Tag Archives: ready


Double-cooked pork belly


  Known as Huí-GuōPork or double-cooked pork belly, this dish has a long history that can be traced back to the Song dynasty (960–1279). Its predecessor, “Yo Bao pork,” was recorded in the 《竹屿房杂部》, a book on longevity and lifestyle during the Ming dynasty, written by Song Xu.Double-cooked pork is inspired by Sichuan flavours and originally comes from the Sichuan region of China, which is why it’s so spicy. The Sichuan region is known for being humid and lush, an environment that produces many hot peppers and chilis, including the tribute pepper, Sichuan pepper, and Erjingtiao chilli.I first ate this in London’s Chinatown […]

double cooked pork belly

Saigon summer roll


Saigon summer rolls (Nem cuốn) often contain a combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and sometimes protein, all wrapped in rice paper. Different variations may include the use of different herbs, vegetables, or protein choices based on individual tastes and regional preferences.When Vietnam, opened up in the 1990’s, I was in Hong Kong, so my colleague and I went to Saigon for the weekend. With the help of a photocopy of a hand-drawn map bought in a side alley, we tracked down the address of a building used by my father (then a British army intelligence officer) as his HQ in […]

Saigon summer roll

Grilled Portuguese sardines


Grilled Portuguese sardines make a classic dish, often celebrated for their simplicity and delicious flavours. Mrs F and I visited Portugal many years ago and found a small market not far from Lisbon. One of the staff was cooking sardines served on fresh, crispy bread. There is something particularly good about eating grilled fresh fish in the open air.

grill portuguese sardines

Hilib Ari


  Somaliland, a self-declared independent state, is known for its rich culinary traditions, often incorporating locally available ingredients such as camel meat, which is a staple in many dishes. One of the popular dishes featuring camel meat is “Hilib Ari,” a traditional Somali grilled camel meat recipe. My visit in December 2019 also taught me not to try camel milk before a long journey. My hosts suggested it would have had a laxative effect. When we got back from the long drive from Hargeisa to Berbera (and back), I tried camel milk tea and noticed no particular ‘side effects’.

Beef bulgogi


  Beef bulgogi is a popular Korean dish known for its sweet and savory flavors. Here’s a simple recipe to make beef bulgogi at home:

Warming baked butternut squash


  Baked butternut squash with ginger, garlic, and orange juice is a delightful dish that brings together a combination of sweet and savoury flavours. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for you:This dish is not specific to any one region but draws on flavours that are popular in many culinary traditions. Butternut squash is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in numerous ways, and the combination of ginger, garlic, and orange juice adds a delicious and unique twist to this dish.I first cooked this when I lived in Rugby

Aloo bhindi


  Here’s a delicious recipe for Potatoes cooked with Okra in a flavorful base of spices, garlic, and onions.

Beef gravy


  Beef gravy has a deep, meaty taste that complements the flavours of slow roast beef. It can also be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or other side dishes to add moisture and a robust, savoury element to the meal. Beef gravy is a classic accompaniment to many comfort foods and hearty meals, providing a satisfying and flavorful addition to the dining experience.The best beef gravy does not come out of a packet. Instead, the gravy is made using the vegetable stock resulting from par-boiling the vegetables, a roux made using fat and juices from the roasted meat and plain […]

beef gravy