From my kitchen to your plate.
Myanmar – Aromatic Curries and the Art of Si PyanMyanmar, also known as Burma, is a Southeast Asian country with a diverse culinary heritage shaped by regional traditions and neighbouring food cultures. Onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric and chili are important ingredients in many Burmese curries. A characteristic technique in several Burmese curry preparations is known as si pyan, often translated as "the oil returns". As the curry cooks and moisture evaporates, the seasoned oil becomes visible again, signalling that the sauce has reduced and its flavours have concentrated.
What Is Aloo Hin?Aloo Hin is a Burmese-style potato curry. The name combines aloo, meaning potato, with hin, a Burmese term for curry or a cooked dish. Traditional preparations vary, but potatoes are commonly cooked with aromatic ingredients and spices until tender and well coated in the sauce. My Via Veggie Vegan version takes a deliberately creative approach by replacing ordinary potato pieces with slow-baked Hasselback potatoes. Black mustard seeds, mustard oil, sesame oil, vegan fish sauce and a garnish of coriander, sesame seeds and fresh tomato complete this fully plant-based, Burmese-inspired interpretation.
From my kitchen to your plate.
Seychelles – An Island Nation with a Rich Creole Food CultureThe Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. Its culinary traditions reflect a blend of African, French, Indian and other influences, shaped by the islands' tropical climate and close relationship with the sea. Fish, seafood, coconut, rice, vegetables, chili, lime and fragrant herbs are important ingredients in Seychellois Creole cooking. Freshly prepared dishes with citrus and aromatic seasonings are particularly well suited to the warm climate, while the country's fishing industry, especially tuna fishing and processing, plays a significant economic role.
What Are Seychelles Vegan Creole “Tuna” Salad Boats?This Via Veggie Vegan creation is inspired by Seychellois tuna salads and the fresh, vibrant flavors associated with Creole island cooking. It is not presented as a traditional national recipe. Instead, conventional tuna is replaced with a plant-based tuna alternative, while the boiled egg sometimes found in tuna salads is omitted entirely. Crisp Romaine lettuce leaves become edible little boats filled with vegan tuna and black olives. Avocado, cucumber, red onion and chili add color and texture, while a dressing of fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, chives, Thai basil, coriander and a pinch of Kala Namak brings everything together. The result is a playful, completely vegan interpretation of island-inspired salad flavors.
From my kitchen to your plate.
Ukoy, also spelled Okoy, is a traditional Filipino fritter made with vegetables and often small shrimp. Popular variations include bean sprouts, squash, sweet potatoes and other locally available ingredients.
The vegetables are coated in batter and fried until golden and crispy. Ukoy is commonly enjoyed as a snack, appetiser or street food, traditionally accompanied by a tangy vinegar dipping sauce known as Sawsawang Suka.
My version takes a creative detour through the waffle iron. Butternut squash, zucchini and onions meet chickpea flour, while the familiar crispy texture gets a modern, oil-conscious twist.
Traditional Filipino inspiration, a brand-new kitchen gadget and a little Via Veggie Vegan mischief.
From my kitchen to your plate.
The Philippines – A Culinary Love Affair with Coconut
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands in Southeast Asia, with a wonderfully diverse culinary heritage shaped by regional traditions, tropical ingredients and centuries of cultural exchange. Coconut is an essential ingredient in many Filipino kitchens, particularly in regions where coconut palms grow abundantly. One beloved cooking technique is known as ginataan, which involves simmering vegetables, seafood, meat or even sweet ingredients in coconut milk. Combined with aromatic garlic, ginger, onions and chili, coconut milk creates wonderfully rich and comforting dishes. Squash and yardlong beans are especially popular vegetables in Filipino home cooking, making their combination a delicious example of the country's flavorful everyday cuisine.
Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw – Filipino Comfort Food with a Creative Twist
Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw translates roughly to squash and yardlong beans cooked in coconut milk. Kalabasa refers to squash, while sitaw describes the long, slender beans commonly used in Filipino cooking. Traditional preparations often include shrimp, pork or fish sauce, although the ingredients and seasonings vary between households. My completely vegan interpretation uses plant-based fish sauce, plenty of garlic, fresh ginger, chili and creamy coconut milk. Instead of traditional kalabasa, I roast a small Hokkaido squash and transform its two halves into edible serving bowls. Fresh coriander, lime and homemade lemongrass salt add my personal Via Veggie Vegan signature. The result is Filipino comfort food at heart, with a generous helping of Team Garlic, Team Spicy and a little zero-waste kitchen magic.
