The Malay Cook - by Ranie Saidi (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Over 70 recipes that celebrate the flavours of Malay cooking in Malaysia--the everyday food of the nation's majority, deeply rooted in history and heritage.

Through poignant anecdotes and the legacy of his grandmother's recipes, The Malay Cook traces Ranie's journey from Kuala Lumpur to London.

Over half the recipes are plant-based, perfect for communal dining, last-minute guests, parties and soirées, or enjoying a comforting one-pot meal on your own.

Malay cooking is a harmony of sweet, sour, salty, lemak manis (coconut creamy umami), and spice. In The Malay Cook, Ranie shares a rich collection of recipes, from his supperclub favourites, Tofu Bergedil and Satay Wings in the Savoury Snacks section, to Kerabu, a Malay salad that nods to Western salad culture; Northern Malaysia's Nasi Lemak platter and Royal Pesamah Guinea Fowl Stew in Rice & Sharer; comforting One-Pot Bean Stews and Curry Puffs; playful twists like Pandan Tiramisu in Sweet Treats; and in Che Aminah's Kitchen, his grandmother's much-loved Matrimonial Chicken. Ranie's recipes highlight everyday ingredients you can source locally, and the handy Malay Palate Flavour Table offers swaps and guidance, sharing the foundations of Malay cooking he has developed since moving to London. From slow-simmering stews to quick stir-fries, with flavour guides and Meal Planners, this book embraces tradition while adapting for the modern kitchen.

About the Author

Ranie Saidi, the founder of The Malay Cook supperclub, is a London-based recipe developer celebrating his Malaysian Malay heritage. A 2023 Yan Kit So award finalist, his cooking is inspired by the everyday Malay dishes his grandmother, a wedding catering cook, made while he was growing up. Ranie sells his Malay sauces through Delli Market and select stores, and hosts supper clubs at Soho House, Curry Club London and the Boundary Shoreditch. He has also been featured in the Financial Times and Olive magazine.