The kitchen is open
ACTRESS Siti Saleha has been cooking up a storm for buka puasa. The 7 Hari Mencintaiku star (pic) says the MCO has allowed her to do the things she has always wanted to do but never had the time.
“I’m baking now, cooking more, reading more and taking online acting and art courses for fun. And a lot of Netflix. It keeps me sane.” On the cooking front, the 30-year-old reveals her menu ranges “from lasagna and steak to masak lemak cili padi and prawn sambal”. She also shares she’s been trying baking for the first time. “It takes practice but it’s getting there. I even made kuih ketayap.”
Siti adds there is one dish that still eludes her. “I want to try to make rendang,” she declares, hoping to master the dish and serve it on Hari Raya. “I’ve been saying that for the past five years. I’ll make it happen this year.”
The actress, who is spending MCO with husband Ahmad Lutfi, says the biggest change yet for her, and for many Malaysians, is not being able to be with the rest of her family this Ramadan. But the solitude the MCO afforded her has helped her focus on her spirituality.
“Ramadan is a holy month and I take this chance to be as involved in prayers and reading the Quran as much as I can. It’s a testing month. It tests my patience and in doing so, it makes you reflect on yourself as well.”
Siti says she is also able to focus more on her relationship with her husband.
“He loves it when I am home to buka puasa with him and vice versa. We even work out together sometimes before we break fast.”
Speaking of not being able to see her family and friends, the actress says she is ready for a more stripped-down Raya celebration this year.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry so my husband and I won’t take any chances with massive gatherings. I am fine with not having to celebrate like how we used to. It’s just a change, a temporary change for the better.
“I will still go to my dad’s and sister’s place to celebrate, but we will follow SOP. We have to set a good example for others.”