Cucumber, carrot, shallot, chilli prep into thin slices or matchsticks. Salt rests for 10 minutes to draw moisture, drains. A simple dressing of vinegar, sugar, water and ginger whisks together. Vegetables toss with the dressing; rest for 1 hour at room temperature. Eats cool, never refrigerated cold; the texture suffers.
Jasmine or basmati rice rinses, soaks for 30 minutes. Coconut milk, water, fresh turmeric (grated or pulped), lemongrass (bashed), kaffir lime leaves, salt and a knob of butter heat to a simmer. Rice drains; tips into the simmering coconut milk; absorbs the liquid over 18 minutes covered on low heat. Rests for 5 minutes off heat. Fluffed; lemongrass and lime leaves removed. Serves with sambal, fried egg, fried shallots.
Red chillies, garlic, shallots, tomato roast briefly under a grill until softened and slightly charred. Terasi (shrimp paste) toasts in a dry pan 1 minute until intensely fragrant. All ingredients pound or pulse to a coarse paste. The paste then fries in oil 8-10 minutes until deep red, fragrant and oil separates at the edges. Salt and a touch of palm sugar balances. Eats hot or cool.