The Bawang Story


Never ever burn the “bawang”.

Especially – 2 days before Raya.  Yup, I aren’t kidding.

How do you feel of making the biggest mistake 2 days before the festive week. Funny isn’t?! But, it was not that funny until your mom started to growl like a tiger with anger.

It was 6.45pm, almost to 7pm.

Mom called me down to help up with the onions as I just reach home from facing a terrible traffic jam.

I did not hesitant, just climb down the stairs and give my hand to hers.

My mind was a little blank and blurred due to fatigue. But I still manage to helping mom with the rendang dishes.

“Jie, tolong mak goreng bawang ya malam ni” – Mom

“Yaaaaa ma.” – I answered thoroughly.

The Wok was full with half bowl of cooking oil and the “bawang” is grilling.

I was in a dreamy-blurred state, as I did not bath yet after all the body sweats.

Suddenly…I smell something burning. Like you overcooked a dish with high temperature that create a grilling aroma.

SHIT, MAAAAA – by the time I screamed, it was too late.

Mom was on fire mode the moment she enter the kitchen and she was too angry of my negligence.

I apologize numerous times yet she forbade me to enter the kitchen.


I gathered all the remaining onions left in the kitchen and start to peel one by one. It took me about 1 hour 30 minutes to peel off 500gm of onions, including 4 homegrown onions, 1 big slice of ginger and some cloves of garlics.

The remaining ingredients are used for Chicken Rendang and Kuah Kacang. (I hate kuah kacang – pimples.)


Mom noticed my actions and wants me to stop after I peel the last onion in the basket.

Finally, finished everything, I wash both of my hands and head back to sleep.

Mom giving me a slow “Go to sleep” tone as a way of comforting me.

(Before I sleep, Bae stopped by to pick his Raya Snacks and joked “ You smell like bawang…Mak Cik Bawang…” – poker face on.)

 Pretty much the story of my Raya moment. -Sigh







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