Meet Harchana

I always use more spice than other people. I use lots of lemongrass, galangal, chili and fresh turmeric; always fresh, never dried.

Malay food means Nasi Lemak: rice cooked in coconut milk with chicken and sambal.

Chicken Rendang is another popular dish and my favourite. Here at ASRC Catering we have Chicken Rendang and a Vegetarian Rendang option using soy meat and tofu both are my recipe.

I came to Australia in 2019. At first, I worked in a factory packing biscuits but I couldn’t get enough shifts. So I went to ASRC and talked to their Employment team. That’s how I came to be working here at ASRC Catering.

In the future, if I had the opportunity I would love to study to become a chef because I love cooking obviously. But on my visa right now I can’t study so I also dream that I’ll receive a Permanent Residency visa. It's really stressful not knowing for certain what my future will be.

I want to buy a house and to start my life. Living here now I feel safe. I’m happy and hanging out with my friends but my future is very unclear.

The sari I’m wearing is from my culture. It’s Malaysian Indian and when I wear it I feel beautiful and I’m comfortable. It’s something special that I can wear to show my identity.