The Soul of Sago - By Rachel Shim Ying Xing

Written By: Rachel Shim Ying Xing

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Rachel Shim Ying Xing presents "The Soul of Sago," a short story that beautifully captures the essence of cultural exchange and friendship through the traditional Bruneian dish, Ambuyat. This piece is part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, showcasing diverse voices and storytelling from around the world. Rachel's narrative intertwines the simplicity and significance of food as a bridge between cultures, highlighting how shared meals can foster connection and understanding.

About the Work

"The Soul of Sago" is a heartwarming narrative that delves into the cultural significance of Ambuyat, Brunei's national dish. Through vivid imagery and engaging dialogue, Rachel Shim Ying Xing crafts a tender story about friendship, tradition, and the universal language of food. The story captures the intricate process of preparing Ambuyat and the rich cultural heritage it represents, ultimately celebrating the power of shared experiences.

The Soul of Sago

Original Submission by Rachel Shim Ying Xing

The Soul of Sago

It was a quiet Sunday afternoon when I heard a gentle knock on the door. When I opened it, a young lady with a kind face stood on my doorstep. She introduced herself as a fellow student from another corner of the Commonwealth: Cape Town, South Africa. Her name was Amahle. She has just moved to the same dormitory. Amahle asked a curious question: “If you could share one food that represents where you come from, what would it be?” I smiled and replied, “Ambuyat.”

“You’re in luck, I said. “I was about to eat alone.” I invited Amahle inside and offered her to join me for lunch.

“You are in for a treat. I was about to prepare a local dish called Ambuyat.” “Ambuyat is the national dish of my country, Brunei.”

I slowly added boiling water into a bowl of sago flour and gently stirred. I continued to add water until the mixture thickens. Amahle watches, fascinated at the transformation of the white flour into a sticky, jelly-like mound. I lifted a wooden chopstick-like fork called a "candas" and twirled ambuyat around it, lifting it up until it stretches like wet silk before wrapping it into a glossy coil. I later asked Amahle to try. She hesitated. Then she tried. Her first twirl was too slow. Her second was too fast. Amahle laughed so hard she choked. “You made it look so easy," said Amahle. The act of twirling ambuyat is indeed a graceful skill.

I warned Amahle that ambuyat has a rather bland taste. “Ambuyat is never eaten alone," I said. “It is served with spicy dips called cacah and side dishes.” I brought out side dishes that I had prepared earlier: a tangy fish soup, a bowl of tempoyak (fermented durian), a bowl of binjai (mango), and a sauce called sambal belacan (spicy shrimp paste).

“This will be an experience you will never forget, Amahle.” The ritual of enjoying the ambuyat followed. Amahle reached for the candas. “Take a bite size and dip,” I said. “Just slurp it down. Don’t chew.”

Amahle tried the fish soup, which I cooked with lemongrass and turmeric. Her eyes widen. The first gulp of ambuyat was unforgettable. She endured the slippery and rather chewy texture.

Then, Amahle eyed the fierce sambal sauce. She was truly brave. Her eyes watered instantly. After a few gulps of cold water, she was ready to explore. The pungent smell of tempoyak might be notorious, but Amahle enjoyed it.

As we ate, we talked. I explained to Amahle the cultural meaning and beauty of ambuyat in Brunei. A dish that is not just a local delicacy but a symbol of heritage, resilience, community, and identity of Brunei. Ambuyat might be a nostalgia for the elders, but it is a cultural emblem for the youth.

By the end of the meal, the bowl of ambuyat was empty. What happened between Amahle and me is a friendship that flourished from the sharing of a simple, sticky paste: Ambuyat, the soul of sago.

In a world that prizes the novel and the fast, Ambuyat is a gentle reminder that the most beautiful things are also the simplest and that true nourishment should always be shared. Ambuyat bridges generations and also races and cultures.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating literary talent from around the globe. With categories spanning poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing, the competition encourages participants to showcase their unique voices and stories. It is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the art of storytelling.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Rachel Shim Ying Xing for her captivating short story, "The Soul of Sago." Her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 illuminates the beauty of cultural storytelling and shared experiences. We are honored to feature such a meaningful narrative that resonates with readers worldwide.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.