Talking Shop with Fly By Jing founder Jing Gao
When Jing Gao founded Fly By Jing in 2018, she had one goal: help people bring their favorite Asian flavors home. Prior to starting her company, she ran an underground supper club with a similar intention, and after developing a handful of sauce bases for recipes, she started bottling them to sell. One of those sauces might be in your refrigerator or pantry right now — I practically add Fly By Jing's Sichuan Chili Crisp to anything savory I eat, and use its Sichuan Gold chili oil when I really want to amp up a dish.
Of course, Fly By Jing's products are staples in her kitchen, but Gao relies on many others when hosting or cooking dinner for her family. I talked to her about the kitchen essentials she can't live without, plus the food item she used to stuff her suitcase with before flying home from Singapore.
'Zojirushi is the Rolls Royce of rice cookers,' says Gao. 'I use it pretty much every day in my kitchen, and I have a small one because it's just me, my partner and my baby. You just press a button and it makes perfect rice every single time.' Beyond using it for rice, Gao also cooks congee in it.
When she's using a wok to boil, steam, stir fry or braise ingredients, Gao's utensil of choice is long wood or bamboo cooking chopsticks. 'They give you more precision when you want to pick things up, and they're really good for separate noodles,' she says. 'Since they're so long, it prevents you from getting your hand all up in the steam and oil that might be splattering.'
'I have a lot of hot pot at home, and whenever I host, I love making it because it's the most simple yet impressive food that just looks beautiful,' says Gao. 'It's such a communal, wonderful experience where you're cooking and eating with friends, and it goes on for hours. It's a huge spread, but all you really did was wash some vegetables, chop some tofu and lay out pre-sliced meats from H-Mart or 99 Ranch.'
'With hot pot, you basically need some kind of a stove on your table,' says Gao. 'I love the Iwatani because you don't need to mess with cords since it runs off gas. You can put it in the middle of your table with your hot pot over it, and it's great for camping, too.'
Diaspora Co. Aranya Black Pepper
'I swear by and only use Dispora's black pepper,' says Gao. 'It's the best black pepper and it will make you feel like every black pepper you've had in the past is awful. It's that good.' She also uses the brand's other single-origin, ethically-sourced spices, all of which are 'beautifully packaged' so Gao recommends gifting them to the home cook in your life.
Toiro Donabe Steamer Mushi Nabe
'You can make hot pot in any type of pot, but I prefer a donabe, which is a Japanese clay vessel,' she says. 'They've been using it for thousands of years in China and Japan, and there's something about the clay that really holds the heat when you're cooking and amplifies the flavor.'
Gao's favorite donabe is from Toiro, a Los Angeles-based brand. 'Toiro's artisan-crafted clay pots are just incredible and their donabe is such a versatile vessel. I cook hot pot in it, but I also use it to cook rice, steam vegetables and make Japanese curries.' Gao has this large donabe from Toiro that comes with a steamer attachment. She often makes soup or rice on the bottom, and salmon and vegetables on top in the steamer. 'It's all about convenience,' says Gao.
'I love making fresh rice, but sometimes, I just do not have the time,' says Gao. 'Having ready-to-eat rice in a bag that you just microwave for a minute is so easy.' She often uses Lundberg's 90-second rice to make fried rice, and adds vegetables and eggs to it.
Irvins Salted Egg Salmon Skin Chip Crisps
'The most popular snack brand from Asia is Irvins, which is based in Singapore. I would literally go to Singapore and stop at the airport just to grab these chips,' says Gao. 'They're most famous for their salmon skin chips. Somehow, the way they fry it makes it super crispy and delicious, and they coat it in all kinds of flavors, like salted duck egg.'
Why trust NBC Select?
I'm a reporter at NBC Select who covers topics like health, fitness, home and kitchen. I interviewed Jing Gao, founder of Fly By Jing and cookbook author, about her favorite products to cook with at home.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
19 hours ago
- Time Out
This hidden bistro in an industrial building serves some of the best Asian-inspired pasta in Singapore
Regulars were up in arms when RVLT announced last December that it would be closing sometime in 2025. Over its eight years on Carpenter Street, the fun-loving, casual wine bar carved out a reputation for itself as a pioneer of the natural wine movement in Singapore. But with business never quite bouncing back to its pre-Covid heyday – and rent and costs on a steady incline – even beloved institutions have to call it a day sometimes. RVLT poured its last glass in July this year. Thankfully, what died didn't stay dead. Founders Alvin Gho and Ian Lim are quick to bounce back on their feet with a brand new concept, Revolution, tucked away in an unsuspecting industrial estate in Bukit Merah. The restaurant has swapped out the grungy aesthetics of its old digs for a more minimalistic, classy look, with clean lines and a softer colour palette. The new space is designed in collaboration with Danish design house Fritz Hansen just next door, so that explains it. Despite the makeover, the spirit of RVLT lives on in its menu and wine programme. Executive Chef Sunny Leong continues to helm the kitchen, bringing back old faves like the homemade chicken nuggets ($20) – just as good, with a perfectly crisp shell and tender middle, studded with bits of chicken soft bone for an extra crunch, and paired with a slightly sweet tomato sriracha. Other dishes that survive the lynch include the sourdough bread with seaweed butter ($8), steak tartare ($26) and wagyu beef patty melt with fries ($28). And if you miss the vino, shimmy up to the bar-counter for spot-on recommendations by Alvin and Ian, who'll pour you anything from a juicy pinot noir from China to an unfussy glass of pet-nat. If you work around the area, Revolution's two-course set lunch ($28.80) is a solid deal, with Asian-inspired pastas taking centre stage. There are five to choose from, like salted egg carbonara spaghetti and black pepper wagyu steak bucatini. Our picks? The 'hua diao' white clam linguine and mala pesto trofie. The linguine has a splash of Chinese rice wine, though in the gentlest, most delicate way. What really stands out is the buttery sauce and giant, slippery clams which add a briny sweetness to each bite. Alvin tells us the mala pesto pasta is the most underrated of the lot, and we're inclined to agree. It's got that satisfying numbing kick, with a fine dusting of crushed almonds on top for added crunch. His personal favourite, however, is the chicken rendang ravioli, the only dish on the menu which uses fresh pasta. Each parcel is filled with a smooth chicken mousse and coated in a rich rendang sauce, with generous sprinkles of berempah (crispy, spiced crumbs) as the cherry on top. Come late September to October, Revolution will be rolling out its dinner menu, featuring new dishes dreamed up by Chef Sunny. We shan't spoil it, but let's just say you can expect anything from a reinvention of his iconic crystal bread to delicate stroopwaffles made of chicken skin, and more funky, boundary-pushing creations. For now, Revolution is open for lunch and tea from 11am to 5pm daily, with dinner hours expected to run from 6pm to midnight from Thursdays to Saturdays.
Time Out Dubai
19 hours ago
- Time Out Dubai
Treat yourself to a new summer ritual at Banyan Tree Dubai
Some days call for switching off from the real world. When the inbox is brimming and the heat outside feels relentless, a getaway doesn't sound bad – especially when it comes with a cracking view and a massage table. The Summer Spa Ritual at Banyan Tree Dubai ticks all those boxes, with a few indulgent extras thrown in for good measure. This sun-soaked daycation is available all summer, with prices starting from Dhs590 per person on weekdays and Dhs690 on weekends. What to expect? A one-hour treatment at Banyan Tree Spa, one of the largest in Dubai, at a massive 2,257 square metres. Expect a mix of Asian and Middle Eastern wellness rituals, performed by highly skilled therapists who know exactly how to ease the tension from your shoulders or coax you into a blissed-out state with a signature massage. Before or after your treatment, you can also add a one-hour Rainforest Experience to your package for an additional charge of Dhs350. It's a fun hydrothermal journey (literally, like walking through rain) with vitality pools, an ice fountain and steam and sauna rooms. If lounging's more your thing, there are heated recliners and private suites, some with jacuzzis. And while you're at it, you can always peruse the menu and add on anything you fancy for a full-on pampering session. The ritual doesn't stop there. You'll also sit down to a two-course lunch at Alizée, the resort's relaxed French-Mediterranean spot. Then you've got all-day access to the Banyan Tree pool and beach, so there's no rush to leave once you're well-fed and floating in that post-spa bliss. Banyan Tree Dubai itself is a destination worth lingering in. Tucked along a quiet stretch of Bluewaters Island, it's got the feel of a modern-day sanctuary, with Asian-inspired interiors, three pools, a yoga deck and 500 metres of private beach to wander. Whether you're gazing at Ain Dubai or dozing off in a lounger, you'll be glad you came. To book your summer escape, head to Banyan Tree Dubai any day of the week until the season winds down. Just be warned: after a taste of this much peace, re-entering the real world might take some time. Ready for a mind-blowing spa-cation? Book by getting in touch with spa-dubai@ or call 04 556 6401
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
The central London hotel with skyline views and private heated swimming pool
I had the heated swimming pool all to myself CITY ESCAPE The central London hotel with skyline views and private heated swimming pool IF you want a central hotel with an amazing restaurant and on-site pool, Park Plaza Riverbank ticks all the boxes. Here's everything you need to know. 3 Here's everything you need to know about staying at the Park Plaza Riverbank Credit: 3 I had the heated swimming pool all to myself Credit: Where is the hotel? Overlooking the river Thames, Park Plaza Riverbank is a short walk from Vauxhall Station in London, or a quick bus to London Waterloo. What is the hotel like? The huge hotel is much bigger than it looks on the outside. Walking in, the dark interior makes you feel like you are in a luxury resort. From the lobby, you can check in to your room at reception as well as head up the escalators to the on-site restaurant, gym and spa. What are the rooms like? Each of the rooms are kitted out with queen or king-size beds, as well as working desks and a 49 inch Smart TV with Chromecast facilities. I loved the options of plug sockets, with EU, UK & US, and there were tea and coffee making facilities as well. Each of the bathrooms have complimentary toiletries along with a bath or shower depending on the room. Rooms start from £159. Opt for the hotel suites for floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river as well as the London Eye and Big Ben, while some even have their own massive balcony terrace with views of the skyline. What is there to eat or drink there? The hotel restaurant is a must. Best of British: London Chino Latino offers a Pan-Asian fusion with everything from sushi and dim sum to steaks and seafood. Not sure what to go for? Opt for one of three of the set menus so you can try it all, best chased by a deliciously sweet Sakura Martini, made up of gin, lychee and rose. Make sure to ask for a window seat for a beautiful sunset view. This is also where you will find breakfast, with enough hot and cold options to keep everyone satisfied. What else is there to do there? The hotel has a heated private pool which you can book free sessions. My 6:30am morning session meant I had the whole place to myself. You can follow this up with a trip to the sauna or steam room, or the gym next door. Or for £25, there is the 12th floor River View Lounge with complimentary drinks and snacks all day. But if you want to explore the nearby area, you are right in the middle of London so most of the top attractions are a short train or bus away. Is the hotel family friendly? Yes, there are a number of hotel rooms and suites that sleep up to two adults and two kids. Is there access for guests with disabilities? The hotel has Braille lifts, as well as rooms with wider guest room and bathroom doorways. There is also wheel-chair accessible lobbies, entrances and public bathrooms. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.
