Foochow Spicy Sour Fish Maw Soup (Koh Lu)

This is one of the legacy dishes I inherited from my mum-in-law. She was not fond of cooking like my own mother but this dish she cooked it well because she married a Foochow and lived among Foochows in Ayer Tawar for more than 70 years. I cook this Foochow Spicy Sour Fish Maw Soup (Koh Lu) in memory of her as she passed away in July 2020.

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Jiu Hu Char (Stirfried Jicama with Shredded Dried Cuttlefish)

Today's RECIPE is a compulsory dish for our Lunar New Year Reunion dinner. This dish is usually eaten wrapped like a parcel with fresh Chinese lettuce leaves. Jiu Hu Char/Stirfried Jicama with Shredded Dried Cuttlefish is fragrant with the addition of the cuttlefish. Some Peranakan/Chinese households add their favorite ingredients to this dish (prawns/pork belly/dried shrimps etc). Here is the basic version.

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Kek Belacan (Shrimp Paste Cake)

Looks like belacan but it is not belacan (shrimp paste)!! Shrimp Paste Cake? Don’t worry. There is no shrimp paste (belacan) in this cake at all! This is one of the moist and delicious iconic Sarawak style steamed cakes. It is most probably named such because of the color and appearance. If you are fortunate enough to taste it, you will come back for more. Get the ingredients and bake one to enjoy this coming festive season.

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Pineapple Jam Tarts

Pineapple Jam Tarts is our JAM RECIPE for today. These tarts are a must-have item during Chinese New Year because of the significance of the pineapple (ong lai). You can use store-bought paste or homemade pineapple paste to make these. The recipe of homemade pineapple paste is also included.
Have fun baking these delectable morsels of yumminess.

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Ayam Pongteh (Nyonya Chicken Stew)

Today's RECIPE is a Malaccan Peranakan Chicken Stew called Ayam Pongteh. Every Baba/Nyonya has his/her own special way of preparing this dish. Some may omit mushrooms or potatoes and some add bamboo shoots. However you cook it...the essential ingredients are the shallots and garlic paste and the preserved bean paste/taucheo. It is a flavorful dish and when served with sambal belacan, it tastes awesome!

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Sarawak Laksa Cookies

Calling all Sarawak Laksa lovers! These Sarawak Laksa Cookies will appeal to your tastebuds. Salty, sweet and spicy…they are great for munching. This is a basic COOKIE RECIPE. You can substitute with your favorite laksa paste (assam laksa, laksa lemak, Thai laksa etc). Or substitute with your favorite sambal to make sambal cookies. Get creative and have fun baking!

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Acar Nyonya/Acar Awak (Nyonya Pickles)

Acar Nyonya/Acar Awak (Nyonya Pickles) is a family favorite among the Peranakans. Making acar nyonya is back-breaking work hence it's normally done with other family members. Working together in the kitchen to produce this delicious delicacy is also bonding time for the family members involved. Recruit your loved ones/children in the process...it's a fun activity for the long school holidays.

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Lychee Rose Jelly

If you need “ang ang” (red color) jelly for Chinese New Year, try this RECIPE of Lychee Rose Jelly. The jelly is good to eat and has the scent of roses, too. Use your favorite mould and make them into flower shapes.

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Homemade Tapioca (Cassava) Chips

Here’s the RECIPE for Homemade Tapioca (Cassava) Chips. If you can find fresh tapioca (cassava), make these at home for your family snacking time. Season with salt or sugar. You can even add cheese powder or salted egg powder or spice them up with sambal seasoning or curry powder. We sprinkle ours with fine salt and paprika powder.

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Mixed Seeds Florentine - 2 Methods

Today's RECIPE is Mixed Seeds Florentine. They are easy to prepare yet because they are so addictive, they disappear so quickly. There are two ways to prepare them; one using florentine powder and the other using egg whites. Both methods are included in this post. The first method is using florentine powder that you can purchase from bakery ingredients shops. The second method is described in the Notes section.

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Banana Fritters/Pisang Goreng

Pisang Goreng or Banana Fritters is a favorite snack for Southeast Asians. Typically eaten for teatime or breakfast, you can find stalls selling this deep-fried delight at street corners or hawker centers. You can fry your own at home. Here’s the RECIPE.

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