Ranie Saidi's 'The Malay Cook' honors grandmother's legacy through traditional recipes

Ranie Saidi, a recipe developer based in London, has launched his first cookbook titled 'The Malay Cook.' This heartfelt endeavor draws inspiration from his late grandmother, Che Aminah, who was a cook in a Malay village and operated a wedding catering service in Malaysia. Before her passing in 2011, she imparted traditional cooking skills to Saidi. Following the theft of her handwritten recipe book, he began recreating her dishes from memory and hosted supper clubs in London as a way to honor her and cope with his loss. The book features modern adaptations of her recipes, using locally sourced ingredients in Southeast London. Saidi's cherished dish is 'matrimonial chicken,' a beloved comfort food made with chilli, onion, ginger, coconut milk, and ketchup. In addition to recipes, the book delves into the cultural importance of coconut in Malay cuisine and offers practical advice on sourcing ingredients in London. 'The Malay Cook' is priced at £25.00 and can be found at Amazon and Waterstones. Saidi highlights that the essence of abundance and sharing is vital to Malay culinary practices, linking his Malaysian heritage to his current life in the UK.