Chewing gum of the Orientals

History of the term

“Chewing gum of the Orientals” is the tagline to a Singaporean snack, Ken Ken seasoned and prepared cuttlefish, also known as Dried shredded squid. It was sold in the early 60s, before the ban on chewing gum in the Republic of Singapore in 70s due to chewing gum causing damage to public property and transport systems. The concept stuck with Singaporeans. Many older Singaporeans grew up eating this cuttlefish snack before the advent of modern day snacks like chocolates and chips. Ken Ken Cuttlefish is still available in all the major supermarkets in Singapore.

Cultural heritage and Significance

The Ken Ken prepared cuttlefish “Chewing gum of the Orientals” is one of the nostalgic snacks which older Singaporeans remember, like White Rabbit (candy) and Haw flakes. The snack was sold in “mamak” shops along the streets in Singapore. These were little provision stores that provided daily amenities and snacks to the community in olden Singapore. This was before the entrance of large chain supermarkets that caused rising competition towards the “mamak” shop’s survival. Snacks like prepared cuttlefish that was popular amongst the older generation is slowly being phased out. The younger generation of Singaporeans are more westernised, and are less likely to form a taste for the traditional snack. However, it still brings in some nostalgic memories as Singapore recently celebrated its 50th birthday of nationhood in 2016 Golden jubilee. The snack with its iconic green and white packaging was showcased in the Images of Singapore museum in Sentosa.

Taste and texture

Joe Distefano from The Village Voice describes it as “The fibrous bits are just chewy enough to give your jaws a slight work out. A goodly amount of sugar, chili pepper, and salt help round out the funky fishiness.”

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Wikipedia