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Sarawak Laksa in Singapore: 5 Authentic & Affordable Spots to Try

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By Ng Ai Fern

Sarawak dishes have quietly made their way into Singapore’s multicultural dining landscape. And while Sarawakians and Singaporeans share many things in common, one thing Sarawakians remain fiercely proud of is our Sarawak Laksa.

Ask any Sarawakian and you’ll hear the same answer: Singapore Laksa, Penang Laksa, Adam Road Laksa, curry laksa… none match the identity or depth of Sarawak Laksa.

Sarawak Laksa is Sarawak Laksa.

Unlike Kuching, where you must wake up early before your favourite stall sells out, many Sarawak laksa stalls in Singapore operate throughout the day.  

Here are five authentic and affordable spots – not ranked but simply a personal guide – for anyone missing the taste of home or introducing Singaporean friends to Sarawak flavours.

1. Mao You Sarawak KoloMee & Laksa 

Voted as one of the most loved Sarawak laksa stalls in an online poll organised by STATOS , Mao You has built a following for its straightforward, Sarawak-focused menu: Laksa, Kolo Mee (Mee Pok, Kueh Tiao, Mee Hoon), and Kampua.

During my visit on a Saturday afternoon, the laksa had just sold out, so I ordered kolo mee, only to be called back moments later: “Still got laksa broth – I can make two bowls for you.” A true ‘kaki nang’ moment indeed when you meet somebody from the same hometown.

I was served a comforting bowl of laksa that tasted unmistakably like home: richly fragrant, topped with fresh deveined prawns and sliced chicken instead of the usual shredded version. Their bowls feature a cute cat cartoon, and even the serving trays have paw prints.

Mao You now operates two outlets, including one in Woodlands.

Location: 422 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 (near Ang Mo Kio MRT)

Price: $6.50 / $7.50 (Sarawak Laksa with beehoon), $7 / $8 (noodles)

Exterior view of Mao You Sarawak KoloMee & Laksa stall at Ang Mo Kio, Singapore.
Mao You Sarawak KoloMee & Laksa at Ang Mo Kio.
A bowl of Sarawak Laksa from Mao You, topped with fresh prawns and sliced chicken, served in a cat-themed bowl.
Mao You’s comforting Sarawak Laksa – fragrant, familiar and proudly Sarawakian.

2. Sarawak Delicacy Laksa & Kolo Mee (Bedok)

True to their tagline “taste like home, bringing the true flavours of Sarawak to Singapore”,  Sarawak Delicacy founded by a Sarikei-born owner, has grown steadily over nine years and now runs five outlets islandwide. 

Their original Bedok stall sits in a neighbourhood long favoured by East Malaysians and is also where I had my first Sarawak Laksa in Singapore more than 20 years ago, back when it was rarely found here.

The owner’s son asked whether I preferred xiang cai (coriander) as garnish. After I finished the laksa, he asked for my feedback and immediately went to taste the broth himself – a sign of how seriously they take authenticity.

Their outlets offer variations, from laksa and kolo mee to tomato fried noodles, kampua, minced meat rice and more. 

Location:  204 Bedok North Street 1 (minutes away from Bedok MRT)  

Price: $6.60/ $8.30 (Sarawak Laksa with beehoon), $7.10/ $8.80 Sarawak Laksa (noodle) 

Sarawak Delicacy Laksa & Kolo Mee stall Singapore.
Sarawak Delicacy, serving Sarawak flavours for nearly a decade.
Sarawak Delicacy’s laksa bowl, featuring prawns, chicken strips, and fragrant broth.
Sarawak Delicacy’s laksa reflects the stall’s commitment to authentic Sarawak flavours.

3. Lin Yu Mei Sarawak Laksa

Their original Haig Road stall was under renovation when I visited, so I headed to their outlet at the world’s coolest street Joo Chiat.


The air-conditioned space offers a wider menu than expected: hotpot, fish soup, and several restaurant-style dishes. A large poster featuring Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee dominates the wall.

When taking my order, the staff asked, “Prawn or fishball?”  While the broth is authentic Sarawak laksa, I was served with chilli sauce, instead of the typical Belacan. 

Location:  151 Joo Chiat Road  (about 10–12 minutes’ walk or 3 minutes by car from Eunos MRT)

Price: $8.50 Sarawak Laksa (comes with a hot coffee or tea) 

Lin Yu Mei Sarawak Laksa storefront at Joo Chiat Road in Singapore.
The Joo Chiat outlet of Lin Yu Mei Sarawak Laksa.
Bowl of Sarawak Laksa from Lin Yu Mei at Joo Chiat, served with prawns and thick, aromatic broth.
A rich bowl of Sarawak Laksa from Lin Yu Mei’s Joo Chiat outlet, enjoyed with a choice of prawns or fishballs.

4. Tracy’s Sarawak Kitchen

Located just outside Aljunied MRT, this stall is easy to miss, but its regulars never do. It enjoys a strong following and was voted one of the most loved Sarawak food stalls in a STATOS online poll, with media coverage displayed proudly.

Expect a queue during lunch hours. Most of the staff are Sarawakians, and one shared that the majority of customers are Malaysians from across East and West Malaysia, all seeking familiar flavours.

The menu includes Wok-Wei Stir-Fried Kolo Mee, Manicai Longevity Noodles, and Tomato Crispy Noodles, alongside their laksa. The laksa I had on a hot afternoon, paired with delicious sambal belacan, truly hit the spot.

They also operate outlets at myVillage Mall and Choa Chu Kang.

Location: Geylang Lor 25A (outside Aljunied MRT) 

Price: $6.90 for Sarawak Laksa

Front view of Tracy’s Sarawak Kitchen stall outside Aljunied MRT.
Tracy’s Sarawak Kitchen, located just outside Aljunied MRT.
Tracy’s Sarawak Kitchen laksa bowl, served with sambal belacan at Aljunied in Singapore.
Tracy’s Sarawak Laksa is a lunchtime favourite among Malaysians in Singapore.

5. Sarawak Kolo Mee & Laksa

This stall has been in operation for over eight years and became especially popular during the COVID period, when many Sarawakians could not travel home. Weekends here often feel like a small Kuching gathering with familiar faces, familiar accents, and familiar food.

Their menu focuses on three staples: Sarawak Laksa, Kolo Mee, and Kuching-style wanton soup, with kolo mee offered in white (plain), red (char siew oil), or black (dark soy sauce). The camera-shy lady boss and her sister run the stall with a focus on quality over expansion.

Recently, they added a second stall right next door, run by Jong, the boss’s 18-year-old godson from Tapah, Kuching. The new menu includes Heng Hua noodles, tomato noodles, and fried longevity noodles with manis vegetables. When I visited, it was their first day, and the longevity noodles were already a hit.

Come early on weekends, and remember to check their Facebook page beforehand. The owners close occasionally for well-deserved time off.

Location: Blk 25 New Upper Changi Road # (minutes walk from Bedok MRT) 

Price: $5/6/7 Sarawak Laksa 

Jong, the 18-year-old godson of the owner, standing in front of the new stall at Bedok.
Jong, the owner’s 18-year-old godson from Tapah, Kuching, beginning his first day at the new stall next to Sarawak Kolo Mee & Laksa offering Heng Hua noodles and longevity noodles.
Bowl of Sarawak Laksa from the Bedok stall, featuring prawns, chicken and smooth beehoon.
A classic bowl of Sarawak Laksa from the Bedok stall, a comforting favourite for Sarawakians living in Singapore.

Sarawak laksa stalls continue to pop up across the island. After enjoying a hearty bowl in Bedok recently, I even came across a new stall called “Fat Cat” that had opened just three weeks earlier. With strong air links between Singapore and Kuching, Miri and Sibu, and AirBorneo launching soon, home feels physically close for many Sarawakians here.

For Sarawakians, a bowl of Sarawak Laksa has always represented something deeper – a taste of identity, comfort, and memory. It’s a reminder that sometimes, home is just one good bowl away.

Assorted Sarawak Laksa bowls from various stalls across Singapore, showcasing different toppings and presentations.
From Ang Mo Kio to Bedok, each Sarawak Laksa bowl tells its own story, and every story tastes like home.

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5 things to know about the beneficial ‘bedak sejuk’ that no one talks about

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Growing up in Malaysia, you may or may not have heard of this traditional beauty regime. Widely used among the Malay community, ‘bedak sejuk’ is a facial mask that will turn your face a ghostly white for one night as it works its magic.

The phrase ‘bedak sejuk’ in Malay is directly translated as ‘cold talcum’.

If you have never heard of it, here are five things you need to know about ‘bedak sejuk’ which is still widely used today.

1.The key is in the rice.

This traditional facial mask is basically made of rice. The quality of a good ‘bedak sejuk’ depends on the quality of the rice.

To make your own bedak sejuk, the rice firstly must be soaked in an air-tight container for about four to six months. You have to remember to replace the water from time to time.

After the end of soaking period, the rice will turn soft. Then, put in a little bit of rose water and pinch the mushy rice into small teardrop shapes (see pic below). Dry the ‘bedak sejuk’ in the sun before storing them in an air-tight container. (Some people would store the ‘bedak sejuk’ with pandan leaves to make it more fragrant.)

If it is too much of a hassle to make, you can find them at the local grocery store, especially in the kampung areas.

5 things to know about the beneficial ‘bedak sejuk’ that no one talks about
Mix these bedak sejuk drops with water to make a paste before applying it on your face like a facial mask.
2.Traditionally, women used it during their confinement or postpartum period.

‘Bedak sejuk’ is usually used by Malay women after giving birth. This is to revitalise their skin after all the hormones changes during their pregnancies.

To apply them, take a bit of the bedak sejuk and mix it with water to turn it into paste. Then, cover your face with the paste like a mask and leave it on overnight. Wash your face as usual in the morning.

3.‘Bedak sejuk’ is believed to have many benefits.

Many believe that this facial mask gives plenty of benefits. It is good to smoothen your skin, reduce the oiliness of your face, the appearance of pimples as well as peel away dead skin.

Some people even go as far as covering their whole body with ‘bedak sejuk’ because of its aftereffect which leaves the skin feeling silky and smooth.

4.There is no scientific research done on it so far.

However, no scientific research has been conducted to prove that ‘bedak sejuk’ really works.

But there are many beauty brands out there that use rice as the base ingredient for their products. These include Rorec, Chriszen, The Face Shop and Skinfood.

5.There are other cultures that use rice in their beauty regime too.

The Malay community is not the only one which has been using rice as part of their beauty regime.

The Koreans have been using rice-infused water to wash their faces for generations. They believe it brightens the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties.

The Yao people, a minority in China and Vietnam, use rice water to wash their hair. In Japan, Geishas use yu-su-ru (boiled-down rice water) to wash their faces. It helps to keep their skin elastic, smooth and fair.

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KajoTries: 5 homemade beauty remedies and they actually worked

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You have seen homemade beauty remedies on Pinterest and various social media. You have heard people testify them.

Yet, you have never tried them yourself.

Fret not, here are some homemade beauty remedies tried and tested by KajoMag:

1. Coconut oil as hair mask

Massage your scalp with coconut oil before going to bed. Rinse out with shampoo the next morning.

Continue this routine for weeks and you will notice that your hair will become less frizzy.

Coconut oil helps to moisturise and smoothen hair.

homemade beauty remedies
Coconut oil as one of homemade beauty remedies. Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya.

2. Butter as lip conditioner

If you have chapped lips, this is the most simple and cheapest homemade beauty product for you.

Before going to bed, apply a thin layer of butter on your lips. (Yes, you read right.) Even margarine will do.

Be prepared to wake up with soft and luscious lips.

Besides butter, coconut oil is also good for dry and cracked lips. Apply it on your lips several times a day.

KajoTries: 5 homemade beauty remedies and they actually worked
Apply a thin layer of butter on your lips before going to bed. Credit: Pixabay.

3. Homemade nose pore strip

All you need is one egg white and a paper towel.

Dip the paper towel into the egg white and place it on your nose. Then wait for it to dry.

The best part of this homemade beauty product is that it is affordable and it works.

The disadvantages of using this? You have to bear with the smell of egg while waiting for it to dry. Plus, it takes longer than your usual store-bought nose pore strip. But think of the savings!

KajoTries: 5 homemade beauty remedies and they actually worked
Use white egg to make your own homemade nose pore strip.

4. Apple cider vinegar facial toner

First of all, this homemade beauty product is not suitable for everybody, especially those with sensitive skin.

However, for some, apple cider vinegar works wonders as a facial toner.

You can find many different ratios of apple cider vinegar to water mixtures online.

If you are not sure which ratio works best with you, start with one part apple cider vinegar to four parts water first.

Then slowly adjust the ratio according to your preference.

Apply the toner to your cleansed face with a cotton pad, avoiding the eye area.

After several weeks, your face should feel smoother and tighter.

5. Foot scrub

The basic formula for homemade scrub is one cup of white or brown sugar and a quarter cup of olive, almond or coconut oil.

Simply try to mix and match your own ingredients with your preferred essential oil.

We have tried mixing one cup of white sugar and a quarter cup coconut oil with a few drops of lavender essential oil.

Our verdict: the smell of coconut may overpower the lavender but it scrubs away dead skin just fine.

Other concoctions you can try are brown sugar, olive oil and orange essential oil or white sugar, olive oil and peppermint essential oils.

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6 essential handbags for the everyday influential fashionista

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Tennis player Maria Sharapova once said, “I want my handbags and my shoes to be stylish but I want to make sure that they’re versatile. I travel and I have to make sure the pieces I put into my bag can go with a dress or with shorts or jeans.”

Surely, there are many women out there who can relate with Sharapova when it comes to handbags. We’re not just carrying small everyday items anymore, we’re carrying our work essentials like our smartphones, our tablets, our notebooks, and even our power banks!

Nowadays, a handbag needs to be practical without sacrificing fashion.

Choose the perfect handbags for your needs. Credit: Pixabay.
Choose the perfect handbag for your needs. Credit: Pixabay.

If you are stuck when it comes to choosing a handbag, here is a guideline of what types of handbags out there will suit all your uses.

1. Tote bag

handbags
A good old tote bag is definitely one of the must-have handbags. Photo by Sueda Dilli:

If it is a large bag with a wide mouth which usually comes unfastened or at least with a single magnetic closure, that is what they call a tote bag.

The word ‘tote’ means ‘to carry’ and can be traced back to the 17th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century when the tote bag itself became a thing.

Tote bags can look totes sleek (think the Birkin bag), smart casual (like the slouchy tote bag) or great for a day-trip at the beach.

Apart from being widely used as a day bag for work, a tote bag is also the best on-the-go bag for a shopping trip.

It is simply because you can stuff everything inside.

2. Bucket bag

essential handbags
According to us, one of the must-have handbags is definitely a bucket bag. Photo by Tal Gold

As the name goes, a bucket bag is shaped like a bucket with a stretchable opening. It’s usually fastened with a tie and makes quick work of opening and closing instead of a zip.

If you are opting for more of a casual look, the bucket bag is perfect for you.

It looks less polished than the formal-looking tote bag but it’s single compartment and its barrel-shape makes it easy for you to toss in a lot of things, including odd-shaped objects like a water bottle.

3. Cross-body bag

handbags
You can never go wrong with a crossbody bag. Photo by Berna:

This bag comes with a long, sturdy strap that enables it to be worn across the body.

The perfect cross-body bag should be able to fit your necessities such as your wallet, smartphone and some makeup essentials such as compact powder and lipstick.

This is perfect for the girl who wants some freedom of movement and needs to keep their important things close.

4. Wristlet

handbags
Photo by ge yonk.

A wristlet is an upgraded version of a clutch which allows you to keep strictly to your essentials.

It comes with a straplet for you to loop around your wrist and is perfect for you to bring out for a night on the town and dance freely.

5. Hobo

A hobo bag is a crescent-shaped handbag made from soft, slouchy materials and a single strap.

It’s called a hobo bag because it looks like the shape of the bundle on a stick that you see hobos in cartoons carry over their shoulder.

It is perfect for those who are not fans of rectangular or squarish-looking bags and prefer something with softer material.

6. Evening clutch

6 essential handbags for the everyday influential fashionista
Photo by Mikhail Nilov:

A clutch is what you need to complete your evening look. It is a bag that you simply need to ‘clutch’ onto during a formal dinner.

Pick a simple black or gold clutch for a timeless style or go wild with a pop of colour.

Invest in a good quality clutch because this is one fashion item we could use over and over again.

How many times do we get to wear our evening gowns anyway?

Are you looking for more fashion inspiration? Here are 10 K-dramas to watch for some fashion-inspo.

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Discover 8 types of delectable Kuching foods to eat in Cat City

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Kuching is known for its incredible variety of food, and locals don’t hesitate to defend their favourite food stalls. Ask any Kuchingite where to eat and you’ll get passionate, detailed recommendations because good food is part of the city’s identity.

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a mid-day snack, everyone has their go-to spots and personal must-try dishes.

For first-timers here to the Cat City, here is our list of must-try, affordable Kuching food when you are in town.

1. Kolo mee

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Kolo mee can be found at just about any coffeeshop here.

Considered by many as Kuching’s poster-child for noodle dishes, kolo mee is an all time favourite among Kuchingites.

Though traditionally a breakfast staple, you’ll find it served well into lunch, dinner… and even as a post-clubbing comfort meal.

A classic bowl features springy yellow noodles tossed in a light seasoning, then topped with char siew, minced meat and chopped scallions.

Simple, comforting and endlessly satisfying, a bowl of kolo mee typically costs around RM5, depending on the toppings you choose.

2. Laksa

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This bowl of sumptuous, fiery goodness has an international appeal – even Anthony Bourdain couldn’t resist it.

I may be biased, but I find Sarawak laksa is the best kind compared to other varieties of laksas around Malaysia, from the tangy Penang Assam Laksa to the rich Johor Laksa.

Even the late Anthony Bourdain sang its praises, calling it the ‘Breakfast of the Gods’ during his second visit here to Kuching in 2016, a visit that helped cement Sarawak Laksa’s reputation as the undisputed Queen of Malaysian laksas.

A typical bowl features bee hoon (rice vermicelli) layered with prawns, shredded chicken, omelette strips and crunchy bean sprouts, all submerged in its star component: a deeply aromatic, spicy broth. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of fresh coriander.

If you’re tasting Sarawak Laksa for the first time, take a moment to savour the fragrance of the broth, a complex blend of chilli, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, aniseed, cumin and a medley of other spices that give it its signature depth.

3. Mee hijau/Spinach noodles

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Light and savoury Mee Hijau.

As its name suggests, Mee Hijau features vibrant green spinach noodles, often served with either char siew or roasted chicken depending on the stall’s style.

Spinach is blended directly into the noodle dough to create its signature colour, giving the noodles a naturally earthy aroma. At Chong Chon, the green noodles are delightfully chewy and springy, soaking up the savoury richness of the beef broth they’re served in.

Simply delicious, spinach noodles are also a great option for those who may not love vegetables but still want a tasty, fibre-rich meal. Bon appétit!

Chong Chon Green Noodle at 3rd Mile, Kuching
The iconic Chong Chon Green Noodle at 3rd Mile, Kuching

4. Mee sapi/Beef noodles

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One of the most popular places to get Mee Sapi is at Green Hill, Kuching

If kolo mee is the loud, attention-seeking sibling, then mee sapi, or beef noodles, is the calmer one of the two.

This simple yet hearty noodle dish is often overlooked when non-Kuchingites ask which local specialties they should try while in town.

Although it looks similar to kolo mee, mee sapi comes topped with tender slices of beef, bean sprouts and chopped scallions. It’s the perfect noodle dish for breakfast as it can be comforting, warm and satisfying.

You can enjoy it “dry,” with the noodles served separately alongside a bowl of steaming hot beef broth, or as Mee Sapi Sup, where everything comes together in one bowl.

Mee sapi is widely available across Kuching, but my favourite spot for a freshly prepared bowl is Green Hill (non-halal) in downtown Kuching.

5. Cha Kueh

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One of the best snack foods to be eaten with friends.

Cha Kueh – white radish typically fried with egg and sweet soy sauce – is usually served in a generous portion, often as a shared side dish while everyone waits for their main orders to arrive.

(Or am I the only one who does that?)

Compared to the other dishes on this list, Cha Kueh is usually the fastest to reach your table, often taking just about five minutes depending on the queue at the stall.

6. Kueh Chap

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Kueh Chap, the ultimate Kuching food for those who love pork.

If you love pork, you will love this classic Kuching comfort food.

Kueh Chap is a Teochew dish made up of a whole variety of piggy parts – pork belly, pork intestines, pork meat – served with a boiled egg and wide, flat rice noodle sheets, all drenched in a rich, aromatic herbal broth.

It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a slow morning or a rainy Kuching afternoon.

7. Mani Chai Bee Hoon

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Mani Chai Bee Hoon.

Depending on which stall you visit, you’ll find a local vegetable called Mani Chai in Chinese, or cangkuk manis in Malay. This dark, leafy green is a Sarawak favourite, and Mani Chai Bee Hoon is one of the simplest yet most beloved ways to enjoy it.

In Sarawak, Mani Chai Bee Hoon is a rice vermicelli dish stir-fried with egg and Mani Chai. Since it’s practically a household staple, some places even serve it with sliced meat or fish cakes for extra flavour.

You can find this comforting Kuching dish in almost any coffeeshop across the city.

8. Nasi Goreng Dabai

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Nasi Goreng Dabai.

Dabai (Canarium odontophyllum) is a local fruit unique to Sarawak. Its outer skin is glossy black, while the bright yellow flesh surrounds a single elongated seed.

Preparing dabai is surprisingly easy – simply soak the fruit in hot water for about 15 minutes until they soften. Once tender, pull the flesh from the seed and enjoy it with a little soy sauce and salt.

9. Mee Tomato

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Mee Tomato at Open Air Market, Kuching.

Tomato noodles, or Mee Tomato, was my absolute favourite noodle dish when I was growing up.

Mee Tomato is typically made with either yellow noodles or crispy noodles, topped with chicken or char siew and drenched in a thick, tangy tomato sauce.

A plate of this reddish-orange goodness is pure comfort – sweet, savoury and nostalgic in every bite.

If you are looking for a more comprehensive list of Kuching food, check out this article.

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10 non-spicy Korean dishes you should try before you die

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Non-spicy Korean dishes do exists, despite the fact that they are known for its spiciness.

The best part is that they are equally delicious.

If you feel like eating Korean cuisine but could not handle the heat, try these non-spicy Korean dishes dishes instead.

1. Jajangmyeon

If you are a fan of K-dramas or Korean variety shows, you must be familiar with this food.

The main component of this Korean noodle dish is its sauce, made of chunjang or black bean sauce, ground pork and vegetables.

The sauce is thick and served hot over thick noodles made from white wheat flour.

For those who prefer rice instead of noodles, the rice variation of this dish is jajangbap made with the same sauce but served with rice.

Imagine a heavier taste of soy sauce with a thicker texture – that is what jajang sauce tastes like.

If you are not a fan of soy sauce however, you might not like jajangmyeon either.

non-spicy Korean dishes
Jajang Rice, one of many non-spicy Korean dishes that you must try. 

2. Sujebi

Sujebi or hand-pulled dough soup is one of my personal favourite non-spicy Korean dishes.

It has a refreshing broth with noodles roughly torn by hand served with vegetables.

Malaysians can compare sujebi to local pan mian with kelp instead of mani chai.

Once you’ve tried it, you might start craving for sujebi especially during the rainy season.

sujebi-726026_1280
One of the non-spicy food to try, Sujebi! Photo credits: Pixabay.

3. Kimbap

10 non-spicy Korean dishes you should try before you die
Image by jinsoo jang from Pixabay

This rice-roll wrapped in seaweed is so irresistible and perfect for light lunches.

There are varieties of fillings of kimbap including cheese, egg strips, carrot, cucumber, kimchi, ham, tuna, stir-fried beef and spicy cooked squid.

4. Bibimbap

This dish was listed at number 40 on the World’s 50 most delicious foods reads’ poll compiled by CNN Travel.

Bibimbap literally translates to “mixed rice”. It is usually a bowl of rice topped with sauteed and seasoned vegetables and gochujang (chilli pepper paste).

To make the non-spicy version of this dish – just replace gochujang with doenjang (soybean paste).

Vegetables commonly used are cucumber, radish, mushroom, soybean sprouts and seaweed.

Historically, bibimbap was served to the king for lunch or a between-meals snack. However, nowadays it is a perfect dish for any time of the day.

10 non-spicy Korean dishes you should try before you die
Image by Nikki from Pixabay

5.Doenjang jjigae or doenjang guk

Doenjang or soybean paste is used by Koreans as a seasoning or as a dipping condiment.

This paste can be used to make doenjang jjigae (soybean stew) and doenjang guk (soybean soup).

Other ingredients usually added to both these dishes are mushrooms, tofu, potatoes, radishes, seafood and meat.

The difference is that doenjang jjigae is heartier, thicker compared to doenjang guk.

6.Bulgogi

If you love meat, this is the dish for you.

To make bulgogi, one can either grill thinly cut slices of meat (pork or beef) or stir-fry them.

What makes the meat flavourful is all thanks to its seasoning which is a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, black pepper, onions and interestingly enough, pureed pears.

Bulgogi rice

7. Japchae

If the Thais have their pad thai, the Koreans have their japchae to brag about.

The star of this dish is dangmyeon, a type of cellophane noodle made from sweet potato starch.

It is cooked with various ingredients such as carrots, spinach, and onions.

Every ingredient is stir fried separately before being mixed together and season with soy sauce and sesame oil.

8.Galbitang

This non-spicy dish is usually served at wedding receptions.

Galbitang literally means “short ribs soup”. It is a clear dish made by slowly simmering galbi for hours.

It is fits for the royals as there were records of galbitang to be served in Korean royal banquets in the 1890s.

9. Kalguksu

Similar to sujebe, this dish is made of handmade, knife-cut wheat flour noodles served in a hearty broth.

The broth is commonly made with dried anchovies and kelp or chicken.

There are various types of kalguksu including snail kalguksu, perilla seed kalguksu and millet kalguksu.

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A bowl of hearty kalguksu. Photo credits: Pixabay.

10. Naengmyeon

10 non-spicy Korean dishes you should try before you die
Image by manseok Kim from Pixabay

The Japanese are not the only who are known for its cold noodle.

In South Korea, naengmyeon is long, thin noodle served with iced broth, cucumbers, pears and radish.

Because its served cold, the dish is a famous dish during the summer season.

Sometimes the dish is served with gochujang but the non-spicy version of this is made with beef and radish broth.

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10 cherished Malaysian childhood snacks we grew up with in the ’90s

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Malaysian childhood snacks play important parts in our core memories, do you agree?

Even though we could only watch two TV channels on RTM before TV3 and NTV7 came along, growing up in Malaysia in the ’90s was not that bad.

We could only watch cartoons at 5 pm on weekdays, which gave us more reason to play outside.

And our local kuih only cost 10 to 20 sen per piece back then.

Apart from that, our memories growing up in the ’90s wouldn’t be complete without a look back at our favourite Malaysian childhood snacks.

Let us walk you down memory lane of 10 Malaysian childhood snacks we grew up with:

1. Colourful Lollies

Drink it or freeze it first, either way you cannot get enough of these.
Drink it straightaway or put it in the freezer first; either way you can’t get enough of these.

Some people like to twist the top off with their teeth and drink it first while most of us love to freeze it before enjoying it.

Raise your hand if you were one of those people who twisted these frozen lollies apart and shared it with your friend.

2. Nano Nano Candy

“Nano, nano, nano, nano…”

Who can forget this addictive jingle from Nano Nano candy’s advertisement?

Originally from Indonesia, this candy has a distinctive taste of sweet, sour and salty combined, just like the song says.

3. Polo mints

Polo candy.
The unmistakable mint with the hole in the middle.

This is perhaps the most popular breath mint in the world. It has a distinguishing feature that everybody recognises even without the packaging – the hole in the middle.

Originating from the United Kingdom, these mints were developed by Rowntree’s (which also developed Kit Kat) in 1939 but it was only introduced to the market in 1947.

Now you can find Polo mints almost everywhere in the world including Malaysia.

4. Tora and Ding Dang

Were you a Tora fan or a Ding Dang fan?
Were you a Tora or a Ding Dang fan?

Malaysian Childhood Snacks (5)

No one bought Tora and Ding Dang for the snacks. Everybody bought it for the toy inside.
And usually the toy wouldn’t last a day until it broke.

5. Ligo Raisins

Sweet old Ligo raisins.
Sweet old Ligo raisins.

There was this rumour circulating around in the ’90s that raisins could help boost your memory.

Soon enough, people started munching on packs of Ligo Raisins during their lunch break.

Whether they really helped to improve the memories of ’90s kids, who cares? These were, and still are, tasty and addictive snacks.

6. Haw flakes

Have some haw flakes.
The tiny yet addictive Haw Flakes.

Haw Flakes are probably one of the most iconic Malaysian childhood snacks that goes as far back as the ’70s .

Do you know it is actually made from the fruit of the Chinese hawthorn tree?

Besides Haw Flakes, this fruit is widely used as candied fruit slices and jam.

7.Apollo Layer Cake

They started with vanilla and chocolate layered cake.

Now they offer various flavours including pandan, cocoa, strawberry, red cherry, blueberry, kaya, coffee and even banana.

8.White Rabbit candy

Who can forget the thin layer sheet wrapped around this candy that melt in your mouth?

Most of us would lick the sheet first before popping the whole thing into our mouths!

9. Mamee Monster

According to Mamee Monster’s official website, it was introduced to the market in 1972.

Now it is one of the most popular snacks in Malaysia.

Apart from Mamee Monster, the same company also produces other household names for snacks such as Mister Potato, Corntoz and Double Decker.

10. Ice Gem Biscuits

Do not underestimate this particular snack, these Iced Gem Biscuits have a history that dates all the way back to the 1850s.

Thomas Huntley started to sell these mini biscuits in Reading, Britain.

Sixty years later in 1910, they added the crunchy icing, which is how the Iced Gem Biscuit was born.

Are your favourite Malaysian childhood snacks not in the list? Let us know in the comment box.

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KajoReviews: Sakuraco, Japanese premium snack box Flavours of Hakone edition

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Even though you have never ordered this, you might have seen this snack box being promoted by your favourite influencer or Youtuber.

It was also featured on Forbes, BuzzFeed, Vice, Cosmopolitan and even The New York Times.

Sakuraco is a monthly curated Japanese snack box.

In each box, there are 20 authentic Japanese snacks and candy as well as the perfect tea to pair with them.

It also comes with a 24-page guide so you can read the stories of where your snacks come from.

To complete this unique experience, every box will have home goods such as ceramics, chopstick or furoshiki (traditional Japanese wrapping cloths) sourced from traditional makers.

The snack box that arrives to your home is different every month so you will never get tired of trying the same thing.

They work closely with many Japanese family-owned businesses who dedicated their lives to the art of snack making.

For the month of May 2024, Sakuraco collaborated with Kanagawa Prefectural Government to bring their customers Flavours of Hakone.

It is a snack box pay to tribute to Hakone, a historical place with breathtaking natural beauty which situated amidst the mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture.

Travellers have been dipping in Hakone’s revitalising onsen or hot springs for centuries.

Flavours of Hakone would bring any snack lovers a tour of this majestic place through their palate without having step out from their homes.

With 20 different snacks and candies to choose from, it is hard to pick your favourites.

After trying them all, here are KajoMag’s three favourite snacks from Flavours of Hakone courtesy from Sakuraco:

1.Strawberry Milk Almonds

KajoReviews: Sakuraco, Japanese premium snack box Flavours of Hakone edition

This simple, crunchy snack is made from almonds with strawberry milk coating.

Despite its rich coating, it is not too sweet and has the perfect balance tastes of nutty almond and fruity strawberry.

2.White Miso Financier

KajoReviews: Sakuraco, Japanese premium snack box Flavours of Hakone edition

Who would have thought that white miso would make a great ingredient for a financier?

A financier is a traditionally small French almond visitandine, flavoured with beurre noisette while white miso is a mild fermented Japanese soybean paste.

The saltiness of the miso surprisingly enhanced the sweetness of the cake, making it a perfect companion for a well-brewed tea.

Despite the fact it is packaged and travelled from Japan to Borneo, this White Miso Financier still retains its softness and delicate texture.

3.Seven Flavours of Arare

KajoReviews: Sakuraco, Japanese premium snack box Flavours of Hakone edition

For those who are unfamiliar, arare is a type of bite-sized Japanese cracker made from glutinous rice and flavoured with soy sauce.

The bag of arare which comes in Sakuraco’s Flavours of Hakone contains various kind of flavours including such as seaweed, green laver and seaweed.

We only wish it comes with a bigger bag because this is perfect to munch on while watching TV.

4.Yokohama Raisin Sandwich

KajoReviews: Sakuraco, Japanese premium snack box Flavours of Hakone edition

Who doesn’t love a snack with a unique twist in it?

This snack is made of plump raisins soaked in brandy syrup and mixed with cream filling that are nestled between two buttery cookies.

Alcohol? Checked. Something sweet? Checked. Something creamy? Checked. Something buttery? Checked. Do we need to say more why we loved this snack?

It is just one of those snacks that makes you crave for more.

5.Matcha Konjac Warabimochi

KajoReviews: Sakuraco, Japanese premium snack box Flavours of Hakone edition

When you thought that this snack box couldn’t further surprise you even more? They had to put this unusual snack in to the mix.

Basically, it is just konjac jelly with matcha green tea.

However, the soft texture of the jelly and the light flavour of the green tea is perfect for those who are looking something light (and healthy) to snack on.

So who do we think should purchase Sakuraco?

KajoReviews: Sakuraco, Japanese premium snack box Flavours of Hakone edition

1.If you are a snack lover

First of all, Sakuraco is catered those who loved all kinds of snacks.

Every snack inside the box has its own distinct taste and texture. There is no snack or candy that is similar to the other.

If you are the type of foodie unafraid to explore unfamiliar tastes, Sakuraco is definitely for you.

2.If you are a tea lover

The founder of Sakuraco, Ayumi Chikamoto started this unique subscription to focus on traditional Japanese snacks that provide a relaxing afternoon tea experience.

Thus, this snack box is for you if you are a tea lover looking for something light to munch while sipping on your favourite tea.

3.If you love Japanese culture

Some have purchased Sakuraco because it reminds them of the country they once visit while others have bought it out of curiosity the land they wish to visit.

It doesn’t matter if you have visited the Land of the Rising Sun or it is still on your bucket list, give Sakuraco a try. You might find yourself booking your next trip to Japan.

4.If you are looking for a one-of-kind gift

Not everyone has the knack for selecting gift. There are some people just struggle to choose the perfect gift for their friends or family.

Regardless you are looking for a personal present or corporate gift, we bet that a curated traditional snack box is not something common to receive.

Imagine the face of your loved ones as they open one snack after the other when they received their very first Sakuraco, it is like opening up presents within the present itself.

To know more about thi subscription snack box, click here.

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How to throw a Vietnamese spring roll party at home

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A popular appetizer that can be found in most Vietnamese restaurants, a Vietnamese spring roll is a dish consisting of pork, prawn, vegetables, rice vermicelli and other ingredients wrapped in banh trang or rice paper.

It is served fresh at room temperature and not fried like Chinese spring rolls.

This dish also can be part of healthy diet for those who are looking for something with protein, lots of fresh vegetables and low in carbs.

But if you are looking for a fresh new idea to host a party at home, how about throwing a Vietnamese spring roll party for your guests?

It is a fun way to get your friends to gather round the table and DIY their own spring roll while catching up with each other.

Moreover, your guests who are watching out for their weight would not feel guilty feasting during the party.

With easy to prepare ingredients, here is how to throw a Vietnamese spring roll party at home:

How to throw a Vietnamese spring roll party at home
Image by Tonda Tran from Pixabay

1.First of all, you must have rice paper

Vietnamese rice papers are so easily available these days especially at supermarkets.

There are two types of rice paper that are commonly found in stores. The common one is the white rice paper made from white rice.

If you prefer brown rice over white, there is also brown rice paper for you to choose.

2.Prepare your protein

There are various meat fillings for Vietnamese spring roll. Typically, you can prepare pork slices and shrimp.

Other meats include fish, squid, beef, tofu and sausages.

If you are having a barbecue at home, laying down some extra ingredients for Vietnamese spring roll is definitely a good idea. Just toss some of those freshly grilled meat into your rolls.

3.Slice up your vegetables

Vietnamese spring rolls cannot go without fresh vegetables.

It is the freshness of these veggies that add different textures to your spring rolls.

Make use of your knife skill and slice up plenty of vegetables before your guests arrive.

You can chop up some carrots, cucumber, bell pepper or cabbage julienne-style.

On top of that, you can also prepare some herbs such as coriander, basil or mint to add extra flavour into the rolls.

4.Remember your rice noodles

Now, it is time to prepare some carbs. Boil ahead rice vermicelli according to the instructions.

Take note that different brands of rice noodles have different cooking time.

Watch out for the time so that you can cook your noodle to perfection.

5.Finally, spice them up with a variety of condiments

Vietnamese spring roll can be served with peanut sauce or other types of dipping sauces.

The simplest way to make the traditional Vietnamese dipping sauce is to add in some lime juice (or vinegar) into one part fish sauce, one part sugar and two parts water.

Other sauces that are perfect for these rolls are hoisin sauce and sweet Thai chilli sauce.

Recipes for these dipping sauces can be found online and the ingredients to make them are usually very simple.

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KajoPicks: 10 Housewife vloggers you might want to follow on YouTube

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20 years ago, you would never imagine a common housewife could have millions of followers online by just sharing what she did in her daily life like cooking and cleaning.

But that is the reality we live in today. People on the net are actually interested in watching a stranger doing something that our mothers or grandmothers did on a daily basis.

These housewife vloggers sometimes even scored impressive brand deals while making content at home.

There have been some debates online for examples on Reddit about the safety of producing family vlogs.

Questions are raised especially when parents are sharing too much online about their children with almost no regards for their privacy. For instances showing their children’s names, ages and faces as well as their bedrooms.

What makes these housewife vloggers on this list different from other typical family vlogs is that the focus are on them and their lives as homemakers.

Some of their children are not even in these vlogs and even if they did, their faces are never shown.

With the amount of times that they spent daily running their households, these amazing women naturally have many cooking and cleaning tips as well as recipes to share.

Here are 10 housewife vloggers you might want to follow on Youtube:

1.Roha

Roha is one of many South Korean housewife vloggers who has been sharing their lives online.

Her journey on YouTube started before she was pregnant with her first child. Now her daughter has grown into a toddler.

While it is fun watching her spending her daily life cooking and visiting cute cafes for her 609,000 subscribers, there is one video of hers that is definitely worth watching even if you are not a housewife.

It is a tutorial video on how to care and store your fresh ingredients in the kitchen.

Check out her channel here.

2.Haegreendal

With more than 2.2 million subscribers, Haegreendal sure proved that you can make it big online even while staying at home.

All of her videos were nicely recorded with pretty props and aesthetic vibes.

Unfortunately, her most recently uploaded video was back in February 2022.

Regardless, her old contents especially her recipes are still relevant to this day.

Check out her channel here.

3.Hamimommy

Hamimommy is a housewife in her mid-30s living in Seoul. She is currently taking a leave of absence from work to take care of her child.

During this break of hers, she is producing one of the best homemaking Youtube channels.

She started her channel in August 2019 and since then she has gathered at least 2.26 million subscribers on Youtube.

Her most popular video is a vlog of her daily cleaning routine which has more than 11 million views.

While her cleaning vlogs are so thearaputic to watch and might inspire to do your own cleaning, we also love her cooking meals for her family.

Check out her channel here.

4.Heymayday

Scrolling through heymayday’s channel and looking at her video titles, viewers can see that she is excited to share her life as a Korean housewife.

From showing her daily life as a Korean housewife, her winter life as a Korean housewife to a Korean housewife’s night routine, we can watch them all on her channel.

However, our favourite ones are videos of her sharing her favourite items that she uses at her home.

While we might not bother to buy them for our own homes such an auto sensor trash can from Xiaomi, still we enjoy watching strangers online using fancy stuffs at their homes.

Check out her channel here.

5.Tthne

A housewife that has a passion for crochet is not something rare.

This Youtuber shares not only her daily works as a homemaker but also her hobby crocheting.

Some of her crochet works include bag, indoor shoes and artificial flowers.

Overall, her vlog channel is about living a simple, relatable life as a housewife.

Check out her channel here.

6.Honeyjubu

With an impressive audience of 2.09 million subscribers on Youtube to date, Honeyjubu has been making content since December 2019.

Behind the camera lens, she is a simple housewife living in Seoul with her husband, two children and a cute puppy named Lucy.

Apart from sharing her daily life that usually starts from 5 in the morning, she also shares some homemaking tips to her viewers.

These tips include on how to store bulk ingredients and how to cut down on disposables.

Check out her channel here.

7.Housewife Story

Admit it; there is at least on homemaker that you personally know who is obsessed with cleaning.

This South Korean vlogger is definitely one of them.

Looking at the way she cleans, we bet there is no dust at every nook and cranny of her home.

If you are like her who finds pleasure and satisfaction in cleaning, do check out her channel.

Or if you need some inspiration to tidy, watching her clean on Youtube might inspire you.

Check out her channel here.

8.Heo-ssam

Speaking of cleanliness, are you the type that love to clean everything up to the point that you microwave your toothbrush?

This is one of many housekeeping tips shared by this housewife vloggers.

How about those icky stains on your grouts? Heo-ssam suggested in one of her videos to rub candle back and forth along the grouts after cleaning them. This will keep the grouts clean for a long time.

Check out her channel here.

9.SisLetter

What makes this channel different from the rest on the list is because it features two housewife vloggers.

The content of SisLetter is produced by two sisters Yohee and Joy who live on the opposite coasts of the United States.

Yohee who lives on the west coast is the older sister while Joy the younger sister lives on the east coast.

They both shares their daily lives of cooking and cleaning while raising their kids.

Check out their channel here.

10.Leni Mizzle

From South Korea, we are moving to Indonesia for our next homemaker Youtube channel.

Lenni Mizzle is a mother of two who shares her life online that circles around being a mom, homemaking and succulents.

Besides the usual contents of cooking and cleaning her house, she also shares some tips on planting succulents.

Check out their channel here.

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