Cover Mu Artisan Soy Sauce’s soy salt (Photo: Fady Younis)
Mu Artisan Soy Sauce’s soy salt (Photo: Fady Younis)
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Here are the ingredient and food gifts that fill this dining editor’s luggage
Travelling is part of the job, and when meeting industry professionals from around the world (whether in Malaysia or abroad), sharing a slice of home is always appreciated. But what do you give those who have seemingly tasted everything?
From kelulut honey to Liberica beans, here are the food gifts that fill my luggage, and showcase our local pride and joy. These produce-driven presents are not just delicious on their own, but are also ideal for experimentation in recipes, from cocktails to dishes.
Read more: The Good Project raised a total of RM31,682 for charity, organised by Good Friends Club in Penang
Malaysian Single-Origin Chocolate
Above Chocolate Concierge’s bon-bons (Photo: Ong Ning-Geng)
Chocolate Concierge’s bon-bons (Photo: Ong Ning-Geng)
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Chocolate Concierge is our very own world-class single-origin chocolate made from beans exclusively grown in Malaysia. Founded by Ong Ning-Geng, it can be found across many fine-dining and bar menus at top establishments in Malaysia. Bars of Chocolate Concierge always travel well, and for a special occasion, a box of the colourful bon-bons is always well-received. Buy from the online shop, or at Chocolate Concierge’s physical stores at BSC and TRX.
Kelulut Honey
Above Kelulut honey, also known as trigona honey, is the namesake of Bar Trigona (Photo: Bar Trigona)
Kelulut honey, also known as trigona honey, is the namesake of Bar Trigona (Photo: Bar Trigona)
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Naturally sour and tangy, which gives it a complexity that makes it fun to cook with, kelulut honey, or trigona honey, is made by stingless bees. One of our bars, Bar Trigona, even draws its namesake from the species! It should be used to finish dishes, or stirred into drinks. Pick up a bottle at Bar Trigona, or purchase from supermarkets, pharmacies, or honey suppliers.
Kulim Oil
Above Kulim Oil from gēn 根 in Penang (Photo: gēn 根)
Kulim Oil from gēn 根 in Penang (Photo: gēn 根)
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Kulim is part of our treasure trove of ingredients and is commonly referred to as jungle garlic because of its pungent flavour profile. Its oil is often compared to truffle or garlic oil, and should be used to finish dishes, or towards the end of the cooking process, as too high a heat renders its flavours more subtle. If you happen to be in Penang, gēn 根 retails the product, and it can be also be purchased from Oylhaus.
Liberica Beans
Above Curate Coffee Roaster’s Liberica beans (Photo: Curate Coffee Roaster)
Curate Coffee Roaster’s Liberica beans (Photo: Curate Coffee Roaster)
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With notes of jackfruit and juicy tropical fruits, Liberica is a coffee species grown in Malaysia. Try the beans at specialty coffee shops and roasteries, such as Curate Coffee Roasters, One Half Roastery, Ghostbird Coffee, and many more. Pick up a bag after enjoying it at any of the cafes above.
Artisan Soy Sauce
Above A selection of limited-edition soy sauce from Mu Artisan Soy Sauce (Photo: Shirley Chia)
A selection of limited-edition soy sauce from Mu Artisan Soy Sauce (Photo: Shirley Chia)
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Based in Kajang, Mu Artisan Soy Sauce was founded by third-generation soy sauce artisan Shirley Chia, who aimed to reduce the negative stigma associated with soy sauce. Naturally brewed without shortcuts in a process that takes up to nine months, the gula melaka soy sauce and first-draw soy sauce can be purchased via her website or found in supermarkets such as Qra, Jaya Grocer, and Village Grocer.
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About
Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
