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 →
Really traditional chinese chicken stock is essential in making excellent Chinese noodle soups, and adds a rich flavoured base to any savoury dishes. For busy parents, store-bought liquid chicken stock might be the easiest, just remember to read the ingredient list on the packet that it’s made of real ingredients and not flavourings. 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 →
Everytime I were to step into Tuck Heng Ginseng Hall, I have to spare 2-3 hours. Time just flies when I’m tasting and learning new produce with the herbalist Ah Wai. There’s more than herbs in that shop. Each visit always end up with new discoveries, I feel like a kid unwrapping presents, except I have to pay for them..
One of the things Ah Wai was very adamant on me to try is the Sea bird nest or San Hu Cao (珊瑚草) in chinese. Eucheuma Seaweed is nicknamed sea bird nest because it supposedly have the same collagen benefits of birds nest, with a whole list of health benefits. Always willing to try anything for beautiful skin and it’s a cheap alternative, boiling the seaweed as suggested by Ah Wai ended up with a pot of gooey slimy goo.. which wasn’t appetising at all. Continue Reading →
Eggplant (or aubergine) is one of my favourite vegetable. Whenever I come across an eggplant recipe, my heart gives me a tug..
I have not heard of Nasu Dengaku (Grilled Miso Glazed Eggplant) until I saw the recipe topping up in a number of blogs recently. No wonder I’ve not tasted this dish as it’s a fairly typical Japanese dish you’d get at an Izakaya (Japanese tapas bar). I don’t think I’ve been to an Izakaya.. Continue Reading →
