Lara Lee

Enjoy stories and tantalising tastes from a diverse and barely known cuisine this evening: Nasi goreng, Beef rendang, Chilli prawn satay and Fragrant spicy sambals. Indonesian and Australian chef and food writer, Lara Lee will cook and talk about her debut cookbook, Coconut & Sambal – vibrant and authentic recipes from the bountiful islands of Indonesia interwoven with beguiling tales of life on the islands and vibrant food and travel photography. Beyond the lush rainforests, tropical seas and abundant rice fields lies a country not often seen by visitors. It is one of bustling local markets, lively street food stalls, colourful shops and houses and generous community spirit. From these islands comes one of the most diverse cuisines in the world, weaving flavours of lemongrass, chilli, tamarind and coconut into dishes that are fragrant, colourful and bold. Lara Lee takes us on a journey to trace her family’s Indonesian roots, and in the kitchens of her grandmother, extended family and welcoming strangers alike, she discovers the secrets to real Indonesian cookery.

‘Definitely where I would go to discover new tantalizing flavours. I would start with Lara’s fragrant chicken soup (soto ayam), do lots of exploring on the way whilst dousing everything with spoonfuls of sambal, and end with her coconut and pandan sponge cake (kue pandan dan kelapa) — Yotam Ottolenghi

Lara Lee has written a heartfelt homage to her Indonesian culinary heritage, with an exciting and panoramic selection of dishes and snacks from all over the archipelago. The clear instructions and lively descriptions make this lavishly-flavoured cuisine both appealing and accessible. — Fuchsia Dunlop