As we celebrate Children’s Day, we’re reminded of the simple joys that filled our childhood—carefree days of laughter, friendship, and of course, food! It has the ability to take us back in time, sparking memories that shape who we are. Each dish we enjoyed tells a story, revealing the love and care from those who cooked for us.
1. Kelly’s Roti Canai dipped in Sugar
Image Credit: Flickr
Every weekend morning back in Malaysia, my family would gather at our neighborhood mamak stall for roti canai, generously soaked in daal and chicken curry. They loved the spice, but with zero tolerance for heat, I found my own little slice of heaven—Roti Canai dipped in Sugar. It felt like a secret discovery, a tiny rebellion against the sugarless world around me.
Now, whenever I spot a container of sugar at a mamak stall, I’m back to those simpler times pouring an outrageous amount of sugar over my plate. I can still see my family chatting, feel the warmth of the sun, and taste the sweet roti. It’s a reminder of carefree weekend mornings in Malaysia—moments filled with love, laughter, and the pure joy of something as simple as sugar.
2. Kailin’s Chicken Wing braised in Wine
Image Credit: Jeanette’s Healthy Living
For me, braised food has always felt like home. When my grandpa found out it was my favourite, he went above and beyond, cooking up a spread of braised dishes from scratch. But there was one that stood out—his Chicken Wing braised in Wine. It wasn’t just food; it was a symbol of the way he cared for me, one dish at a time.
The anticipation would start the moment I stepped into his house, because you can smell him cooking from downstairs. (I’m half-convinced he used the entire bottle of Hua Tiao Jiu). He’d balance the dish perfectly with rock sugar and sprigs of braised green onion, crafting something that was as comforting as it was delicious.
But it wasn’t just about the flavours. What made it so special, what still makes me smile to this day, is knowing he made it just for me. That simple, quiet gesture—him telling me, in his own way, that I mattered. That’s what I carry with me every time I think of those braised wings. It was more than a meal; it was love, poured into every bite.
3. Damon’s Rotiboy
I could smell it before I even knew what it was, and that was enough to ignite my curiosity. My family used to frequent AEON (the real ones know it as Jusco), and on one particular day, the sweet aroma of toasted coffee filled the air. But smelling it was one thing—tasting it was life-changing. With its crispy crust encasing the warm, sweet, and soft centre infused with melted creamy butter, that’s when my Rotiboy obsession began.
Now, every time I pass an outlet, I feel compelled to have one; it would be strange not to. Each bite warms me from the inside out, wrapping me in the love my parents showed me. They would always indulge my requests for a Rotiboy, simply because they knew how much joy it brought me. It’s more than just a treat; it’s a delicious reminder of their love and support.
4. Jon’s Prata Hotdog
Image Credit: Instagram
Hotdog bun, Prata Hotdog, Deep-fried hotdog bread, Waffle Hotdog?! What can I say? I just really love hot dogs. But what truly warms my heart is that each variation of this satisfying childhood snack carries its own distinct memory.
I remember crossing the road after school to get the yummiest Prata Hotdog with Dickson. I remember munching on a Hotdog bun in childcare while everyone else had their biscuits during tea break. And who could forget the tastiest Waffle Hotdog found only at pasar malams (seriously, why do they not sell it anymore?!). Then there were the times we ran to the machik store to order two Deep-fried hotdog breads before the prefects could chase us to flag raising.
These hotdog wraps give me a chance to relive those simpler times, reminding me that life doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all you need is to pause and enjoy a simple hotdog bun.
5. Max’s Pola Snacks
Image Credit: Honeycombers
I don’t have a single favourite meal, but certain snacks always take me back to simpler times. Pola Snacks were my go-to during those endless sweaty playground sessions, where the highlight of our day was playing catch with friends. Looking back, it’s astonishing how quickly time flew — what felt like just an hour was really an entire afternoon spent running up and down the playground, our laughter echoing the neighbourhood as we argued over whether the catcher had really tagged us or just caught our shirts.
After the games, we’d rush to the mama shop to grab our beloved snacks and some 10-cent ice pops to quench our thirst. Those moments, filled with the joy of friendship and carefree play, are treasures I’ll always cherish. That’s over a decade ago — it goes to show you how time flies. Old me now.
6. Carmen’s Mum’s Homemade Banana Cake, Sushi, & Jelly Pudding
Image: Despicable Me 3
When I was younger, weekends were always something special in our household. My mum would spend hours in the kitchen, baking banana cake, rolling sushi, and making jelly pudding—our family favourites (or at least mine, haha). Everything was made from scratch, with so much care and love, like a little ritual she truly enjoyed. I still remember the smell of the banana cake filling the house, the perfectly lined-up sushi rolls, and the anticipation as all of us waited for the jelly pudding to set.
During the week, my parents were usually busy with work, so weekends became our time to reconnect. My mum’s homemade treats were her way of bringing us all together, creating a family tradition that made even the simplest moments feel meaningful. Looking back, I realise it wasn’t just about the food—it was her way of making sure we spent time together, laughing, sharing meals, and enjoying each other’s company. Those moments still mean the world to me.
7. Chris’ Butter Sugar Toast
Image Credit: Reddit
You could never catch me eating breakfast when I was younger. I remember one time getting nagged so badly that I brought my breakfast to school, only to toss it in the big bin. I was picky, and the consequences were just as tough; I couldn’t focus on anything but the hunger gnawing at me, making it hard to even wait for recess.
But my mum, as most mothers do, found a solution. She discovered that the only thing I would eat was Butter Sugar Toast. The sight of melted butter on warm, toasted bread, with the crispiest crust and a sprinkle of sugar—every child’s weakness—had me sold. Just like that, she made it for me every morning, without fail.
That’s probably why I have a deep love for warm pastries and toasted bread at breakfast, or why I can’t go a day without it. It’s a reminder of her love and the comfort of those simple mornings.
8. Dickson’s Baked Beans with Egg and Fish Fillet
Image Credit: Giphy
The first time I tasted Baked Beans with Egg and Fish Fillet, it felt heavenly—though maybe that was just the sweet tooth of a kindergartner in me (Honey Bees, anyone?). But the magic of that dish didn’t just stay in my childhood; it still calls to me from time to time, and my mom knows just how to make it the way I love.
Each bite is a delightful balance of sweet and savoury, with the perfect amount of tang, creating a symphony of contrasting textures. When I eat it, I’m back to the playground, surrounded by friends, where the hardest decision was whether to say goodbye or stay just a little longer.
9. Anna’s Aussie Meat Pies
Image credit: taste.com.au
When I was little in Sydney, our occasional full-day Saturday outings always included a stop at a small town about an hour away, where my parents needed to visit a Christian bookstore. But for me, the real highlight was the unassuming pie shop tucked in a corner. They sold (what we believed at that time) the most delicious Aussie Meat Pies.
Each of us had our own regular order, and in true Aussie fashion, we’d slather tomato sauce all over the top before biting into the hot, steamy filling—often scalding our tongues in the process. It was good any time of year, but there was something special about huddling together on our picnic mat during winter, sharing those pies in the crisp air. That warmth, the togetherness, the taste—it’s a core memory that’s forever etched into my heart.
10. Hao Jie’s Filet-O-Fish
Image credit: McDonalds
Growing up in Taiping, you’re surrounded by your classics, Mee Rebus, Asam Laksa, Ampong, you get the idea. So when McDonalds launched their one and only outlet in the 90s, it was the hottest place to be. The very first thing I ordered was Filet-O-Fish, and the rest was history.
It was such a novel experience at the time, and just like every other kid, it became the go-to craving whenever my parents asked what I felt like eating. The thrill of the car ride to McDonald’s, with my sister sitting next to me, ignited a joy I still feel today whenever someone suggests dining there. After all, who could turn down a meal with the OG McDonald’s uncle?
11. Ouyang’s Indian-style Curry Chicken
Image: Reddit
I always knew when my parents were cooking Indian-style Curry Chicken because the smell would greet you long before you even saw it. The aroma of spices wafting from the kitchen and the sound of onions sizzling in the pan created an irresistible invitation. Stepping into that cozy kitchen, I would watch the curry powder transform into a flavorful paste, a sight promising comfort.
Every bite was a delightful mix of spicy, savoury, and just a hint of sweetness, and it had to be served with a steaming bowl of rice. But as mouth-watering as the dish was, it meant so much more than just a meal. It was a home-cooked feast that brought our family together. From the joyous “TIME TO EAT” announcement and the first spoonful of curry to my parents watching us fight for the last chunk of chicken, each moment felt special. Now that our parents are older and we’re forging our own paths, this is still the “TIME TO EAT” meal that brings everyone home.
12. Grace’s Tomato Pasta with BBQ Chips
Growing up, it was a rare treat to have Western food in an Asian household, so you can imagine how rewarding it was to come home to a plate of tomato pasta for lunch. Add BBQ chips to the mix? You’re in for a sinful treat (probably foreshadowing my current addiction to potato chips, haha).
If you’ve watched Perly’s pasta, you’d get a hint of what Antz’s (my helper, my second mama, my masterchef) tomato pasta tasted like — minced meat, franks, and canned tomato sauce. It’s been a while since she made it, but when she does, I can always count on the same brand and flavour of potato chips waiting on the table, just like how I’ve always counted on her.
How bittersweet it is to know how blessed I am to have had a woman who loved as strongly as she does, who cooks her way to people’s hearts, and that I can’t have this forever. Antz shaped not just my palate, but my heart during my formative years, with her home-cooked meals. Each bite infused with her warmth, a reminder that food is more than sustenance; it’s a vessel of love and connection.
13. Jazzlan’s Hot Tuna Pasta
Hot Tuna Pasta always takes me back to my childhood sleepovers with my Tante Ena (aunt from my mom’s side). Growing up, my mom travelled a lot for work, which meant days of me and my brother barely bothering to feed ourselves. But she knew someone who was bothered as much as she did.
Tante Ena would take us in, and her hot tuna pasta was always the highlight—simple yet bursting with flavor. Linguine tossed with Ayam Brand Tuna 5x Spicy (iykyk), olives, capers, and lots of olive oil. It was more aglio olio style, but to us, it was perfection.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe with tomato and cream, and now it’s my go-to comfort dish on weekends. With each bite, I’m transported back to carefree days filled with MTV, chick flicks, and PS2 games like GTA and Mortal Kombat. Those simple nights with her were everything.
14. Candice’s Mommy’s Secret Recipe
Image: Cooking with Thas
Growing up, food was never just about how tasty things were; it was about who cooked it. So, you can imagine the significance when my mom introduced me to her Secret Recipe. It was a simple concoction of Campbell’s mushroom soup and pasta, bubbling away in a pot. Each time she cooked it, she’d ask if the food was nice, and without fail, I’d respond with the brightest smile and sparkliest eyes, exclaiming “NICE!”
Her joyful giggle filled the kitchen, lighting up the room with delight. That’s what I see every time I’d eat her Secret Recipe —how it meant so much to her that her daughter loved her cooking, even enough to scald my tongue in my eagerness to dig in.
Now, it’s clear to me how food isn’t just about flavour; with enough love, they are memories in every bite.
*Some responses may have been edited for clarity.
Memories in Food
Ultimately, the true essence of food lies not just in its taste but in the moments it encapsulates. Each bite holds a story—a testament to the love, laughter, and connection we share with those who nourish us. And as we gather around the table, we are reminded that these shared meals are priceless treasures, enriching our lives in ways that words cannot express.
What is your favourite childhood food and what memory does it hold for you?
