The Same Reinvented

By Serene Lai

Same, but not quite the same.
Shophouses and worn out spaces
repackaged as sleek secret hotels
to take cover from the glare of the outside world.

Similar only.
Chinese food in Chinatown.
Mala Hotpot. Pan-fried dumplings.
Chinese. But not quite the Chinese we know of.

Familiar, yet disconcerting.
Yanti Authentic Nasir Padang welcomes you,
你好，要吃什么？
“Our curries alone make a good meal.”

But maybe the same after all.
Good counsel from buddies about life’s challenges over Nasi Padang,
washed down with F&N Soda and finally rounding it up with a good puff.
“Ok Bro, next time.”

The meal becomes complete.