Happy MALAYSIA day!

In 1963, 16th September, the Malaysian federation was born.

but on the 31st of August Malaysia achieved its independence. So what day exactly do we wish our dear country a Happy Birthday?

It's been awhile since my return from foreign lands to settle back home with a new found adventure - Delectable. Initial months were tough.. so tough because I constantly felt that home was some place else. I left my love, my job, my hobbies, my friends and my lifestyle abroad with a heavy heart. I was convinced Malaysia wasn't my home anymore, I was stubborn.. arrogant and young. Though it seemed like there was nothing but my new business and my family to keep me going for awhile.. Malaysia won me over without putting up much of a fight. I made new friends, rediscovered old ones, found new hobbies and met a new love.... I guess you could say all it took was time. Everyone was right by saying "give it some time".
All I knew to cook was baked dishes, pastas, grilled meats, curries or stew.. but having now come home to local ingredients and a boyfriend who loves Chinese cooking; I had no choice but to get busy with new recipes and cookbooks!

He brings me on the occasional road trips he takes back home up north of the peninsula about 6 hours drive from the KL city. I've been gathering inspiring and fun ideas from these adventures too. He brings me to the famous eateries and places he grew up. I wondered if it was a hint to me that I should try to make this sort of food! haha

I'm pretty hopeless when it comes to 'authentic' local cuisine.. but I tried anyway.. I made laksa! ... from a packet. Hahahha.. I had to cheat a little to make the process more bearable :P
It was pretty simple once you get the fish and vegetables sliced right. Anyone have a good laksa recipe from scratch to share with me? haha I've got a feeling I might do a proper one in my next attempt.