I have often heard radio DJ's wax lyrical about our Malaysian love for good food, and how it symbolizes our culture. Though I do agree that we have a lovely and varied cuisine, and our people do appreciate it, I hardly think this is unique to our country - China and Japan take great pride and enjoyment in their cooking too, and they are well justified. France does as well, and even the Americans brag about their burgers. As do many other nations.
(the only nationality that keeps quiet when food is mentioned is the British)
Therefore, what is it that makes us feel that food occupies such a significant role in our culture? Truth be told, I think it is because we lack any other distinguishing point to claim. We are not united by a single culture as we are a multicultural country. Japanese think of their Yamato spirit before their food when it comes to national identity, although sushi is not inferior to nasi lemak or roti canai at all in my opinion. Lacking a single culture to point to, the other choices to boast about should be the ideals on which the country was built upon and its achievements, as the United States does. We have unfortunately nothing notable in that regard.
So I feel that this constant reference to food is a product of some sort of floundering about to catch some sort of national identity, where none really exists strongly. Really not something to be proud about...
