Blogs

There is only couple of weeks to go until Christmas and while you are working you head might be planning for a Christmas lunch or dinner ideas. Whether you are guests or hosting, here are some tips to make things run as smoothly as possible.

Rice is more than just a side dish—it’s the heart of many cultures and cuisines, especially across Asia. Whether it's part of a hearty biryani, a spicy stir-fry, or delicate sushi, rice holds stories of tradition, comfort, and creativity.

In many Asian countries, rice isn’t just a dinner staple—it’s often eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! And while plain steamed rice has its place, there’s a world of flavours waiting to be explored. Here are three simple rice recipes that showcase the versatility of this humble grain—plus how you can learn to make them hands-on with our expert chefs at Otao Kitchen.

Affordable Healthy Meals to Make with Lentils or Beans

If you're looking to eat healthy on a budget, beans and lentils are your best mates in the kitchen. These humble pantry staples are packed with fibre, rich in B vitamins, and are a fantastic plant-based protein source—especially great for vegetarians and vegans.

In addition to being affordable and versatile, beans and lentils are the cornerstone of many delicious, wholesome meals from around the world. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking solo, these ingredients will stretch your dollar without compromising on flavour.

👉 Want to know which beans and legumes are the healthiest? Check out this guide from Healthline.

Now, let’s take these budget-friendly ingredients to the next level with easy, healthy recipes from Otao Kitchen:

Choosing the Right Beef Cut and Cooking the Perfect Steak

With the huge variety of beef cuts available in the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing the popular cuts. Most home cooks stick to familiar favourites like rib-eye, sirloin, fillet, or rump steak, but each cut has its own unique texture, flavour, and best cooking method.

At Otao Kitchen, we believe understanding your ingredients is just as important as mastering your technique. So, let’s dive into some helpful tips and tricks for selecting and cooking the perfect steak—whether you're pan-searing, grilling, or broiling.

“Winner winner, chicken dinner!” – a phrase every Aussie knows and loves. At Otao Kitchen, we believe there’s no such thing as boring chicken—especially when you’ve got delicious global recipes at your fingertips.

In this post, we’re sharing three ultimate ways to cook a whole chicken, from the classic Aussie roast to the bold spices of India and the comforting flavours of Malaysia and Singapore. These recipes will not only boost your confidence in the kitchen, but also guarantee that your dinner table is the real winner.

It’s a well-known fact that fruits and vegetables are rich in essential nutrients and a cornerstone of a healthy diet. But did you know that how you prepare and eat your food can dramatically increase the amount of nutrients your body actually absorbs?

From raw veggies to strategic food pairings, here are smart ways to boost nutrient absorption and make the most of every bite.