About this Event
For generations, the coconut has nourished coastal communities across the Nusantara region, including the Orang Laut, with its versatility making the fruit an enduring symbol of connection between nature, culture, and cuisine. In this third session of the Nio Series, we dive deep into the region's culinary traditions, celebrating the coconut's rich history and many uses.
Explore the biography of the coconut through a discussion with Dr Anthony Medrano, who will share insights on its ecological, historical, and cultural significance. Then, join culinary content creator Azfar Maswan for a cooking demonstration with former Pulau Semakau islander and celebrated homecook Mdm Nooraini.
They will prepare three coconut-based dishes: Javanese Urap, Koleh-Koleh, and a special coastal community dish by Mdm Nooraini. During the demonstration, Azfar will also delve into the different uses of the coconut for various culinary practices in the Nusantara, from being a rich and flavourful addition to dishes, to serving as a receptacle, or even a source of fuel. This session offers a unique opportunity to learn about the diverse culinary uses of the coconut while connecting with the heritage that has shaped the Nusantara region. Jom makan!
What we have planned:
- 6.30pm: Registration - Arrive early and join us for traditional snacks and drinks!
- 7:00 – 8.00 pm: Introduction of Content Partners & Sharing by Dr Medrano
- 8.00 - 8.30 pm: Q&A
- 8.30 - 10.00 pm: Cooking demonstration by Mdm Nooraini and Azfar
Urap and Koleh Koleh (green bean kueh topped with caramelised coconut milk solids). (Photo: Azfar Maswan)
About our Content Partners:
Anthony D. Medrano is the National University of Singapore (NUS) Presidential Young Professor of Environmental Studies at Yale-NUS College, and an assistant professor in the Department of History at the National University of Singapore. He also holds appointments at the Asia Research Institute and the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. His teaching and scholarship look at the histories of biodiversity research in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Medrano is the editor of Lala-Land: Singapore’s Seafood Heritage (Epigram, 2024), co-editor with Nicole CuUnjieng Aboitiz of a forthcoming special issue of the Journal of Southeast Asian Studies titled “Returning to the Region: Philippine History and the Contingencies of Southeast Asia,” and co-editor with Eunice Tan of Island Life: Stories of Singapore Biodiversity(LKCNHM, forthcoming). He is completing a chapter on the lives of seaweeds for Timothy P. Barnard's edited volume Singaporean Plants (in progress).
Azfar Maswan is a culinary content creator and food history enthusiast. He currently heads the social media channel nOm (@nomies.co) where he produces and hosts content surrounding local food culture through human-interest stories and sharing recipes. His culinary arts background consists of working in several local and overseas restaurants.With a deep passion in Nusantara and South East Asian gastronomy, Azfar travels to document the diversity of the region’s cuisines while also identifying the cultural similarities and parallels present in between food cultures. He believes in the importance of preserving lesser-known culinary traditions and advocates that more people should learn from local and regional culinary cuisine instead of constantly looking to the West.
Mdm Nooraini Bte Rani is a celebrated homecook at Orang Laut SG, renowned for her exceptional skills in preparing traditional Southern Islander cuisine. Having grown up on Pulau Semakau, she has an incredible ability to bring the flavours of the islands to life through her cooking. Her dishes highlight fresh, locally foraged ingredients, drawing from the rich traditions of her coastal community. Deeply connected to her culture and community, Mdm Nooraini is dedicated to sharing not only her culinary knowledge but also the stories they carry, helping to preserve the distinctive flavours and heritage of Southern Islander cuisine.
About The Nio Series:
The Nio Series is a four-part workshop series at our heritage garden,Tanah dan Air, inspired by the coconut – known as nio to the Orang Laut. Each workshop explores the intricate connections between culture, nature, and sustainability, celebrating the diverse uses and stories tied to different parts of the coconut. This series aims to preserve Indigenous knowledge and foster community engagement and understanding.
The Nio Series is brought to you by Orang Laut SG and supported by the National Youth Council and National Heritage Board’s Young ChangeMakers - Youth Heritage Kickstarter Fund (YCM - YHKF) . Any material, information or views expressed are those of the organisers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other supporting organisation.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
City Sprouts (West Coast), 40 West Coast Ferry Road, Clementi, Singapore
SGD 22.05
