Food Choices and the Malay Muslim Middle Class in Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

This chapter examines the middle class in Brunei Darussalam through an exploration of their everyday food choices. In doing so, I investigate middle-class food consumption and eating habits both at home and when eating out. While Brunei is a socially stratified society, this research suggests that being middle class is more than just expressing status-seeking behaviour or material aspirations. Rather, the analysis proposes that a middle-class status is also reflected in food-related behaviour, attitudes and feelings such as nostalgia, fondness and affection for meals and mealtimes. A significant middle class certainly exists and it continues to shape the fabric of Brunei society.