Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Sardine Sambal/Sambal Sardin: Canned Sardine Recipe

One canned sardines with the sauce, cooked with chillies, lemongrass & turmeric leaf.
Our sardine cooking story? Nothing extraordinary. Like many Malaysians, we’ve experimented with canned sardines more than a few times. In fact, we’ve already shared a list of canned sardine recipes (SARDINE VARUVAL DRY STYLE), and yes, they’re all fiery. Why? Because for us Malaysians, spiciness is a must-have in every meal. Without it, we’ll still find our way to a spicy dip or sliced chillies in soy sauce on the side (TOFU SAMBAL RECIPE).

Enter Sardine Sambal, or as we say it in Bahasa Malaysia - Sambal Sardin. But what makes this version unique? It’s not just another spicy sardine dish. This one stands out, thanks to a special touch: Nava’s Zen organic urban gardening produce. The attached video shows it all - don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more food stories and lifestyle content.

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Smith's Diner (Kota Kemuning): Western Food Review

White and black signboard mounted above the entrance of a Western restaurant.
The latest buzz in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, Selangor - Smith’s Diner caught our attention through a Facebook food group. Curious and ready to explore, we headed over last Sunday.To beat the weekend crowd, we arrived early at 6:30 PM and were the first two customers of the evening.

The ambiance? Nothing overly fancy, but pleasantly inviting. The interior is clean, cosy, and tastefully simple - just the right setting for a relaxed dining experience.

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Easy Indian Creamed Spinach Curry (Vegetarian)

A bowl of Indian curry, cooked with Brazilian spinach, coconut milk, shallots, turmeric, red chillies, and curry leaves.
Spinach is a regular favourite in my kitchen - healthy, nutrient-packed, and so versatile. Over time, I’ve experimented with countless spinach recipes (COCONUT CREAMED SPINACH RECIPE), but this one comes with a twist: Brazilian Spinach.

Have you heard of it? Are you growing it yet? You should! This glossy, luscious green thrives even in pots and fits beautifully into spaghetti, noodles, soups - and now, into this Indian-style curry (HOW TO GROW BRAZILIAN SPINACH).

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Discover Perak: Must-See Attractions & Hidden Gems

Woman standing in front of a banyan tree, surrounded by nature.
Perak is packed with must-see attractions and unexpected hidden gems. Our journey was unplanned, guided only by road signs that pointed us to well-known sites and surprising discoveries. Town by town, city by city, we explored Perak in the most spontaneous way, uncovering places that made the trip truly memorable (CAMERON HIGHLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE).

HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley (Gopeng)

A road sign led us to HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley, expecting just another tea plantation. Instead, we found a breathtaking valley of Gaharu (Agarwood) trees. The drive uphill, passing rows of young and mature trees, was mesmerizing - a true escape into nature.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Raub SYC Hainan Kopitiam Review

Signboard of Chinese eatery mounted atop at the entrance with a banner below.bove
I missed the chance to dine at Raub SYC Hainan Kopitiam during my visit to Raub last year (RAUB, TRAS, PAHANG VISIT) Not a major setback, as they’ve since expanded to Kota Kemuning, Setapak, and USJ. Naturally, the Kota Kemuning outlet was the most convenient, located near Nava’s Zen in Kemuning Greenville.

I visited on a mid-week morning around 9:30 AM. The kopitiam had a spacious and clean ambiance, with about half of the seating occupied and a steady stream of customers. The menu offered a wide selection, and it took some time for the three of us to decide.

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Lou Ho Kee Kopitiam: Uptown Rimbayu, Selangor

Green, white, and orange kopitiam signboard mounted atop the shop.
Opened just about two months ago, Lou Ho Kee Kopitiam joins the growing list of Chinese coffeeshops, now commonly known as kopitiams. Located in Uptown Rimbayu, Bandar Rimbayu, Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor, this eatery came recommended by someone who knows we’re always on the lookout for new food spots (PENANG FOOD GUIDE: WHERE & WHAT TO EAT).

Upon arrival, we were momentarily confused by the two corner-lot units side by side, separated by a lane. Unsure at first, we entered the right one and soon realized that both share the same ambiance - modern yet reminiscent of a high-end kopitiam. The corridor housing the food stalls is impressively clean, adding to the inviting atmosphere.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Tofu Sambal Recipe: Easy & Spicy Tofu Dish

Spicy tofu sambal coated in a tangy chili sauce in a white Pyrex.
Finding a sambal recipe in our space means sambal recipes will keep popping up (SPICY EGGS RECIPE). There are many variations, but the core ingredients remain the same. And for us, tofu and sambal are always favorites (TOFU VEGETARAIN STEW RECIPE).

But why not tweak and modify recipes to make them your own? Cooking is all about adding a personal touch and creativity, wouldn’t you agree? I’ve made Tofu Sambal (Spicy Tofu) countless times, especially for our vegetarian meals, and each time, there’s a small tweak - another version, another delicious outcome (NYONYA PRAWN SAMBAL RECIPE).

Saturday, March 29, 2025

Malay Mix Rice Food Review: Gerai MBSA Shah Alam

Malaysian food court signboard along the road with two ground slits.
By pure chance, we stumbled upon Gerai MBSA, Shah Alam (G-03, SEKSYEN 31, Jalan Anggerik Mokara 31/50, Kota Kemuning). Essentially a food court, it wasn’t fully packed, but a few tables were already occupied with diners enjoying their meals. Arriving early for lunch gave us time to stroll around and scan the stalls before deciding (UCU TALAPIA TERBANG, JALAN BANI, SHAH ALAM).

Among the ample choices, Lailatif Café caught our attention. Freshly cooked dishes were already on display - tempting and mouthwatering. Here, it’s all about self-service: scoop your own rice and pick from a variety of dishes. Trust me, deciding wasn’t easy, especially on an empty stomach.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Easy Pickled Brinjal/Eggplant Recipe

A plate of pickled brinjal with turmeric, ginger, garlic, chillies, shallots, vinegar, sugar, bay leaf, and salt.
Pickled brinjal (or eggplant), also known as brinjal vinaigrette, is a dish you can make ahead and store in the fridge (HOMEMADE EASY MANGO CHUTNEY). Just be sure to use a clean, dry spoon each time you scoop some out. Enjoy it as a side, an accompaniment, or even layered in a burger (NO-COOK CHICKEN SALAD).

This easy, no-fuss pickle works with brinjal, eggplant, or aubergine. At Nava’s Zen, we use homegrown bird’s eye chilies and bay leaves (BAY LEAVES: HEALTH BENEFITS & COOKING USES) - because why grow your own food if not to cook with it? But no worries if you don’t have fresh bay leaves - dried ones work just fine.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe - Malaysian Style

Plate of Malaysian vegetarian spaghetti, with tofu, red chillies, cheese and crispy coriander in a spicy, creamy sauce.
This spicy, creamy Malaysian-style vegetarian spaghetti is a flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite. Have you tried making vegetarian spaghetti (VEGETARIAN NOODLE SOUP) before? Whether you're a pro or a first-timer, this Malaysian-style vegetarian spaghetti recipe is a must-try! It's spicy, creamy, tangy, and aromatic - a flavor explosion you won’t find anywhere else (MEE GORENG/FRIED MEE).

This special recipe is created by Ms. Nava, founder of Nava’s Zen, blending Malaysian flavors with a pasta favorite. The ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly - except for the cheese, which can be a splurge. But don’t worry, the flavors hold up even without it.

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Beginner’s Guide to 5 Easy Herbs for Urban Gardening

A woman holding a packet of fertilizer and applying it to big trees.
Growing herbs successfully depends largely on climate. It’s essential to know which herbs thrive in your region, as what grows easily in tropical climates may struggle in four-season countries (EASY GARDENING: SEED SOWING FOR BEGINNERS). Through experience, we’ve learned that some herbs suited for cooler climates simply don’t do well in our environment. 

The herbs we’re sharing here are ideal for Southeast Asia, where temperatures are warm, and rainfall varies throughout the year. While we grow them directly in the ground due to available space, these herbs can also be cultivated in pots.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Homemade Easy Mango Chutney Recipe

Indian mango chutney displayed on banana leaves atop a round dish.

Is mango chutney a favorite? This spicy, tangy, and sweet delight often makes its way onto Indian vegetarian meal spreads or appears during special religious and cultural festivals. Traditionally, it's made with chili powder, giving it a deep reddish hue. (BEST MANGO CURRY RECIPE).

 

But this version? It’s truly unique and outstanding - a bright, vibrant yellow mango chutney made with simple kitchen staples. Our chilies and curry leaves come straight from Nava's Zen garden, and the mango? A kind gift from our neighbor (MANGO PICKLES & MANGO SALAD RECIPES).

 

Let’s cook, foodies!

Saturday, March 8, 2025

Food Review: CUK Bakery & Cafe (Bandar Rimbayu)

Halal bakery café with a welcoming atmosphere, rustic and white décor.
CUK Bakery & Café, with CUF short for Cikgu Una, is located in Bandar Rimbayu, Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor. The moment I stepped in, I was drawn to the ambiance. Though the space is limited - it’s a single lot, rather compact, with minimal space between tables - the rustic décor, cleanliness, and cozy setting make it warm and inviting. What made it even more endearing was the staff’s friendly nature. Their genuine smiles and welcoming attitude added to the comfort as I waited for my lunch companion.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Easy Lamb in Soy Sauce Recipe | Flavorful & Quick to Make

Lamb cooked in soy sauce with lemongrass, bird’s eye chilies and turmeric leaves in a thick sauce.
Mutton is usually the go-to in my household (MUTTON & LAMB RENDANG RECIPES), but every now and then, lamb takes the spotlight. Wondering what sets them apart? Lamb comes from young sheep, making it tender and mild, while mutton, from older sheep, has a richer, gamier taste and requires longer cooking. That said, I prefer pressure-cooking lamb - it speeds up the process while ensuring soft, succulent meat (SIMPLE & HEARTY LAMB SOUP RECIPE).

Saturday, March 1, 2025

10 Things to Know Before Starting a Business

Starting a business sounds exciting. Many in their early twenties now choose entrepreneurship over traditional jobs. But if you've tried and failed or are just getting started, this guide will help you think before taking the plunge (RESILIENCE OF AN OLDER INDIAN WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR).

Before you dive in, watch this video.

Sardine Sambal/Sambal Sardin: Canned Sardine Recipe

Our sardine cooking story? Nothing extraordinary. Like many Malaysians, we’ve experimented with canned sardines more than a few times. In fa...