A few days ago, there on my doorstep was a big box, the contents of which transported me straight back to the pasar malam of my home town.
In it was a packet of dried flat rice noodles, bean sprouts, spring onions, garlic, onions and carefully wrapped small bottles of condiments such as soy sauce for making char kway teow.
There were also ingredients for making BBQ chicken wings and pork and prawn dumplings.
Pork? On closer inspection, perishables in the cooler freeze pack were actually vegan pork alternatives and the chicken wings were halal, as requested according to dietary needs, which I found to be considerate and appropriate.
Sachets of tea with condensed milk could only mean one thing — steaming teh tarik to be enjoyed with the newly launched Madam Chang's Kaya, to be spread generously on a piece of bread — also provided!
This was the exclusive Malaysian recipe box menu prepared by MasterChef Champion 2014, Ping Coombes, in collaboration with recipe box brand and food platform The Cookaway which caters to more adventurous home cooking.
Ping's menu was launched in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration with a nod to Malaysian street hawker food.
The ingredients in the box came with Ping's step-by-step instructions for creating authentic dishes, complete with The Cookaway apron for those participating in the virtual cook-along led by Ping from the comforts of her kitchen. Provided too were beautiful batik-designed place mats.
Unfortunately, because of other Malaysia Day events I only reached home in time for Ping's dumplings. Although I wasn't cooking as I didn't have time to prepare, I joined other onliners in their kitchen and watched their first encounter with Malaysian food and Malaysian cooking.
Watching them was fun as Ping, gushing with passion, described the ambience of the Malaysian pasar malam for those not familiar with Malaysian eating habits, spoke about her mum's famous BBQ chicken wings and the virtues of condensed milk! Not unfamiliar with virtual cook-alongs, Ping runs her own virtual classes aided by Google assistant.
Most importantly, for me, I think Ping and The Cookaway literally deliver Malaysian food to the front door of those uninitiated with Malaysian cooking.
The exclusive recipe boxes are now available to order, subscription-free. As well as the Malaysian pasar malam menu, fans of world cuisine will be able to custom-build recipe boxes, choosing from an impressive line-up of traditional main dishes, which include chicken rendang and Nyonya laksa.
After the cook-along, I ventured into my kitchen and tried Ping's mum's BBQ chicken wings. They went swimmingly well with the air asam I prepared.
This morning for breakfast, it was toast, slightly buttered with Madam Chang's Kaya. I know Ping raved about it during the virtual session but now I am sold. If you prefer rum, try Madam Chang's luxurious twist to the Malaysian kaya. I will stick to her pandan kaya.
Joining Ping's virtual cook-along completed my Malaysia Day celebration, which started with lunch of the Kampung Baru set menu served especially on this day and enjoyed by Jalur Gemilang-waving revellers at the Putera Puteri Restaurant in London, which is fast becoming a hub for those missing home and home-cooked food.
Not too far away in Hyde Park, a group of Mara-sponsored students enjoyed the day with the Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK, Zakri Jaafar, and members of Mercy Malaysia UK in a special Hari Malaysia Picnic.
Celebration is always about food. And what better way to enjoy it than to share it with others. It makes home just a little bit closer.