The Food of Singapore w. Fish-Head Curry, Mango Pickle, Ayam Panggang & more -- Vintage Cookbook TBT

Vintage Cookbook: The Food of Singapore, Various Authors

Publication Details: Periplus Editions, 1995

Published in 1995 this colourful cookbook was part of a series that featured the cooking of Asia with other titles that included looks at dishes from countries like Thailand and Malaysia. Here the focus was on the culturally diverse cuisine of Singapore with its many different influences.

The book opens with an overview of food in the city including looks at the impact of Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisine. There is an exploration of the vibrant food center scene as well as delving into matters like style and etiquette.

 It then looks more closely at the various implements and ingredients used.

This is followed by a wide array of recipes that reflect the various currents. The recipes are broken down along fairly standard lines from noodle dishes, to appetizers, mains, seafood, etc. Each recipe is accompanied by a photo. Some of the dishes can be quite complex but even more so in their flavour profiles.

Here we have picked ten recipes drawn from various sections and influences. There are curries, pork bone soup, Hokkien fried noodles, a mango pickle recipe and more. In future we also plan to feature our take on a couple of dishes from the book that use lamb and oxtail.

(Click on scans to enlarge) 

Selected Chinese Recipes w. Glazed Duck, Shanghai Scallops, Eggplant in Bean Paste & more -- Vintage Cookbook TBT

Vintage Cookbook: Selected Chinese Recipes

Publication Details: Wan Li Book Company, Hong Kong, 1976 (Reprinted 1982)

Selected Chinese Recipes is a relatively slim, bilingual cookbook that was published in Hong Kong, 1976, though here we are using a 1982 reprint.

After a short introduction there are 50 recipes each with a full colour photo. These have an impressive range of techniques and ingredients. In addition to the ones we are featuring there are recipes with chicken livers, lamb, carp's tail, pomfret, herring roe, cuttlefish, snails and more.

Even our ten choices are quite varied with lobster,chicken, prawns, duck, eggplant, etc. 

There are two recipes in the book that I plan to make future variations of, one for a pork roast and one for grilled lamb, so you can look forward to them down the road. 

(Click on scans to enlarge)

To see all our past posts click this Vintage Cookbook TBT label. 

Trini Gardens Brings Excellent West Indian - Chinese Fusion to South Etobicoke

As any reader of The Left Chapter knows, I am a very big fan of West Indian cuisine. On The Left Chapter we have profiled a number of West Indian restaurants such as Michael's West Indian Flavor and Ali's West Indian Roti Shop.


We also profiled a Mississauga restaurant, Charlie's Caribbean Cuisine, that offers a menu of West Indian-Chinese fusion dishes.

Similar to Charlie's is Trini Gardens which was originally on the Queensway but has moved very recently to Lake Shore Blvd. W. in the South Etobicoke neighbourhood of Long Branch. The restaurant is in a spacious, nicely decorated space just west of Kipling. It has big tables, comfortable seating and a large, well stocked bar area. The service is very fast and very friendly.

Trini Gardens offers a diverse menu that includes dishes that are distinctly West Indian, distinctly Chinese and a number that are a wonderful combination of the two.

There is a lot to enjoy here. We have tried both eat-in and take-out and found that the dishes are all expertly prepared, fresh, flavorful and with very generous portions at excellent prices.

Rotis are all terrific and range in price from $6.00 to $9.50

West Indian style rotis can be had in chicken, boneless goat, shrimp and vegetarian options ranging from $6.00 to $9.50. The Boneless Goat Roti was certainly a stand-out with a delicious gravy, potato and very moist, tender meat. The roti itself is perfect.

Chili Chicken $9.50

The Chili Chicken ($9.50) has bold flavours with a nice level of heat. Another chicken dish, the Pepper Chicken ($9.50) offers bite-sized pieces in a crispy batter and is delightfully fiery. Meanwhile the Buffalo Wings ($9.50) are a straight-up great plate of chicken wings in a sauce that deftly combines heat with a bit of sweet and with a satisfying crunchy texture.

Special Mixed Chow Mein $11.00

The Special Mixed Chow Mein has chicken, shrimp and pork in lo mein noodles with fried chicken on top ($11.00). A great dish. They offer several other chow mein options ranging from $7.00 to $11.00.

Curry Goat and Rice $8.50

A variety of West Indian style rice dishes are on the menu from curried duck, chicken or goat to stewed chicken. They range from $8.00 to $9.50.

Mixed Vegetable $6.00

One could go on! The Mixed Vegetable ($6.00) is served in a truly tasty sauce. The Special Mixed Wonton Soup ($7.00) has chicken, pork and shrimp and is one of the most unique I have had with amazing wontons and a bold broth.

Meanwhile, the house hot sauce is a scotch bonnet based one made at the restaurant and is a must try. Very hot it has all the flavours you want and expect in a West Indian style hot sauce.

Trini Gardens is an all-round terrific restaurant and a great addition to the burgeoning South Etobicoke restaurant scene.

Their full menu is below.

Trini Gardens is located at 3266 Lake Shore Blvd. W. just west of Kipling Ave. on the 501 Streetcar line. It is near to Colonel Sam Smith Park. Open Tuesday to Sunday their hours can be found on the menu below. They are fully licensed and offer eat-in or take-out. 416-252-0794.