Foodies’ Delight

You don’t really need to be a ‘foodie’ to appreciate food. Be adventurous and go with an open mind to enjoy some of the most delicious and delightful offerings that can be equally satisfying whether in humble or luxurious settings.

Words: Wilson Ng

 Curry Scallop Pie

It is definitely one of the more unique foodie offerings from Australia. Beef pies are common in Australia but the curried scallop pie is a true Tasmania creation. You can find curried scallop pies in most bakeries and restaurants throughout Tasmania but nothing quite beats enjoying this pastry treat at Ross Bakery. Here, these pies together with other delicious breads and pastries can be savoured amidst the charming 19th century village atmosphere in the heart of Tasmania’s finest heritage village. Ross Bakery also runs an inn, which has been in operation since 1830 where guests can experience authentic and well-preserved cosy bedrooms, and log fires in the guest lounge. www.rossbakery.com.au

GETTING THERE AirAsia X flies to Sydney and Melbourne daily from Kuala Lumpur. Go to www.airasia.com for details. There are easy connecting flights to Tasmania from these two cities.

Fruit & Chocolate

Malaysia is one of the top 10 cocoa producing countries in the world and has a small but exciting chocolate industry. If you’d like to bring back home locally produced and crafted souvenirs, try fruit chocolates from Cocoa Boutiques. With outlets in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Genting Highlands, this chocolatier produces unusual chocolates with fruit jelly fi llings such as mango, papaya, Kiwi fruit and durian. The durian is an extraordinary option but if you just want some unique flavours that’s not over the top, try the ginger, chilli or Tongkat Ali (local medicinal bark said to be an aphrodisiac). www.cocoaboutique.com.my

Rendang Pucuk Ubi

Voted as one of the most delicious food worldwide by CNNgo, rendang is a very popular dish in Malaysia and Indonesia, and is often served during festivals and celebrations. Often prepared in a dry style, the complex flavours of this dish are heightened when eaten with plain or compressed rice cakes (ketupat). Generally made with meats, the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra and from the state of Negeri Sembilan in Malaysia also make very flavourful dish from cassava shoots. The leaves are slow cooked in a mixture of spices and coconut cream till they dry out and become chewy shreds of delicious morsels. The product can be ordered online at www. maklongtimah.com.my and was introduced at the launch of the N9 Food Trail, a culinary showcase of Negeri Sembilan cuisine.

Tea-lightful

Bubble tea is all the rage now and you can enjoy this fun drink onboard AirAsia flights. Brought to you by Chatime, which operates outlets in almost every country in this region, two delicious drinks – Roasted Milk Tea with Red Bean and Mango Green Tea with Rainbow Jelly – are available onboard Malaysia AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia flights, retailing at RM8 / INR24,000 each serving. The Roasted Milk Tea with Red Bean is an earthy tea roasted over charcoal and paired with red beans, while the Mango Green Tea with Rainbow Jelly is a refreshing green tea infused with mango nectar. Chatime is available on-board, but you can check out other delightful offerings under AirAsia Cafe @ www.airasia.com