From laksa Penang to kuih, this home cook's Raya fare is a labour of love

Ed's family always looks forward to the dishes and kuih that he whips up every Hari Raya. From left: Syadihah, Ed, Salmah, Nafis and Abirah. — ART CHEN/The Star

In his home in Shah Alam, Ed Asmadi Mohd Saidin, 46, is sitting contentedly next to his mother, Salmah Hashim, 76. The two have a warm, convivial relationship, one that has been strengthened and bolstered by their joint love of food.

As a boy, Ed – who is the second of four brothers – says he remembers going to the market with his mother and helping her do the daily cooking. This spurred his interest in the kitchen, where he is now adept at whipping up all sorts of traditional meals.