For the love of free food (Malaysia)

I dropped into a café in Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur. I was surprised to hear the girls working there speak Khmer. Most wait staff in these parts are from Vietnam or Burma. They were equally curious about me when I got them to play some Khmer songs from my phone. One of the staff came to chat with me.

Not yet 20, she had left her home to support the education of her younger sibling after the death of both her parents. Unlike others in the store, she was not glued to her smartphone. She said she enjoyed talking to customers; it helped her learn English and Chinese.

We spoke about life in Cambodia, recent politics—she followed the news online—and, of course, food. In my travels, I try to absorb small things, even something as simple as an old Khmer song or the latest political gossip. These snippets help me connect with people. She offered to share her dinner, which she was about to eat, and I gladly accepted.

I am never one to miss out on free food. It always tastes better because it’s offered out of affection. The girl had made chicken porridge. She brought out a bowl and poured out a generous helping for me.

Bukit Bintang is very international.

There used to be a Central Asian eatery here some years back that I used to frequent. It’s gone.

And people looking for, and offering companions.