Ulog #101 | Happy Independence Day, Malaysia - 31 August 2020

31 August 2020 marks the 63rd year of Independence Day for all Malaysians. A day that we rejoice that we finally can make our own votes and claimed our rights to many things. 🙄 Whatever it is, at least we still have a voice. Anyhow, I don't want to think too negative of it instead appreciate that we have our own independence.

Unlike my previous years where I enjoy a public holiday on this date, these passed 2 years have somewhat been rather different. I still take off on this date but not really much of a celebration. Instead, it's more of an additional day off and relaxing at home. That's the benefit of a foreigner working overseas - we get an additional day off for our national Independence Day.

All Malaysian gathering for our independence

Instead of lazing at home, I decided to join a few fellow Malaysian friends who are also working here and make our own version of Merdeka celebration. We gathered at Banana Leaf Saigon for lunch and it felt very homey since the restaurant owner was also Malaysian. He had decorated the restaurant with a large Malaysia flag - hung on the wall while lines of small flags were placed all over the ceiling. I couldn't help myself but to take a selfie - yeah.. I felt a bit patriotic 😆 Even the tables were set up nicely for the 16 of us.

Caught in action of some minor change of the set up

Proof of selfie with the national flag

By the time the waiter came to take our orders, of course I ordered my favourite Thali which was served on a banana leaf. I chose both tosa & roti canai as my main dish since it's not so easy to find these 2 items. I've always enjoyed Indian cuisine especially banana leaf rice, naan bread, tandoori chicken and many others. Sadly, this is probably one of the few Malaysian restaurants that is still operational. Quite a number had closed down due to poor business; especially those who rely on the Muslim tourist. Thankfully, for Banana Leaf Rice Saigon, they cater to multiple races and their food has been rather consistent. In some way, because many other Muslim restaurants are closed, they have somewhat gained more market share of the business.

My favourite Thali. Very greedy of me to order a whole set

Coincidently, even the Deputy CG brought his family for lunch here

Most definitely, here I am wearing my #teammalaysia T-shirt 😆

Well, I hope you enjoy your day and for my fellow Malaysians, Happy Merdeka and be safe at all times. This is not a time to go out and be in the crowded shopping malls. Not when the RMCO is extended till 31 December 2020.

And yeah.. thanks to those irresponsible Malaysians who go out to enjoy their roti canai when they should have been home during their self-quarantine - people like us are now stuck overseas because of the mandatory 14-days hotel quarantine. Not everyone has the luxury of time or money to go through the hotel quarantine. So, be smart and most important, be responsible. Your one step will help millions and our economy as well.

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