coriander in pho

In Malaysian/Malay/Indonesian folklores, there is a character named “Pak Belang” (Mister Stripes), or “Kakek Belang” (Grandpa Stripes) that usually live deep inside the forest with magical powers of granting wishes and feared by the villagers.

I just found out, Pak Belang refers to Panthera tigris. The tiger.

I find it endearing for folks to call animals with honorific. To honor and acknowledge those who have been living far longer before we humans came.