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Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Straits Times
American says Malaysia's cuisine is better and cheaper than Singapore's: Local food bosses respond with spice
An American tourist recently shared what he called a 'controversial' opinion on food in Singapore. PHOTO: SCREEN CAPTURE FROM MALAYSIA TRAVEL TIPS, BRENT FARRIS/FACEBOOK American says Malaysia's cuisine is better and cheaper than Singapore's: Local food bosses respond with spice Ivan Lim TNP July 4, 2025 The age-old cross-Causeway debate about whose food is better has resurfaced. This time, an American who spends considerable time in Malaysia has weighed in with a bold assertion that our neighbours make better food, and at just a third the price. Brent Farris, who describes himself on Facebook as being from Eldorado, Illinois and currently living in St Charles, Missouri, is a regular contributor to the public Facebook group, Travel Tips Malaysia. From his frequent posts in the group, it appears he's spent a fair bit of time in the country. On June 25, he posted this hot take: "Here goes. I'm going to say something quite controversial. If it offends you, I apologise in advance. Ok, I'm not sorry. "Anything you can find in Singapore (food wise) you can find in Malaysia for one-third the price, and tastes better. "And, Singapore's national fruit is the durian. I'm sure they love durian, but they don't grow any. Malaysia originated it and the durian from Malaysia is better than any durian grown anywhere in the world. Sorry, Thailand. There, I said it. Whew that feels like a weight has been lifted. I've been wanting to say this for years." That post has since gone viral, racking up over 17,000 reactions, more than 1,400 comments, and over 800 shares. Melvin Chew with the late Anthony Bourdain. PHOTO: Courtesy of Melvin Chew Melvin Chew, 47, owner of Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck and Kway Chap in Chinatown Point, was unfazed by the American traveller's judgment when The New Paper spoke to him. "Taste can be subjective," said Mr Chew, chewing on the matter. But it's all monosodium glutamate, a flavour enhancer, he added. "Maybe the Malaysian food stalls which he went to, the cze char stalls he visited, are managed heavily by a Japanese master, Mr Ajinomoto - hence the taste is very good," he quipped. "When he comes to Singapore, his friend Mr Ajimamoto, who has no passport, stays in Malaysia." Mr Chew believes that Mr Farris' post was made to gain attention. "We will not blame him for his assessment of Singapore food, as we know attention seekers are very kay kiang. (Hokkien for "act smart", but not really.) He thinks he is Anthony Bourdain, is it? More like Anthony Bo Bi Sor (Anthony "bad taste", in Hokkien)," he added in immaculate Singlish. "So please don't let a non-professional food critic spoil our good relationship with our neighbours." Melvin Chua with his King. PHOTO: Courtesy of Melvin Chua Meanwhile, durian boss Melvin Chua, 54, who owns Durian Garden at 42 Cambridge Road, seemed perplexed that an American would think that the durian was Singapore's national fruit. "National fruit? I've never heard of that in my 12 years of selling durian," said Mr Chua as he was packing up for the night at his stall when The New Paper approached him about the thorny issue. "Unofficially, maybe, because we are not an agricultural country. Malaysia has a greater right to claim it as their national fruit," he said, while offering us a piece of the pungent fruit. "We know it better as the King of Fruits. But the durian is king in Malaysia as well as in Thailand. We are all part of the durian's huge empire," he added. "And it is OK to share the king. "The penny dropped when we explained that the proclamation was made by a traveller from the United States. "They don't have kings there, do they? So he probably wouldn't know or understand," noted Mr Chua, wiping his fingers. "Oh wait, they have Donald Trump!" he said, chuckling. "So we really shouldn't take this guy too seriously. But Happy Independence Day, anyway." Benny Se Teo. PHOTO: Courtesy of Benny Se Teo Meanwhile, renowned Singapore chef, restaurateur and social entrepreneur Benny Se Teo agreed - at least partially - with Mr Farris' view. Mainly, on durians. Not so about his view on food, though. "Oh Brent," said the celebrity chef. "Bless your adventurous palate! We're glad Malaysia gave your taste buds a budget-friendly thrill … just remember - if food were only about price, instant noodles would win Michelin stars. "But hey, thanks for the review," added Mr Se Teo. "Come back to Singapore when your stomach needs Wi-Fi, safety, and a napkin." Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
New Paper
07-07-2025
- New Paper
Malaysia food better than Singapore's, says US traveller
The age-old cross-Causeway debate about whose food is better has resurfaced. This time, an American who spends considerable time in Malaysia has weighed in with a bold assertion that our neighbours make better food, and at just a third the price. Brent Farris, who describes himself on Facebook as being from Eldorado, Illinois and currently living in St Charles, Missouri, is a regular contributor to the public Facebook group, Travel Tips Malaysia . From his frequent posts in the group, it appears he's spent a fair bit of time in the country. On June 25, he posted this hot take: "Here goes. I'm going to say something quite controversial. If it offends you, I apologise in advance. Ok, I'm not sorry. "Anything you can find in Singapore (food wise) you can find in Malaysia for one-third the price, and tastes better. "And, Singapore's national fruit is the durian. I'm sure they love durian, but they don't grow any. Malaysia originated it and the durian from Malaysia is better than any durian grown anywhere in the world. Sorry, Thailand. There, I said it. Whew that feels like a weight has been lifted. I've been wanting to say this for years." That post has since gone viral, racking up over 17,000 reactions, more than 1,400 comments, and over 800 shares. Melvin Chew with the late Anthony Bourdain. PHOTO: Courtesy of Melvin Chew Melvin Chew, 47, owner of Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck and Kway Chap in Chinatown Point, was unfazed by the American traveller's judgment when The New Paper spoke to him. "Taste can be subjective," said Mr Chew, chewing on the matter. But it's all monosodium glutamate, a flavour enhancer, he added. "Maybe the Malaysian food stalls which he went to, the cze char stalls he visited, are managed heavily by a Japanese master, Mr Ajinomoto - hence the taste is very good," he quipped. "When he comes to Singapore, his friend Mr Ajimamoto, who has no passport, stays in Malaysia." Mr Chew believes that Mr Farris' post was made to gain attention. "We will not blame him for his assessment of Singapore food, as we know attention seekers are very kay kiang. (Hokkien for "act smart", but not really.) He thinks he is Anthony Bourdain, is it? More like Anthony Bo Bi Sor (Anthony "bad taste", in Hokkien)," he added in immaculate Singlish. "So please don't let a non-professional food critic spoil our good relationship with our neighbours." Melvin Chua with his King. PHOTO: Courtesy of Melvin Chua Meanwhile, durian boss Melvin Chua, 54, who owns Durian Garden at 42 Cambridge Road, seemed perplexed that an American would think that the durian was Singapore's national fruit. "National fruit? I've never heard of that in my 12 years of selling durian," said Mr Chua as he was packing up for the night at his stall when The New Paper approached him about the thorny issue. "Unofficially, maybe, because we are not an agricultural country. Malaysia has a greater right to claim it as their national fruit," he said, while offering us a piece of the pungent fruit. "We know it better as the King of Fruits. But the durian is king in Malaysia as well as in Thailand. We are all part of the durian's huge empire," he added. "And it is OK to share the king. " The penny dropped when we explained that the proclamation was made by a traveller from the United States. "They don't have kings there, do they? So he probably wouldn't know or understand," noted Mr Chua, wiping his fingers. "Oh wait, they have Donald Trump!" he said, chuckling. "So we really shouldn't take this guy too seriously. But Happy Independence Day, anyway." Benny Se Teo. PHOTO: Courtesy of Benny Se Teo Meanwhile, renowned Singapore chef, restaurateur and social entrepreneur Benny Se Teo agreed - at least partially - with Mr Farris' view. Mainly, on durians. Not so about his view on food, though. "Oh Brent," said the celebrity chef. "Bless your adventurous palate! We're glad Malaysia gave your taste buds a budget-friendly thrill … just remember - if food were only about price, instant noodles would win Michelin stars. "But hey, thanks for the review," added Mr Se Teo. "Come back to Singapore when your stomach needs Wi-Fi, safety, and a napkin."
