Quick answer Nasi goreng is Indonesian-style fried rice, also eaten across Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Cooked rice is stir-fried with a paste of shallots, garlic, chilli and shrimp paste, then seasoned with kecap manis, a thick sweet soy sauce. That gives it a darker colour and a smoky, sweet-savoury taste that regular fried rice doesn’t…
Quick Answer Laksa is a spicy noodle soup found right across Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Depending on the region, you’ll find rich coconut-based versions or sour, tamarind-based ones. It usually comes with noodles, a fragrant spice blend, and toppings like seafood, chicken, tofu or fish. What Is Laksa? Laksa isn’t one…
Christmas parties do not have to mean another round of schnitzels, burgers, chips and standard party platters. A good end-of-year menu should give everyone something to talk about, while still being easy to share around the table.Modern Asian food works naturally for this kind of celebration. Dumplings, seafood, canapés, curries, wok dishes and shared plates…
The guest list begins at 22. Then come the partners, cousins, children and the friend who has not replied. Before long, a birthday dinner has become a small event, with all the decisions that implies.Learning how to plan a birthday dinner is mostly a matter of making practical choices in the right order: confirm the…
Takeaway should solve dinner, not create another round of decisions. Some dishes cool too quickly, some lose texture on the drive home, and some make the table work around heat, seafood or dietary needs. For a cosy night in, start with one practical question: what will still taste good by the time it reaches home?…
If the question is purely about health, steamed chicken dumplings usually come out ahead. They are generally lower in fat and energy because steaming does not rely on added oil, while frying lifts both kilojoules and fat content. Health authorities also tend to place steaming among the better cooking methods for heart health and lower-fat…
Group dinners can become messy before anyone eats. One guest wants noodles, another wants seafood, someone is watching spice levels, and the organiser is trying to keep the table moving without making every person study the menu.That’s why the choice between a banquet menu and à la carte matters. The right format can make dinner…
A good dumpling does not ask for much. It asks for a bit of care, a steady hand, and enough patience to avoid burning your mouth on the first bite. Across dim sum and broader Asian dining, wrappers, fillings, and cooking methods vary for a reason, so the best way to eat one dumpling is…
Sundays in The Hills District often follow a predictable rhythm. Sleep in, wander to the nearest café, order the usual brunch, repeat. It’s nice, but it’s also the same every week.If you’re up for a small upgrade to your Sunday, make your way to Norwest and you’ll find a kind of lunch that makes the…
Walking into a new restaurant can be overwhelming. The menu at My Bella Asian is designed for sharing, which means you don’t have to pick just one dish. The best way to eat here? Focus on contrast; combine something crunchy, something saucy, and something grilled. For anyone comparing Bella Vista restaurants, here are the Chef’s…
