.jpg)
Friday 23.10.09, 11:00am
Lisa Higginson
Malaysian flavours will be flowing out of Manchester kitchens thanks to a top city chef. Eager to share his self-taught secrets of the stunning cuisine that is cooked up in his Northern Quarter restaurant Ning, Norman Musa has published his first cookbook entitled Malaysian Food – a collection of my favourite dishes and the inspiration behind them.
The colourful cookery tome is a collection of inspiring recipes - many of which have been handed down through generations of Norman’s own family - personal anecdotes and memoirs of the chef’s childhood spent in Penang, in North West Malaysia. The 192 glossy pages approach Malaysian food in a personable and accessible way and are bursting with cultural references, cookery tips tailored to Malay cuisine and insights into the origins and traditions of the dishes.
Citing his mother as the inspiration behind his love of cooking, Norman said: “She used to run some of the most successful restaurants in Penang, so my family upbringing was centred round cooking and, of course, food is the centre of society in Malaysia, so you can’t help but get immersed in it.”
Norman added: “I really believe Malaysian cooking is going to be the next big thing and that’s the true inspiration behind me writing this book – my passion for all things Malaysian.”
Earlier this year, Norman travelled to Malaysia to research and gather location shots for the book, which has been produced and published independently by Ning. Among the mouth-watering Malaysian dishes featured are Rendang with coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass and chilli; Cucur Udang street style fritters with beansprouts, prawn, chives and peanut sauce and Ikan Goreng Masam Manis (crispy seabass fillet with sweet and sour chilli gravy).
Previously a quantity surveyor, Norman opened Ning in 2006 with his business partner Andy Spracklen, who has also edited the new cookbook. Priced at £19.95, the book is available exclusively from Ning restaurant or by calling 0161 211 3575 or buy online through the website www.ningcatering.com
Ning, 92-94 Oldham Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1LJ
Tel: 0161 238 9088
Find out who are Manchester's Top Eating and Drinking Venues 
A guide to the very best Restaurants in Greater Manchester
Find out where to go for lunchtime dining! Quick and light food at reasonable prices.
Your guide to Pubs in Manchester. Quality beers and ales served in a traditional British setting
The best Bars in town. Great drinks, cool venues, lively environments
The city's best Coffee houses. Sit back and relax or pop in for a quick pick-me-up!
Taste of Manchester is brought to you by Manchester Food & Drink Festival.
Have you been in one of Taste Top venues? Do you want to tell us about your night out in Manchester or nearby?
This is the chance to give your opinions.
Send us your lines: Taste of Manchester’s team may select your story and publish it on-line!
Write an e-mail to reviews@tasteofmanchester.com.