Rose-flavoured Coconut Sago

Rose-flavoured Coconut Sago

Today was quite an eventful day though it rained, rained and rained. I was hoping that we would be able to eat out in the courtyard when Loon, Rai and Pris come for lunch, but of course it was quite hopeless. Thank God I didn't invite like a dozen folks, it wasn't easy sitting more than 5 or 6 adults in the living room. And of course Baby Boy had to spill half of his Mango Lassi on the dining sofa and grill at least one place for the meal.

I went to Ganesha to tahpow lunch as planned. Beef Curry, Ceylon Chicken Curry, Paruppu Curry, Aloo Bengen and Lamb Korma. It was a pleasure to see everyone enjoying the curries, at least I wasn't left with the feeling that I've been mistaken in my recommendations. Loon's German friend Rai was a revelation, he could speak very good English and even Chinese, and best of all, ate the curries with much gusto, in fact, I suspect that you can place anything in front of him and he would have no qualms about trying it. Aiyoh, so super unlike me.

It is always a pleasure meeting Singaporeans (in Loon's case, an assimilated Penang boy who has become very much like "us" :-)) and any folks who are ready to like us. Such a change from all those self-righteous guys who when they hear where you come from (i.e. Singapore), they would start to attack you on your country's politics, chewing gum policy, capital punishment and whatsoever. When I was younger I would get very defensive and worked up over it, but nowadays, when I meet bigots like that, I tell myself that they have the right to free speech and mine tells them to shut their trap and go fly kite.

Always wonderful meeting Pris, and relieved to be able to pass on a laksa branch to her and hopefully save the poor plant from extinction. I've been watering my dead main plant to further death and so far it doesn't look inclined to resuscitate.

Before I forget, I said eventful at the beginning of this piece because I finally went to BETA in Wangen. Parked just opposite at the OBI carpark, but of course had to walk a big round as between BETA and OBI there were U-Bahn tracks. The kind that you cannot cross on foot unless you are in a hurry to go to Hell.

My, it's big for an Asienladen in Stuttgart. And pretty well-stocked too. Prices are also generally lower than in the other shops. I was delighted to see frozen Har Kows, Char Siu Buns and Made-in-Paris Vietnamese Nems. In my current too-lazy-to-cook mood, these are just perfect. And why the hell do I have to discover it just when I am leaving Stuttgart?

Rose Kueh

Though I should mention that if you wish to support small businesses, there is this German guy operating an Asienladen out of his garage in Nürtingen (Thai-Shop, Wilhemstrasse 2, 72622 Nürtingen) and his range and prices are also very good (many items are cheaper than even BETA). I usually go there to buy Indomie Mee Goreng instant noodles by the box and also his home-made Rose Kueh (probably has an Asian wife).

I've said the other day that I would make a dessert for today and so I did. Pris had liked my coconut sago the last time she was here, so I've decided to make another batch, only varying the pleasure a little this time around by adding in Rose Syrup (Bandung inspiration), Jelly Strips and Glutinous Rice Balls. I served it cold and it may be an idea the next time around to cook the rice balls and add them to the cold dessert just before serving. Or they would harden too much.

And once again, adios to the diet.