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Malay cuisine perfect for Indian market: Malaysian chef
New Delhi: The common usage of ingredients like coriander powder, turmeric, green chilli, red chilli powder and ginger between Indian and Malaysian cuisines makes it suit Indian tastes well, says Malaysian chef Muhammad Lisarni, who feels food from his country can be an instant success here.
“Malaysia’s population is divided amongst three major ethnic groups — Malays, Chinese and Indians. The taste of Malaysian food is subtle and unique as it is the fusion of Chinese vegetables blended with Indian spice, which makes our food rich and fresh.
“But since we use the same spices like coriander powder, turmeric, green chilli, red chilli powder, palm sugar (jaggery) and ginger, it suits the Indian palate to perfection and should be an instant success in the Indian market,” Lisarni told IANS in an interview here.
The Kuala Lumpur-based chef is on his debut visit to the country to conduct an exclusive masterclass as part of a Malaysian food festival being held at the Shangri-La’s – Eros Hotel here. The festival, in association with Tourism Malaysia and the Malaysian High Commission, started on May 23 and will conclude on May 31.
He hopes to entice Indian food aficionados with the distinct “hotness” of his native cuisine.
“In Malay cuisine, fresh aromatic herbs and roots are used, some familiar, such as lemongrass, ginger, coconut, pandan leafs garlic, shallots, kaffir limes and fresh chilies. Both fresh and dried chilies are used to add hotness which will definitely satiate the Indian tastebuds,” Lisarni said.
As a specialist in Malay cuisine, Lisarni has played an integral role in the production of the Malay kitchen at Shangri-La’s – Eros Hotel in Kuala Lumpur – a popular business hub and tourist destination of Malaysia, where over 10 percent of the nearly 30 million population is ethnic Indian.
Lisarni’s cooking style is based on traditional methods, showcasing simplicity, freshness and natural textures, and it is imbued with cultural influences.
He felt that in today’s time, people are opting for organic and healthy way of living – and it is something that Malay cuisine can stand out for in the culinary world.
“Today, our lifestyle has evolved into a more organic and healthy way of living. Malay cuisine in particular is a perfect fit in the Indian market as it provides a touch of freshness to the various meats and vegetables, but keeping the flavours similar to those accustomed to the Indian palate,” he said.
Lisarni, whose passion for cooking is visible in his meticulously prepared and skilfully presented dishes, also pointed out that while “trends in the culinary industry are ever-changing, the flavours and textures are everlasting”.
“The challenge we face is to present the same ingredients in different ways,” he said.
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.