If Malaysia has a national condiment, it would be sambal. Yet as central as sambal is to Malaysia's culinary heritage, it wouldn't exist without Portugal.As Melaka's fortunes grew, the empire attracted the envy of Europe. By the 16th Century, Portuguese merchants began trading with Melaka, introducing new products like chillis and tomatoes. But this trade partnership wasn't enough and Portuguese rulers soon wanted more from Melaka. And so kicked off a long era of European colonialism in the region.Portugal left a significant mark on Malaysia's culture, best represented by the Kristang community. We hear from chef Melba Nunis (@chefmelbanunis) about her Eurasian roots and the uniqueness of Kristang cuisine. She shares her experience in keeping traditions alive by publishing a cookbook, which remains one of just two cookbooks specialising in Kristang cuisine.We also hear from community leader Martin Theseira, who grew up in the Portuguese settlement of Melaka. We learn about the Kristang creole language, a once thriving dialect that is now spoken by just 2,000 people.References and ResourcesA History of Malaysia (2016), Barbara Watson Andaya, Leonard Y. AndayaKristang DictionaryA Kristang Family Cookbook (2015), Melba NunisStories of Praya LaneThe Melaka Portuguese Eurasian Heritage Arts and Culture SocietyThe Majestic Melaka - 188, Jln. Bunga Raya, Pengkalan Rama, 75100 Melaka, MalaysiaKumi Cafe - 21, Lorong Setiabistari 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, MalaysiaQuentins Eurasian Restaurant - 139 Ceylon Rd, Level 1 Eurasian Heritage Gallery, Singapore 429744Noel Felix - Kristang MusicianCreditsHosted by Dr Noby Leong and Philip GibsonProduced by Dr Noby Leong and Philip GibsonSound Design by Jack BarrSatay? Okay! is produced by Kopi Productions Limited

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