Gastronauts, Gourmets, Foodies & Novices - Welcome...

Good food, (note the emphasis on ‘good’) is what being Malaysian is all about. Up there at the top of our priority list, right next to oxygen, good food is the cornerstone that punctuates every activity, however trivial or magnanimous, constantly dictating the agenda of our daily routine. It’s not unusual for Malaysians to drive for hours in the worst conditions (including bumper-to-bumper-traffic a.k.a. the most excruciating form of torture known to man, second only to ‘burning in the fires of hell’) to satisfy the ‘burning’ desires of their super-refined palates – perhaps heading up north for Ipoh Chicken Rice, down south for Laksa Johor or across town for Kajang Satay!

So it never ceases to amaze me how so many here in London are either oblivious or indifferent to the countless varieties of delicious cuisine readily available in this city. From European haute cuisine right through to Oriental hawker foods and straight across to African game delicacies – we really are spoilt for choice! And with that magical catchphrase ‘special offers’, there really is, in my mind, and I’m sure most Malaysians would agree, no excuse and no reason to settle for anything less than divine.

Recently, I was taken on a ‘date’ to Wagamama’s. Yes, that’s right. In 2009, I was dragged kicking and screaming, by the back of my hair to Wagamama’s in Spitalfield’s Market. Now don’t get me wrong, I am ALL for cheap eats but this is where I draw the line. The food is close to inedible and so far from authentic, you might as well head over to Mr Wu's Eat All You Can in China Town for an Indian Chicken Karahi! If there is one thing, and one thing only that you take away from this blog, do NOT, whatever the circumstances, take your date to Wagamama’s. Ever.

Ladies & Gentlemen, consider this your very own ‘Good Food Guide for the Frugal Gourmet.’ Lads (or ladettes) looking to impress your dates, friends, family, whoever - look no further! Within the pages of this blog you will find a systematic breakdown of what’s good and what’s not, where to go and where not to. To the exacting standards of a Malaysian Foodie, and best of all, without breaking the bank.

And if I’m in a really good mood, I might even throw in a few of my personal recipes should you decide to go that extra mile to really impress and cook up a storm at home. The surefire way to a (wo)man’s heart is, after all, through her tummy. If the very idea of cooking makes you feel like poking your right eyeball out with a sharp pencil, never fear! Coming from someone who once could not differentiate between an herb and a weed, a courgette and a cucumber, and even beef with lamb, my recipes are entirely idiot proof.

But then again, if you make something idiot proof, does that make someone a better idiot? Food for thought? ...