“We will never forget the first time we landed in Dali in Yunnan Province. The doors of the aeroplane opened and we were greeted by a vista of wonderful open spaces and clean, fresh air - such a welcome relief after spending time in China's hectic and relentless cities. We ate a version of this simple dish at one of the many restaurants dotted around the incredibly beautiful Erhai Lake.”

“If I had to pick my favourite British food, the humble roast chicken would definitely be one of my top contenders. I love everything about roast chicken – the homely smell that permeates the kitchen as it cooks in the oven, the theatre of bringing a whole bird to the table and carving it to share, the delicious contrast of crisp brown skin and juicy meat…

Coconut and pandan might as well be soulmates. They belong together. It’s a partnership revered across Southeast Asia and one I re-create again and again throughout this book…