Category: Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Embracing Heritage and Innovating Tradition with MAGGI® Mi Goreng Laksa Warisan

dixonthum

I love laksa in all its varieties, including Asam Laksa, Nyonya Laksa, Laksa Johor, Laksa Kedah, and many more. Due to Malaysia’s heterogeneous population, the laksa list is endless. This is what makes Malaysia unique!

Hence, it is no doubt that the Laksa is a symbol of Malaysian culinary culture given its evocative aroma, rich flavour, and satisfying texture. The brand-new MAGGI® Mi Goreng Laksa Warisan, with its original flavour and distinctive aroma, is being introduced in honour of Malaysians’ love of laksa and as a tribute to the tradition of this Malaysian classic cuisine.

As a brand that has over 50-year history and a meaningful space in the hearts of Malaysians, MAGGI® continues to proudly celebrate our heritage in all our offerings. Today, we are delighted to be part of the celebration of Malaysia’s vibrant Laksa dishes as we present our latest product innovation that pays homage to our nation’s diverse and distinctive culinary heritage: our all-new MAGGI® Mi Goreng Laksa Warisan.

said Mr. Juan Aranols, CEO of Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad at the launch event held at the vintage-themed mansion, The Agam in Kuala Lumpur

Celebrity Chef Anis Nabilah and Professor Dr. Shahrim Karim, who is a Professor of Malaysian Heritage Food and Culture at the Faculty of Food Science and Technology at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), were in attendance at the launch event. They demonstrated their culinary skills and expertise by creating a delicious Laksa dish while sharing the dish’s rich history and evolution.

Laksa is a cuisine that has its roots in the Peranakan population and is heavily influenced by Southeast Asian cultures from China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. According to Professor Dr. Shahrim Karim, Laksa is truly Malaysia’s national dish that transcends cultures and geographical boundaries. It has evolved into a variety of dishes that we are familiar with and enjoy today, ranging from the traditional Curry Laksa to more creative dishes like Assam Laksa, Sarawak Laksa, Nyonya Laksa, and Johor Laksa.

The soul of Laksa lies in its vibrant and aromatic flavours. A good Laksa is all about the balancing act between various ingredients with the constant stirring towards the ‘pecah minyak’ stage, which is vital for the perfect Laksa flavour that culminates in a true culinary delight.

added Professor Dr. Shahrim Karim

With the growing popularity of making laksa the “Goreng” style, people have been looking for new ways to enjoy this well-known meal with family and friends in recent years. The All-New MAGGI® Mi Goreng Laksa Warisan is a unique variation on the Malaysian Laksa heritage that draws inspiration from this popular trend.

As Malaysia’s trusted household brand, MAGGI® aspires to deliver product offerings that embody true Malaysian flavours. Thanks to our MAGGI® Chefs’ continued dedication and culinary expertise, we have given a modern-day twist to Laksa as we introduce our latest innovation MAGGI® Mi Goreng Laksa Warisan. Indeed, the secret of making a good Laksa lies in its base. Hence, our new creation is carefully crafted with a blend of key aromatic ingredients, bunga kantan, daun kesum, galangal, along with fresh ingredients: onions, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, garlic and ginger, slowly cooked into a paste until ‘pecah minyak’ to deliver the distinctive flavour of the iconic Laksa dish whilst preserving its authentic recipe. We are embracing this heritage dish, by making it possible to enjoy a great tasting Laksa Goreng – anytime, anywhere!

said Ms. Ivy Tan, Business Executive Officer of MAGGI®, Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad

In keeping with the brand’s commitment to supporting Malaysians Cook the Difference, MAGGI® continues to offer exceptional food options for customers looking for easy-to-prepare, delicious meals. The 100% Australian wheat used to make the MAGGI® Mi Goreng Laksa Warisan noodles is a good source of both protein and carbs. MAGGI® is dedicated to serving the greatest food to customers, from sourcing premium ingredients to strict quality control.

MAGGI® has released two variants of MAGGI® Mi Goreng noodles to
embrace Malaysian heritage and flavours – MAGGI® Mi Goreng Cili ala Kampung and the all-new MAGGI® Mi Goreng Laksa Warisan. MAGGI® Mi Goreng Laksa Warisan is available at all leading supermarkets, hypermarkets and online stores.

Very beautiful heritage building, The Agam
Accidental colour coordinated with the goodie bag

Find out more about the MAGGI® Mi Goreng Laksa Warisan here:
Website: https://www.maggi.my/en/Maggi-Happenings/Maggi-Mi-Goreng-Laksa-Warisan/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/MaggiMalaysia/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Maggi.Malaysia/

One with Ah Hen, Local Influencer
One with Arwind Kumar, Local Influencer

About MAGGI®
MAGGI® is a recognised global brand that has become a household name in Malaysia. Its core mission is to create good-food moments that bring families closer together. Through its wide range of products and food solutions, MAGGI® helps mothers to prepare tasty and balanced homemade meals for their families every day. The brand is also committed to the ever-evolving needs of meal providers, providing new products and ideas, which continue to delight and inspire Malaysian families on the goodness of homemade. To learn more, please visit www.maggi.my or our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/MaggiMalaysia

About Nestlé Malaysia
Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage manufacturer. Headquartered in Switzerland, Nestlé is present in more than 180 countries around the world, and our 270,000 employees are committed to Nestlé’s purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. Our performance is driven by our Nutrition, Health and Wellness strategy. Nourishing Malaysians since 1912, Nestlé has earned the trust of our consumers through our quality brands and products. We are committed to improving the lives of the communities in which we operate, whilst maintaining our Halal excellence and integrity. 

This is in line with our promise of delivering GOOD FOOD, GOOD LIFE to all. To learn more about how we have been nourishing Malaysians for over a century, do visit www.nestle.com.my or our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Nestle.Malaysia

Food & Drink

Turkish Cuisine Week – An International Celebration of Türkiye’s Ancient and Sustainable Culinary Tradition

dixonthum
H.E Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur

I am so honoured to be invited to the exclusive dinner event held by Ambassador Emir Salim Yüksel for Malaysian chefs and members of the media last Friday in conjunction with Turkiye Cuisine Week (21-27 May 2023).

One with H.E Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur

I had the opportunity to sample the regional cuisine of Hatay, one of the cities in the gastronomy field of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, during the dinner event last Friday, which was held at the Ambassador’s official residence here, through a demonstration session by renowned Turkish chef, Chef Turgay Gündodu.

H.E Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur is in a conversation with Members of the Media

The annual Turkish Cuisine Week, which takes place from May 21 to 27, is an international celebration of Turkish cuisine, which has traces of many different civilizations and is fueled by a fertile geography and a rich history. The regional cuisine of Hatay, which has been named the “26th Gastronomy City of the World” by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, will receive special attention during the second edition of Turkish Cuisine Week. The Turkish Cuisine Week will also highlight Turkish food culture’s commitment to sustainable and zero-waste production practices.

Turkish Cuisine – Kisir (Fine Bulgar Salad)
Turkish Cuisine – Firik Pilavi

Turkish Cuisine Week is coordinated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye. The diplomatic missions of Türkiye throughout the world organised a variety of events and social media campaigns to highlight the distinctive flavours of Hatay cuisine.

Turkish Cuisine – Zeytin Salatasi (Olive Salad)
Turkish Cuisine – Biberli Ekmek (Flatbread with Red Pepper Paste)
Turkish Cuisine – Kunefe

The international events for Turkish Cuisine Week this year include a special menu featuring flavours from Hatay cuisine. One of the Turkish cities that stands out for its unique cuisine is Hatay, which is a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the culinary arts. High-quality olive oil, grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, native herbs, and spices are all combined in Hatay cuisine, which is characterised by its fertile soils and Mediterranean climate.

From left – Raja Syahiran (Malaysian Singer), Chef Ismail, Uyaina Arshad (Host and Actress) and H.E Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur

Turkish Cuisine Week began in Malaysia with an exclusive dinner hosted by His Excellency (H.E.) Emir Salim Yüksel, the Turkish Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur. This was followed by an online activity with Chef Maximilian J. W. Thomae and a Turkish Cuisine demonstration workshop with 29 students from Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia featuring ksr (fine bulgur salad) and Sini Kebab/Tepsi Kebab.

Turkish chef, Chef Turgay Gündodu demonstrating kisir, a fine bulgur salad with tomatoes and fresh herbs

Türkiye Embassy in Malaysia Kick-Started the Turkish Cuisine Week
The Turkish Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur, H.E. Emir Salim Yüksel, organised an exclusive dinner as part of Turkish Cuisine Week to unveil this year’s special menu, which featured regional dishes from Hatay cuisine.

Through the week-long Turkish Cuisine Week, the healthy, traditional, waste-free and sustainable nature of the deep-rooted Turkish cuisine is promoted on an international scale. Türkiye is among the top five countries with the most intangible heritage values inscribed on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Among these, we also have traditional recipes from Turkish cuisine, such as flatbread, as well as keşkek, a Turkish dish with meat and wheat; and mesir paste, consisting of 41 herbs and spices. Turkish coffee is also part of the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List, symbolising not only a special brewing technique but also a rich communal traditional culture and history.

said H.E Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur
Welcome Remarks by H.E Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur

H.E. Emir Salim Yüksel also said that cultural heritage, as defined by UNESCO, goes far beyond just monuments and artefacts; it actually includes customs, rituals, skills, and recipes that we pass down from our ancestors to our descendants. The dishes we prepared for the guests today are from Hatay, one of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network cities in the gastronomy field.

One with Chef Turgay Gündodu
One with Chef Ismail

At the dinner, renowned Turkish chef Turgay Gündodu demonstrated how to make “stuffed grape leaves with meat” and kisir while serving the Hatay menu, which included biberli ekmek (flatbread with red pepper paste), olive salad, hummus, kisir, and “kunefe” (a kadayif dessert with cheese).

Chef Turgay Gündodu demonstrated the dishes to the Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia students

Ancient, Sustainable, Zero-Waste, Healthy and Timeless Traditions of Turkish Cuisine
A live online cooking demonstration by Chef Maximilian J. W. Thomae using regional ingredients and traditional cooking methods provided attendees of the Turkish Cuisine Week event with a comprehensive overview of traditional and sustainable Turkish cuisine. Those who were invited to watch the live streaming had the chance to learn about the diverse and rich Turkish cuisine, as well as about its capacity and willingness to adapt to changing eating and drinking trends. Participants got a hands-on introduction to the sustainable and waste-free cooking techniques used in Turkish cuisine. Turkish eating and drinking rituals, which were built around emotions of unity, togetherness, and cultural sustainability, brought participants together around healthy and time-tested recipes.

Chef Turgay Gündodu (front, second from left) with culinary students from Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia

Hatay a Table of Civilisations
Chef Turgay Gündodu also conducted a demonstration class for 29 culinary students from Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia as part of his efforts to promote the city’s culinary heritage, which has been influenced by the fact that it has historically been home to a variety of civilisations. The students had the chance to get their hands on some kisir and Sini/Tepsi kebabs during the demonstration.

Interesting isn’t it? Get more information on Turkish Cuisine Week from this website: https://turkishcuisineweek.com/homepage

One for the Blog

About Türkiye
Located in the Mediterranean Sea and connecting the Asian and European continents that are separated by the famous Bosphorus, Türkiye is a unique destination and a hub for cultural interaction. In addition to its perfect climate, Türkiye inspires visitors with its history, nature and gastronomy, all of which reflect the diversity of civilisations from over many centuries. Located at the crossroads of cultures, Türkiye has a distinctive understanding of art and fashion which is the synthesis of tradition and modernity, and its dynamic shopping and entertainment life also attracts visitors from all over the world. For more information about Türkiye please visit: https://www.goturkiye.com/

Food & Drink

Malaysian Foodies Get Creative with Real California Milk Cheeses

dixonthum

I was thrilled and excited to accept an invitation from Real California Milk to attend an event at The Cooking House in PJ along with other bloggers and influencers. The purpose of the event, which was held on May 5, 2023 from 11 am to 1 pm, was to enlighten us about the use of various types of cheeses from California in cooking. In the cook-off mini competition held on that day, fellow blogger Zahira Hanafi and I partnered up for our first time to create our own special cheese platter using Real California Milk cheeses. Despite not getting any placement, I definitely had so much fun in the event.

Pick Products with Real California Milk Seal
The event was organised by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the largest agricultural marketing organisation in California, to educate Malaysian consumers about their high-quality cheeses bearing the Real California Milk seal. The CMAB portfolio includes a large variety of dairy products, including far more than just cheese, milk, butter, yogurt, and ice cream.

To my surprise, the cheese industry is steadily growing in Malaysia. There are more cheese-containing food items available now, and the market is home to a growing number of cheese varieties. Malaysia’s cheese market is currently worth RM1.094 billion and is projected to increase yearly by 7.52% from 2023 to 2027 (CAGR).

Variety and Adaptability of California Cheeses
I find the availability of California cheeses like Cheddar, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, and Monterrey Jacks for Malaysians to eat is a blessing. There are also blue cheese, smoked cheese, and organic cheeses from California that are all marked with the seal “Real California Milk” for those who prefer artisanal cheeses.

More Malaysians are beginning to recognise the quality of California dairy goods like cheeses and ice creams that bear the Real California Milk seal, according to Eddie Saw, the CMAB’s Malaysia Country Representative. You can eat the cheeses plain at any time of the day because they are so delicious. Cheeses are now being used in cooking by many Malaysians.

Eddie Saw, Malaysia Country Representative for CMAB

Different cheeses offer their own unique quality and function – which open up a whole world of culinary possibilities via a wide selection of cheesy indulgence.  It is important to note that cheeses that carry the Real California Milk offers are authentic natural cheese.  Our cheeses use 100% real milk from cows in California and have won awards in the United States as well as abroad.

enthused Eddie Saw, Malaysia Country Representative for CMAB
Certified Executive Chef Barbara Alexander

With more than 30 years of experience in the culinary and hospitality industries, Certified Executive Chef Barbara Alexander developed four delectable recipes using Real California Cheese: Blue Cheese Chips, Korean Cheese Dogs, Iced Coffee Cheesecake Cream Puffs, and Buffalo Chicken & Blue Cheese Pizza. These chef-developed recipes, according to Chef Barbara, are simple to prepare, very popular with Asians, and perfect for serving at family gatherings and quick meals.

One ounce of natural cheese, such as Cheddar, Jack, or Mozzarella, contains approximately 20% of a person’s recommended daily calcium intake. Those who are lactose-sensitive, or lactose-intolerant can still enjoy cheese if they eat natural hard (aged) or soft-ripened varieties, which contain little or no lactose.

said Certified Executive Chef Barbara Alexander
Stuffing dates
One with Chef Barbara

Cook-off Mini Competition Among Foodies
As I mentioned earlier, the cook-off session featuring 20 lifestyle and food influencers from Malaysia was held to share the quality of California dairy products and cheeses, particularly those bearing the “Real California Milk” seal. Everyone put on our chef hats and created our own cheese platters using a variety of Real California cheeses and other foods and ingredients. To add on the excitement, we had only one hour to do so! Our creations were evaluated based on presentation and creativity, which highlighted the adaptability, delectability, and simplicity of each recipe. I personally find cooking with cheese is so interesting as these California cheeses are really versatile with endless culinary possibilities.

Our team’s cheese platter
Stuffed Dates with Blue Cheese
Busy working at the kitchen
Introducing our cheese platter to the judges
Thanks Zahira for being a wonderful team mate

Well done to all fellow foodies and my heartiest congratulations go to all the winners:
First: bebelancikmin & shamieraosment
Second: penaberkala & mawardiyunus
Third: sunshinekelly2988 & foodmsia

1st place
2nd place
3rd place
Well done all participants!

Sustainable Cheese Production in California’s Dairy Industry
The USA is the largest producer of cow’s milk in the world, with California ranking first for milk production and second for cheese production. Using only California milk, about 50 cheesemakers create more than 250 different types and styles of cheese.

California dairy producers take seriously their responsibility to provide for the safety, comfort, and health of their cows. The quest for a cleaner, more sustainable future has led to California becoming home to many of the most cutting-edge, technologically sophisticated, and effective dairy operations in the world, with best practises for herd comfort and care. In terms of sustainable dairy farming methods, California leads the nation.

For information and recipes, visit:
Official website: www.realcaliforniamilk.com
FaceBook: Real Cheese Malaysia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realcalifmilk/

Food & Drink

Healthy Potato Recipe – Honey Mustard & Herb Scallop U.S. Potatoes

dixonthum

I was looking through the U.S. Potatoes website for some interesting recipes when I came across this one – Honey Mustard & Herb Scallop U.S. Potatoes by Consultant Dietitian Indra Balaratnam. It is a low-fat dish made with thinly sliced U.S. Russet Potatoes and a flavorful herb cream sauce. It is made with U.S. Russet Potatoes, vegetable broth, low-fat milk, honey, fresh tarragon herb, butter, onion, and pinches of salt and pepper. Per serving, it only has 4g of fat and 164 kCal overall.

You may check out the wholesome recipe from this link : https://uspotatogoodness.com.my/recipes/honey-mustard-herb-scallop-u-s-potatoes/ By the way, each click increases my chance of winning a token from U.S. Potatoes. I really appreciate your help, guys! So start clicking away!

Wholesome goodness of U.S. Potatoes

I enjoy potato dishes a lot personally. For good reason, potatoes are an appreciated staple food in countries worldwide. In particular, U.S. Potatoes are delicious, extremely versatile, and packed with nutrients. There are plenty of ways to prepare and eat this nutrient-dense vegetable, from baked potatoes to mashed potatoes and everything in between.

The fact that U.S. Potatoes are a healthier option is one of their main advantages. They are the perfect food for you who are seeking to maintain a healthy diet because they are free of cholesterol, sodium, and fat. They are a low-calorie food that can help in weight management because each serving only has 110 calories, which is approximately the same as a medium-sized potato.

U.S. Potatoes are not only low in calories but also higher in energy than any other popular vegetable. About 30% of your daily value of vitamin C, which is crucial for boosting the immune system of the body, can be found in a medium-sized U.S. Potato. Our immune systems can be naturally strengthened by vitamin C, which can help us fight off illnesses like the common cold.

Vitamin B6, which is crucial for healthy cell function, is another impressive nutrient found in U.S. Potatoes. 10% of the recommended daily value of vitamin B6 is found in one medium potato. A critical component of metabolism, the production of blood cells, and cell health is played by vitamin B6. Additionally, each serving of potatoes contains 3 grams of plant-based protein, an essential component of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues.

Potassium, a mineral that is essential to many bodily processes, is another nutrient that can be found in abundance in U.S. Potatoes. A medium-sized potato, including the skin, has 620 milligrams of potassium per serving, which is 15% higher than a medium-sized banana. Potassium supports healthy hydration levels, controls blood pressure, and supports healthy muscle and nerve function.

U.S. Potatoes are extremely versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways. They offer countless cooking options for meals, including baking, steaming, boiling, frying, and grilling. U.S. Potatoes are a delicious and wholesome addition to any meal, whether they are served as a side dish, the main course, or in a salad.

I really like how versatile, tasty, and nutrient-dense potatoes are—they have lots of advantages for your health. They are a high-nutrient food that is low in calories, fat, and cholesterol and high in vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein. U.S. Potatoes are a great option whether you want to enhance your general health or just enjoy a delicious meal.

For more fun facts and interesting recipes of U.S. Potatoes, check out:
Official website: https://uspotatogoodness.com.my/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MYpotatoesUSA

Food & Drink

Cooking with Love Earth Organic: A Tasty Nasi Impit Recipe for Hari Raya

dixonthum

Hello guys! I recently tried a delicious Nasi Impit recipe using Raya treats from Love Earth Organic, and to my surprise, I discovered that it was both simple to make and tasted good. I was thrilled to find this recipe, which uses Love Earth Organic Jasmine Rice, Love Earth Mushroom Seasoning and a few other ingredients also from Love Earth Organic. It’s a recipe that works great for special occasions like Hari Raya Aidilfitri or buka puasa. You can get almost all the ingredients from Love Earth Organic. Try this Nasi Impit recipe if you’re looking for a tasty and simple recipe of Malaysian cooking. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

Nasi Impit is a traditional Malay cooking that is made of rice that has been cooked and compressed into a solid block or cylinder, and then cut into small cubes. It resembles our Malaysians favourite, ketupat, which is also made of compressed rice, except that ketupats are cooked in a woven pouch made of palm leaves. Usually nasi impit is served with many kinds of delicious dishes like rendang, sambal, dried chili flakes, satay and peanut sauce.

Although it is a straightforward process, making Nasi Impit takes some time. However, you can quickly and easily prepare this classic dish using Love Earth Organic’s Jasmine Rice and seasoning. The products from Love Earth Organic are healthier options for you and your family because they are 100% natural and organic.

If you’re not familiar with Love Earth Organic, it’s a Malaysian brand that focuses on providing high-quality organic and natural products. They sell a variety of organic foods, snacks, as well as personal care and home goods. They support small-scale farmers and use eco-friendly packaging as part of their commitment to sustainability and reducing their negative impact on the environment.

Overall, I highly suggest you making this Nasi Impit recipe with Love Earth Organic ingredients. It’s not only delicious, but it’s also a better and more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, by participating in Love Earth Organic’s promotion, you can save money and support a regional, eco-friendly business. Wait no more! Please let me know how this recipe turns out for you after you try it.

What you need:
2 cups of Love Earth Organic Jasmine Rice
4 cups of water (usually I agak-agak with finger, the traditional way)
1 tbsp Cooking oil
Love Earth Mushroom Seasoning (to taste)
Love Earth Crispy Chili Flakes (to taste)

Direction:
1. Rinse the 2 cups of Love Earth Organic Jasmine Rice with water a few times.
2. Add water to the rinsed rice and sprinkle Love Earth Mushroom Seasoning.
3. Cook the seasoned rice in a rice cooker.
4. Once the rice is cooked, add 1 tbsp of cooking oil and use a spatula to squash the rice until it becomes smooth.
5. Brush a thin layer of oil on tray.
6. Transfer the rice onto the oiled tray.
7. Use a spatula to flatten the rice and let it cool.
8. Let the rice cool for 3 hours before cutting it into small cubes.
9. Serve the small cubes of rice with Love Earth Crispy Chili Flakes.

Promotion
Use the discount code LOVECOOK when you shop at https://www.myloveearth.com/seasoning to save 10% off with a minimum order of RM50 and above. Valid from 1 April to 31 July 2023.