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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright January 2024
In the vibrant 1970s, the Sunday curry tiffin at the old Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur was not just a meal; it was a cherished tradition for me and those commuting between Penang and the capital.
Boarding the Sunday morning flight from Penang, we eagerly anticipated the culinary delights awaiting us between 12 and 2 pm, creating a unique ritual that required strategic Monday morning meetings to claim an overnight stay at the iconic hotel.
The Majestic Hotel, a haven for the colonial elite during the British rule of Malaya, became synonymous with the Sunday Curry Tiffin lunch.
Tiffin, an English term for a light meal, particularly lunch, traces its roots to India in the 1800s, where the British indulged in curry-infused lunches.
The Sunday Tiffin, however, evolved into a grand affair, featuring a lavish spread of mulligatawny soup, mixed curries, vegetables, and rice. Some rest houses too serve similar spread then but nothing like the one served at the Magistic.
The opulent feast showcased an array of dishes, including, Mutton Varuval, Egg Masala, and Fried Fish Masala, elegantly served in a tiffin carrier.
The ritual would begin with a banana leaf as the foundation, adorned with accompaniments like mango chutney, pineapple chunks, fish puttu, salted egg, marinated cucumbers, toasted coconut, peanuts, and banana slices. A shot of salted lassi added a refreshing touch to elevate the culinary experience.
In other words, it's a banana leaf lunch, served the British way.
The indulgence didn't end with the main course; the dessert featured Sago Gula Melaka and Masala Tea.
The rich, sweet flavours offered a delightful conclusion to the Sunday feast, leaving a lasting imprint on the taste buds.
Reflecting on these culinary experiences, the Sunday Curry Tiffin at the Majestic Hotel was more than a meal; it was a journey into the past, a celebration of tradition, and a testament to the fusion of British and Indian influences on Malaysian cuisine.
As we savour the memories of this extravagant ritual, it serves as a reminder of the cultural tapestry woven into the fabric of our culinary history.
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