Wild child, fiery cook
From childhood adventures to culinary feasts, Mdm Kamsiah can handle it all.
by: Eunice Lim and Tan Yu Jia
A spelling error in her NRIC changed her name, but her new name aptly describes her attitude towards life. Mdm Kamsiah, whose original name was "Kamisah", had a name change when she was 12 years old due to a spelling error by the authorities.
In Hokkien, "Kamsiah" translates to "Thankfulness" (and many of her Chinese friends tease her for the quirky name error). The spirited senior is indeed grateful for many things in life. As a retiree, she enjoys the assuredness of her children's provision.
"Now sons and daughters all married, can relax," she chuckles at the mention of her family.
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It wasn't always a quiet life for Mdm Kamsiah, who lives with her husband in a one-room flat in the Boon Keng neighbourhood. Her younger days were filled with activity and energy.
She was the "ringleader" of a group who'd steal rambutans from private orchards. Once during an attempt, a neighbour's dog came to attack her. She took a stone and threw it towards the dog, but it leapt towards her and bit her. It left a permanent mark on her thigh. However, Mdm Kamsiah was undeterred and continued to steal fruits from others.
Other activities led to more severe consequences. One of the activities she enjoyed as a child was cycling along the deep canals with her friends. When she was 10 years old, she slipped and fell into the canal during a cycling trip.
The accident left her fearful of cycling. "I've never ridden a bicycle again," she shares wistfully.
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Her childhood also brought her a lifelong companion. When Mdm Kamsiah moved to Geylang at the age of 13, she met a kindly young man - literally, the boy next door. The pair grew up together as neighbours, and decided to tie the knot when Mdm Kamsiah was 17.
Childhood rebel? Can't tell!
The couple worked hard together to support their family. While her husband took up a job as a security guard, Mdm Kamsiah tapped on her cooking skills.
The talented cook prepared meals for people in the Chai Chee estate, the Bedok Banquet outlet (a Halal foodcourt), and in Sengkang. For over 20 years, she whipped up delicious dishes every day and was never tired of it.
"If there's even one ingredient missing, I'd rather not cook it."
She first learned essential cooking skills from her mother at 15 years old. Over the years, her repertoire has expanded greatly - from Mee Rebus to Lontong, no Malay dish is beyond her. Her best dish is Assam Pedas, a sour and spicy fish stew.
She is very particular about her ingredients and preparation. Sighing, she laments about how eateries often focus on profits and compromise the quality of ingredients. Going traditional is the best and most authentic, she believes, and she never compromises on it.
"If there's even one ingredient missing, I'd rather not cook it," she insists.
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However, the days of being a chef took a toll on her. Having to stand for long hours placed extra stress on her legs. Mdm Kamsiah now takes medicine and Collagen Plus regularly to ease her leg pain.
Despite the pain, cooking remains her greatest passion. She insists on cooking her own meals every day (except Sunday, her self-declared "off-day").
She even prepares meals for her middle-aged daughter, who stays in a nearby block. Every evening, her daughter would come and collect dinner from Mdm Kamsiah after her work, who'd have it packed ready to go.
to yummy
assam pedas!
from curry leaves...
photo credit: Rasa Malaysia
In a small space behind her back door, several potted plants line the path. Mdm Kamsiah proudly calls it her "garden". The small pots hold a great variety of plants - from curry leaves used in her own cooking, to pandan leaves, and even tender lemon and orange fruit trees.
Every day, Mdm Kamsiah and her husband tend to the garden together and take care of their two pet birds.
Life as retirees have brought them to a settled rhythm, but Mdm Kamsiah is still very energetic and spirited.
With her bright smile and cheerful countenance, Mdm Kamsiah is indeed grateful for the small things in her life!