The Gift of Rain by Tan Twn Eng

Novels & Nibbles marches right into a historical novel set in Penang, Malaya before and during WWII. It follows the relationship of Philip Hutton, a young man of mixed Chinese and English heritage, who feels he belongs nowhere until he meets a mysterious Japanese diplomat and Aikido master, Hayato Endo. Philip is devoted to Endo until Japan invades Malaya and he discovers that his mentor has been using the knowledge Philip shared about the island to aid the Japanese occupation. This novel explores loyalty, betrayal, identity, love, guilt, survival, you name it. All of these emotions are wrapped up in scenes filled with rain, tropical landscapes, Japanese philosophy, and wartime tragedy. 

Sashimi is this week’s dish paying tribute to The Gift of Rain. Warm sticky sushi rice is seasoned with a hint of wasabi, then crowned with delicate slices of yellowfin tuna and buttery salmon in perfect balance. Finished with ribbons of nori and served alongside our house-made, bright, citrusy, deeply savory ponsu and pickles ginger to cleanse the palate between bites. A simple harmony of sea, salt, and stillness.

Stop by, linger slowly, eat thoughtfully, let the quiet joy of good food find you

$15.95

5/27/2026 - 5/31/2026