SINGAPORE: An employer took to social media to voice her concerns about her domestic helper’s food preferences, which had been causing some tension in the household.
In a post on the ‘MDW in Singapore’ Facebook group, the employer shared that she had been preparing most of the family meals since her helper was having difficulty both eating and cooking Chinese food.
“(I also) noticed she eats very less,” she wrote. “After probing, I realised she prefers to cook Pinoy food for our Chinese family, which obviously doesn’t suit our palate.”
Unsure of how to resolve the conflict, she asked the group, “Employers (or helpers), do your helpers (or you) not eat what is cooked as a family meal and prefer to eat their own food? How do you manage that? Is this normal for a fresh helper (Pinoy)?”
In the comments, many netizens advised the employer to be more patient with her helper, who’s likely still adjusting to the new environment and culture. Some also suggested that the employer be more active and teach her helper how to prepare Chinese meals.
One shared, “Wow… I’m a Filipino, also. (During) my first two weeks here, my employer was hands-on, teaching me how to cook Chinese food. After I learned, in the third week, my ma’am would send me recipes, and I would do my best to follow them.”
Another commented, “Talk to her just like how you post it here. It’s ok. Show her videos on YouTube to learn Chinese cooking. My employer used to send me videos of what she wanted to eat. If you buy the groceries, make sure you have the ingredients needed. Eventually, she will get used to the condiments and will learn and adapt. Then, you can tell her that she can cook her own food if she prefers.”
A third wrote, “Give her time to adjust, ma’am; as you mentioned, she’s new. Slowly introduce her to Chinese cuisine and teach her how to cook. It takes time, ma’am, but slowly, you both will be okay.”
Employers should be mindful of their helpers’ food preferences
The Ministry of Manpower has clarified on its website that employers must never force their MDW to eat food that ‘she is not supposed to or is not comfortable with.’
This includes situations where the helper may have specific dietary restrictions, such as those due to religious beliefs, cultural practices, or personal preferences.
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