Back in 2021, a cooking competition show called MasterChef UK caused a stir in Southeast Asia when one of the judges criticized a contestant’s rendang dish for not being “crispy” enough. The dish in question was a classic beef rendang, a slow-cooked stew made with coconut milk and spices, and is known for its tender and flavorful meat that falls apart in your mouth. The judge’s comment quickly went viral and the internet exploded with memes and reactions from angry Malaysians and Indonesians who felt that the judge had insulted their traditional dish.
The Birth of the Crispy Rendang Meme
The now-infamous comment was made during an episode where the contestants were tasked with cooking a dish inspired by their heritage. One of the contestants, Zaleha Kadir Olpin, chose to make a beef rendang with nasi lemak (a Malaysian rice dish) as a side. However, judge Gregg Wallace was not impressed with the dish and criticized Zaleha for not making the rendang crispy.
“I like the rendang flavor, there’s a coconut sweetness, however, the chicken skin isn’t crispy. It can’t be eaten and all the sauce is on the skin I can’t eat,” said Wallace.
Many viewers were quick to point out that rendang is not supposed to be crispy, and the dish is traditionally served with soft and tender meat. Malaysians and Indonesians took to social media to express their outrage, with many sharing memes and sarcastic posts about how to make a “crispy rendang”.
The Impact of the Meme
The crispy rendang meme quickly went viral and became a symbol of cultural pride and identity for Malaysians and Indonesians. The controversy even caught the attention of the Malaysian Prime Minister, who tweeted his support for Zaleha and the traditional way of cooking rendang.
“Maybe you are used to the British way of cooking rendang. But we Malaysians eat rendang that is tender and soft,” tweeted Prime Minister Najib Razak.
The incident also sparked a conversation about cultural appropriation and the importance of respecting and preserving traditional dishes and cooking methods. Many people felt that the judge’s comments were insensitive and showed a lack of understanding and appreciation for Southeast Asian cuisine.
The Legacy of the Crispy Rendang Meme
Two years later, the crispy rendang meme still lives on as a cultural touchstone and a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional dishes and cooking techniques. Many Malaysians and Indonesians continue to share rendang recipes and photos on social media, and the dish remains a beloved staple of Southeast Asian cuisine.
However, some have also pointed out that the controversy also highlights the need for greater representation and diversity in the culinary world. Southeast Asian cuisine is often underrepresented in mainstream media and cooking shows, leading to a lack of understanding and appreciation for the region’s diverse and delicious dishes.
Responses from People Who Know It
Zaleha Kadir Olpin
“I think my rendang was cooked how it should be – it was cooked gently over a long period of time. You can eat the meat with a spoon, it falls off the bone. The flavor is in the sauce, not just the skin.” – Zaleha Kadir Olpin
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak
“It is never crispy and should never be confused with fried chicken.” – Najib Razak
Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia, Rusdi Kirana
“It is very important to respect the tradition. You cannot insult someone’s tradition, especially when it is one of the most popular foods in the country.” – Rusdi Kirana
Chef Wan
“It’s a lack of knowledge and understanding of the food. Rendang is not supposed to be crispy. It’s supposed to be soft, it’s supposed to be melty, it’s supposed to be delicious.” – Chef Wan
Food Writer and TV Host, Sarah Huang Benjamin
“The crispy rendang incident was a wake-up call for the industry to be more inclusive and to celebrate the diversity of our culinary heritage. It’s important to recognize that there is no one ‘correct’ way to cook a dish, and that every culture has its own unique traditions and flavors.” – Sarah Huang Benjamin
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