I’ve been watching Masterchef Australia and been constantly amazed by the artistry of plating, the innovative use of ingredients and the inspiration from childhood food memories that the contestants seem to excel at. I would never be able to survive a single pressure test or to be able plate the way these guys do. But … More Instant Pot Beef Rendang
I actually enjoy cooking for crowds. Well. Not huge crowds, but optimally the number of people that can sit comfortably around my table, which with a little squeezing would be 12 people. At my last house move I insisted that my table went along with me. This table was previously custom made at a time … More Crispy Pork Carnitas and Pico de Gallo
There are some foods that evoke memories. Meatloaf is one dish that immediately brings me back to memories of the kitchen in Fort Lee, New Jersey. I was on a 2 year postgraduate fellowship in Columbia University and had dragged my 3 year old son and infant daughter to the US. With 2 young children … More Instant Pot Low Carb Meatloaf
I’ve grown up in an amazingly rich food culture. Singapore is known as one of the food capitals of the world. But I remember a humbler and simpler past. Singapore’s colonial past meant that Western food was part of the culinary offerings available even when I was a child, but local chefs had given these … More Instant Pot Hainanese Oxtail Stew
There are no walls in kids’ playgrounds. I remember the little neighbourhood playground I used to go to in Seletar Hills. The 70s era of playgrounds were simple open spaces with a slide, a roundabout, some swings and a climbing net. Somehow my memories are of endless hours of taking turns on all the playground … More Instant Pot Japanese Beef Curry
So the inspiration for the Poke (pronounced poh-kay) bowl was an unfortunate one. Yesterday there was a gruesome murder where the victim was stabbed by his father-in-law and ended up dying in front of a cafe called “A Poke Theory”. Poke cafes have been springing up all over Singapore as the next big thing. It’s … More Low Carb Salmon and Swordfish Poke Bowl
And it’s done. The big move is over! The 140 boxes were moved within 3 hours, the boxes unpacked within 48 hours, and every little bit and bob tucked away neatly. This was the craziest house move ever, with the decision made in a week or so and the move executed within 3 months of … More Instant Pot Chicken Zoodle Soup
I love farmers markets. For someone who lives in a city where there is the barest of agriculture and the majority of food is imported, the freshness and range of produce is mind-boggling. I was recently in San Francisco and besides doing the requisite open top bus tour and visit to the Golden Gate Bridge, … More Instant Pot Beef Mole
I’ve always joked that my kids are not true blue Singaporeans. They are generally averse to spicy food and hate durians, which is completely appalling to most South East Asians, let alone food-obsessed Singaporeans. I’ve nonetheless been gently ruthless in trying to change their palates. When kid #1 was younger I actually gave him a … More Low Carb Instant Pot Japanese Curry
It’s been an interesting week. A lot of mixed feelings. Kid #1 will start his 2 years of National Service today – a huge milestone in any young Singaporean man’a life. A lot of thoughts running through my head…where did my baby go? Will he annoy his officers by talking back to them? How will … More Low Carb Beef Brisket Sandwiches
Still Feeling Peckish 