19/07/2025

LYFE SATURDAY | JULY 19, 2025

FOLLOW

ON YOUTUBE

20

Malaysian Paper

/theSunMedia /

Melanau pancake takes spotlight B EHIND its crispy exterior and chewy interior, tumpik, a traditional Sarawakian pancake made from sago and coconut, is rarely featured in the mainstream culinary scene. that no oil is used in its preparation – instead, it is cooked on a non-stick pan. “The sago and coconut mixture just needs to be lightly pressed onto the pan and left to cook slowly. o Sarawak-born chef attempts to introduce tumpik to mainstream culinary scene

“Once the bottom turns crispy, that is the sign that the tumpik is ready to be served,” she said. Once a staple food, especially during the British colonial era in Sarawak, tumpik can be eaten as it is or with added fillings such as shrimp or fish, or palm sugar. “Sago trees are abundant in Sarawak, so the people there produce flour from the trunks and turn it into various foods. In Peninsular Malaysia, the Sarawak dishes people often hear about are usually Sarawak laksa or ayam pansuh . “But tumpik remains relatively unknown, possibly because it is rarely sold commercially,” she said. She believes tumpik could become one of Sarawak’s iconic dishes, much like Sarawak layer cake and laksa, if given wider promotion at food festivals, cafes or hotels. “In addition to its great taste, one of the strengths of tumpik is its easily available ingredients and simple preparation process, making it a

According to Sarawak-born chef Laura Bara Sim, this ethnic dish from the Melanau community may appear simple in terms of ingredients and appearance but it carries deep cultural and historical value. Sim, who actively promotes Sarawak’s culinary heritage, said tumpik is made from sago flour and grated coconut, with a bit of salt added to enhance the flavour. “It has a slightly salty and creamy taste of coconut, with a chewy inside and a crispy outer layer. Simple but delicious,” she said after a cooking demonstration held in conjunction with a press conference on Serumpun Sarawak, a cultural and gastronomy exhibition to spotlight Sarawak’s indigenous food heritage and organised by the Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry and the Sarawak Tourism Board. The chef, who is of mixed Iban and Bidayuh descent, also noted one of the unique aspects of tumpik is Honey delight Pear and honey soup Ingredients 650g ripe pears (2 pears) 2 tablespoons of liquid honey 1 teaspoon of chocolate shavings 1 lemon 300g Greek yoghurt Instructions 1. Wash, peel and remove the seeds from the pears. Cut into small cubes of about 2cm. Place the pear pieces, lemon juice and honey in the mixer bowl. Close the lid and select the Compote programme for 15 minutes. Start the programme. 2. Using the spatula, combine the ingredients in the bowl. Set aside to cool for one hour. 3. Add the Greek yoghurt to the mixer bowl. Close the lid and select the Blend programme on speed 4 for one minute. Start the programme. 4. Add a little water if the mixture seems too thick. Divide the pear soup between the glasses. 5. Chill for four hours. Decorate the top with a few chocolate shavings and serve. TASTY RECIPE Pro-tip: Add a little cinnamon or natural vanilla extract to flavour the soup. To save money, buy your pears when they are in season. You will find great prices at the local market.

Tumpik can also be enjoyed with additional fillings such as shrimp and fish. – BERNAMAPIC

introduces Borneo’s gastronomic culture to the world, but also opens up opportunities for local entrepreneurs to explore the commercial potential of this underrepresented ethnic heritage. – Bernama

unique identity of the Melanau people and their adaptation to natural resources, especially the sago tree, which thrives in coastal areas. She added that the initiative to bring Sarawak food to the international stage not only

suitable choice for breakfast or afternoon tea or as a light snack at home,” she said. She also said as one of over 160 Sarawak dishes to be showcased at Serumpun Sarawak in Osaka, Japan, from Aug 5 to 8, tumpik reflects the

Tefal PerfectMix Cook & Steam BL83R (right).

Pear and honey soup is an excellent dessert.