I’ve been to Penang a number of times over the last couple of years but on this particular trip I had the rare opportunity to check out the island’s famous hawker fare with not only a Penang native but food writer and radio host Fay Khoo herself. We wanted to do side-by-side comparisons of some of Penang’s famous dishes - Kway Teow Th’ng (fish » Read More
The Great Penang Char Kway Teow Debate
January 29, 2016 by
Every time the topic of Penang’s most famous dish comes up, I get a whole host of conjectures about what makes a good CKT - charcoal fire, wok breath, indispensable ingredients like pork fat, pork crisps, Chinese sausage - the list goes on. Awhile back I posted a video of a chef IN Penang cooking Penang Char Kway Teow - - and it created a » Read More
How to Make Nasi Tumpang – Travel Diary Kelantan – Part 4
December 8, 2015 by
Recipes for Nasi Tumpang, Betel Leaf Bites and Traditional Herb Drink We were served a huge banquet by Kak Yah at Min House Camp, but we also had the opportunity to learn 3 Kelantan dishes at the retreat - 1. Nasi Tumpang (Rice in Banana Leaf Cones) This is a banana leaf cone filled with alternating layers of compressed rice and different types » Read More
How to Make Thai Sakoo Sai Moo
October 22, 2015 by
Sakoo Sai Moo a.k.a. Savoury Tapioca Balls Sakoo Sai Moo is a snack traditionally served on special occasions to the Thai monarch. This was one of three royal Thai dishes I had the privilege to learn during my stay at Shangri-La Chiang Mai. INGREDIENTS: 200 g Small sago 100 g Fresh coconut milk 100 g Water Filling - 300 g Meat, » Read More
Chiang Mai Travel Diary – Part 5
October 10, 2015 by
Day 4 and I’m acutely aware that time is running out for us to visit this region’s famous attractions. It’s Sunday and temperatures are expected to soar (I’m told they hit 45°C yesterday). Baby Noah is back to his normal, happy self but the beautiful hotel pool beckons along with the prospect of travelling far distances in the searing heat. I » Read More
Chiang Mai Travel Diary – Part 4
October 9, 2015 by
Day Three and baby Noah is chirpier now that he’s getting a good supply of fresh mango juice, but he’s still a little lethargic. We’re in this remote part of Southeast Asia and the elephant sanctuary, the famous Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple up in the hills and the long necked mountain tribes are all on my wish list but they all involve day trips » Read More
Chiang Mai Travel Diary – Part 3
September 29, 2015 by
We have a busy schedule on our first morning in Chiang Mai. Breakfast at the Shangri-La Club Lounge is exquisite, with red curry beef and cooked-to-order Thai omelette as the highlights. Noah, still refusing drinks, is more interested in looking out the window at the swimming pool downstairs. We need to shop for ingredients for the » Read More
Chiang Mai Travel Diary – Part 2
September 2, 2015 by
We land at Chiang Mai and the isolation of this city, 700 kms north of Bangkok, is immediately palpable as we take in the high mountains and vast green fields that surround the airport. Heading to our hotel, I manage to communicate with ease with Shangri-La Chiang Mai’s limousine driver, and my concerns about language barriers is alleviated. » Read More