Book excerpt: Enter the colorful world of Malaysian cuisine with this cookbook from an award-winning chef and food writer! Malaysian Cooking introduces the art of using Malaysia's most aromatic regional ingredients and global influences to prepare zesty food that excites both the palate and sense of smell. Inspired by fond memories of cooking Malaysian staples since her childhood days, the expert in Asian culinary culture Carol Selva Rajah has compiled in this Malaysian cookbook a collection of 60+ new and traditional dishes for anyone wishing to add these vibrant recipes from abroad to their repertoire. These include: Sambals, chutneys, spice pastes, and achars Salads and snacks, like Vegetarian Fritters with Sweet Chili Dip Rice, noodles, and bread, like Saffron Rice with Cloves and Cashews Poultry and meat dishes, like Sweet Blue Ginger Duck with Star Anise Seafood dishes, like Fish in Sweet and Sour Pineapple Broth Vegetable dishes, like Eggplant and Tofu with Spicy Bean Paste Desserts and drinks, like Pandanus Coconut Cake with Palm Sugar Syrup With this beautifully photographed and easy-to-follow Malaysian cookbook in hand, you too can bring the rich and varied textures, colors, and flavors of Malaysian cuisine to your own home.