Starchild: Yummy or yuck? Malaysian kids decide

Nur Ameera Khairul Nizam, 12

Is there a food that makes you wrinkle your nose?

Dhia Zhulaiqa Kamarul Ariffin, 12

Maybe you dislike bittergourd because it tastes bitter. Or perhaps you avoid okra because it’s slimy, durian for its smell or cheese because to you, it’s stinky. Some children do not enjoy tofu, mushroom, olive or even sour raspberries. Everyone has different tastes.

Do you know that people around the world enjoy different kinds of delicacies?

Just as many Malaysians love eating durian – which some people think smells too strong – other countries have foods that may seem unusual to us.

In Cambodia, some people eat edible insects such as crickets and tarantulas. In Japan, natto, which is made from fermented soybean, is a popular breakfast food.

There are many reasons why children dislike certain food. Some have a strong smell, while others have strange textures.

A food item can feel too slimy, too crunchy or too soft. Sometimes, children simply do not like the way a food looks. A bright green vegetable or a funny-looking fruit might seem unappealing.

However, your taste buds can change as you grow. A food you dislike today could become one of your favourites in a few years.

Many adults say they did not enjoy vegetables such as broccoli or spinach when they were young, but now they love eating them.

Here are letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Food I dislike.

“I really do not like petai (stinky beans). My parents enjoy eating it with sambal, but I always say “No, thank you!” I think petai smells very strong, and the taste is too bitter for me. Even when it is mixed with other dishes, I can still tell it is there. My mum says I might like it when I am older, but for now, I would rather eat broccoli or carrot. They taste much better. Maybe one day I will be brave enough to try petai again,” writes Nur Ameera Khairul Nizam, 12.

Dhia Zhulaiqa Kamarul Ariffin, 12, doesn’t like durian because she can’t stand its strong smell. “I can smell it even before I see it! My family loves eating durian during the fruit season. I prefer watermelon or mango. They are sweet, juicy and smell much nicer.”

Chan Yi Hao, 12

Chan Yi Hao, 12, knows that durian is known globally for smelling extremely strong with a taste that some people dislike. But he loves it. “The first time I ate durian was when I was five. I did not find it smelly at all and it tasted delicious. From then on, as a Malaysian, I have been enjoying durian whenever the season arrives. I hope the world will come to enjoy the King of Fruits as much as I do!”

Cheryl Ling Sze Tien, 9

“The weirdest food I have tried is chicken with ice cream. It was sweet and crispy. I ate it on a field trip with my friends. But I still love it because of the ice cream. Next time, if I see it I would love to have it. The truth is, I mix the ice-cream with the chicken,” says nine-year-old Cheryl Ling Sze Tien.

ITEM: Do you have a brother or a sister? What do you enjoy doing together? Do you help your younger siblings with homework, play with them or teach them new things?

Sometimes, brothers and sisters may argue over toys, games or little things. But after a while, they make up and share a hug.

Tell us how you show love and care for your siblings. Share a special memory, a funny story or a time when you helped your brother or sister. Draw a picture of you and your sibling and send your story to us!

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by July 31. Please put “STARCHILD: My sibling” in the subject line of your email.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contribution 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.