Learn to cook Malaysia’s national dish, Nasi Lemak, and fold them into banana leaf pyramids with Sara Khong, author of four cookbooks. You will also be making Ayam Goreng Berempah, a delicious fried chicken marinaded in local spices.
Ever notice the mini green pyramids at the stalls in Malaysia? If you unfold them, you will find Nasi Lemak, Malaysia's beloved dish with fragrant coconut milk rice, spicy sambal, cucumber, and boiled egg. In the old days, this traditional "bungkus" style allowed this meal to be transported easily by workers at the paddy fields - and adds a one-of-a-kind aroma!
You will visit an edible garden with over 50 species of local plants such as lemongrass, turmeric, and laksa leaves. Depending on availability, you may harvest plants for your cooking. There will be printed recipes so that you could recreate it at home.
Lastly, enjoy a delicious meal together with Sara while hearing stories of the Malaysian way of life.
Day 1
Summary
Enjoy a glass of flower tea & appetiser from our organic garden.
Summary
I will take you to explore my edible garden with over 50 herbs, spices, and flowers used in everyday cooking. We will see, touch, smell, and taste a variety of local plants like curry leaves and turmeric.
Summary
Then, we'll proceed to the kitchen to make two popular Malaysian dishes. I'll introduce the produce that will be used in our class such as lemongrass, ikan bilis (anchovies), and belacan (shrimp paste). You will prepare, hands-on, two authentic Malaysian dishes at your individual cook station. - Nasi Lemak (Coconut Rice with Spicy Condiment) - Ayam Goreng Berempah (Malaysian Spiced Fried Chicken) - Kerabu Kacang Botol (Four Angled Beans Salad) or Okra with Sambal Belacan (Ladies’ Fingers with Chili Prawn Paste) - Sago Gula Melaka (Sago Pudding with Coconut Milk & Palm Sugar) OR Ondeh-ondeh (Glutinous Rice Balls with Palm Sugar & Coconut Flakes) - Teh Tarik (Pulled Tea)
Summary
You will also receive printed recipes so that you could recreate it at home. Lastly, enjoy a delicious meal together with me while hearing stories of the Malaysian way of life. You could also pack the food you've made and take them home.
01:00 PM
End of session
Light and comfortable clothing. Wear socks.
In case of rain, the class will carry on. Garden tour can be conducted using umbrellas or omitted altogether.
It is 20 minutes train ride from the city. I suggest taking Grab. You can also take the MRT to Taman Connaught Station, which is 10 minutes walk away. This is a private residence, location will be shared individually upon confirmation the day before this event.
Lam
It was incredible. Sara is a wonderful person, she taught me simple basics that were essential to one's inventory. Not only kitchen skills but it's an experience of a lifetime.
Nimmi
This was a wonderful experience with Sara - a devoted cook with loads of knowledge of her craft. Her tips & guidance are really helpful. The extra special part of the session was that all recipes are kitchen tested by Sara and all dishes turned out delicious. Her surprises during this Nasi Lemak wrapping is the extra sago gula melaka dessert and teh tarik were so original. Thank you & hugs to Sara. Go Sara!
Khen
I came for the 9 am class and was blown away. Cooking class was easy to follow and interactive. I explored Sara's edible garden, smelling all the fresh ingredients was almost as good as tasting the resulting lunch. I also learned the step-by-step for wrapping the "Nasi Lemak Bungkus" and it was extremely fun! Lastly, everyone can get a recipe book to take home as well - best value for money!