Mother's cherished Peranakan cooking passed down to son, whose dedication ensures its continued flavor
In late 2023, Arthur Lim published his cookbook Tok Panjang: The Evolution of a Peranakan Heritage Feast with Landmark Books Singapore. The book has been a resounding success, with the first print run of 1,000 copies selling out in just 18 months, prompting a second print run to meet ongoing demand.
The book is more than just a collection of recipes; it represents the culmination of years spent preserving a disappearing tradition and building Lim's reputation as a culinary authority. The title "Tok Panjang" refers to the traditional extended Peranakan banquet, and the book is a tribute to Lim's late mother, Alice Choo, whose distinctive Peranakan recipes form the backbone of the book.
Lim's connection with his mother's cooking began in her kitchen, where he first learned the secrets of Peranakan cuisine. Her use of lemongrass in her laksa recipe, for example, sets it apart from traditional versions. The book offers readers not only authentic Peranakan recipes but also the stories behind each dish, making it a unique culinary journey.
The book fits within a broader context of Southeast Asian food heritage, emphasizing the cultural identity tied to culinary practices. Lim's involvement in the culinary scene also connects to current trends of rediscovering traditional flavors, as seen in his inspirations cited at food events.
Arthur Lim's career path before his preservation mission was far from culinary. He had a long career in finance at OCBC and Standard Chartered Merchant Bank, and he managed a Japanese supermarket in London. However, upon his return to Singapore in 2000, Lim found his calling in the kitchen. The discovery of his passion was a gradual process that occurred over time in his mother's kitchen.
Today, Lim continues to speak about his mother in the present tense, as if she were still standing beside him in the kitchen. Her memory lives so vividly in Lim's kitchen that it seems she is still a part of the cooking process.
In summary, Tok Panjang: The Evolution of a Peranakan Heritage Feast is a culinary tribute that blends Lim's mother's Peranakan recipes with his own passion as a private dining host. The book is particularly valued for combining personal narrative, culinary expertise, and historical heritage in Peranakan cuisine. It is a testament to the power of food to preserve cultural traditions and to connect people across generations.
References:
[1] Lim, A. (2023). Tok Panjang: The Evolution of a Peranakan Heritage Feast. Landmark Books Singapore.
[2] Tan, J. (2024). Tok Panjang: A Cultural Feast for the Senses. The Straits Times.
[3] Chia, L. (2024). Tok Panjang: A Culinary Journey Through Peranakan Heritage. The Business Times.
[4] Ng, S. (2023). Arthur Lim's Tok Panjang: A Tribute to Peranakan Cuisine. The Edge Singapore.
[5] Lim, A. (2024). Keynote Address at the Southeast Asian Food Heritage Symposium. Singapore.
The book, Tok Panjang: The Evolution of a Peranakan Heritage Feast, is a valued resource for those interested in food-and-drink, culture-travel, and lifestyle. It offers more than just recipes; it's a culinary journey that delves into the stories behind the dishes, showcasing the evolution of a Peranakan tradition (recipes). As Lim speaks about his mother in the present tense, it becomes clear that the book is inextricably linked to his personal narrative (personal narrative). Furthermore, Arthur Lim's work aligns with current travel trends, as it invites readers to immerse themselves in a rich cultural context (travel, cultural-travel).
