Has Post Covid Life Changed Home Cooking?
As you know, I am an advocate of making the HEART of your home the place to connect with family and friends – and that is in the KITCHEN! [...]
The Culture of Malaysian Kopitiam
Kopitiam – this is what we normally call a coffee shop in Malaysian and also in Singapore and South East Asia. “Kopi” means coffee in Malay, and “tiam” means [...]
Malaysian Coffee or Kopi
Malaysian coffee is known as "kopi" in Malaysia. The local "kopi" is normally served in the local coffee shop or known locally as Kopitiam. "Kopi" is local language for [...]
Pandan – What is it? How to use it and what are the benefits?
Pandan is also known as skrewpine or “fragrant leaves” in Asia and is used for cooking. It can be seen growing abundantly, especially in South East Asia, and you [...]
The best of the best of Penang Hawkers
When I met up with a few friends recently, we were reminiscing about Penang Hawkers’ food. One of them posed an interesting question - Why would people want to [...]
The Special Flavours of Penang Street Food
What is so special about that little island located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Malaya) by the Malacca Straits? It is called Penang Island, also known as [...]
Connections, Learning and Bonding all starts from HOME!
I always believe learning starts at HOME, whether they are learning languages, cooking, motor skills, nurturing, or establishing relationships with family and friends. It starts with the people around [...]
Connections, Culture and Childhood Favourite Dishes
I had previously written about bridging the cultural and generational gaps through childhood dishes and why I am an advocate for introducing your favourite childhood dishes to your friends [...]
What is the normal grocery shopping habit for you right now?
We had lived through the Covid pandemic where so many things had changed and we learned to adapt and step out of our comfort zone. The things that we adapted [...]
It is good to be back! and a quick update
Upcoming updated Nyonyalicious website It has been a while since I updated my Nyonyalicious blog post. I apologise for the disconnection, as I took some time off since last [...]
Happy Mother’s Day 2023
Every year I scribble a very short message wishing all mums, grandmas, foster mums, and the motherly figures of mums all over the world a very Happy Mother’s Day. [...]
Crispy fried garlic in two simple steps
Garlic is an essential ingredient in most Asian dishes, whether it is fresh garlic, minced or chopped, or fresh garlic in the fridge or fried garlic in oil. These [...]
The love of Char Koay Teow
Do you notice when we talk about what to eat in Penang, the first thing people would say is Char Koay Teow! So what actually is Char Koay Teow? [...]
One of my childhood favourites – Bak Kwa
Bak Kwa/Pork Jerky grilled over charcoal Bak Kwa, or Chinese style pork jerky, is one of our childhood favourites growing up and it is still a favourite for many [...]
Time for family connections once again!
It has been really a while since I held a pen and journal … and sharing with the Nyonyalicious community. My apologies for being so quiet. Right this moment, [...]
Happy Chinese New Year 2023 – Year of the Rabbit
Chinese New Year 2023 – Year of the Rabbit Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2023 It is that time of the year … the most important day for the [...]
Gearing up to the year of the Rabbit
It is only less than 2 weeks before the biggest event for the Chinese community all over the world – welcoming the spring festival. It’s Chinese New Year - the [...]
On the first day of Chinese New Year
While enjoying a hot bowl of plain porridge with Kiam Chye Boay this morning, I was reminded of the ritual of our breakfast on the first day of Chinese New [...]
Happy New Year 2023
It is the start of a brand new year and I would like to wish all of you good health. May the New Year bring happiness, health and joy to [...]
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2023
I hope all of you are keeping safe and well. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of Nyonyalicious and to wish you [...]
Glutinous Rice Balls (Kuih Ee)
Glutinous Rice Balls Making Kuih Ee (Tang Yuan or 汤圆), or in English - Glutinous Rice Balls, was one of the highlights of the many festivities we celebrate [...]
Festivity – Family Connections and Traditions
Christmas and 2023 are just around the corner and Chinese New Year is on the 22nd of January. How will you celebrate this year’s festivities? For the past 2 years, [...]
Rojak – a Malaysian Fruit Salad
Rojak – Malaysian version of fruit salad Rojak is a Malaysian word – meaning “mixture”. It is a Malaysian/Indonesian/Singapore style fruit salad with a combination of fruits with a uniquely [...]
Happy Father’s Day
Happy Father's Day Wishing all fathers, stepfathers, fathers-in-law, grandfathers, guardians (e.g. foster parents), and family friends who have been a father figure to any child on a very Happy Father's [...]
Back to Penang After the Lockdown
Our first morning in Penang! After two and half years of border closers, we are now able to travel back to Penang. Initially, we were not sure of what to [...]
Let’s Keep It Simple!
It has been a while since I last wrote. Hope everyone is well. I was thinking what should my blog topic be, and I thought of what everyone might be [...]
Are you buying fresh ingredients and back to home cooking?
I have always been a great believer of making your home kitchen the centre of your home, especially as a place to share your love and culture with your family. [...]
Happy Chinese New Year 2022
Happy Chinese New Year 2022 Year of the Tiger Chinese New Year’s day, 農曆新年的第一天 or 初一 ) this year falls on Friday, 1st February 2022. I would like to wish [...]
Why are Traditions and Cultures Important to Families?
Your Traditions and Your Values – sharing cultures February 16th 2018 is Chinese New Year; it is also known as the spring festival or lunar new year. It goes for [...]
Happy New Year 2022
It is the start of a brand new year and I would like to wish all of you good health. May the New Year bring happiness, health and joy to [...]
Wishing You a Blessed Christmas 2021
I hope you are keeping safe and well. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and to wish you and your family a [...]
The many creative ways to use your leftovers
I love leftovers, especially leftover meat dishes. Not only is the meat well cooked, but the gravy has been infused with flavours. So we do not need to add lots [...]
Quick and Easy Steamed Fish
Steaming fish is one of the simplest and easiest dishes you can prepare. This dish is light and soothing on your stomach, and we normally had steamed fish (when growing [...]
Chat with the Expert – Sam Wong about Buah Keluak
Buah Keluak Thought I would do a fun topic - chatting with the experts - about Buak Keluak. One thing I enjoy most is talking about food and interviewing the [...]
Happy Mothers Day 2021
One day before this wonderful special day, I am already receiving wonderful wishes from family and friends, and I am sure there will be many more well wishes arriving tomorrow [...]
Have I Done Enough
This is a question many families like myself who live overseas would be familiar with and will ask themselves frequently: have I done enough? This is especially when it comes [...]
Simple and easy oven baked curry puffs
Simple oven baked curry puffs I hope you guys had a wonderful long weekend. Over the Easter long weekend, my children were busy preparing for gatherings with their friends and [...]
The Taboo subject with your parents and when is a good time to discuss it
I am not sure how your relationship with your parents may be and whether you are in a position to discuss or converse about anything and everything with them. If [...]
When the international borders are closed and your loved ones need you
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have witnessed a lot of changes worldwide. One of them in particular is the lock down of international boarders in most countries, which means [...]
Pungat and Bubur Cha Cha, are they similar?
Photo courtesy of my cousin Gunn Kean Keat Pungat or Pengat is how we call this Nyonya dessert in Penang. It is usually eaten on the final day of Chinese [...]
Chap Goh Meh
Chinese New Year marks the beginning of spring and it is also to welcome the lunar-new year; the Chinese New Year celebration goes on for fifteen days. On the fifteen [...]
Our childhood dishes are one of most powerful connectors to our heritage
For the past many months, since the pandemic lock down, it is wonderful to see so many very good home cooks sharing their creations on social media. While going through [...]
How to communicate and connect with your loved ones during the pandemic
The new way of connecting during the pandemic It has been a while since I last wrote... I hope you are well. I was reading through some of the articles [...]
Happy Chinese New Year 2021 – The Year of the Ox!
Happy New Year - The Year of the Ox! Chinese New Year’s day, 農曆新年的第一天 or 初一 ) this year falls on Friday, 12th February 2021. I would like to wish [...]
Chinese New Year and the symbolism of the Steamboat
A steamboat dinner or reunion meal for my family is traditionally held on Chinese New Year's Eve. It is one of the most important meals for family members as they [...]
How to keep up the Chinese New Year traditions with your young family living in a new country?
Traditions travel with people, and as we are gearing up for the Chinese New Year 2020, as Chinese families living away from their own families, are we still keeping up [...]
New Year Update from Nyonyalicious
Once again, Happy New Year. I hope you had a wonderful break with your family and are now back to some routine and work . I know it has not [...]
Wishing you and family a safe and joyful new year 2021
What a year it has been... and with a blink of an eye, it is that time of year again. We are bidding year 2020 goodbye and welcoming in year [...]
Wishing you and family a safe Christmas
I hope you are keeping safe and well. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a blessed and safe Christmas. It has been a [...]
What is Gula Melaka?
Gula Melaka or Palm sugar is an integral ingredient in Asian cooking. The terms "palm sugar" or "coconut palm sugar", are often used interchangeably, even though each type of palm [...]
I would love to hear from you
I hope you and your family are well and safe. Just a heads up, if you are experiencing any disruption on the Nyonyalicious site, I am currently in the [...]
Penang famous biscuits – Tau Sar Pniah and Tambun Pniah part 2
Photo credit @Soon Hiang Penang If you are from Malaysia or have travelled to Malaysia, you will know that Tau Sar and Tambun biscuits are popular biscuits in Malaysia, particularly [...]
Dried shrimp relish
Spicy dried shrimp relish If you love porridge, especially plain rice porridge, this is the dish that I would highly recommend you want to have with your porridge. This dish [...]
Happy Mid Autumn Festival
Moon cake is made with rich pastry and lotus seed paste, traditionally eaten during the mid autumn festival Wishing you and your family a happy Mid-Autumn Festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival [...]
Our brand new kaffirlime leaf powder
Kaffir lime, or Citrus Hystrix (scientific name), is a citrus fruit native to tropical Southeast Asia. Both its fruit and leaves are used extensively in Asian cuisine, as well as [...]
Our childhood dishes – Nostalgia is the word!
What does food represent for you? If you have watched the most recent Masterchef Australia, you would have seen judge Melissa Leong was moved to tears with Poh's Malaysian [...]
How can we remain connected and share our love with our family, friends and community during this time of social distancing?
I hope all of you are well and safe. It has been a very crazy few weeks, and today I can finally sit down to pen a note to all [...]
Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother's Day Mother’s day is a day to honour all the mums, step mum, grandmothers, all foster mums and the influences of mums all over the world. Will you [...]
Introducing our new Little Nyonya range of Vegetarian Pastes
I am so excited!! Our new vegetarian range of pasteshave just arrived! Currently we have 4 flavours for this range - Curry Chicken, Rendang, Penang White Curry Mee and Nyonya [...]
Australia Day
The tradition of having Australia Day as a national holiday on 26 January is a recent one. Not until 1935 did all the Australian states and territories use that name [...]
Happy Chinese New Year 2020 – the year of the rat!
Chinese New Year 25th January 2020 The year of the rat Wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year. How are you celebrating Chinese New Year this year? As for my [...]
Dried anchovies and its many uses
Anchovies are also known as Ikan bilis in Malaysian. Anchovies are small, salt-water fish and are easily found is most parts of the world. They are [...]
Wishing you a Happy New Year 2020
Just a short message to wish all of you a Happy New Year 2020! I hope you are enjoying your end-of-year break and getting ready to welcome the New Year. [...]
Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas
It is that time of the year again... and the busiest time of the year as well. Busy with end of the year concerts to attend, family gatherings to plan, [...]
How to use pandan in your daily cooking?
A Pandan plant at my Aunty's house Pandan is also known as skrewpine or "fragrant leaves" in Asia. It can be seen growing abundantly, especially in South East Asia, and [...]
Must have Readymade ingredients for Nyonya Cooks of today!
For many of you, you may know that I started Nyonyalicious with these pastes all the way from Penang. I call it the MUST have for Nyonya cooks of today! [...]
Dehydrated and Cooked Torch Ginger Flower
Torch ginger flower is an everyday ingredient that you will find in any Nyonya kitchen. We use it in Assam Laksa, Nyonya Assam or any dishes that benefit from its [...]
Tok Panjang and its significance in the Peranakan household
Source: Lillian Tong @ Peranakan Museum Penang http://www.pinangperanakanmansion.com.my/ Growing up, I would sometimes hear the phrase “so and so is doing a Tok Panjang” or my grandmother would say, “kemai [...]
Penang famous biscuits – Tau Sar Pniah and Tambun Pniah
Tambun Biscuits If you have the chance to visit Malaysia, and Penang in particular, you will notice that are many shops that sell biscuits, like heong pniah, phong pniah, beh [...]
Char Koay Teow
Fried Koay Teow / Char Koay Teow Today we are going to talk about char koay teow. It is one of many top famous street foods in Penang. "Char" means [...]
The connection between your childhood food and your culture and heritage
“If you don’t know your roots, you are like a leaf that does not know you are part of a tree“. Source: The Little Nyonya drama series In the previous [...]
Nourishing your soul through your Childhood Food
The nostalgic food memory from through a bowl of porridge I woke up to one cold winter morning, and all I could think of was a warm bowl of porridge [...]
Nursing care facilities for the unwell and aged have come a long way in Penang
I am not very fond of the term ‘nursing homes’ as I had my fair share of fear of such facilities. When my dad had his leg amputated a few [...]
What I was reading on the plane… and bringing back memories
A book given to me by my Aunty, written by my grand uncle (Koo Kong) [...]
Torch Ginger Flower
Bunga Kantan / Torch Ginger Flower Torch ginger is a species of herbaceous perennial plant. The ginger flower’s botanical name is Etlingera elatior. It is also known as torch ginger, [...]
How to support your aging parents when you live far away from them – part 2
This is a topic that I know many migrant families will face, especially for those living far away from their loved ones. It is one that I myself am currently [...]
Let’s talk about five spices
A five spice mix is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially as a marinade for meat, such as pork. This mix is perfect as a dry rub for meat such [...]
A double boiler from my family home in Penang
A double boiler from my family home in Penang I inherited this boiler from my family in Penang. I can't actually remember whether I brought it over or my mum [...]
Happy Chinese New Year 2019
Chinese New Year 2019 5th February 209 The year of the PIG! February 5th 2019 is Chinese New Year; For Chinese, those in China and in ethnic communities around the [...]