Culinary chapters: Dr Wan Azizah launching Kalsom’s (right) new cookbook ‘My Malaysian Food Journey’ at Pusat Kreatif Kanak-Kanak Tuanku Bainun in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Acclaimed cookbook author Datin Kalsom Taib launched her latest food- focused book My Malaysian Food Journey yesterday.
The book is a compilation of 24 heart-warming food stories initially published in The Star for Kalsom’s fortnightly column Culinary Inspirations, which began running in 2023.
The book was launched at an event held at Pusat Kreatif Kanak-Kanak Tuanku Bainun in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, officiated by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Food helps unify all of us as Malaysians and this book will help to bring us together and build our personalities as Malaysians.
“The stories are beautiful and something to cherish,” said Dr Wan Azizah at the event.
Kalsom said she received a lot of positive feedback for her Culinary Inspirations column from readers as well as friends and family.
Eventually, her long-term editor Datin Noor Azlina Yunus inspired her to turn her columns into a book and she spent nine months putting My Malaysian Food Journey together.
The book focuses on Kalsom’s culinary memories and the various people in her life who have sparked her interest in food. It also offers readers a walk through a bygone era in Malaysia.
To bring the stories to life, Kalsom added a rich variety of images and recipes throughout the book.
“I am honoured to share my special memories in this book. Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures and flavours and growing up, I was fortunate to experience the rich tapestry of Malaysian cuisine.
“So these are stories that came from my heart and are a tribute to the people who have shaped my culinary journey. This book has a soul and I hope it shows people the enduring power of food to bring us together,” said Kalsom.
My Malaysian Food Journey marks Kalsom’s fourth culinary-focused work. Her previous cookbooks include Gourmand World Cookbook Award winning titles like Johor Palate: Tanjung Puteri Recipes, Malaysia’s Culinary Heritage and Recipes Are for Sharing.
My Malaysian Food Journey is available at Kinokuniya KLCC and MPH bookstores.
