How to Make Prawn Stock

The typical and traditional prawn stock made in Asian, specifically Malaysian, kitchens is naturally sweet, with a faint pink hue and a rich umami flavor. It is delicious on its own with a pinch of salt, or used as a pure prawn extract made from the shells and heads.

Prawn stock is an essential base for soups, especially soup-based noodle dishes (PRAWN MEE RECIPE). It is also versatile, as any kind of soup can benefit from it. It lifts the tastebuds, making every slurp worthy.

 

Where to Begin with Prawn Stock

If unsure where to get prawn heads and shells, save them whenever prawns are cooked. After peeling, store the shells and heads for making stock.

South Korea - Places to Visit

Generally, the route to Yongin (south of Seoul), Gapyeong (east of Seoul, Gyeonggi Province), and Gangwon Province to visit other sightseeing spots in South Korea (NAMI ISLAND) is usually from Seoul by road. Travel time can range from about 1 to 3 hours, depending on the destination. Some routes may also involve overnight stays along the way.

However, there are no fixed rules that a trip must start from Seoul. The route can depend on individual preferences, time available, and budget. Trips can be planned independently (THAILAND TEMPLES) or through organised tours, with stops along the way for Korean meals.

Face Cleansing Tips: Clear & Clean Skin

The face reflects the condition of the skin and is one of the first things people notice. It shapes first impressions and plays a role in non-verbal communication, subtly conveying messages about a person.

Keeping the skin clean is not just about appearance; it is an essential part of hygiene. Skin that is not properly cared for can become prone to breakouts, dullness, and a loss of suppleness over time. This is why cleansing, simply put as washing the face, should be part of a daily routine. Clean, clear skin reflects self-care and contributes to overall wellness, both inside and out (PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN).

Petai (Stink Beans) Health Benefits & Recipes

Known as petai in Malaysia and Indonesia (TELUR BALADO), Parkia speciosa is also called stink beans or bitter beans. It is also popular in other Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, southern Thailand (BASIL CHICKEN RECIPE) and parts of Brunei. Petai comes from a tropical tree in the legume family that produces long pods filled with flat, green beans with a distinctive strong aroma.

The petai tree can grow quite tall, with a broad crown and fairly open, spreading shape. Its leaves are fine and feathery, made up of many tiny leaflets. From a distance, the foliage can look somewhat like a soft green fern or mimosa tree.

Tofu Recipes

A worldwide recognized ingredient, tofu is also a staple in Malaysian kitchens. In fact, many eateries feature various types of tofu dishes, and most are simple and easy recipes. Even when cooking tofu at home, tofu by itself can be bland, but the right ingredients can create the flavour profile (TOFU SAMBAL RECIPE). A little salt can enhance the taste, while a pinch of turmeric can add colour and make it a healthier recipe choice.

Among the various types of tofu, white tofu is the popular choice in Malaysia. From soft tofu to traditionally made tofu, Japanese tofu (VEGETARIAN LOTUS TOFU SOUP) has also made inroads into Malaysian hypermarkets and grocers, including egg tofu. By far, tofu made from soybeans remains a popular choice for vegan and vegetarian cooking.

Goh Abdullah Restaurant - Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam

Known as Asian Delight by Goh Abdullah, or simply Goh Abdullah, the restaurant has been around in Kota Kemuning for as long as can be remembered. From being based in a kopitiam, to operating as a street food stall, and later sharing an outlet with Tang Tang Tang Tang Enterprise, Goh Abdullah has come a long way. It is now located at Jalan Suasana 1, Kota Kemuning, side by side with Tang Tang Tang Tang Enterprise.

 

Located in a quiet area away from the busy parts of Kota Kemuning, the restaurant sits at a corner shop lot. This pretty much explains why parking is not a hassle. The turn from the corner towards Goh Abdullah itself feels serene, lined with plants along the way.

Nami Island - South Korea

When touring South Korea, Nami Island is one of the places often included. In fact, it is one of the country’s top attractions, known worldwide (SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA). 

Located in Gapyeong, within Gyeonggi Province, Nami Island sits in the Bukhan River, part of the Han River basin. It is about 60 to 63 kilometres northeast of Seoul. Due to its proximity to the capital, it is commonly visited as a day trip from Seoul. A day trip does not need to take an entire day. It can begin around 11am and end by 4.00pm, enough time to explore Nami Island.

 

The island is not a natural formation in the traditional sense. It was formed after the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam. The rising water flooded the surrounding valley, leaving the higher landmass isolated, which became the island seen today.

Starting a Business in Your 50s: Solo Entrepreneur Ms. Nava

She has set the bar high. She has made a significant impact, leaving many genuinely wondering how she broke into the business world. Today, people can hardly believe that an unknown Malaysian Indian woman has become a recognised name in the holistic wellness industry. Between her creativity, her distinctive personality, and the signature nature-fashion statement she wears in her hair, she has created an identity that is unmistakably her own (NATURE HAIR ACCESSORIES). 

Now at 62, Ms. Nava is making waves on social media. But none of this happened overnight. She reached this point through genuine sweat and tears. There were days filled with deep self-doubt when she seriously considered permanently closing the main gates of her business, Nava’s Zen. Yet, she stood stronger than ever, a remarkable achievement considering she only started her business at 58.

Restoran Shiridi City - U6, Shah Alam

One of the unexpected food discoveries, Restoran Shiridi City (Banana Leaf Restaurant) is located at 15, U6, Shah Alam (BANANA LEAF USES & BENEFITS). Alternatively, it can be navigated via its plot address - 7984, Jalan Sungai Buloh, Bukit Cherakah, Section U6, Shah Alam.

Nothing stands out from the main road, apart from the signboard. It can be considered a hidden gem for those unfamiliar with this area, but for the regular crowd, especially office workers nearby, it is well known. Restoran Shiridi City assumingly caters to office staff within the area, maybe even further away, and was already packed by 1.00pm on a Friday.

Urban Gardening & Growing Your Own Food

In a quiet neighborhood of Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, passers-by often see a woman spending hours surrounded by plants. She may be pruning, pulling out weeds or, better still, climbing a ladder to trim the long branches growing over her pergola.

Soaked in sweat, with ruffled hair and soil marks on her home shorts and T-shirt, she is none other than Ms. Nava.

 

Ms. Nava is the founder of Nava’s Zen, a one-of-a-kind nature-inspired boutique Zen surrounded by nature and plants, where health and wellness sessions are conducted (FASHION HAIRSTYLES: NATURAL LOOK).

How to Cook Tempeh: Easy Recipes

Speak about tempeh, and Indonesia immediately comes to mind (TOP THINGS TO DO IN INDONESIA). Originating from the island of Java based on historical records, tempeh is found virtually everywhere in Indonesia. It has become one of the country's most iconic traditional foods and is equally popular in neighbouring Malaysia, particularly among the Malay community. While tempeh may not officially be classified as a superfood, it has certainly earned that reputation through its impressive nutritional value (TEMPEH OREK RECIPE). 

Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is naturally rich in plant-based protein, dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds produced during fermentation. Nutritious, affordable and versatile, tempeh has steadily gained recognition beyond Indonesia (WHAT TO EAT IN INDONESIA) and Malaysia, finding its place in kitchens around the world.

Fashion Hairstyles: Nature Look

The iconic and increasingly attention-grabbing nature-inspired style gaining traction on social media belongs to Ms. Nava, founder of Nava’s Zen. At 58 when she started her Zen journey and now 62, she continues to turn heads with her distinctive styling. Fresh leaves, herbs, and flowers are arranged directly in her hair.

Her look draws reactions ranging from “wow” to “amazing” to simple curiosity as people respond to the unexpected use of real plants as hair decoration. It is eye-catching not because it is artificial or elaborate, but because it is entirely natural.

Bay Leaf

Among the four types of bay leaf, the most common is Laurus nobilis, also called the Mediterranean or Turkish bay leaf. The leaves are oval-shaped, 5–10 cm long, with smooth edges and a deep green color. Young shoots are light green and tender, slightly softer than mature leaves, and carry the same aroma. 

When crushed, the leaves release a fragrant, herbal scent with subtle floral notes. Laurus nobilis is the type most commonly grown in home and urban gardens (GROWING BUTTERFLY BLUE PEA FLOWER). The tree can grow large, become bushy, and produce countless leaves.

The other three types are Cinnamomum tamala (Indian bay leaf or tej patta), Umbellularia californica (California bay leaf), and ornamental varieties, mostly grown for decoration.

Jeju Island, South Korea - Things to Do

From Incheon Airport (SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA), the flight to Jeju Island takes approximately 1 hour 15–25 minutes. Located about 450 kilometres south of Seoul, Jeju is also easily accessible via frequent flights from Gimpo Airport, which typically take around one hour and operate more regularly than those from Incheon.

An alternative option is travelling (KOBE, JAPAN THINGS TO DO) by ferry, although there are no direct routes from Seoul. The journey requires travelling to southern ports such as Busan or Mokpo, followed by a ferry ride that can take between four and twelve hours. Overall, flying remains the most convenient and time-efficient way to reach Jeju Island.

Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut - Sunway Pyramid

Between the numerous eateries in Sunway Pyramid, Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut was selected. Not based on online reviews or how favourable they are, but from a fondness for Indonesian food (WHAT TO EAT IN INDONESIA).

After all, think of the different types of spicy dips and condiments, commonly known as sambal, even in Malaysia. The kick on the tongue and tastebuds from Indonesian sambal is incomparable (INDONESIAN SPICY EGGS).

Apart from well-known Indonesian staples such as tempeh, tofu, and vegetable dishes, there are also a range of fried items, including fried chicken. What stands out at Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut is its duck dishes, particularly the crispy fried duck.

5 Canned Sardine Recipes

Canned sardines are among the pantry and kitchen saviors for emergency meals or anytime cooking. They are commonly included in weekly or monthly grocery shopping because they are practical, convenient, and easy to store. While there are ongoing debates on whether canned sardines and their sauces are considered healthy, they continue to remain a reliable ingredient for quick meals and simple home cooking (SARDINE SAMBAL). 

There are various recipes that can be created with canned sardines, and most of these dishes use pantry-friendly ingredients that are already available at home. Another advantage is that sardine dishes can be stored in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, and some recipes can even be frozen for later meals. Sardine curry, for example, can be cooked in larger portions and separated into smaller servings before storing (MUTTON CURRY). 

Other sardine recipes may take only 10 to 15 minutes to prepare, making them suitable for busy days (FISH PICKLE).