Foochow Style Liver Soup

In the 50's and 60's in Sibu most Ming Chiang Foochow mothers would depend on a small slice of liver to replenish their blood and energy. Being very frugal they would not spend extra, if they could help it. However those who were very anemic would often have to buy liver from the butchers. And of course every one in the meat section would recognise their frailty.

My grandmother, ngie mah, loved to get a slice of pork liver whenever she was in Sibu. And she made sure that some of us girls would get a share. She was conscious that those of us who were menstruating would be in need of a bit of extra iron. She also liked to cook extra liver soup for her daughters and daughters in law who were in confinement.

Later in the 70's when I was teaching in Sibu a friendly coffee shop owner's wife would always make a good liver soup for me. And I would always remember her for being so kind and caring. She passed away recently. Her understanding and kindness was very rare among business people.

She would always say to me, " Order this liver soup. Good for the hardworking teacher ."

And then she would add extra meat balls and minced pork with lots of spring onions. 

I am glad that today it is also quite easy to get this dish in Miri as there are now many Foochow food stalls.

A bowl of liver soup cooked by a relative for another relative is such a loving gesture. It does not cost much.

In Krokop 5 there is a Lu family which serves good Foochow style liver soup. Mrs. Lu used to run the Hua Leong Coffee Shop in town. My family would order our different kinds of noodles and then a special bowl of liver soup with wantan with lots of spring onions, instead of just having Ching Tong. (Clear SOUP).
Some traditions must not be forgotten.