I always thought of Chinese, Indian, and Malay cuisine as one,” Jasvinder Karam tells me. The author of Champur, Flavours from a Malaysian Home, flips through her cookbook, and recipes pop out, from nasi lemak and curry mee to biryani, organised by ingredient rather than cuisine. “My Malay cooking came from my dad’s friends, while I was exposed to Indian and Chinese fare at home and at school,” she says.
Jasvinder began working on her book in March 2021, completing her collection of recipes and stories in September 2022 with support from her daughter. While she tried and tested each recipe over 20 times while writing the cookbook, the dishes are ones that the 59-year-old has served to friends and family hundreds of times over the past five decades.
While she is now undoubtedly passionate about cooking, Jasvinder began making food out of necessity. “I lost my mum when I was nine, so from a young age, I was in charge of running the household,” she reveals. “By the time I was 11, I was going to the market and making food for my family on my own.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How Working Out Transforms Your Skin
When we think about the benefits of exercise, glowing skin might not be the first thing that comes to mind. That said, getting that sweat going is not only great for your body but also an absolute game-changer for your skin
Mane Attraction
Dr Chang Chee Seong of Kaiteki Clinic shares his expert insights on hair loss, from the most common causes to cutting-edge solutions and what to expect on the journey of hair recovery
Body Manscaping
Discover the entrepreneurial journey of Jared Chuah, cofounder of Nateskin, and how this Malaysian brand is breaking taboos around men's grooming, particularly below the belt
Skin Superfoods
Glow from within with these six ingredients that are good for your complexion
Elevated Wellness
Discover Amani Biohacking Club: Malaysia's first biohacking society for optimal leadership and life balance
The Dior Warrior
Drawing inspiration from the world of sports and the strength of female Amazonian warriors, Maria Grazia Chiuri redefines empowered femininity as something both graceful and formidable for Dior's spring-summer 2025 collection
ASIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL - MALAYSIA
Meet the country's most influential individuals: 100 prominent figures who are changing the landscape in Malaysia across industries in our main categories, from business and STEM, to social impact and culture.
Innovating with Purpose
Chor Chee Hoe, co-founder of Qarbotech, talks about how carbon-based innovations are changing the face of farming and ensuring a greener, more productive future
Grounded Vision
Minister of housing and local government, Nga Kor Ming shares the personal experiences and guiding principles that have shaped him, revealing the thoughtful man behind politician
Raising Penang's Bar
Backdoor Bodega's Koh Yung Shen is elevating Penang's bar scene with Penang Cocktail Week