Ginger Rice Recipe: Rice Cooker Style

If not the whole world, countless voices have already extolled the benefits of ginger. So, I’m not here to be another parrot. What makes my ginger rice special? It’s made with freshly harvested ginger from Nava’s Zen - specifically, the prized Bentong Ginger variety (WHAT TO DO IN BENTONG). By the way, anyone can grow ginger. There’s no rigid rulebook for it. The same goes for making ginger rice. But a gentle reminder - too much ginger can increase body heat, so moderation is key to reaping its benefits.

Restaurant Mee Kari Jia Siang (Kota Kemuning)

Recommendations and suggestions naturally come when people know you're a foodie, especially as a Zen dining blogger with a supporting YouTube channel. That’s how I ended up at Restaurant Mee Kari Jia Siang, a spot I was told I simply must try. Formerly a mixed rice restaurant, it has now pivoted to offering a variety of noodle dishes and sides.

Stir-Fried Luncheon Meat Recipe: Korean Style

Are you a fan of luncheon meat? Then this recipe is for you! Even if you're not, why not give it a shot? Before diving into the recipe, let's clear up the difference between Spam and luncheon meat.

Spam is a specific brand of canned, cooked pork, while luncheon meat is a more generic term for similar products that come in various types, including pork (PORK CHOP RECIPE), chicken, beef, or turkey. Though some criticize luncheon meat for being unhealthy, there are now higher-quality options available.

Soto Ayam/Malaysian Chicken Noodle Soup

The best food for rainy, chilly weather is undoubtedly comfort food. For me, comfort food means a hearty bowl of noodle soup - a wholesome, satisfying meal. Over time, I’ve made various types of chicken noodle soup, but this time I chose to prepare Soto Ayam, a Malay Malaysian Chicken Noodle Soup (VEGETABLE STEW/MASAK LODEH PUTIH). 

A Day Trip To Sekinchan, Selangor

Similar to Pulau Ketam (WHAT TO DO IN PULAU KETAM - PART 2), Sekinchan is another gem that leaves those who visit it singing its praises. Sekinchan is often touted as a must-visit destination, and if you haven't experienced it, it's like missing out on a significant chapter of life. This, ladies and gentlemen, sparked my curiosity to uncover the allure of Sekinchan.

Crispy Potato Cutlet Recipe: Aloo Tikki

One thing I've learned about cooking is that simplicity and minimal ingredients go a long way. In today's fast-paced world, a well-stocked pantry can make cooking dishes like crispy potato cutlets, or aloo tikki, a breeze. While the potatoes simmer, gather the rest of the ingredients. Once mashed, simply combine everything, shape into balls, flatten, and fry until golden.

Ucu Talapia Terbang & Kaklong Rock Kitchen (Jalan Bani)

(A video of my dining experience at Ucu Talapia Terbang & Kaklong Rock Kitchen, featuring traditional Malay dishes and an open-air setting).

Eye Care Product: Simple Water Boost Hydrating Eye Gel

Taking care of your eyes isn’t just important; it’s essential. Eye care has no age limit - it’s never too early or too late to start (SIMPLE ANTI-AGING TIPS). Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, paying attention to the delicate skin around your eyes can make a difference. When it comes to eye care products, you’ll typically choose between an eye cream or an eye gel. Personally, I’ve grown to favor eye gels over the years.

Easy Instant Bak Kut Teh Recipe

Bak Kut Teh - some call it pork ribs soup, others refer to it as pork bone tea, and for people like Ms. Nava, it's Chinese Herbal Pork Soup (VEGETARIAN BAK KUT TEH RECIPE). Making bak kut teh at home, especially the easy instant version, is quite different from the ones served in Chinese restaurants or stalls. They often have secret ingredients that elevate the flavor, and they cook it for hours using large pork chunks.

At home, we typically slice the pork into smaller pieces, and you can choose your preferred pork cut. Personally, I love pork belly - it cooks quickly, and the pork fat is said to be a source of collagen, which is great for anti-aging.

Butterfly Blue Pea Flower - Growing, Benefits & Cooking

(Updated Version)

Butterfly blue pea flower, known locally as Bunga Telang in our local Bahasa Malaysia language, is also referred to as Clitoria ternatea and Asian pigeonwings. I simply adore the vibrant blue color of the flowers - simply sensational, wouldn’t you agree? Growing blue pea flower plant is far from complicated; in fact, it’s one of the easiest (ROSELLE - HEALTH BENEFITS & USES). 

Vegetable Stew Recipe - Sayur Lodeh Putih

Vegetable stew is a beloved dish worldwide, but in Asian countries, it's often prepared with coconut milk. In Sri Lanka (KIRI HODI RECIPE) and Kerala, you’ll find variations with turmeric for a yellow hue or simply showcasing the creamy whiteness of coconut milk. In Malaysia, we have our own unique version - Sayur Lodeh Putih.

This Malay dish is traditionally served with nasi hempit, lontong, or ketupat (compressed rice cakes), or you can pair it with your usual rice meals, along with other sides as well.

Chor RZ (Restoran & Katering) - Jalan Bani, Shah Alam

(For those who prefer watching over reading, sit back, relax, and click play on the video above).

Gone are the days of dining in high-end or luxury restaurants for us. We've had more than our fair share of those experiences. Now, it’s about rediscovering traditional eateries that celebrate the essence of Malaysian food pride.

Spiced Pumpkin Masala Recipe - Indian Style

(Updated Version)

The sweetness of pumpkin, cooked in a rich spiced masala paste. This is a pumpkin dish revelation - a true delight for your taste buds. For those who cook regularly, these ingredients are likely staples in your pantry (EASY PUMPKIN COCONUT MILK CURRY). Grab a small pumpkin or a quarter of a medium-sized one, and let’s get started. Spiced Pumpkin Masala will awaken your senses and leave you craving more - one dish you’ll surely make again and again (BEST INDIAN NO COOK SALAD RECIPES). 

Simple Anti-Aging Tips

(Updated Version)

Have you noticed how people seem to be aging faster these days, even younger ones? So, what exactly is anti-aging? It’s not about looking 10 years younger than your age but about looking presentable for your age, aging gracefully, and embracing time with confidence. Anti-aging is about reflecting your inner and outer beauty as you age, not trying to turn back the clock.

Here are simple anti-aging tips to help you maintain a youthful and vibrant appearance.

Easy Fish Head Curry - Malaysian Style

Fish head curry lovers, rejoice! Here’s an easy Malaysian-style fish head curry recipe. Why easy, you ask? Because there’s no grinding or pounding involved—just store-bought spice powders for the curry base.

This isn’t your ordinary fish head curry either. For a unique tang, I’ve used belimbing buluh, a small variety of starfruit. Can’t find belimbing buluh? No worries - just substitute it with a mix of tomatoes and tamarind juice (STEAMED FISH - THAI STYLE). 

How To Grow Chilies At Home

(Updated Version)

For a Malaysian like me, chillies are one of the most significant ingredients in cooking. Be it noodles, fried rice, or even sambal, chillies are a staple that brings the much-loved kick of spiciness to our meals. While I can’t speak for every Malaysian, I know that many of us need our daily dose of spiciness.

 

Incorporating chillies into my zen blooming urban gardening (LEMONGRASS - GROWING & LEMONGRASS DRINK) has been an amazing learning curve. I’ve been growing chillies for the longest time, and I’d love to share my tried-and-tested tips with you, especially if you live in an Asian climate where these plants thrive.