Flavors of Malaysia: Nyonya Rempah

A hands-on in-person cooking class culminating in a dinner served with wine and beer. This class is limited to 14 students. Review our registration and cancellation policies here.

Join Linda to learn the foundations of rempah, the aromatic spice paste at the heart of Nyonya cooking. You’ll use a base of shallot, chili, lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric, to discover how this aromatic blend transforms into a range of vibrant, complex dishes. From spicy sambal Petai Squid to the earthy richness of Buah Keluak fish curry, each recipe showcases the versatility of this essential paste. You’ll also make Rojak Timun with shrimp paste dressing, okra sambal, pineapple and shrimp curry, and golden turmeric sticky rice. This class is a flavorful deep dive into Linda’s “Same Same but Different” magic of Nyonya Rempah.

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Rojak Timun with Sambal Belacan and Shrimp Paste
Buah Keluak Hu - Fish in a Black Nut Curry
Sambal Petai Squid
Pineapple and Shrimp Curry 
Okra with Dried Shrimp Sambal 
Turmeric Sticky Rice

This menu contains the following common allergens: Fish, Shellfish. There are options available if you're allergic to peanuts, but they involve tree nuts. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions that concern your ability to cook along, please e-mail info@18reasons.org before purchasing a ticket.

Let’s Cook Together!

Linda Tay Esposito is a teaching chef whose food represents a tribute and a commitment to the authenticity of the cuisines of the Pacific Rim. For the last two decades, Linda has shared her passion and knowledge of East and Southeast Asian cuisines by teaching at many notable cooking schools in the Bay Area. An all around food professional, Linda works on placemaking projects by building equitable food systems through the intersectional lens of food, sustainability and equity. She led the development of La Cocina’s municipal marketplace as well as the food program at the Presidio Tunnel Tops. She currently works on ground floor activation initiatives at several affordable housing projects in San Francisco. Linda's specialties include Malaysian cuisine, Chinese cuisine, and various Southeast Asian cuisines. She teaches both public and private cooking classes and hosts pop-up dinners at 18 Reasons.

_{Photo by Linda Tay Esposito}