Pamelia Chia > Quotes

“I wanted to show young Singaporeans how these old-school ingredients, familiar to my mother and grandmother, can be jumping-off points for modern and exciting dishes. I write this book with a sense of urgency as these ingredients are fading from our markets, making room for air-flown tomatoes-on-vine, tomatillos or radicchio, as there is simply no demand.”
― Pamelia Chia, Wet Market to Table: A Modern Approach to Fruit and Vegetables

“As much as it celebrates regional produce, this book hopes to be a young Singaporean's love song to the markets. In the course of writing this book, the market's beauty has grown on me. When I fumble with coins in my purse, the vegetable uncle always tells me that I can pay the next time. I learn cooking tips and recipes not only from the vendors, but also from fellow patrons - shopping at the wet markets is an interactive, immersive experience. I do not think I will ever tire of walking through markets, admiring the way the produce spills over baskets and cartons, relishing the way everything feels so organic, so raw and so real.”
― Pamelia Chia, Wet Market to Table: A Modern Approach to Fruit and Vegetables