Mothagam

August 31, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

August 22 was Vinayagar Chathurti. My mum was fretting leading up to the big day for Lord Ganesha. She usually gets excited when there is a celebration on the horizon, particularly Deepavali. But this time she seemed concerned with her ‘To-do’ list. Shopping, cleaning the altar, sprucing up the condo and especially making ‘Mothagam’ or […]

Putrajaya and pavements

August 24, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

Pavements and pedestrian footpaths. It was a treat to walk. Yes, to walk from Putra Square in the north to Gemilang Square in the south. Continuously, without any encumbrances. Through a magnificent boulevard – 4 km long and 100 meter wide[1] – lined with plants, trees, parks, kiosks and Government offices. My husband and I […]

My mum’s recipe 5 : Agar Agar

August 3, 2020.Reading time 7 minutes.

I like Agar-Agar. Why? The thought of something cold and tasty on a hot day, which is practically every day in Malaysia, is reassuring and refreshing. Oh alright… we have more than a few rainy days in the wet season. But it’s still hot, maybe a little less hot and certainly humid. It is weather […]

Onde Onde ice cream

June 8, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

Onde Onde ice cream potong? Who would have thought of making ice cream from a traditional kuih or cake/snack in Malaysia? I didn’t. I am glad someone did because it’s fabulously creamylicious. I am familiar with most local cakes, snacks and pastries. Ice cream, I know only too well. Both making and eating them. Which is […]

My mum’s recipe 3: Pulut kacau

May 18, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

‘Pulut kacau’ is another favourite ‘kuih’ of mine. And, naturally my mum’s is the yummiest. While not an Indian ‘palavaram’ or cake, it nevertheless makes an annual appearance at Deepavali. My mum’s is not just any ‘pulut kacau,’ it is the pink, rosy, glistening variety. Glutinous rice, creamy coconut milk and sugar. Three yesses. This […]

Mum’s recipe 1: Nai urundai

March 2, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

I decided to start off my mum’s recipe series or category with one of my top favourites. ‘Nai urundai’ or ghee balls. I am not a great fan of Indian sweets but this one is quite exceptional. I didn’t always like it. I acquired a taste for this melt-in-your mouth roundish yumminess in my latter […]

My mum’s recipes

February 3, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

I love my mum’s food. It’s really quite different from other people’s cooking. I have had a fair share of delicious and diverse food at various relatives and friends’ homes, and at restaurants to make a fairly objective comparison. What can I say? My mum’s cooking is the best. This is true. Naturally. Some of […]

Happy holiday in Brighton

January 13, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

My husband booked the holiday accommodation. I liked his choice. Great location. Beautiful sea view. Handy to people-watch and traffic. Pricey, yes. A treat. Certainly yes. My husband, my parents-in-law and I arrived a little after 3pm, the check-in time at The Gallery. As it was late December, it was already dark and cold. The […]

Being in the moment

January 6, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

I make resolutions every year. I actually like making them. Following them is another story. I usually manage to practise a bit of some but certainly not all. In short, the pattern is the same every year. And yet, I persevere. This year, I have one resolution. Just being in the moment. A Carpe Diem […]

I know it’s Christmas

December 23, 2019.Reading time 6 minutes.

It’s Christmas. That wonderful time of the year. I know I have said this before. December is my favourite month of the year, second only to March, which is my birthday month. For me, there’s very little not to like about Christmas or December. This year, Christmas came early in many of the shopping malls […]