KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 27 -- The weather in the capital has been averaging 36degC for the past few days. Surely this is the very definition of "sweltering heat"? Even the evening breeze is warm.

Such conditions make it unthinkable to devour a heavy meal. No greasy stews and curries, please. No double-patty burgers with extra fries. Definitely no humongous bowls of pasta laden with creamy sauce.

Instead we find ourselves craving something simpler and lighter on both the palate and the belly.

This doesn't mean we hanker after cold or chilled foods, however. A salad wouldn't do (especially not after several rounds of it). Ice cream feels too much like dessert (which it is, surely).

What I enjoy best on days like these, when it's almost a hea...