When I was a student in London, I was introduced to Mexican cuisine by Mexican students. They were teenage school girls who missed Mexican food and they were happy for the opportunity to cook mole (a type of Mexican traditional sauce) and frijoles (mashed beans). They always had tajin (a sour chili powder) with them, which they sprinkled generously over fruits. I had many Mexican friends and always enjoyed they humour and zest for life.
In recent years I have had the opportunity to meet Mexican students in Singapore. Some were here on exchange programmes and some came to spend the summer holidays. It is really going from one end of the world to the other for them.
Natalia arrived recently. It took her 30 hours to travel to Singapore. She has been studying Chinese and wanted to visit countries where Chinese is spoken. We have been wanting to have a home-made Mexican Fiesta and Natalia was game.
Agua de Jamaica (Iced hibiscus tea)
Spice appetizer
When asked if she likes to cook, she admitted that she doesn't particularly like cooking, but she can cook and she has learnt from her mother. For someone who doesn't particularly like to cook, she is amazing in the kitchen. Friends who wanted to learn joined her in the kitchen for the Mexican Cooking Experience.
Pollo Pibil (chicken)
Picadillo (minced meat with potato)
Jalapeno and tomato sauce
Arroz verde
Tortillas (corn flour and wheat flour tortillas)
Beans cooked with chorizo and cheese
For friends who only came to join the dinner and cultural night, it was indeed a treat. Natalia brought lollipops made from tamarind and watermelon and other tamarind sweets to give away. In return for all the Mexican food culture Natalia has been introducing us to, we have introduced her to local Singapore delights - like Milo Dinosaur and roti prata.
Food has a binding quality, it is capable of bringing people together to create lasting memories.
Have a great week ahead,
By Chayo, HomSkil Editor, 9 June 2024
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