Japanese YouTubers vlog their fasting experience this Ramadan
Japanese YouTubers join fasting Malaysians by cooking rendang for iftar
Image adapted from: @ichang_hong_kong_1009
With Kuala Lumpur being one of the world’s most visited cities, it’s no surprise that many first-time tourists and travellers find themselves falling in love with our country after spending some time here. After all, our unique blend of cultures and our reputation as a food paradise makes it all the harder not to.
You may recognise Japanese YouTuber iChang for her many videos on Malaysian life and culture – from the super viral “Japanese girl became durian addict after Malaysia trip” to “Cosplay as ‘local Malaysian girl’ at Tesco”. This time around, iChang and her husband Jimmy joined the many Malaysians fasting during this Ramadan and filmed an entertaining vlog on their experience.
Stayed up until 3AM to cook authentic beef rendang
Image credit: @ichang_hong_kong_1009
In a video that was posted on their YouTube channel yesterday, iChang and her husband, Jimmy, began preparing to cook beef rendang at about 10.30PM. They already had all the spices stocked on their shelves and brought them out to grind in a traditional stone pestle and mortar.
When iChang was figuring out how much of the spices to put in, she decided to do it the Malaysian mak cik way of agak-agak. Even Jimmy commented on her authentic methods of cooking this traditional Malay dish.
iChang and Jimmy taking turns to grind the spices
Image adapted from: iChang RM
The pair even went the extra mile by getting real tamarind fruit instead of buying pre-packaged tamarind paste from the store. Once they finished prepping all the ingredients and placed them into the pot, it was already past midnight. However, they still needed to let the beef slow cook for 2 and half hours.
Image adapted from: iChang RM
It was 3.05AM by the time they were done cooking the beef rendang. After storing the dish that’s meant to be for their buka puasa, they went ahead with their suhur. Their last meal before a day of fasting comprised of dates and lots of plain water.
Having their mindsets in the right place during their first time fasting experience
During their day of fasting, the Japanese couple sat down to talk about their thoughts on Ramadan and fasting. When talking about their experience so far, Jimmy said “Most of them (fasting Muslims) are working during this time, but we are only resting and sleeping now”.
Image adapted from: iChang RM
They also continued to talk about the significance and greater meaning behind Ramadan, which is to strengthen one’s faith and become a better person.
Malaysians show overwhelming support for the Japanese couple
Malaysians quickly gathered at the comments section to show their support and love toward the Japanese couple who were so keen on participating in a significant local practice even though they aren’t currently in the country but in Hong Kong.
Ain was one of the many who gushed over the video. She said that iChang was even more of a true blue Malaysian than she was, as seen from the number of habits that she had picked up during her time in the country that include eating with her hands and having a collection of spices.
Image adapted from: Ain Thani
Another Malaysian user commended iChang for her sincerity during her 1-day fasting journey as she even went as far as to grind her own spices, which is something not all Malaysians do as it’s easier to buy the pre-made blends in the supermarket.
Image adapted from: Nur Afifah
Amirol expressed his admiration toward the pair for being so invested in Malaysian culture.
Image adapted from: Amirol_XI
Japanese YouTuber couple joins fasting Malaysians during Ramadan
It’s heartening to see a Japanese couple being so interested in Malaysian culture that they even decided to fast for a day and make beef rendang from scratch for their iftar. Not only did they manage to make it till the end of the day, but they also stopped to have a meaningful conversation on the importance of Ramadan, which we’re sure many would appreciate.
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