Nang Chong Stories : Japanese Time - Frogs and Ikan Keli

During the Japanese Occupation food was scarce and most  Foochows were scared to go out in the day time because the Japanese soldiers were always on the march.

However according to my mother her cousin Lau Pang Tung was a daring man who would go out at night to catch frogs  and when he could, he would trap ikan keli in the streams around the village.

Of all the relatives in Nang Chong, Uncle Pang Tung was one of the most courageous and helpful person who would share the fish and frogs he caught. Many older people benefitted from his gifts.

smoked Ikan Keli

Most of the time, due to the lack of other food resources the Foochows during the Japanese Occupation just boiled soups with frogs, fish and any other game they were able to find. Those were really difficult days.

I am glad today my sisters and I and Uncle Pang Tung's children are good friends/cousins.