Action research through the lens of the ‘rendang’ analogy

This article explores similarities between the preparation of rendang –a rich, concentrated curry that’s sweet, spicy, and savoury– and the practice of action research, with a focus on examples of action research studies conducted by Malaysian academics. Drawing upon our personal and professional experiences in the Malaysian context, we illustrate the philosophy and methodology of action research through the process of making rendang. The three central tenets observed in both domains are contextuality, continuity and quality. Through the lens of these shared attributes and culturally rich practices, our aim is to facilitate an understanding of action research among novice researchers, particularly in the Malaysian context.