Cookery Magic

"This is the best chicken rice I ever had" said my students. :) Well they cooked it!!! :)

The Day I Met a Legend!

It was 14th March 2004 when Geraldene Lowe-Ismail came to my cooking class and into my life. At the time, I had no idea who she was. But that fateful day ended up changing the course of Cookery Magic forever. After the class, she stayed behind to chat with me. She introduced herself as a heritage guide and mentioned she had found out about my cooking class through someone — though I can’t quite remember who! She told me she absolutely loved the class, especially since I was teaching tourist authentic Asian food from my home.

She promised to tell everyone on her tours about my class, and it wasn’t an empty promise. She went out of her way to promote my classes, taking my name cards and handing them out to her clients. If she ever ran out of cards, she would call me and tell me to send more — sometimes scolding me if I was late! :) And she did all this without asking for anything in return. But I gained so much more than just a favour — I gained an amazing friend.

Geraldene welcomed me into her incredible world, inviting me to join her on tours and events where I met some truly amazing people. She even invited me into her home and into her family. I got to know her wonderful husband, Ismail, who treated me like family, just as they both did.

Geraldene was also the person responsible for the Pulau Ubin cooking class. She was the one who “forced” me to accompany her on a visit to Kamariah's kampong house on Pulau Ubin. That visit turned into something truly special! It was during that visit that the idea of doing a cooking class in a kampong house was born.

I am not the only person to be touched by her generosity and kindness. So many others out there have their own stories to tell. All of us who truly loved her are deeply grateful for her and will miss her dearly.

Rest in peace, Geraldene Lowe-Ismail. You will not be forgotten.

A simple setup before the storm: a glass of water, an apron, and a recipe. Gearing up for an exciting cooking class today! 🌟

We’re diving into a much-loved iconic dish here in Singapore—Roti Prata, paired with delicious Fish Curry and hearty Dal. 🥞🍛 A comforting combo that’s a favorite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Teaching this dish is always a joy—it’s not just about food; it’s about the techniques, the stories, and the love we pour into every fold and stir. Can’t wait to share the magic with my students today!

What’s your favorite dish to cook (or eat) that feels iconic to your culture? Share below!

Come to the Singapore Clay Festival and support our local pottery community! Over 200 potters, 4 days, 7-10 November 2024. Explore unique pieces, all looking for new homes. I’ll be there with my partners in pottery crime, Janine and Zaidi, at stand S2. Mark your calendars—we can’t wait to see you there at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre!
to pottery

Corporate cooking class. Very happy clients. 🙂 They said, “ we must leave by 8.30pm.” 9.30pm and they were still here. 🙂 the place feels too cosy to leave! :)

Trying out new form. A noodle bowl which can be held in your hand while you eat your noodles. The thumb goes into the hole to hold it securely. I cannot show it as the clay is still soft. Look out for an exciting new program that combines pottery .gdmc with cooking . More details coming up soon!!!

Did a corporate cooking class for Zespri, the kiwi fruit from New Zealand people. They opted for the Hainanese Chicken Rice menu. I decided to add an additional sauce to usual trio of chilli, ginger and soy sauce. Came up with kiwi green sauce. It was soo delicious and went very well with the chicken rice. The Zespri team was so trilled with this surprise sauce which I made it up that day. :)