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Raised differently, united by food: The couple making Singapore food heritage part of everyday life The married couple behind Sendok Rakyat, Anugerah Murni Sabta and Aqid Aiman Azmi, are using food as a bridge to connect people with their cultural roots and foster a sense of community. Their initiative, which includes workshops on traditional dishes like nasi ulam, encourages participants to engage with the stories and significance of ingredients while reflecting on personal and collective memories tied to food. At recent workshops held at locations such as Wisma Geylang Serai and Chong Pang Market, attendees gathered around a vibrant array of herbs and spices, kemangi, Thai basil, mint, coriander, kaffir lime leaf, daun kaduk, and bunga kantan, to prepare the fragrant herbal rice dish. Beyond the act of cooking, the sessions emphasized storytelling, inviting participants to share their own connections to the ingredients and their culinary traditions. The couple, both in their early thirties, began their journey in 2022 when they met and quickly found common ground in their shared passion for local cuisine. Over time, their conversations evolved from casual exchanges about favorite dishes to a deeper exploration of the history and meaning behind the foods they loved. This led to the creation of an Instagram account named Sendok Rakyat, initially intended as a digital journal of their culinary adventures. However, the project soon expanded beyond mere documentation. The couple began examining not just what was being eaten, but also the cultural narratives, historical contexts, and social practices associated with the meals they prepared. Through interactions with followers, they discovered new perspectives on cooking methods, uncovered lesser-known origins of dish names, and even learned where to find high-quality, affordable ingredients throughout Singapore. These insights helped shape the direction of their work, reinforcing their belief that food could serve as a powerful medium for dialogue and connection. Cooking together and hosting informal gatherings with friends further solidified their commitment to using food as a tool for building relationships and fostering mutual understanding. Aqid noted that communal meals offer a unique opportunity for meaningful conversation. He described how discussions about what people are preparing or consuming often lead to reflections on identity, belonging, and daily life. “These are great questions that can often come up in a shared meal,” he explained. “That’s a gateway to understanding things about the way we live, who we are, and how we relate to each other.” This philosophy underpins the mission of Sendok Rakyat, which aims to create spaces where individuals can explore their heritage through food while engaging with others in a thoughtful and inclusive manner. In addition to organizing workshops and collaborating with organizations such as Singapore HeritageFest and the National Heritage Board, the couple has also worked with ArtsWok, a creative space dedicated to arts and culture. Their efforts highlight a growing movement in Singapore that seeks to preserve and celebrate the nation’s diverse culinary traditions while addressing contemporary issues such as inequality. Anugerah, who spent part of her teenage years living in a transitional shelter, has spoken about how food played a crucial role in her life during that period. She recalls relying on donated supplies and basic ingredients, which shaped her appreciation for the importance of accessible and nourishing meals. As Sendok Rakyat continues to grow, its impact extends beyond the kitchen. By bringing people together through food, the couple hopes to inspire greater awareness of cultural heritage and encourage a more inclusive society. Their work reflects a broader trend in Singapore where food is increasingly recognized as a vital element of national identity and community cohesion. Through their initiatives, Anugerah and Aqid are proving that meals can be more than sustenance, they can be a catalyst for connection, reflection, and change.