Category Archives: Food & Drink

冰激凌(bingjílíng), ice cream, gelato, eiscreme, kulfi, crème glacée……

Posted on July 19, 2019 by

‘I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM’ was a little ditty I learned as a child, and it is true that most people of every age and nationality love ice-cream. This wonderful iced confection we all enjoy … Continue reading →

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Beggar’s Chicken – A Sunday lunch to remember.

Posted on November 18, 2018 by

Once upon a time – long, long ago in China’s ancient past there was an Emperor who was fleeing from his enemies after a battle. He disguised himself as a beggar, and whilst on the run, being very hungry he … Continue reading →

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Chopsticks – everything you need to know (part 1)

Posted on October 27, 2018 by

The world can be divided into 3 areas depending on how people eat their food. The first area is where people use their hands to eat; this area, roughly speaking comprises most of Africa, the Indian sub-continent, the middle east … Continue reading →

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Oysters and the Chinese Saucerer

Posted on January 15, 2018 by

130 years ago, in 1888, there was a young man called Lee Kum Sheung who lived in Nanshui, Zhuhai, a small town not far from Shanghai. He had a take-out shop which served oyster soup.            … Continue reading →

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The Pongiest* Pizza is now available in China.

Posted on April 23, 2016 by

When you go out for a pizza, or order one to be delivered, what topping do you usually choose? Quattro Stagioni,  Capricciosa, Margharita, Napoletana, or something a little different such as Durian Pizza?      Durian?…WTF!  the most horrible tasting/smelling fruit in … Continue reading →

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Dragons-on-Horseback

Posted on April 13, 2016 by

Recently I had to take a plate of appetisers as a contribution to a pot-luck lunch party.  The guests were a mixed bunch of Brits, Germans, Chinese and Filipinos, I wanted to make something out of the ordinary which would … Continue reading →

Posted in Food & Drink, Recipes, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 12 Comments

Sichuan pepper and 5 Spice Powder

Posted on March 22, 2015 by

I was surprised to learn that what we call Sichuan* Pepper (huajiao 花椒) is the only spice that is truly indigenous to China. Of course the Chinese cultivate and use many spices, but they all originated in other parts of … Continue reading →

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