Definitely not soup weather here, so it's funny that I was looking at a soup recipe online just last night!
I discovered that apparently the best pumpkin for soup is a Long Island Cheese pumpkin, which I'd never heard of before.
I can't bring the website up right now, but here is the URL:
www.plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com/?p=7722
The technique is quite unusual so you might find it interesting!
Lusciouskiwi, have you tried cooking rice in the microwave? It's super easy, you just cover it and put it on high for 12 mins, check it, and then cook for a further few minutes if required. I go in 2 minute intervals unless it's very nearly done, in which case, 1 minute should do.
I liked your description of Malaysian kitchens - very interesting! So Western kitchens must be considered very well equipped, in comparison, I imagine! What do people do when they want to bake a cake, in the absence of an oven?