An exclusive insight into a a cooking class at Tropical Spice Garden with Pearly Kee – Nyonya and Indian specialist

A family holiday in Penang with a cooking class was a total surprise for Joshua Lau from Hong Kong.

Getting the kids 5 to 8 years old up early in the morning with the grandparents was no small feat. But they all arrived at Tropical Spice Garden on the dot, 9am.

Happy Lau Family at TSG Cooking School

Together with sister Winnie, wife Jasmine, mum, dad and brother in law, they were led by Beatrice a mandarin nature guide on the Spice Trail. The kids had a fabulous time running through the paths under the watchful eye of their parents. The cautionary “Don’t run too far ahead!” , “Stay close to us!” did not stop the kids from having fun running everywhere.

For grand pa it was a trek down memory lane. Names of spices and plants came back to him as if he were back on his farm in China.  Joshua was most fascinated seeing his father come to life as he named some herbs and spices he had planted when he was young in China.

The kids couldn’t wait to cook with mum who wanted some help too. As for Jonathan, 5 years old, he was a real surprise to me as he named the vegetables and stuff on the table. I was impressed thinking how much difficulty Jamie Oliver had when he was in America. The kids there did not know the names of fruit or vegetables. And when asked where it came from, their replies made Jamie Oliver cringe.

I am glad when I asked some questions, Jonathan could reply in a jiffy. I am glad, although living in Hong Kong, in a city made of concrete, he knew his stuff. Mum has taught him well.

Lau Juniors hard at work during cooking class

I was so encouraged to see the kids getting their hands dirty and getting involved in the cooking process.. In the case of the parents, learning to cook in Tropical Spice Garden made them see their kids in a different light. So parents, don’t leave the kids out when you are cooking at home. Get them involved as much as possible.

Too many “don’t’s” is being too cautious and restrictive. Instead I would urge parents to encourage and bond with their children in the kitchen. I saw that today and it touched my heart.

Brian and Jonathan had fun teasing their grandma who was also learning to cook despite being a good cook herself. Well grandma says, Indian cuisine is too spicy and I need to learn how to use spices in a non-spicy way.

All the fathers had a great lunch with masala potato, cabbage and cauliflower. The fish cooked in ladies fingers or okra was new for them. Living in Hong Kong they love cooking with sand Ginger, cekur ,and they requested a dish with it.

I could only think of a Nyonya dish so I taught them Hong Kay or renamed Chicken Stew in sand ginger. Traditionally this dish is best cooked and served with pork but we made a halal variation instead. It was a real hit and grandma sais it is a must to cook when she is back in Hong Kong.

Lunch was so much fun. The kids plus adults devoured almost all the Chicken Stew in sand ginger. It is also cooked in coriander and nutmeg powder. The sourish tamarind fish curry with okra was so refreshing says Jasmine. Grandpa agreed all were “Ho sake” or delicious.

It is good to see old people smile and it made my day as they achieved learning cooking Indian food the non spicy way.

2 generations enjoying cooking together at Cooking School

So when you learn cooking in Tropical Spice Garden cooking school, we will try to cater to your needs. Family on holidays, newlyweds on honeymoon, bridal wedding gifts to overseas friends, team cooking, just tell us and we will “manja you”

At Tropical Spice Garden cooking school, the cooking package comes with :

1)     A spice walking trail with nature guide

2)     Free flow of coffee and tea

3)     TSG apron

4)     Lunch

5)     And a whole load of cooking fun and food tips!

Do ring us or book online at 04-8811797 or info@tropicalspicegarden.com

Watch out for Kids cooking class during the holidays! Book now for a cooking class.

Teambuilding cooking is fun too,  will you take up the cooking challenge under Pearly’s ‘strict’ Nyonya guidance?