I wonder if eating is a national sport in Malaysia. It permeates into our ways of life, from informal greetings ("Have you eaten?") to invitations to socialise ("Let's have a teh tarik [sweet tea]"). You can go into any Malaysian household, even unannounced, and rest assured that you will be served with a hearty meal. In town, food is available literally 24 hours a day, being hungry in Malaysia is impossible! I reckon that seeing the way we eat, it is a wonder that the Malaysians have not died out two generations ago from general obesity and clogged arteries. Though for the record, I have to state that the average Malaysian is generally in good health, slim and shapely.

These are deep fried savoury goodies served at a hawker stall in Penang, one of the dozens dotting the sidewalks.