Starchild: Why Malaysian kids savour pasta delights

Ayraa Paarthiban, 9

Out of the many different types of food, there’s one dish that’s loved by kids and grown-ups all over the globe – pasta!

Pasta has a fascinating history. It was first enjoyed by the ancient Greeks and Romans, and it travelled to Europe through trade routes. In Italy, pasta became a true art form, with each region having its unique shapes and flavours.

Pasta starts as a mixture of flour and water. This dough is kneaded and shaped into various forms, like the familiar spaghetti, fusilli, or penne. The pasta is then dried to the right moisture level, making it ready for cooking.

Do you know there are over 600 different pasta shapes? Besides spaghetti and angel hair, there are many other shapes called penne, ziti and tortellini. That’s a lot of options for a delicious meal!

Pasta is loved for several reasons. First, it’s versatile, meaning you can pair it with all sorts of yummy sauces. From classic tomato sauce to creamy alfredo, there’s a pasta dish for everyone. It’s also budget-friendly and easy to prepare, making it a hit with busy families.

Pasta is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a great source of energy and provides important nutrients like carbohydrates and fiber. Plus, it’s fun to eat! Twirling spaghetti on your fork or slurping up noodles is just plain enjoyable. Pasta also brings people together. It’s a popular dish at family gatherings and social events.

Sharing a big bowl of pasta with loved ones is not just about the food; it’s about creating wonderful memories.

So, whether you like twirling spaghetti, biting into mac ‘n’ cheese, or enjoying a hearty lasagna, there’s no denying that pasta brings joy to people all over the world.

The next time you have a plate of pasta, remember that you’re sharing in a tradition that goes back centuries and brings smiles to people of all ages.

Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Pasta.

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 5

“I like spaghetti and cute shaped pasta for children. I like it cooked not too soft, in tomato and cheese sauce sprinkled with lots of herbs,” says Asher Wang Qi Chuen, five.

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 8

Older sister Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, eight, writes: “I enjoy all types of pasta. My favourite is lasagna which is salty, gooey and flavourful. I like my lasagna thick for a nice chewy bite.”

“I like pasta cooked with tomato sauce which is called spaghetti bolognese. My mum uses onion, minced meat, tomato, bacon, broccoli and mushroom. It tastes very good. Sometimes my mum uses animal shaped pasta to replace spaghetti. I really like it so much,” writes Wong Jie Ern, seven.

Wong Jie Ern, 7

Nine-year-old Wong Cheng Yang says: “I love angel hair pasta. My favourite dish is bacon, broccoli, corn and mushroom. I prefer it cooked with carbonara and cheese. My mum makes this scrumptious meal for me whenever I request it. I love it so much!”

Wong Cheng Yang, 9

ITEM: Halloween is creeping up on October 31, and we’re super excited!

Halloween is all about dressing up in awesome costumes, carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns, and maybe even getting some yummy treats. So, kids, how do you plan to celebrate this spook-tacular day? Are you going to be a superhero, a witch, or maybe a friendly ghost? What about your jack-o’-lantern? Are you going to give it a big, toothy grin or a silly face?

We want to hear all about your Halloween plans, and we’d love to see your creativity shine! Draw a picture of your Halloween costume or a spooky scene, and tell us all about it. Maybe you’re going to have a costume parade, go trick-or-treating, or have a scary movie night with friends and family. Your imagination is the limit!

E-mail your contributions to [e-mail] by Oct 24. Please put “STARCHILD: Halloween” in the subject line of your e-mail.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.