11: A discussion on the Violet Oon ‘Peranakan nasi ambeng’ dispute | Azimin Saini, editor of Lifestyle Asia & founder of Tempeh Culture

Azimin Saini: “There is no point keeping these conversations behind closed doors when it needs to happening on a more public level. But we need to have it in a way that moves society forward rather than simmer in discontent and talk about differences all the time. We all talk about multiracial Singapore, we all talk about racial harmony. What does it really take to get there? It really is a lot of hard work and having honest dialogue and honest conversations.” Saini, editor of Lifestyle Asia & founder of Tempeh culture, joins Singapore Noodles founder Pamelia Chia to discuss the recent Violet Oon ‘Peranakan Nasi Ambeng’ dispute, plus: *Why there isn’t sufficient Malay representation in food media* *Hindrances to a new cook in approaching Malay cuisine* *How media has shaped perception of Malay food in Singapore* *How can we reconcile our heritage with healthfulness* *The line between cultural appropriation and fusion* *Factors that may have attributed to the popularity of Peranakan food* *How racism manifests in Singapore*