jin loves to eat: gourmet trains

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Jonathan Phang's 5-Course Dinner on Gourmet Trains

As promised, here is the 5-course meal that Jonathan Phang served on the Eastern and Oriental Express that I wrote about here.

The dishes he lovingly prepared onboard were Caribbean-inspired recipes that he grew up with - a mix of Chinese, East Indian, Mixed European, African, North American and Amerindian. Good news for people who love to cook: Jonathan shares these recipes in his cookbook "The Pepperpot Club," a collection of rich-flavored foods including meatball soup, chinese ribs, jerk chicken coconut cream pie… Ahhhh take me to the Caribbean now!!!

Breaded Cod with Mango Salsa and Red Pepper Mayonnaise

Spiced Pumpkin and Seafood Soup

Jerk Chicken

Beef Pepperpot

Coconut and Pineapple Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

Watch all the kitchen action, join the market tours, travel through Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, and appreciate the beauty of the Eastern and Oriental Express on Jonathan Phang's Gourmet Trains 2 on Asian Food Channel, Sundays 3pm and 10pm.

Asian Food Channel Website

Jonathan Phang Official Website

Jonathan Phang's Gourmet Train Facebook Page

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Jonathan Phang's Gourmet Train

There is something novel about eating in a moving vehicle. I cannot go on a road trip without bringing snacks to munch on while we speed through the highways, I look forward to inflight meals with some wine and chocolates, but my favorite of all is enjoying a big dinner inside a train. I think trains are the most charming mode of transportation.

Earlier this year, I had a grand time traveling around Spain on the Renfe.

AVE train from Madrid to Seville

I had a few good meals in them, too, mostly sandwiches stuffed with jamon iberico de bellota

I do not like to complain, but these amazing jamon-filled sandwiches are a far cry from what you get on Jonathan Phang's Gourmet Train.

And just look at the elegant train interiors that scream old-world opulence. Every gentleman

was in a handsome suit, every table covered in white linen, and every glass filled with good wine.

Recently, the Chinese-Caribbean chef traveled on the Eastern and Oriental Express on a gastronomic journey through Singapore, Malaysia and Bangkok, visiting markets, sourcing ingredients, and preparing a dinner feast for fellow travelers.

Jonathan Phang ready to board the Eastern and Oriental Express for the three-day two-night

gastronomic journey

Very early the next morning, he visited the Kuala Kangsar Market to shop for ingredients.

This morning market is bustling with vendors selling all kinds of fresh poultry, seafoods, fruits

and vegetables.

Jonathan with Eastern and Oriental Express Executive Chef Yannis Martineau

personally picking out fresh produce to use for the special dinner. I was told they bought

long beans, coriander, other leafy vegetables, plus a few local limes to use for dessert.

While everybody else was enjoying some music and entertainment at the train's piano bar, the chef
busied himself in the kitchen. I can't wait to show you the dishes he prepared! It seemed impossible
to do it in the cramped kitchen in a moving locomotive, but he did it masterfully.

Okay, maybe just a little sneak peek…