Peranakan Cuisine

“I believe Nyonya cuisine should be learned from the heart, and seeing experts in action. Having done it before is helpful because it’s not only about ingredients but also the fire, how to stir fry the spices, when to put the ingredients in and how to season the dish.” ― Amy Koh

Ultimate Guide: Ipoh Street Food

Nicholas Ng
Ipoh Food | Ipoh Street Food | Food For Thought

Ipoh is home to one of the most picturesque towns in Malaysia, encapsulated by its infamous limestone hills. Located in the state of Perak, Ipoh is famous for its colonial past, as well as its significance in the growth of Malaya. The home to some of the best local fare from the Ipoh Bean Sprout Chicken Rice to the Sar Hor Fun, Ipoh food is known to locals as some of the cleanest and freshest there is. Recently named 6th of Best in Asia by Lonely Planet, the melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian and European colonial cultures is apparent in the food that you hear about. From the arty revival of the Kong Heng block to the once famous Concubine Lane, we have a look at what they have to offer. Continue reading →

Gotta Taste ‘Em All: Poke Bowls in Kuala Lumpur

Nicholas Ng
Paperfish | Tiffin Throwdown | Food For Thought

One of the latest cuisines that has achieved international attention is the very delicate and light poké. This raw fish dish is normally served on its own, but is more commonly seen in its modern interpretation form, the poké bowl. This very light and healthy dish has its origins within Hawaiian cuisine, with culinary influences from the significant Japanese and Asian diaspora of Hawaii. We speak to some of the arguably best poké bowl eateries to learn more about poké culture in Kuala Lumpur. Continue reading →

Ultimate Guide: Penang Street Food

Nicholas Ng
Street Food Penang | Ultimate Guide | Food For Thought

The Pearl of the Orient is definitely filled with many drops of exquisite precious culinary pearls, from the internationally known Asam Laksa, to the Char Kway Teow. The plethora of different street food, and its variations, is splattered all over the island. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the best tasting quality food you will find in Malaysia, as is a melting pot of Chinese, Indian, Malay, and British influences. We now explore 26 dishes of Penang’s best street food, some common, and others generally not found outside the island of Penang. Continue reading →

Kebaya Dining Room by Seven Terraces

Nicholas Ng
7 Terraces Entrance - Kebaya House - Food For Thought

While strolling down Stewart Lane, you come across the façade of the beautifully restored Anglo-Chinese Seven Terrace boutique hotel, located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site. The dining area houses the Kebaya Dining Room, serving some of the best Indochinese and Peranakan fare you can find in Penang, from classics like the wing bean kerabu to the fusion joo hoo char roll, offering an experience which will leave you wanting more. Continue reading →

Travel, Wonder and Wanderlust

Nicholas Ng
Mountain | Travel | Food For Thought

We always look forward to travelling yet, when we are clearly asked why we do so, we tend to give superficial answers. Superficial in the sense that we want to get away from our work stress or see the world. These are the most common answers when asked why we travel. But as Alain de Botton puts it in his book The Art of Travel, we don’t seem to ask ourselves the deeper reasons we travel. We say we do it for pleasure, yet know that it takes out of of quite a lot, from money to energy, but yet we do it. It really is a way for us to get away and think while we are away, when we are not in our comfort zones. It is this that gives us a better objective view of our life plans and situation. It is through this we can be better people. Continue reading →