Summary

The web content describes the author's visit to the Sibu covered day market in Malaysia, highlighting the unique produce, the practice of eating Sago Worms, and the meticulous organization of goods.

Abstract

The author recounts their exploration of the Sibu covered market in Malaysia, noting their fascination with the variety of unrecognizable items for sale, such as fruits and vegetables, and the unusual sight of Sago Worms, which are a local delicacy. The market is praised for its neat and careful organization, as well as its vibrant atmosphere, which makes it an excellent spot for people-watching. The author also observes the sale of live animals like chickens and local seafood, including fish and shrimp. The market's cleanliness and the vendors' practice of washing down stalls and covering them at the end of the day are highlighted as admirable. The article suggests that a visit to the Sibu covered market is a must for anyone in the area, offering a glimpse into the local culture and culinary adventures.

Opinions

The author expresses a personal liking for markets in Malaysian towns, particularly those in East Malaysia.
They admit to being unfamiliar with many items on sale, such as the organised fruits and vegetables, and the Sago Worms, which are a puzzle to them initially.
The author is impressed by the neat and careful arrangement of goods throughout the market, considering it an aspect worthy of admiration.
The author finds the market an excellent place for people-watching, suggesting a rich cultural experience.
There is a sense of concern and curiosity regarding the live Sago Worms, which are later described as a delicacy that can be eaten raw or cooked.
The author conveys a mix of surprise and respect for the local practice of consuming Sago Worms, including the detailed method of eating them raw to avoid being bitten.
The cleanliness and end-of-day routines in the market are viewed positively, indicating a high standard of hygiene and organization.
The author's overall opinion of the Sibu covered market is that it is an interesting and worthwhile place to visit for those traveling to Sibu.

Sibu, Malaysia — The covered market (day) — Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia

Exploring the day market in Sibu

March 2015

One thing I always liked about Malaysian towns were the markets. And I seemed to find the best in East Malaysia, where Sibu had two great examples — a night market and a covered day market.

The Sibu covered market was an excellent place to explore, and on this visit, I got there a little late. Most of the stalls had closed or were closing.

One problem I have in the markets in Malaysia is I don’t recognise a lot of the things on sale. For example, what are these?

**Photo by Author — any idea what these are?**

I hate to say it, but they look like very organised horse droppings. But clearly, they are not as they were on sale in a fruit and vegetable area.

And what is this?

The market is also an excellent place for people watching.

**Photo by Author — stall-holder in the Sibu day market**

**Photo by Author — stall-holders in the Sibu day market**

I loved how neat and carefully things were organised.

Now, these things were a worry. I had no idea what they were. They were alive and busy wrinkling in the baskets.

Having spoken to some Malaysian friends, I discovered they are the larvae of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, also called the Red Palm Weevil or the Sago Worm (see Wikipedia for more details). You can eat the worms raw or cooked.

If eaten raw, you should not put the whole worm in your mouth as it will bite you — only fair as you are trying to eat it. You need to hold the head of the worm and bite off the body. The worm will then ‘squirt’ into your mouth; I have been told they have a creamy taste.

Alternatively, you can cook the Sago Worms, and they taste like meat (chicken or bacon — opinion was divided on this point). The worms are a delicacy and are typically seen on sale in eastern Malaysia and not on the Malaysian peninsula.

More neat stacking of vegetables.

The market didn’t just sell fruit and vegetables; it also sold meat and fish.

**Photo by Author — one for the pot? Live chickens on a motorbike**

And it is not just their fruit and vegetables that get neatly stacked; the same is true of egg trays.

One thing I had to admire was that they washed everything down at the end of the day, swept the floors, and then covered the stalls.

**Photo by Author — closed for business**

Sibu covered market was an interesting place to explore, and if you are in Sibu, it is worth a visit.

Originally published at https://www.nickswanderings.com/