Ulam is a strong component of the Semai Orang Asli diet


The Semai community have a wealth of inherited knowledge about local ulam in the forest. — Photos: RACHEL THOMAS THARMABALAN

ULAM has been used for generations by various Orang Asli communities, who often live off the land and are naturally predisposed to foraging and scouring tropical jungles for wild edibles.

It is this multi-generational arsenal of knowledge that food technologist and Sunway University lecturer Rachel Thomas Tharmabalan was looking to study when she embarked on field research to analyse the wild edible flora used by the Semai tribes in Pahang and Perak.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Food News

Chicken on barbecue throne
Meaningful city dining experiences for beloved fathers
Feasts for kings
Savoury, sweet parcels of tradition
Deeply flavoured glutinous rice
Drinking guava juice could help improve anaemia
Hidden liver danger with this common artificial sweetener�
Unsafe food still a big killer�around the world
When caramel meets� custard and chiffon
Playful twist on beloved�classic tiramisu

Others Also Read