Category Archives: Asian

Bright Moments: Stir Fried Chicken with Thai Basil and Red Chili

Transcribed from my notebook as I sat at the beach this evening: Sometimes, blissfully ecstatic experiences arise unexpectedly. It’s 40 degrees outside, or so they say and it sure feels like it. Our cheaply – built little house with it’s … Continue reading

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The Art of War: Chicken and chili soup, Chinese style

My mind has long been at war with my body. Primarily the battle has been purely psychological, but three weeks ago after a long period of escalating tensions,  my body and I entered Def-con One. War broke out. For the … Continue reading

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Farewell to the long, dark teatime of the soul: Galangal prawns

When I walk to work in the morning I pass a stand of big, old Oak Trees. Two weeks ago, before we went away, they were bare – a beautiful piece of fractal lacework against the gray winter sky. As … Continue reading

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It’s love: Roti

The world can be divided into two types of people. The first type wants to hold a gathering of family or friends with the least possible amount of work. Nobody is to be in any way inconvenienced by actual effort … Continue reading

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I got crabs, lah!

Long have I wanted to make Chili Crab, Singapore style (apologies to my Malaysian relatives if this should be Chili Crab, Malaysia Style – I’m sure the battle lines are drawn). Chili crab is a deep, intense and blisteringly insane … Continue reading

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Green banana curry

Well this dish was just a complete surprise really. I had some bananas from Birregurra Organics but despite all my best attempts at encouragement and tricks with paper bags the little buggers remained resolutely green and hard. But it was … Continue reading

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Gong Xi Crayfish

A chef friend of mine has recently observed that there  is something deeply absurd about buying a pre-cooked crayfish and then cooking it again at home. Crayfish (and I’m talking here about the Southern Rock Lobster) is a sweet and … Continue reading

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Coriander rubbed calamari with pineapple salad

There is nothing that sends me into an uncontrolled hedonistic tailspin as much as palm sugar. Whenever I so much as think of it my ears start ringing with an insect  laden tropical buzz. I hear the hooting of monkeys … Continue reading

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Chicken wontons

The best thing about the Geelong ring road is that is possible to get from Apollo Bay to Yum Cha in Melbourne in 2 hours and 15 minutes. Yum Cha is the ultimate family eating experience. There is minimal waiting … Continue reading

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Balinese chicken salad

When you’re travelling with kids there are obvious culinary allowances you have to make, especially in south east Asia. Our kids go to bed pretty early so we can’t eat late. We tend to eat at relatively ‘safe’ (read: sanitary) … Continue reading

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