Nonya Achar (1 litre jar)

Typically prepared as a festive treat only for Chinese New Year. It took me three years before Mum, ever the Quality Controller, decided to grade my Nonya Achar – up to standard. Her standard. Which was the only one that mattered anyway. It was always “tak chukup manis, tak chukup masam, tak chukup masin” (translated: “not sweet enough, not sour enough, not salty enough).

That sums up what a perfect Nonya Achar should be. A riotous balance of a sweet, tangy and (slightly) salty, concoction. Lightly blanched cauliflowers, cabbages, cucumbers and other vegetables in a zesty vinaigrette rempah base, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. Gives that zing to fried fish, ngor hiang, fried bee hoon and more.