I can't help chuckling at the thought of a brief conversation today, with an uncle who sold chicken rice at a hawker centre, 15 minutes away from the office. This stall happened to be one of my all-time unforgettable favourites in the "I live to eat" category. In the Chinese context, "oily chicken rice" differs from the ubiquitous chicken rice, partly because the meat is much smoother and succulently flavoured with dark soya sauce.
Me (with unabashed eagerness): Uncle, $3 chicken rice, no breast meat please.
Uncle (friendly knowing smile): Okay. By the way, you're very brave.
Me (trying to decipher if it was a compliment or if he was warning me about bird flu): Huh? Why would you say that?
Uncle (shaking his head and grinning): You're really very brave. This is SO FATTENING, you know.
Me (mock indignance): Fwah, uncle. This is really oily good chicken rice, I eat this only once a week!
Uncle (comforted but with slight resignation): A lot of ladies are afraid of getting fatter after eating this (hands over the sumptuous plate with equally sinful chilli sauce).
I'm impressed. I've never encountered a merchant who cautioned customers about his own goods. With this, he has managed to win my undying loyalty. That is, until the day his well-meaning intentions become a physical manifestation in me.
Comments:
Wahlau, confirmed the chicken rice uncle very humourous. Of all people to warn, he warns you lor. Totally wasted a well-meaning "You may get fat" warning on Miss "Jia-liao-bi". Haha, ironic.
# posted by cLaiRe : Saturday, October 29, 2005 9:17:00 pm
Need Prozac? Carry on reading for an alternative cure.
I've Been..
Satisfying the wanderlust fascination.
Slacking.
Sleeping.
Shopping (wayyyyyyyyyyy too much).
Reading NW, Famous and 8 Days voraciously.
Chillin' with a pint of good beer or latte.
Indulging in purposeful conversation.
Otherwise, I'm happy for you to leave me alone.