Cookbook Launch - Penang Authentic Nyonya Cuisine

Bee Lee Tan launched her latest cookbook "Penang Authentic Nyonya Cuisine" in Perth on 6 November 2010, in grand style true to her Nyonya heritage with all guests dressed in kebayas and sarongs. The lavish textiles on display at the venue, Paz Cafe (West Perth), added to the opulent Nyonya atmosphere.

The launch was attended by the Consular General of Malaysia, Hamidah. Unlike an Australian head of state, the Consular General of Malaysia was called by first name!!

Guests enjoyed afternoon tea with Nyonya cakes from Bee Lee's cookbooks.



Bee Lee signed her new cookbook.



Bee Lee talked about her Nyonya cooking passion.



Consular General Hamidah gave a speech.



On display were colourful and intriguing Nyonya cakes, flavoured with coconut, palm sugar and pandanus leaves.



The Nyonya name for these cakes are "kueh" or "kuih".



These blue ones were topped with coconut custard.



Shown here are the ingredients which give Nyonya cuisine its strong aroma. Typically, fresh aromatics are blended into a spice paste and fried in oil to draw out the flavour. The technique of cooking this spice paste is an art form handed down through generations. Bee Lee conducts classes on Nyonya cooking in Perth, and internationally.