| Aziz Idris |
COOKING shows have the ability to entice one’s taste buds and dream about all the delicious dishes while also learning the rich history behind every dish.
A duo from the latest food documentary project by China Daily called Taste Buds was recently in the Sultanate to document top local cuisines that Bruneians enjoy best.
China Daily’s Senior Multimedia Producer Natasha Vera Fernandes and Co-Producer Joyce Sui, both based in Hong Kong, were joined by local media partners from Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata to set out on a one-week food exploration across Brunei.
The crew visited a Sago factory in Mukim Ukong, Tutong District to learn the Sago-making process. Sago is the main ingredient to make Brunei’s national dish, Ambuyat.
They also learnt the cultivation of Sago worms found in decayed stumps of Sago trees. Sago worms are one of the exotic foods in Brunei which are high in protein and can be eaten raw or smeared on a frying pan.
They also documented Brunei’s favourite eatery, Chop Jing Chew, which captured the interest of the Taste Buds crew, especially on the rich history and family background.
Natasha said, “What I have noticed is that most of the dishes in the country are largely based on their own culture and history.
“One of them (foods) is Ambuyat which is enjoyed best when shared with a group. This shows unity, an important part of family values.”
She added that an establishment such as Chop Jing Chew is a best example of a great cultural value in the society.
The crew also documented the popular dish Bamboo Chicken or Ayam Pansuh at Sumbiling Eco-Village together with a local Iban community in the Temburong District.
Other establishments filmed for the food documentary included CurryPuff Factory, Soto Pabo and Aminah Arif Restaurant. The documentary also included table grazing at Collective Wildflower.
The first episode on Brunei will be aired on the official Facebook page of China Daily’s Taste Buds tonight at 7pm.