Norman Musa’s Kalio Chicken Curry

Kalio Chicken Curry

This fragrant and flavoursome Indonesian chicken curry is a must for anyone who loves the flavours of a rendang but favours a wetter version. It’s quick to cook too, as the liquid ingredients don’t need to be reduced as much as they do in a traditional dry rendang. The recipe comes from Bowlful by Norman Musa. ... Read more »

Bowlful: Fresh and vibrant dishes from Southeast Asia by Norman Musa

Bowlful: Fresh and vibrant dishes from Southeast Asia by Norman Musa

Often I choose books that focus on a single cuisine but in the case of Bowlful by Norman Musa, I was drawn in by the promise of fresh and vibrant dishes from across Southeast Asia. Born in Penang,  Malaysia, experienced chef and author Musa has spent much of his life exploring the cultures and cuisines ... Read more »

Top Twelve Dishes at Bang Bang Oriental

Chinese dumplings, from Xi Home restaurant in Bang Bang Oriental Food Court, Colindale, North West London

Bang Bang Oriental is a shiny, bold South East Asian food court in Colindale, North West London a successor to Oriental City, which closed down almost a decade before. With over 20 vendors to choose from, it can be hard to make a choice so we’re here to help with our top twelve dishes, and more. ... Read more »

Indonesian Chicken Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng Ayam)

Indonesian Chicken Nasi Goreng

Nasi goreng (which translates to fried rice in Indonesian and Malay) is one of my all time favourites, a real comfort dish of fried rice with a mix of meat, vegetables and seasonings. This chicken nasi goreng recipe from Lara Lee’s Indonesian cookbook, Coconut & Sambal, combines rice, chicken and green beans with aromatic garlic, ... Read more »

Indonesian Spiced Corn Fritters (Perkedel Jagung)

Indonesian Spiced Corn Fritters

I’m a sucker for all things fried, and these sweet-savoury spiced corn fritters from Lara Lee’s Indonesian cookbook, Coconut & Sambal, really appeal. Fry them fresh and hot to eat straight away, or prepare in advance and reheat in the oven. Either way, these crispy treats will hit surely hit the spot! Find out more ... Read more »

Indonesian Tomato Sambal

Indonesian Tomato Sambal

If you read my recent review of Lara Lee’s Coconut & Sambal, you’ll already know that we loved Lee’s recipe for tomato sambal. This versatile and fiery condiment can be served with many of the Indonesian dishes throughout the book. Made from tomatoes, red chillies, ginger, garlic, shallots and some tamarind and brown sugar (for ... Read more »

Travelling By Way Of My Belly | Favourite Recipes From East and South East Asia

Korean Pork & Tofu Kimchi Jjigae

2020 is definitely not the year of international travel. That passtime has pretty much ground to a halt, as many of us around the world hunker down at home in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel lovers like me, who would usually be booking the next trip, focus instead on dreams of past travels, ... Read more »