Ho Jiak: A Taste of Malaysia

A journey to chef Junda Khoo’s homeland of Malaysia, showcasing the unique cuisine through 100 staple recipes from street food classics to homestyle cooking with soul.

Journey to Malaysia with chef Junda Khoo in his new cookbook, Ho Jiak. Featuring more than 100 staple dishes, this rich collection of recipes showcases a dynamic cuisine steeped in tradition, from street food classics to true homestyle cooking.

Ho Jiak, translating to ‘good eats’, is Khoo’s modern interpretation of Malaysian cuisine. Owning one of the best restaurants in Australia, Ho Jiak Town Hall, Khoo draws inspiration from the recipes passed down to him from his beloved amah (grandmother) as well as the street vendors of Malaysia. Now, he brings these authentic and vibrant dishes to you.

Starting with simple, budget-friendly meals to cook in 15 minutes, you’ll then be shown how to make all the must-know hawker-style dishes like fried chicken wings and poached juicy Hainan chicken. Alongside the quick bites, Khoo also introduces nourishing homecooked meals, like crimson bowls of curry laksa, as well as dishes that are not commonly served in eateries outside of Malaysia. Think lotus roots steeped in a pork bone broth and fried bee hoon – a smoky, umami vermicelli noodle dish.

Whether you’re a travelled food connoisseur or simply wanting to expand your recipe repertoire with authentic cooking, Ho Jiak will help you to celebrate just what makes Malaysian food so special.

About the Author

Junda Khoo is a Malaysian chef and owner of successful and accoladed chain eatery Ho Jiak in Sydney. In 2022, Junda’s innovative creations led to him being nominated as a finalist for Chef of the Year by Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide. Ho Jiak Town Hall was also named as one of the top 80 restaurants in Australia by Gourmet Traveller and was awarded one Chef’s Hat in recognition of the dedication and excellence of dining experiences delivered.