Chapli Kebab is a famous and flavourful minced meat kebab that originated in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. I first tried a chapli kebab in the city of Peshawar. However, it has become widely enjoyed across various regions of Pakistan and beyond. The kebab is known for its distinct flat and round shape, and it is traditionally cooked on an open flame or in a pan. The name “Chapli” is derived from the Pashto word “chaprikh,” which means flat.The key ingredients in Chapli Kebab include minced meat (usually beef or a combination of beef and lamb), chopped onions, […]
Tag Archives: fish
Batu Ferringhi is a beach resort northwest of George Town on Malaysia’s Penang Island. It is known for water sports and seafood restaurants. We ate steamed fish in a seafood restaurant offering a choice of live seafood from its aquariums. After choosing a live fish from a tank, we waited for it to be cooked, knowing that it could not be fresher. After dinner, we visited the night market.This steamed fish dish is commonly known in Malaysia as “Ikan Siakap Tiga Rasa.” “Ikan” means fish, “Siakap” refers to the type of fish (often snapper or sea bass), and “Tiga […]
Saigon summer rolls (Nem cuốn) often contain a combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and sometimes protein, all wrapped in rice paper. Different variations may include the use of different herbs, vegetables, or protein choices based on individual tastes and regional preferences.When Vietnam, opened up in the 1990’s, I was in Hong Kong, so my colleague and I went to Saigon for the weekend. With the help of a photocopy of a hand-drawn map bought in a side alley, we tracked down the address of a building used by my father (then a British army intelligence officer) as his HQ in […]
Grilled Portuguese sardines make a classic dish, often celebrated for their simplicity and delicious flavours. Mrs F and I visited Portugal many years ago and found a small market not far from Lisbon. One of the staff was cooking sardines served on fresh, crispy bread. There is something particularly good about eating grilled fresh fish in the open air.
Kushiyaki is a Japanese technique that includes various skewered and grilled meat, seafood, or even vegetables and tofu. The ingredients are placed on bamboo skewers and are typically seasoned with either salt (shio) or a reduced and sweetened version of soy sauce that is known as tare.Kushiyaki should always be freshly prepared and served immediately after grilling, while the typical accompaniments usually include edamame, salads, or pickled vegetables.Here is a Japanese asparagus dish using belly pork bacon, based on a meal I had in Hong Kong in 1987, where this was one of the side dishes served with yakitori chicken. […]
My good friend Nitza introduced me to Mexican food in San Diego in 1988. Compared with Mexican food I had tried in Europe, it was delicious. This is my take on the ‘San Diego fish taco’.
Penang steamed fish is a delightful dish that is not only healthy but also bursting with flavors. Penang is a state in northwest Malaysia, located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is comprised of two parts: Penang Island, where the capital city of George Town is located, and Seberang Perai on the Malay Peninsula. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” Penang is famous for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant culinary scene, and beautiful landscapes.The state is renowned for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, which reflects a fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences. Some of […]
Beef gravy has a deep, meaty taste that complements the flavours of slow roast beef. It can also be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or other side dishes to add moisture and a robust, savoury element to the meal. Beef gravy is a classic accompaniment to many comfort foods and hearty meals, providing a satisfying and flavorful addition to the dining experience.The best beef gravy does not come out of a packet. Instead, the gravy is made using the vegetable stock resulting from par-boiling the vegetables, a roux made using fat and juices from the roasted meat and plain […]