This Auckland suburb is a MUST for food lovers- it's not the one you're thinking of!

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Almond milk is lower in calories and can mimic creaminess.

prawn

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: tofu

Tofu is a plant-based protein and more affordable.

spices

🥗Healthier: fresh herbs

💰Cheaper: dried herbs

Dried herbs are often less expensive and have a longer shelf life.

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Chicken thighs are often cheaper and remain juicy after cooking.

Visit Taisumyun Malaysian restaurant in Northcote, Auckland.

Order five Sarawakian dishes after consulting with Mr. Lee, the chef and owner.

Watch Mr. Lee prepare kolo mee by adding minced pork, pork lard, crispy shallots, and coating the noodles in egg.

Observe the addition of prawns, fishcake, and choy sum to the kolo mee.

Learn about the special ingredient, homemade red rice wine, added to the fried noodle soup.

See Mr. Lee prepare Sarawak laksa with a spice paste and coconut milk, layering rice noodles at the bottom.

Watch the preparation of tomato kuay teow, where a hefty amount of tomato sauce is added to flat rice noodles, along with prawns, choy sum, chicken, and fishcake.

Taste the Taisumyun fried noodles, noting the wok hei flavor and the delicious coating of egg on the noodles.

Try the fried noodle soup, appreciating the depth added by the homemade rice wine and the balance of flavors.

Enjoy the Sarawak laksa, identifying the punchy spice paste and array of toppings including fried tofu, prawns, shredded chicken, and rice noodles.

Transition to a Korean BBQ restaurant nearby, noting the proximity of the two restaurants.

Order pork belly and galbi for the BBQ, and observe the banchan side dishes being served.

Watch the pork belly being grilled at the table, getting crispy and charred.

Dip the grilled pork belly in ssamjang and wrap it in blanched cabbage to eat.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens