I want UMAI!
10 Sep 2009 Leave a Comment
in Food, Melanau Tags: fish, Melanau, umai
I’ve been craving for umai since last month.
Umai - A Close-up
It’s been a few years since I last ate umai and that’s how long I’ve not been home to see Nenek a.k.a my grandma.
But they say that it’s not advisable to eat raw food when you’re expecting. Oh darn … what to do? The yearning is so great that I’ve eaten half boiled eggs a few times by now.
So how do I find the right and the freshest fish to make umai? I’m imagining going to the market in the wee hours of the morning to buy fish 
It won’t happen if I’m gonna depend on Izam to take me there. Hehehe …
Oh, you might be wondering what umai is. Umai is a dish made of raw white fish. The fish is filleted and sliced thinly. Then, its mixed with sliced onions and chilies, lime juice (or asam paya), and salt to taste. They say it’ll taste better if they are all mixed with your hand, instead of using a spoon. It’s the heat from the hand, they say, that makes it tastier. So, it’s up to the individual which ever way to do it. Then, the last step is to keep it in the fridge for about an hour or so before serving. We eat umai either with rice or sago. Yummy! I’m drooling already! Hehehe …
Balingian Group is on Facebook!
27 Aug 2009 Leave a Comment
in Melanau Tags: Balingian, Facebook, linut, Melanau, sago, tebaloi, umai
Great news! Those who are Melanau Balingian can join the Balingian Group on Facebook. Click here to the group page.
Here are some of the other sites for Balingian people 
So, how am I connected to Balingian?
Well, my father is a Melanau from Balingian – born and bred there. So I’m half Melanau. My grandmother is still there with my aunts and cousins. The nearest town to Balingian is Mukah, which is approximately an hours drive away.
My favourite Melanau food is the famous umai, linut, tebaloi and sago.
Sago
Umai
Linut
Tebaloi
