Betel Leaf and Areca Nut, A Tradition Between Habits and Risk
In the markets of Langkawi and across Southeast Asia, you will often see small bundles of heart-shaped leaves displayed alongside reddish-brown seeds. To the uninitiated, they might seem unremarkable. Yet these two humble plants — betel leaf and areca nut — carry within them thousands of years of hospitality, ceremony, and cultural memory. At Langkawi […]
Gingers That Define Malaysian Food: Fragrance, Flavour and Healing from the Garden
Tucked away in our herb garden at Langkawi Cooking School is a family of plants that have quietly shaped the world’s kitchens and medicine chests for centuries — the gingers. Here, six varieties flourish side by side: the familiar common ginger (Zingiber officinale), the sharper galangal, the golden turmeric, the earthy temulawak, the flamboyant torch […]
The Tamarind Tree
Right beside the Cooking School stands a magnificent tamarind tree. Its gnarled trunk and sprawling branches hint at a long-standing presence; it’s likely around 50 years old. Its leaves, a vibrant shade of green, rustle gently in the breeze, creating a soothing melody. Each year, when the tamarind season arrives, this tree becomes a treasure […]
Hear What Our Participants Have to Say
At our cooking school, we believe the most genuine words don’t come from us — they come from our guests. Every week, visitors from around the world join us to cook, laugh, and share meals together. Before they leave, many take a moment to write in our guest book, and their words speak volumes. Here […]
Learn To Cook Malaysian Food: A Chilli-Lover’s Journey in Langkawi
Take a stroll through any bustling food market in Langkawi and you’ll find them everywhere – small, vibrant, and not to be underestimated. Chillies. These fiery little fruits are more than just an ingredient; they are the driving force behind much of Southeast Asia’s most memorable cuisine. From small street food stalls to refined restaurants, […]
A Birthday, A Rubber Tree, and Rendang: A Memorable Day at Our Cooking School in Langkawi
Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting six wonderful guests from top resorts in Langkawi, including Ambong Pool Villas and Rainforest Retreat. Karim and his lovely wife Omar Harris, visiting from Belgium, brought along their two delightful children, Benjamin and Alicia. In a heartwarming twist, Alicia chose to celebrate her birthday with us — what […]
Wendy & Bev at Langkawi Cooking School
Recently, we hosted two lovely sisters, Wendy & Bev from Australia, who wanted to enjoy a different activity apart from the usual mangrove tours and sunset cruises when they arrived at beautiful Langkawi. They were part of a tour group which had a choice of an activity to do, and they chose the Buluh & […]
A Unique Taste of Langkawi: My Experience at Langkawi Cooking School
After ticking off the usual sea adventures—island hopping, the mangrove tour, and the ever-exciting jet ski safari—I found myself in search of something different, something that would allow me to connect more deeply with the local culture. That’s when I came across Langkawi Cooking School, and I’m so glad I did. It turned out to […]