It did rain…very heavily the morning of the day Ivan was leaving. Nevertheless, I braved the storm and went to the market as I wanted to buy those giant freshwater “tua thow” (big headed) prawns or what we call udang galah in Malay to cook for lunch. That way, Ivan would get to enjoy a lot more before going home. If you were to go and eat it outside, they would probably give you two or three only, cut into halves to give you the illusion that you are being served a lot but in actual fact, you’re not.
This was the simple lunch we had at home that day…
My missus cooked the prawns with garlic and sesame oil…
This way, one would be able to savour the original freshness and the sweetness of the prawns without it being drowned out by all the seasoning and garnishing such as soy sauce, serai (lemon grass), kunyit (tumeric) and what not that one would use when cooking them in other ways.
I also got some midin (wild jungle fern) and she fried it with sambal udang kering (dried prawns)…
She also cooked some tofu soup, Foochow-style…
…and I got a bit of our Sarawak masak hitam beef…
…and our local version of the Indian rojak…
…from my regular kampung stalls at Bandung for Ivan to try.
He certainly enjoyed everything a great deal, especially the prawns – in fact, he took a photo of what we had that afternoon and uploaded it onto his wall on Facebook right away.
In keeping with the tradition that when someone gives you something, you will have to give a little something back in return instead of letting him or her go off empty-handed, I went and bought him some kek lapis Sarawak (Sarawak layer cakes) for him to take back to KL. Unfortunately, they were all wrapped in cling film so they would not come across very clearly in the photographs to do them any justice but this is the steamed Horlicks honey cake…
…that I personally like a lot, and this is the cheddar cheese layer cake…
…and they call this one, the serikaya…
Later that afternoon. we stopped by here again and Ivan had the kampua noodles and the ang tao peng while I just had the latter…and it so happened that an ex-student of mine was there too and he quietly went to the cashier’s counter and paid for us to give me a treat. That certainly was so sweet and thoughtful of him.
Well, after that, all too soon, it was time for Ivan to leave and I sent him to the airport to catch the 7.00 p.m. flight out. I guess I can safely say that he had a great time here – he said that it felt like home and he enjoyed going to all the nice places and he absolutely loved the awesome food a lot. Well, our door is always open, Ivan…and you will always be warmly welcomed here – and the same goes to anyone who cares to drop by.
P.S.:
What goes around comes around…and on the very same day, my brother-in-law who just came back from his holiday in K.L. brought me these that my niece sent through him…
Gosh!!! And I still have my cans of luncheon meat and ham in the pantry! I guess everyone will agree with me that it is indeed true that as one gives, thus will one receive…
...STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS! 
Alamak! I am seriously drooling over the home-cooked food. Hungry lah!
Bonus three months! Can come over anytime. Air Asia offering free seats Sunday/Monday midnight 29th October to go to their website and grab quickly… If can’t get free, maybe can get some really cheap tickets instead, e.g. RM49…or RM69 – good also. Good luck!
Oh my gosh! Yummy prawns! True must keep the tradition got come got go
You can’t eat this. After your eye surgery, must avoid for months… Don’t play-play!
Rojak Kasim in front of Cathay Cinema (now Star Cineplex) used to be one of the most popular Rojak in Sibu. Now they’ve moved to Kuching. But it has lost its original taste.
Is it? My cousins in Kuching still go to eat – still good enough for them. The one in Sibu – they say it’s the daughter-in-law but it does not look like it – really horrible. Bought once, and never again. Last time, the son’s was quite all right. I wonder where Kassim’s ex-wife is – she should be able to do it well. Last time, she and the son and daughter-in-law were the ones doing all the work – Kassim just sat around lepak…and had a Harley Davidson, memang gaya….
I bought this one at my regular Malay kuih stall at Bandung – not quite like Kassim’s but very nice also and so far, my favourite in town. No potatoes, no egg…but only RM2.50 for one bag….so can’t complain. I buy this quite regularly.
hehe.. the prawns looked yummy and juicy.. :p
Yes, very fresh…and very nice! Coming this way, doc? 😉
planning.. may be december or january k.. 🙂
December? Oh dear! Will be away around 2nd week onwards…till a few days before Chjristmas. January is fine. Do let me know your dates, once confirmed. Will send you my contact details via email or Facebook message.
wow got prawn cannot consider simple ad! =p
Simple as in simple, no-hassle cooking mah!!! 😉
ok.. see u there.. 🙂
Looking forward to seeing you. Will PM you on Facebook. 🙂
The prawn dish looks great…share the recipe plz….
Simple. Just use sesame oil, fry the chopped garlic, lots…add prawns…plus salt & msg according to taste. Up to you if you want to add more things like chili, serai, curry leaves…but if the prawns are fresh, best to keep to the bare minimum so as not to drown out the taste.
Arthur, this is not a simple lunch but a great one. Nothing beats home-cooked food. I really love the prawns and midin. Your missus is a good cook.
Yes, she most certainly is. This is simple lah…our everyday kind of food. If special, we will go all the way and cook some very very nice things like during Chinese New Year, for instance.
Wow, Wow! I love the home cooked spread and they all looks so tasty. Three dishes caught my eye, the prawns, midin and masak hitam. I have always been curious about masak hitam, I must attempt it one day.
Go ahead, give it a try. Much nicer than masak merah, I would say…
waves ! hey, the way your missus cooks the prawn, looks exactly like what I would have at those chinese restaurants in Sg Bakap area, live freshwater prawns.. omg yummy stuff!
Have an awesome weekend Arthur, and thanks for still coming over and leaving comments on my blog. Much appreciated!
I wonder where that is and I wonder how much they charge per plate there. Freshwater prawns or tiger prawns? Ya…and thanks to you for still taking some time to drop by mine. 😉
it will always rain without fail around this time, the chinese believe it is the “gao ong yah” period and predicted it to be raining for 9 consecutive days.. and i realised this prediction never failed, somehow i am so amazed but this prediction of seasons since the ancient times thousands of years ago.. even now with the global climate change, this prediction is still valid!! how cool~~
No leh? Here, quite unpredictable…it will rain when it will rain but it is good as the weather will not be too hot. I’m fine with the rain…no problem at all.
yeah, that’s the right thing to do!! bring him home and cook him a nice dinner, that would be the best thing from the Mayor of Sibu!! and the dinner isn’t simple at all, look at all those yummy dishes, a lot better than most of the places you have brought him.. no wonder he never fails to hang around with you whenever he’s in Sibu..
Actually Ivan stays at my place everytime he comes to town. Our door is always open to anyone who cares to put up with us when they’re in town – no five-star luxury, of course but I guess it is comfortable enough to get by. My good friend, Shereen, from NZ and her family also stayed at my house too when they came last year. Most welcome, so glad to have company… 😉
and oh!! the young and handsome Mayor of Sibu is even showing more hospitality with all those gorgeous cakes!! i like them so much!!! i would want to taste time one day~~ I AM A CAKE PERSON, hehe~~
Too bad the cakes are kept cool in the fridge because they do not have preservatives – unlike those layer cakes (from our neighbouring country) that you can buy at the supermarts…and poslaju will not allow frozen foods to be sent through them. If you want it, here it is…come and get it!
Aww~~ Home cooked meal is always the best!
I’m feeling unwell now after staying in Penang for a week 😦
Not feeling too well myself… Running nose, and groggy and sleepy from the medication. 😦
That prawns is just so perfectly cooked I bet it feels like heaven eating that
Well, Ivan enjoyed it to the max…but he left a few, not many, behind – too shy to lick the plate clean, I guess. Hehehehehe!!!!!
heh, this is NOT a simple lunch lah, this looks like an absolutely delicious five-course feast! prawns look marvelously juicy, ferns look fresh and crunchy, and the beef stew looks lick-worthy to the last drop. oh, horlicks honey cake sounds very interesting, though potentially very sweet. i like horlicks and i love honey though, so i’d probably enjoy the combination 😀
Come on over! That Horlicks honey is something like kek batek – with layers of biscuits inside held together by the Horlicks and the honey – it is very nice, not too sweet – take it cut in thin slices…and much cheaper than the rest…and if you come, you can get to enjoy that kind of simple lunch as well…and lots lots more. How does that appeal to you? 😉
You know, suituapui, for a moment, your blog title reminded me of Bruno Mars’ song of the same name. =D
I’ve not tasted any freshwater prawns, can already imagine it as succulent and juicy. Anyway, I was introduced to wild jungle fern in Kuching and since it’s available in KL, I have bought it once or twice. It’s quite tasty when it’s pan-fried with a little garlic and a little Thai fish sauce. =) Yum to the cheddar cheese layer cake! *slurps*
As for Spam, there’s one store in Jln Ampang selling it. I’m not sure if your niece had bought it from there.
It’s Bruno Mars all right. I use song titles for all my blogposts – another one from Bruno Mars coming up soon…
You can get midin in KL now? Where exactly? I did hear some saying that but many are still looking…. Nobody has given the specific place(s) and directions as yet.
Dunno where my niece got the SPAM but I am sure in KL, you can get it all over…anywhere and much cheaper than here – around RM15 a tin. 😦
I remember I bought the midin from Justlife, but I’ve to check tomorrow if it’s still in stock. I’ll drop you a note if they’re still selling it. =)
Oh!!! The health/organic store… Hmmmm…lots of people would be happy to know it if they have it there on a regular basis.
You really are a generous host STP. 🙂
I have the chance to go to Malaysia, I will do my best to visit you and enjoy your prawns.
Would most welcome you here….anytime. 😉
Thank you very much. 🙂
Welcome. 😉
Nice food! yum yum.. Are the cakes all from your regular Bandung stall?
Yes, they are…and the nice lady gives me VERY good discounts.
That is called a simple lunch?? oh gosh… Let Ivan be the judge.. hahaha… yes, I am sure he comes back to Malaysia as a happy and very well nourished man… !
Adoi!!! West Malaysia you mean? Sarawak is also in Malaysia lah… Hmmm…commenting at 12 midnight, must be very sleepy. Shoo..shoo…off to bed you go, nite-nite!!!
Claire…last time he also say “Simple Dinner” lor…end up how many lauk on the table ah??? 9 or 10 type plus the wine from the hiding place leh.
Yalor…simple dinner, no sharks fins, no lobster…no expensive stuff…all cheap jungle products, kampung-style dishes… Hehehehehe!!!!!
Yeah lo… I agree with you! OK, let’s wait for another “Simple” dinner from him… 🙂
Come, come!!!! You can have all the simple dinners that you want…anytime. Problem is you people are not bothered to come. 😦
hehhe… yes.. after watching Darren Liew winning over Denmark for the finals!! Sleepy liow.. Malaysia east or west.. as long as you understand.. cukup! :p
Darren who? New guy in badminton? Hmmmm…that’s good. Can’t keep on flogging that poor old horse…
prawns makes soup like last time nice la. Missed the midin.
You tried cooking already or not? Never mind…Ivan will come again, can cook in different ways for him each time he comes.
yes.. what goes around comes around.. 🙂 even in food…. 😛
those cakes looked interesting in flavors… I must try and make a point to visit …. never had a Horlick cake in my life… lol….
Yes, yes…so when are you coming? Just let me know. Most welcome… 😉
Yea…i also have one can of SPAM. Tonite it’s gonna be a SPAM night!
Bon appetit!!! I had luncheon meat yesterday – watch out for the post! 😉
Oh my….. I so want to makan that plate of prawns and oso midin!!
Booked the AA ticket balik next year, September…I know…it sounds like long way more… :-p
Hahahahaha!!!! Time flies…and before you know it, you’ll be here in no time at all! 😉
you call this a simple lunch?!! the prawns are so bigggg… all the dishes looked so good and yummy
LOL!!! That’s our everyday kind of meal. Wait till you see one that is not simple. Muahahahahaha!!!! 😀
Nice home cooked meal. Big prawns, tofu soup, midin and masak hitam beef..all my favourite!! slurp slurp.
Next time you come home, I will invite you over, ok? Must find some time to fit me into your tight schedule.
All the dishes looks so much better than outside food. 2 thumbs up for your missus. You are so lucky to have her.
She can cook very well…and me too! But she’s better… Hehehehehehe!!!! 😉
Wow… your home cooked food look super delicious, can have extra rice too. 🙂
I especially love the prawns, it look super good. Just garlic with sesame oil is good enough, yum yum
Have a nice week ahead.
Anyone who cares to come to town will surely get the same…and more! 😉