I was selected as the top 20 finalists in the Asian Food Channel (AFC) Foodie Face Off about a month ago. We have to create 2 dishes with a ‘Raya Celebration’ theme. When I receive the news, I was travelling & only had very limited time to practice before the competition day. Even though it was stressful, I knew I would learn so much from this challenge. I could only imagine the recipes in my head, practiced and prayed for the best. The competition was indeed an eye opener, not only it’s a test of skills, creativity definitely plays a major point clincher. With dishes served in champagne glasses and test tubes, I definitely have to up my game in the next competition. Continue Reading →
Like most popular dishes, Beggar’s Chicken is a dish with an interesting story of origin. A starving, homeless beggar in rural China stole a chicken from a yard and was about to cook it when the emperor’s guards passed by. In his state of panic, he tried to hide the chicken by covering it with mud and threw it into the fire. Hours later when the coast is clear, he ended up with a chicken that was said to be the most tender and flavoursome he’s ever eaten. Continue Reading →
I’m no fan of fish head, except the silky smooth cheeks. Mama would “devour” the whole fish (the head, fins, tail) until the fish is irrecognisable. Many times she have failed to convince me to try the fish head. No way I will touch it, not even scrumptious curry fish head. Yes I know some of you reading this will go “Eww, how can you eat the fish head”. Mama will tell you it’s very delicious, the cooked fish meat between the bones is super tasty and firm, break the bones with your fingers, and suck out the meat. There’s no way avoiding getting your fingers dirty to truly enjoy fish head. Continue Reading →
Just the mere mention of the word satay is enough to get anyone drooling. The grilled marinated skewered meat is the epitome of Malaysian Street Food. We can argue about how fantastic our favourite ‘warung sate‘ (satay stall vendor) might be, however the appeal of Satay Kajang has never waned. Who is to argue when Kajang is informally known as the “Satay Town”. Continue Reading →
Penang Acar (also spelled as Achar) is a very special pickled vegetable dish. I think every Penangite loves it because of the appetizing, sour and spicy great taste. Who wouldn’t? There’s this lady at the pasar (wet morning market) near my Penang childhood home that sells mouth watering acar. Besides buying from the pasar, many economy rice vendors also include acar into their dishes. Maybe that’s the reason why my Mama never made acar before. Continue Reading →
