TIFFIN CARRIERS

http://blog.thestar.com.my/default.asp?d=6/23/2009

TIFFIN CARRIERS

We are bombarded with the message to go green but many give lip-service to this call or take a could not care less attitude. If I can, I will ban the use of plastic bags and polysterene containers for take-away food especially those that are temperature-hot or contain hot soups, and bring back the once ubiquitious tiffin carriers.

Tiffin carriers used to come in beautiful enamel, (some plain and others with beautiful ornate floral designs), and in multiple tiers that can now command a place in any antique display unit. The nyonyas used to put birthday noodles into the various tiers and go round distributing the special noodles to friends and relatives to enable them to join in their birthday joy. Proud grandparents use the tiffin carrier to contain the nasi kunyit and chicken curry when going round announce a new born’s first month. If we had to buy some soupy stuff, the first and only option then was to bring out the tiffin carrier. Various types of food that need to be separated could be easily compartmentalized into the various tiers.

Aluminium tiffin carriers overtook the enamel ones in popularity as the enamel ones rusted easily once the enamel coating takes a beating. There are silver-coated ones from Thailand but the more common ones are now made of stainless steel from India, Thailand and even Malaysia and are more hardy.

However, everything is done in the name of convenience these days. Durians are opened and packed into polysterene containers. Home-delivered lunches and dinners come in plastic containers now. The list goes on. Shouldn’t the use of tiffin carriers be encouraged!!

Tiffin carriers can be used to pack our food in (separate the rice from the other condiments!) to bring to work (if you do bring food to work!!). Insist the chap-fun fellas put our food into our own tiffin carriers. Encourage the younger generation to bring along a tiffin carrier to buy food as it is not embarrassing to be seen with one. Washing it up should not be considered an inconvenience! Forgetting to bring one along when buying food is just an excuse. The tiffin carrier can most certainly be used for putting cold items as well. So don’t hesitate, bring out the tiffin carrier!

At Kiara Kitchen we are commited to promoting the use for tiffin carriers as part of our daily food delivery service for Mont Kiara, Sri Hartamas & TTDI
One small step in this direction will go a long way towards saving our environment.