pasta & rice
Pasta or rice dishes.
Roz bel khalta (Egyptian rice with nuts, raisins, and gizzards)
Fluffy rice scented with cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, folded with golden fried gizzards, toasted nuts, and plump raisins. Known in Egypt as roz bel khalta (“rice with a mixture”), this festive dish is served at holidays and family gatherings, usually next to roasted or braised meats.
Couscous bidaoui (Casablanca-style couscous)
Tender lamb and a generous mix of vegetables simmered in a fragrant broth, piled over mounds of steamed couscous. Known in Morocco as couscous bidaoui, the Casablanca style, this is the dish of the Friday family meal, served on a large communal platter.
Ceebu jën (thiéboudienne)
Fish simmered in a rich tomato broth with cassava, cabbage, carrot, and eggplant, then served over rice cooked in that same flavorful liquid. Known in Senegal as ceebu jën (or thieboudienne), this is the country's national dish and a centerpiece of family meals and celebrations across West Africa.
Baked rice with béchamel (roz bel béchamel)
Layers of spiced ground meat, golden fried eggplant and tomato, and creamy rice folded into béchamel, all topped with melted cheese and baked until bubbling. Known in Egypt as roz bel béchamel ("rice with béchamel"), this is a comforting family bake in the same spirit as Egypt's better-known macarona bil-bechamel, with rice standing in for the pasta.
Spiced chicken noodles with peanut sauce
Peanut chicken noodles are a satisfying Australian-style stir-fry inspired by the flavors of Southeast Asian satay. Tender chicken thighs are seasoned with coriander, cumin, and turmeric, then tossed with chewy Hokkien noodles, crisp vegetables, and a creamy peanut and coconut sauce. Lime, sweet chili, and soy sauce balance the richness with brightness, sweetness, and a savory edge. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this is the kind of multicultural cooking that has become a familiar part of the Australian food scene.
Char kway teow
Fried rice
Colorful, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, fried rice is one of those dishes that turns leftovers into a feast. This version brings together tender ham, sweet baby corn, peas, and vibrant red bell pepper, all tossed with fluffy long-grain rice and a generous drizzle of kecap manis. That syrupy Indonesian soy sauce lends a deep, caramel-like sweetness that sets this dish apart. A rolled egg omelette, sliced into delicate golden ribbons, adds richness and a lovely finishing touch.
Stir-fried vegetables with rice noodles
Here's proof that a meat-free meal can be every bit as exciting as any other. This colorful vegetable stir-fry brings together crisp broccoli, sweet red bell pepper, tender snow peas, and juicy baby corn, all tossed with silky rice noodles in a glossy sauce of soy, sweet chili, ginger, and a splash of sweet sherry. It's a dish that celebrates the fresh, vibrant spirit of Southeast Asian cooking, where vegetables take center stage and every bite bursts with flavor and crunch.
Wok noodles with chicken and bok choi
This is the kind of dish that turns a hurried weeknight into a small celebration. Silky rice noodles tangle with savory chicken, crisp bean sprouts, and just-wilted baby bok choi, all sparked with garlic, ginger, and a splash of soy. The showstopper? Thin ribbons of golden egg omelette scattered across the top, adding a touch of richness and a lovely finish. Popular across Southeast Asia, this fragrant noodle bowl comes together in about 30 minutes and rewards you with big, bright flavor in every bite.
Hokkien mee noodles
Bright, glossy, and full of savory-sweet flavor, Hokkien mee is a beloved stir-fry that traces its roots to the Hokkien communities of Southeast Asia, where it became a street-food favorite across Malaysia and Singapore. Thick, springy Hokkien noodles soak up a fragrant sauce built on kecap manis, the sweet Indonesian soy sauce that gives the dish its signature caramel-dark sheen. Tossed with garlic, ginger, kaffir lime leaves, crisp vegetables, and fresh bean sprouts, it comes together in about 20 minutes.