Recipe: Stir Fried Snakehead Fish with Ginger & Spring Onion

Snakehead Fish, also known as 生鱼 (sang yu) in Chinese or ikan haruan / toman in Malay is such an underrated fish. I personally love it cos it has no fishy smell and the flesh is so tender. It’s nice in porridge, steamed or stir fried like you see here with ginger and spring onions. Such a nice and easy recipe, cooks in under 15 minutes.

I bought the frozen slices from the supermarket, a 500g pack will yield 350g snakehead fish slices after defrosting.

Check out the step-by-step recipe here on YouTube:

𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 & 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

Recipe by Baby Sumo

Preparation time:

Cooking time:

Serves 3

Ingredients
350g snakehead fish slices
4 slice old ginger
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 tbsp cooking oil
1 tbsp grated ginger
1-2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
1 tsp chicken stock powder
A few dashes white pepper
20g spring onion, cut into 1” lengths

1. Heat oil in wok over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger slices and grated ginger and saute for 2-3 mins until lightly golden and fragrant.

2. Add fish slices and saute for 2-3 mins, then season with Shaoxing wine, chicken stock powder and white pepper. Cook until fish flesh has turned white and opaque. Then, add spring onions and cook for a further minute. Serve with rice.

If you enjoyed reading my posts, LIKE me on Facebook! You can also follow me on Instagram (@babysumo) for more photo updates or subscribe to our YouTube channel. Thanks :)

Kerepek Seller Achieves 80% Sales Uplift with Shopee Live

Kerepek Seller Achieves 80% Sales Uplift with Shopee Live

Kerepek Azharfood Demonstrates the Power of Real-Time Engagement and Community Building

Recognising the growing potential of live streaming, Kerepek Azharfood, a traditional kerepek seller, embraced Shopee Live in October 2023 and has since established a strong presence. Their innovative use of Shopee Live to connect with viewers and their dedication to using high-quality ingredients fueled their online success, resulting in a remarkable 80% increase in sales within 6 months. Today, Kerepek Azharfood thrives online, boasting a loyal following of more than 100,000 followers on Shopee, a testament to their successful digital adaptation.

Kerepek Azharfood Redefined Engagement with Captivating Shopee Live Content

Kerepek Azharfood saw the limitations of a brick-and-mortar store and actively turned to live streaming. This strategic shift allowed them to expand their reach and connect with a wider audience through engaging online experiences. Mohamad Syahme Bin Azhar, Marketing Manager of Kerepek Azharfood explained, "We embraced live streaming and turned it into a powerful tool for customer engagement. We offered viewers a captivating behind-the-scenes look at our operations, showcasing the meticulous care poured into every product, from kerepek-making to packing." This transparency instilled confidence in their brand's dedication to quality. 

Kerepek Azharfood redefined online engagement by prioritising uninterrupted, always-on live streams. The Kerepek Azharfood team hasn’t taken a single day off from Shopee Live, streaming every day since they joined. Some sessions even extend to a remarkable eight hours, fostering deeper connections within their community. During their recent Ramadan live streams in March 2024, they captivated a record-breaking audience of 43,000 viewers, translating into a sales surge exceeding 600 orders from one Shopee Live session alone. This represents a remarkable 6 times order uplift compared to their non-peak season livestreams, solidifying the effectiveness of their approach.

Built Loyal Following Through Quality and Customer Focus

Kerepek Azharfood's commitment to quality resonated with customers online, building a loyal following. They prioritised customer feedback through recipe refinement and taste tests by sending out food samples to their customer whenever there’s a request. Their innovative packaging solutions ensured their delicate kerepek arrived fresh, with a transparent full-refund policy for broken kerepek deliveries. Recognising diverse customer needs, they offered a variety of kerepek sizes, from single-serve packs to party-ready options, strengthening their position as a leading Shopee Live seller. Kerepok Tortilla Nachos 1KG, their best selling product since 2018, has over 43,800 packets sold and a solid 4.9-star product rating from over 19,600 happy customers. Another best-seller, Kacang Gajus, averaging 1,900 packets sold monthly since launch, translated to a total of 9,100 satisfied customers. 

Kerepek Azharfood's dedication to quality and genuine customer interaction fueled a powerful word-of-mouth effect from their satisfied customers to their networks. Syahme mentioned, "We've always believed in using only the finest ingredients and maintaining the authenticity of traditional recipes. But it's the connections we build with our customers that truly sets us apart. We are so thankful that our customers share feedback and reviews for our products. With our community, we have managed to achieve over 270,000 positive ratings for our kerepek products!" This organic praise from happy customers played a significant role in building Kerepek Azharfood's loyal following. 

Kerepek Azharfood's success story exemplified how a traditional business can thrive in the digital age with foresight, customer focus, and a willingness to adapt.  Syahme encouraged other sellers, stating, "Don't wait for the ideal moment to start Shopee Live. Shopee is here to support you every step of the way." He added, "Shopee's user-friendly platform makes live streaming incredibly easy – with just one product listing, you can be live streaming directly in the app. No complex setup required!"  Syahme further highlighted that beyond its ease of use, Shopee Live offers a range of interactive features to keep viewers engaged, including polls, lucky draws, live-exclusive vouchers and coins.  These elements, combined with real-time comment sections and livestream reminders, ensured a dynamic and interactive shopping experience for both sellers and viewers.

If you enjoyed reading my posts, LIKE me on Facebook! You can also follow me on Instagram (@babysumo) for more photo updates or subscribe to our YouTube channel.Thanks :)

Recipe: Ayam Masak Merah

𝐀𝐲𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐤 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐡, translated as red cooked chicken, is a Malay dish whereby chicken is cooked with chilli paste (cili giling) and tomato puree. I usually make it with chicken fillet or chicken breast cos they cook quicker (and that's the cut my family likes eating). You can serve it with Nasi tomato and acar jelatah.. super yum!

Check out this YouTube video for step-by-step instructions on cooking ayam masak merah:

𝐀𝐲𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐤 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐡

Recipe by Baby Sumo

Preparation time: 10 mins

Cooking time: 30 mins

Serves 4

Ingredients
400g chicken fillet or breast, cut into large chunks
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp cooking oil
2 tbsp cili giling
1 tsp chicken stock powder
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup Cirio finely chopped tomatoes / tomato puree
1/2 yellow onion
1 tomato, cut into 8
1/4 cup frozen peas
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
2 cardamom pods

To blend
3 cloves garlic
2 shallots
1/2 yellow onion
2 tbsp water

1. Marinate chicken with turmeric and salt for 10 minutes.

2. Place ingredients to blend in a blender or mini food chopper and blend until you get a fine paste. 

3. In a wok, heat oil. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 mins, until no longer pink and evenly browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

4. Add cinnamon stick, star anise and cardamom pods and saute for 2 mins until fragrant. Add blended ingredients from (2) and saute for 4-5 mins. Add cili giling and saute for further 2-3 mins.

5. Add tomato puree / finely chopped tomatoes and season with sugar and chicken stock powder. Return cooked chicken back to wok and add onions, tomato and frozen peas. Cook for another 8-10 mins, until sauce has thickened. Serve with nasi tomato or nasi minyak, along with acar jelatah.

If you enjoyed reading my posts, LIKE me on Facebook! You can also follow me on Instagram (@babysumo) for more photo updates or subscribe to our YouTube channel.Thanks :)

Bayu Somerset Fosters Baju Kurung Love Through Shopee Live

  Bayu Somerset Fosters Baju Kurung Love Through Shopee Live

Beyond Raya: Bayu Somerset Redefines Traditional Clothing for Everyday Style

Bayu Somerset, a pioneering fashion brand breathes new life into the local fashion scene with their vibrant designs and inclusive vision. Founded in 2021 by Diana Kamalul and Emir Fauzi, a former banker couple, Bayu Somerset was born from a desire to fill the gap for funky and colourful baju kurung. Traditionally dominated by understated aesthetics, Bayu Somerset offers unique pieces accessible to all, regardless of age, background, skin tone, size, occasion, or season.

While maintaining their five physical stores, Bayu Somerset has become a rising star in the e-commerce world. Now entering their third year online, they've embraced the challenges and constant learning that come with the digital landscape. Driven by the need to adapt, Emir, highlighting their tech-driven approach, emphasises their focus on keeping up with current trends like livestreaming and affiliate marketing.

"Transitioning to e-commerce required a lot of learning and adaptation, especially keeping up with current trends," says Emir. "It demanded significant resources, but the potential benefits for the company and brand were undeniable. Shopee was definitely critical in helping us navigate the challenges of going online. They not only helped entice customers to buy but also exposed our brand to a wider audience. Brand exposure is vital in the e-commerce world, and the stability of the Shopee platform is something I truly value."

Bayu Somerset takes a dynamic approach to Shopee Live, broadcasting eight hours a day, two hours per session, regardless of the season. This strategy ensures consistent customer engagement that transcends seasonal peaks like Raya. While acknowledging the tenfold sales increase during Raya, Bayu Somerset prioritises sustainability over seasonal reliance. Aligned with their ethos of promoting baju kurung for everyday wear, Bayu Somerset introduces at least two new collections monthly, with sizes available up to 5XL to ensure inclusivity.

During their Shopee Live sessions, hosts passionately discuss the wearability of the garments, highlighting the breathable cotton fabric perfect for Malaysia's climate. With affordability in mind, they offer pieces as low as RM79, without compromising quality. During Ramadan month, the hosts also showcase the Raya collection, which consists of eight diverse collections featuring six to ten patterns each, including kidswear and menswear. These designs boast inspirations from Malaysian culture alongside fun cultural fusions like Moroccan, Mexican, and African influences. Additionally, a recent collaboration with local illustrator Arina Azhar brings a whimsical vibe to their offerings, adding an exciting twist to their collections.

Customer reviews and Shopee Live comment sections overflow with enthusiasm for Bayu Somerset's baju kurung. One satisfied customer exclaims, "I wore my Bayu Somerset baju kurung while gardening! It's so versatile, I love it!" Another shares, "I often wear mine to the supermarket and for cafe hopping. The fabric is light but durable, perfect for daily wear." These live sessions go beyond product showcases; they foster a community around comfortable and versatile fashion.

Bayu Somerset actively engages with customers through Shopee's features like Shopee Coins and vouchers, enriching the shopping journey. Offering discounts and rewards incentivizes repeat purchases and builds customer loyalty. Furthermore, their participation in Shopee's Raya campaign including the livestreamed #ShopeeRaiLokal Raya Stail Kita fashion show watched by over 70,000 Malaysians, leverages the platform's extensive reach during festive seasons to showcase their latest collections and offer special promotions. By strategically utilising Shopee's features and campaigns, Bayu Somerset amplifies brand visibility and elevates the customer experience.

Additionally, Diana elaborates on the brand's success with the Shopee Affiliate program: "We've seen a significant impact from affiliates who actively promote Bayu Somerset on social media platforms, particularly the X app. These affiliates play a crucial role in enhancing our brand credibility through their testimonials, shared experiences, and endorsements, ultimately driving sales conversion." By leveraging the Shopee Affiliate program, Bayu Somerset effectively spreads the message about their brand values, affordable pricing, and unique designs, expanding their reach and market impact.

Bayu Somerset isn't resting on its laurels. Fueled by their entrepreneurial spirit, Diana and Emir offer a roadmap for aspiring e-commerce sellers: "Maximise Shopee's features like Live sessions and the Affiliate Program to amplify brand exposure," Diana suggests. "Adapt winning strategies from other platforms to Shopee Live and see what resonates with your audience." Emir emphasises the importance of continuous adaptation: "Staying updated with current trends and adapting to the ever-changing e-commerce landscape is crucial for relevance and competitiveness. Continuously evolve your strategies to stay ahead of the curve."

In just three years, Bayu Somerset has become a cornerstone of the local economy and community, employing 60 full-time staff and 30 part-time staff, with 95% of them being women. The brand has sold over 8,500 pieces on Shopee, with the Merdu Kebarung in Cream color emerging as the bestseller. With almost 30k followers on Shopee and a stellar 4.9-star rating, the brand continues to thrive and resonate with its growing customer base.

If you enjoyed reading my posts, LIKE me on Facebook! You can also follow me on Instagram (@babysumo) for more photo updates or subscribe to our YouTube channel. Thanks :)

Recipe: Fried Beancurd Roll (Dim Sum)

These 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐬 are something we always order at the dim sum restaurant. Tried my hand at making them at home last weekend in the air fryer and they turned out amazing! The filling is a mix of store bought fish paste, chopped prawns and chives. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can shallow fry them in oil (180°C) for a few mins until golden.

Watch the step-by-step instruction video here:

You can buy the beancurd sheet here: https://shope.ee/9A1ZFVfMVU

𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐬

Recipe by Baby Sumo

Preparation time: 20-30 mins

Cooking time: 20 mins

Makes 7-8

Ingredients
18g beancurd sheet, cut into 15x15cm sheets (7-8 pcs)
Cooking spray

For the filling
200g premium fish paste
10g chives
4 peeled prawns

For the glue
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water

For the mayo dipping sauce
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp evaporated creamer
1 tsp honey

1. In a bowl, mix the ingredients for the filling. Then, slap the ingredients into the bowl for about 5 mins, until the filling is sticky and bouncy.

2. Make the glue by mixing the ingredients together. Set aside.

3. Place one beancurd sheet on a flat surface. Using a damp cloth, wipe the beancurd sheet on both sides (wipe at least 2-3 times to remove excess salt. Wiping it will also make it more pliable). Place about one tablespoonful of filling onto the sheet, about 1 cm from the sides and 2cm from bottom. Fold the bottom upwards. Using your fingers, apply glue around the edges and then fold to form a parcel. (watch video here to learn how to fold the rolls). Repeat for other sheets until filling is used up.

4. Spray air fryer with some cooking spray. Place beancurd rolls in a single layer in air fryer, then spray again with more cooking spray. Cook in air fryer at 180°C for 20 mins until beancurd is crispy.

5. Meanwhile, place all ingredients for dipping sauce in a bowl and mix well.

6. Serve the beancurd rolls hot with the mayo dipping sauce. We usually cut each roll into half with scissors.

Tip: Make sure to wipe the beancurd sheets a few times to remove excess salt from the sheets, otherwise it will be very salty.

If you enjoyed reading my posts, LIKE me on Facebook! You can also follow me on Instagram (@babysumo) for more photo updates or subscribe to our YouTube channel. Thanks :)

Male Entrepreneur Builds Beauty Empire on Shopee Live

Male Entrepreneur Builds Beauty Empire on Shopee Live

Mikaseries Leverages Livestreaming to Foster Engagement and Inclusivity on Shopee

Mikaseries, the brainchild of Shopee Celebrity Squad member Zoey Rahman, has thrived for six years on the Shopee platform, rooted in entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusivity. Inspired by his experience as an artist observing the demand for long-lasting makeup solutions in the film industry, Zoey leveraged the dynamic capabilities of Shopee Live to transform the beauty and cosmetics shopping experience, dispelling misconceptions and championing diversity in the industry.

Mikaseries debuted in 2018 alongside Zoey's induction into the Shopee Celebrity Squad. Despite the challenges inherent in entering a competitive market, Zoey received invaluable support from Shopee as he navigated his e-commerce journey.

"Shopee Live has truly been transformative," Zoey reflected. "It's not just about showcasing products; it's about fostering meaningful dialogue and empowering consumers to make informed choices. Through interactive sessions, I've had the opportunity to address concerns, highlight product benefits, and champion the message that beauty knows no gender. Mikaseries embodies more than just cosmetics; it's about embracing individuality, promoting skincare as a priority, and making beauty fun and accessible for everyone."

He continued, "During Shopee’s sales campaigns like 11.11 and 12.12, Shopee Live helps me tap into increased user activity, drawing more viewers to my sessions. Initiatives like exclusive Shopee Live vouchers and Shopee Coins further amplify their excitement, driving traffic to these events. The platform's interactive features seamlessly complement Shopee's real-time customised shopping suggestions, significantly boosting Mikaseries’ conversion rates. Thanks to Shopee Live, we have experienced remarkable upticks in viewership, growth, and sales."

Leveraging the power of Shopee Live, Mikaseries has seamlessly integrated live streaming into its marketing strategy, nurturing deeper connections with customers and fostering a sense of community. The brand maximises Shopee Live with three daily sessions, each lasting two hours, sometimes personally hosted by Zoey. This engagement builds strong connections with customers, enhancing the brand's reputation and driving sales.

Mikaseries also benefited from Shopee's comprehensive support system, including resources like Shopee University and Seller Education Hub. These channels provided essential seller education, equipping Mikaseries and others with the necessary skills to excel in the competitive e-commerce landscape. By leveraging these resources and tools, Zoey successfully navigated the challenges of the cosmetics industry and established Mikaseries as a reputable brand on the Shopee platform.

Mikaseries prides itself on offering inclusive beauty solutions suitable for all genders. Its signature product, the saffron-infused serum, MIKA ULTRA SERUM - BOOSTER, sold over 4,700 on Shopee, is meticulously formulated to combat free radicals, promote skin rejuvenation and healing, and hydrate the skin for a radiant complexion. Additionally, Mikaseries makeup, such as the popular Mikadation foundation, with over 15,000 units sold on Shopee, offers lightweight and versatile solutions suitable for both men and women, whether they opt for a heavier or lighter application.

In line with its unwavering commitment to continual growth and innovation, Mikaseries extends its offerings beyond beauty products, as showcased by its recent foray into fashion with the debut of Mikawear's Indra Exclusive at Shopee inaugural #ShopeeRaiLokal Raya Stail Kita fashion show on 5 March.

During the livestreamed fashion event, watched by over 70,000 viewers across Malaysia, Mikaseries unveiled its Mikawear’s Indra Exclusive Raya Collection featuring Baju Melayu Indra and innovative instant Sampin Indra, inspired by a fusion of modern elegance and traditional heritage. These contemporary interpretations of classic silhouettes incorporate the classic ‘cekak musang’ neckline with innovative hidden buttons for added convenience and versatility.

"What better way for me to introduce my new venture to the world than through Shopee Live events? I trust the platform's interactive nature, coupled with its extensive user base and campaign-driven initiatives, which has been instrumental in driving growth and fostering lasting connections with consumers,” remarked Zoey.

Headquartered in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Mikaseries boasts a passionate team of eleven and a loyal following of over 109,000 Shopee fans. With plans to continue expanding its product range and reaching 200 physical stores by year-end, Mikaseries continues to redefine beauty and style for all.

MIkaseries’s Baju Melayu Indra paired with Sampin Indra showcased during #ShopeeRaiLokal Raya Stail Kita fashion show

If you enjoyed reading my posts, LIKE me on Facebook! You can also follow me on Instagram (@babysumo) for more photo updates or subscribe to our YouTube channel. Thanks :)