong. She even laughs about how Azrul receives ang pows from her family members while she doesn’t. "It’s so unfair!" she joked.
Ramadan and the True Spirit of the Holy Month
Her first fasting experience, she recalled, was more about struggling with thirst than hunger. The hardest part? Waiting to break fast while seated at a table laid out with food. Her perspective on Ramadan has shifted, too. "Before, I thought Ramadan was just about refraining from eating. Now, I see the true spirit of the holy month… it’s also about restraining oneself from doing bad things, or talking bad about people."
A Family’s Wishes
As content creators, the couple’s Ramadan has been filled with recipe videos and filming sessions, but the messages they receive from their followers make all the work worthwhile. "Some people tell us our content gives them hope. Others ask about interfaith relationships. It’s very heartwarming," Azrul said. Looking ahead, they wish to open an affordable halal Chinese kopitiam-style eatery, "so more people can enjoy our food, and we can spend more time with our daughter," Azrul stressed. Tan echoed this, saying it was exactly what she wished for this Ramadan. "I hope we can make better content and spend family time together."
Follow Soya Belacan on Instagram
Conclusion
Soya Belacan’s journey is a testament to the power of interfaith relationships and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Their recipe for success is a blend of tradition and innovation, and their wish for this Ramadan is a reminder that family is at the heart of everything they do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Soya Belacan?
A: Soya Belacan is a food blog and social media channel that showcases halal Chinese cuisine and Malay cooking techniques.
Q: How did Tan and Azrul meet?
A: They met in a Wing Chun class in Ipoh, where Azrul was the instructor.
Q: What is pecah minyak?
A: Peca minyak is a Malay cooking technique that involves splitting oil to create a crispy texture.
Q: What is Soya Belacan’s goal?
A: Their goal is to bridge the gap between Chinese and Malay cultures through food and cooking.