Otah

Call it otak-otak, otah-otah, otak, or simpy otah, it's still the same fish cake found throughout Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Otah is a mixture of fish paste (usually mackerel) and spices including chillies, garlic, shallots, turmeric, lemon grass and coconut milk. The mixture is then wrapped in a banana leaf that has been softened by steaming, then grilled. It can also be steamed.

It can be eaten as a snack or with bread or rice as part of a meal. Good otah should have the right dash of spiciness, with enough chili just to give it kick and the fresh fish slivers embedded in the smooth paste to give it some bite.

Tags: Singapore, otah, otak-otak