Episodes
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In this episode, we’re thrilled to feature Anis Nabilah — a trailblazing celebrity chef and media personality from Malaysia. Known for her charisma and culinary prowess, Anis holds the distinction of being the first Malaysian chef to grace Food Network Asia and the youngest ever featured on the Asian Food Channel!
With over 15 years of cooking experience and more than 50 TV show appearances across Asia on channels like Star World, Discovery Travel & Living, and Fox Life, she has truly made her mark on the global food stage.
This week, we dive into her journey, starting with the question: what does it mean to be called a “celebrity chef”? Anis shares her insights on handling the public’s attention and how she respond to challenges while representing her culture on a global platform.
Join us for this engaging and heartfelt conversation with Anis Nabilah!
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
01:55 - Anis Nabilah: The ‘celebrity chef’?
12:52 - What truly defines a chef?
16:50 - How to deal with the public’s attention? From TV shows to her online presence
20:00 - People’s opinion on Anis; “she’s not Malay enough”
FOLLOW ANIS
@anis_nabilah
FOLLOW US
@abangbrian
@hungryimmigrant
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In this special episode filmed at The Embassy of Malaysia in Paris, we are honored to feature H.E. Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, Malaysia's ambassador to France. Together, Abang Brian and the ambassador himself delve into the rich tapestry of Malaysian culture and cuisine, exploring the essence of the "Kampung spirit" and how it fosters unity among Malaysians abroad.
Datuk Eldeen shares personal reflections on what Malaysian food means to him, the transformative power of cuisine as a cultural ambassador, and evolving global perceptions of Malaysian heritage.
The conversation also touches on the pride in UNESCO's recent recognition of Malaysian breakfast culture.
This episode is a flavorful celebration of Malaysia’s cultural identity and its ability to connect people across borders - you won’t want to miss it!
Timestamps
0:00 Intro
03:00 Datuk Eldeen: The Kampung spirit
05:41 Malaysians in France; the unity found away from homeland
15:43 What is Malaysian food to Datuk Eldeen?
16:16 Observations of changes in attitudes towards Malaysian culture; food leads to peace
22:08 Should we water down our food for others? Takes on fusion food
27:41 Malaysia breakfast culture UNESCO inscription as intangible cultural heritage
29:54 The fights over origin of dishes - is there a way to solve them?
37:53 Sambal Survey
FOLLOW EMBASSY OF MALAYSIA (PARIS)
Instagram: @embassyofmalaysiaparis
Facebook: Embassy of Malaysia in Paris
X: @MYEmbParis
FOLLOW US
@abangbrian
@hungryimmigrant
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Missing episodes?
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In part two of our conversation with Shruti Shibulal, we dive deeper into her leadership journey and the philanthropic legacy of the Shibulal family.
Shruti opens up about overcoming key challenges in the hospitality industry and redefining success through job creation and social impact. This is a conversation you wouldn’t want to miss!
Timestamps
0:00 - Previously: Part 1
1:57 - Shruti’s leadership and the Shibula family’s philanthropic initiatives
3:50 - Key challenges in the hospitality industry
7:22 - What is success for Shruti Shibulal? Job creation as one tangible way for change
8:53 - Takes on global view of India’s food and culture
17:07 - Sambal Survey
19:53 - Billion Dollar Questions
Learn more about Tamara Leisure Experiences
LEARN MORE ABOUT BILLION DOLLAR MOVES
Podcast website
Watch on Youtube
FOLLOW SARAH
FOLLOW US
@abangbrian
@hungryimmigrant
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In this special crossover episode with Billion Dollar Moves, we’re thrilled to welcome Shruti Shibulal, the driving force behind Tamara Leisure Experiences.
From the action in her kitchen to the art of serving the Onam Sadhya, Shruti gives us a heartfelt look at how family values shaped her entrepreneurial spirit!
We also explore how Shruti carved her own path as a second-generation leader, balancing the 3Ps—people, planet, and profitability—and pioneering eco-tourism with Tamara.
Get ready for a soulful conversation that connects heritage, business, and sustainability in truly inspiring ways.
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:23 - Action in Shruti’s kitchen: Food, tradition, and family values
10:58 - Serving the Ornam Sadhya
12:00 - How Shruti build her own path as the second generation; “We need to be thoughtful in the way we’re building,”
13:30 - The 3Ps - people, planet, and profitability
15:49 - Why Tamara? Building upon concepts of Eco-Tourism
Learn more about Tamara Leisure Experiences
LEARN MORE ABOUT BILLION DOLLAR MOVES
Podcast website
Watch on Youtube
FOLLOW SARAH
@sarahchenglobal
FOLLOW US
@abangbrian
@hungryimmigrant
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Welcome back to The Hungry Immigrant: Flavors of India!
In Part 1, we explored MasterChef India Top 10 Arthi Rathore’s inspiring culinary journey and her deep connection to traditional Indian cuisine.
Now, in Part 2, we dive even deeper into her food philosophy. Arthi unpacks the significance of cooking the traditional way, the heartfelt tradition of mothers hand-feeding their children, and the energy food carries beyond its taste.
We also tackle the balance between preserving traditions and embracing innovation in the ever-evolving culinary world. Are we sacrificing our roots to meet global standards? Arthi’s take is thought-provoking.
Let’s dive back into the flavors, stories, and soulful wisdom with MasterChef Arthi Rathore!
Timestamps
0:00 - Previously: Part 1 with MasterChef Arthi
01:58 - Why cooking the traditional way?
04:49 - Mothers hand feeding their children; Food carries ENERGY
08:14 - Food Tradition VS Innovation; Food is universal
12:36 - Are we sacrificing our traditions to reach global standard?
18:22 - Food brings world peace?
20:45 - Words for Arthi’s twin boys and the future generations
22:05 - Sambal Survey
FOLLOW ARTHI
@artbutterflies
FOLLOW US
@abangbrian
@hungryimmigrant
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In this vibrant episode of Flavors of India, host Abang Brian sits down with MasterChef India finalist Arthi Rathore to explore the heart of Indian cuisine and culture. Packed with stories from her journey on MasterChef India, Arthi shares her passion for traditional dishes and the cultural nuances of cooking in India.
This episode is a true "antipasti" of flavors and stories, offering a delicious sneak peek into the soulful world of Indian culinary traditions. Don’t miss this inspiring, flavorful conversation!
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
01:48 - Fresh out of the MasterChef Academy
05:11 - Who is MasterChef Arthi Rathore?
10:07 - Why MasterChef India?
16:08 - Behind the glorious episodes: the stress and the learnings
19:23 - My favourite challenge? The one I failed
21:55 - “Why did you start cooking?”; cooking traditionally
FOLLOW ARTHI
@artbutterflies
FOLLOW US
@abangbrian
@hungryimmigrant
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Chef Boo, head chef of Lucy in The Sky, Helsinki, and Fea from the Malaysian Embassy in Helsinki, return for Part 2 of our podcast!
We discuss fusion food and what authenticity means to each of them. How do they adapt to new cultures while staying true to their roots? Fea shares the biggest challenges of cooking abroad, while Chef Boo reflects on becoming a head chef at 29 and holding on to his heritage. Plus, don't miss the fiery Sambal Survey!
Timestamps
0:00 - Previously: Part 1; Intro
02:13 - Fusion food; what is authenticity to you?
07:20 - Adaption and fusion - how do you stay true to yourself?
08:14 - Fea: Biggest challenges cooking abroad
12:19 - Chef Boo: a head chef at the age of 29, how to always remember your roots?
16:08 - Sambal Survey
Special thanks to the Embassy of Malaysia in Helsinki, Finland! If you're traveling to Finland anytime soon, feel free to send them our regards.
Embassy of Malaysia (Finland)
World Trade Center Helsinki,
Aleksanterinkatu 17,
00100 Helsinki, Finland.
Don't forget to tune in same time next week - subscribe if you haven't already!
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Moi Moi! Hello from Helsinki - This week, join Chef Boo, head chef of Lucy in The Sky, and Fea from the Malaysian Embassy in Helsinki, as they dive into the experiences of Malaysians living abroad.
Get ready to explore how food and culture remain central to their lives overseas, with stories of culinary traditions that persist across borders.
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
01:48 - Are there Asian people in Finland?
05:48 - Food identity as Malaysian living abroad
08:37 - Influence of cultural roots in their cooking today
12:33 - Myth: special parcel for the embassy?
13:19 - What is Malaysian food?
16:26 - Nasi Lemak = Fatty Rice? Why is it called a national food?
18:58 - Traditional practices & passing down to next generation
21:48 - The use of pestle and mortar
Special thanks to the Embassy of Malaysia in Helsinki, Finland! If you're traveling to Finland anytime soon, feel free to send them our regards.
Embassy of Malaysia (Finland)World Trade Center Helsinki,
Aleksanterinkatu 17,
00100 Helsinki, Finland.
Don't forget to tune in same time next week for more interesting content!
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In this episode, Dr. Soo Wincci returns to discuss her deep dive into the world of social media and why she believes speaking the language of Gen Z is essential to preserving heritage.
Through her unique lens as an artist, academic, and beauty queen, she shares how adapting to modern platforms can bridge cultural gaps. Dr. Soo Wincci also offers two key pieces of advice: look beneath the surface to truly understand the world around you, and always embrace new experiences with an open mind.
Join us for a thought-provoking chat about blending tradition with innovation!
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
01:43 - Yee Sang in UK?
07:44 - Must-preserve Malaysian food
09:40 - What is authenticity to Dr. Soo Wincci?
11:56 - What inspires Dr. Soo Wincci’s cooking these days?
14:19 - Media representation of Asian food in other countries
17:09 - Advice for the younger and older generations
19:52 - Sambal Survey
Follow Dr. Soo Wincci
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.soowincci/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4e4wVXnFUIJ5EbcW9GtL2n
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrSooWincciOfficialChannel
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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Soo Wincci, a multi-talented Malaysian singer, actress, beauty queen, and academic powerhouse.
From being crowned Miss World Malaysia in 2008 to earning multiple degrees—including a PhD and a Master's in Music Production — her journey is as vibrant as her career. In this episode, we’ll explore her love for food, her experience as a top-five finalist on MasterChef Malaysia, and the pivotal food memories that reflect her rich and diverse life.
Get ready to savor a blend of passion, talent, and wisdom!
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
03:11 - Soo Wincci’s very first food memory - chocolate cake
05:22 - Celebrating birthdays as Malaysian Chinese;
08:20 - Culture and heritage - don’t make it too serious
09:01 - Cultural differences among Chinese; the Malaysian sambal
12:12 - Food represents our identity - what is your food identity?
16:57 - If your dish is a song?19:50 - Is AI a threat to our food tradition?
21:22 - Social media influencing the younger generation - what can we do?
Follow Dr. Soo Wincci
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.soowincci/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4e4wVXnFUIJ5EbcW9GtL2n
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrSooWincciOfficialChannel
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In part two of our conversation with Malaysia’s beloved Chef Wan, we dive deeper into the significance of preserving cultural heritage through food. Chef Wan emphasizes that “food is universal” but questions whether we should compromise flavors to suit others’ tastes?
Chef Wan also offers invaluable life advice, touching on health, and words of wisdom for young chefs starting their careers. To cap it off, we embark on a fun Sambal Survey, exploring Malaysia’s favorite fiery condiment.
This episode is rich with insights and a must-listen for food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs alike!
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
02:00 - Should we dilute our flavor to suite others?
03:58 - Food is universal
05:30 - Food gone, culture gone, everything is gone
09:47 - How to combat the loss of traditions in families?
13:06 - Health and advices to live by in life
16:09 - Words of wisdom for young chefs
19:49 - Sambal Survey
Learn more about Chef Wan:https://www.instagram.com/_chefwan58/?hl=en
De.Wan 1985 by Chef Wan | https://dewan.space/about-us/
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For the very first episode of The Hungry Immigrant, we sit down with Chef Wan, Malaysia’s first celebrity chef, to explore his humble beginnings and the passion that shaped him into a national culinary ambassador.
From cooking for world leaders like Bill Clinton and the Sultan of Brunei to showcasing Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage on international television, Chef Wan shares his journey, the values that inspire him, and his vision for the future of Malaysian cuisine.
A must-listen for food lovers and fans of this charismatic chef!
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
02:56 - The little Chef Wan learning in kitchen
06:11 - The power of Makciks (aunties)
08:16 - Cooking for the family at the age of 7; the early R&D effort
14:37 - What is Malaysia cuisine?
19:50 - Do you believe in authenticity?
Learn more about Chef Wan:
https://www.instagram.com/_chefwan58/?hl=en
De.Wan 1985 by Chef Wan | https://dewan.space/about-us/
