#5: How to Think About Other People’s Food

Around the world, there are hundreds and thousands of cuisines and sub-cuisines. It’s near impossible to understand and taste them all. So when we’re faced with a foreign cuisine, how should we seek to understand it? How should we think about food we’re unfamiliar with, other people’s food? We grapple with that, and more, through the story of the Chettis, a marginalized, multiracial community in Southeast Asia. The Chettis date back to the 15th century, originating from traders and sailors from India who settled down in the Malay Archipelago and married into the local community. Today, there are less than 500 Chettis in Malaysia, and their food and culture is dwindling with each passing generation, and most Malaysians have never even heard of them. So on this episode, we learn about the Chettis, and do our best to understand their food. (Connect with us at takeabaopodcast.com, or on Instagram @jun.and.tonic.)

Om Podcasten

Take A Bao is a show exploring anything and everything around Asian food. From unpacking the origins of rice and rendang, to deep dives into the depths of Chinese tea and Vietnamese pho, this show aims to give voice to the intriguing food stories of Asia. On each episode, you'll learn about how the different cultures and communities across Asia shaped its food. You’ll hear from chefs, farmers, food writers, and eaters, learn how to cook and eat iconic Asian dishes, and really celebrate the food of Asia to give it the representation it deserves, letting it have its moment to—wait for it—take a bow!