Banana Fritters, Nghi Tam, Hanoi

December 31, 2008

My Mum lives in Hanoi. How cool is that?

We are staying with her in Nghi Tam, giving us opportunity to explore other parts of this great city than just the Old Quarter. So yesterday we trekked out to Truc Bach Lake, though we didn’t get terribly far before we hit fritter-ville and had to stop and sample some deep-fried treats.

A crispy, hot banana fritter each, wrapped in a little square of newspaper, like I hear fish and chips used to be. Delicious, but best to stop at just one, i think.

Also on offer were what looked like corn fritters, and something else, stick like with a slice of banana in the midst.

2 Banana Fritters,  4000D ($0.33AU)

Posted in Vietnam, Vietnoms 2 Comments >>

Welcome to Singapore, have some Kaya.

December 28, 2008

Kaya, coconut jam, sounds revolting. I don’t normally like jam, and who ever thought that making it from coconut was winning any favours, from me, at least. Well, I was wrong, they were right, Kaya is a delicious coconutty breakfast treat.

Here on out first morning in Singapore, we trekked out to Killiney Kopitiam, supposedly famous for its Kaya Toast. We had to do it this morning, as all our other Singaporean mornings are booked up with buffet breakfasts (I -love- a buffet breakfast), but back to the Kaya.

We ordered two french toasts with kaya, one soft boiled egg and coffees (though, my coffee morphed into a tea the moment it touched down at the table).

After sniffings for hints of peanut, we dove in and were not disappointed.

The bread was cakey, but paired with the super salty cold butter and rich, creamy coconutty jam, it was delicious. Add some runny soft boiled egg (mine was a little too soft boiled, so I only ate the yolk), and this breakfast was a delight.

After initial skepticism, we both became Kaya converts. F even ordered another portion. Minutes after finishing we payed our bill ($7.50sg) and vacated our table for the first person in line, this place is popular, and worthy of it.

Suggestions have already been made that we shall come back here when we get back to Singapore in a
few weeks time, but maybe just to buy some of these beautifully boxed meal kits, or maybe for lunch.

Killiney Kopitiam
67 Killiney Road
Singapore 239525
Tel: 6734 9648 / 6734 3910
Fax: 6735 6731

Mon, Wed to Sat – 6am to 11pm
Tues, Sun & PH – 6am to 6 pm

Posted in Breakfast, Singapore 1 Comment >>

The Lismore Rainbow Region Organic Markets, delicious!

December 26, 2008

Okra

Okra

I am not a fan of markets. After a childhood of the Lismore Car Boot Market, buying trinkets and revolting snacks, markets don’t hold fond memories for me. So when visiting home I am never too excited about getting up at the crack of dawn and visiting the organic market where my Dad sells his produce.

Lucky for me, though, this market is nothing like my memories. Starting early, this small fresh food market only allows certified organic produce to be sold. This means that the offerings are exceeding fresh and in season. Most of the stall-holders grow their wares, which have often been harvested only hours before.

Tiny ladyfinger banana
Tiny ladyfinger banana

This market will be the last of the season for some of the stalls, including my Dad.  Some crops are ending, water is running low and the weather is sizzling. The idea of having no avocado’s til Anzac Day horrified some customers, but the sad specimens left on the trees weren’t worth eating, let alone selling. So he just sold beetroot and rhubarb, which quickly sold out. While visiting I ate many beetroot, steamed, pickled, and raw, grated (interestingly whole beetroot were sold to the local health food shop then purchased back in a delicious vegetable wrap from lunch).

Dad's rhubarb
Dad’s rhubarb

Today’s market saw reams of herbs, lettuce, rhubarb, garlic, fresh vegetables, as well as coffee, cakes and delicious vegetarian dosa.

Crispy and Thin Dosa served with dahl and spicy coconut chutney (delicious)
Crispy and Thin Dosa served with dahl and spicy coconut chutney (delicious)

Freshly picked herbs, 3 bunches for $5!
Freshly picked herbs, 3 bunches for $5!

curly kale
curly kale

delicious fresh radishes
delicious fresh radishes

The market is full of friends and it really feels like a community. Kids are running around, jokes exchanged and people coming up just to chat and see what’s new. Chairs and tables set up in the middle of the space with people sipping latte’s in mismatched cups, it feels a little like a friendly neighbours living room.

Tiny, fragrant and juicy russian purple garlic
Tiny, fragrant and juicy russian purple garlic

I would recommend that anyone who is in the area should visit, support local organic food production and sample some local specialities.

amazing heirloom tomato varieties
amazing heirloom tomato varieties

I would recommend the avocados (April to November), chokos (for a sustainable powerhouse), sunflower sprouts, and delicious dosa.

Luscious fresh sweet potato shoots (apparently delicious stir fried)
Luscious fresh sweet potato shoots (apparently delicious stir fried)

The Rainbow Region Organic Market
is on every Tuesday morning (until the end of the world)
7am – 11am
Lismore Showgrounds

Posted in market, pictures | Tagged 1 Comment >>

December 24, 2008

I have to much to write about, but I am terribly behind.

There is the spectacular Chocolate Mousse and wonderful caramels from the new Delicious Days book that I won (won! me!), as well as the abundance of organic produce at the Lismore Organic Markets.

But I am on holidays, soon to be in Vietnam, so stay tuned for spicy delights!

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Quinoa, overrated but pretty.

December 7, 2008

Quinoa is an ancient South American grain which is choc full of protein, fibre and is gluten free, and has recently become popular for its healthfulness.

Healthy, and interestingly pretty, but I do find it a little bland. There. I said it. Bland. But, there is hope for the humble quinoa and that hope lies in this salad.

In an effort to eat up all the food in the house in preparation for my looming holiday (the holiday isn’t looming on the horizon, just instead all the things I need to finish before I leave), I rescued a lonely packet of quinoa from the pantry (pantry? who I am kidding, I mean bookshelf. In the kitchen. Where my food goes. Yes, bookshelf.) and turned it into something wonderful.

The secret is in the dressing, and it is so easy you don’t even really need a recipe (so I won’t write one). Just mix together the juice of a lemon with a few teaspoons of tahini and a little finely sliced garlic. Add some oil (2T), salt and chilli and mix to combine. This should form a thick paste, loosen with a few teaspoons of water.

The other secret is coriander. Throw in whatever vegetables you want, I used carrot, cucumber, tomato and red onion (a little too much onion, I might add), but a bunch of coriander, stems finely sliced, leaves chopped roughly, is the key.

You can spice it up with extra chilli and lime juice, mellow it down by adding shards of parmesan cheese or try to finish something from the cupboard off, by adding fried garlic, cumin seeds and topping it with dukkah as I did.

I know, this is more of an idea than a recipe, but for this quick and healthy meal a recipe is overkill. Just add ingredients to your taste, and maybe try to finish something that has been hanging around too long in your pantry. Or kitchen bookshelf.

Posted in salad | Tagged 2 Comments >>