For me, traveling (KYOTO: ONSEN BARENESS) is about discovering recipes and adding my own touch to create easy meals at home. During my trips to Japan (HOKKAIDO WINTERLUST), I learned that Japanese cuisine includes many vegetarian dishes. However, replicating them exactly proved challenging, as I didn’t want to buy specific Japanese ingredients. Over the course of three months, I successfully prepared four vegetarian dishes using whatever ingredients were available at home and those I could buy without breaking the budget (OSAKA: SACRED DEER TO SKY-HIGH SUNSETS).
Monday, May 20, 2024
Perth, Australia: Where Culture, Wildlife, and Sky-high Views Collide
Speaking of Curtin University, it holds a special place in my heart. That's where I honed my skills through their degree twinning program, collaborating with Metropolitan College, where I had lectured for a good 15 years. It's incredible how time flies, yet memories of lecturing Small Business 200 and Entrepreneurship 300 to eager students remain vivid, even though almost a decade has passed. Notably, I also underwent a week-long training at Curtin University Australia, acquiring essential lecturing skills and earning certification.
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Hanoi, Vietnam: Unveiling Urban Wonders and Timeless Culture
Fried Rice/Nasi Goreng Medley: Mouthwatering Varieties
Friday, May 17, 2024
Bra-vo! The Power of Sports Bras in Yoga
Hey guys, listen up as well. It's important to be aware of sports bras too. While they may not be a staple in your wardrobe, understanding their significance can help you support and encourage your fellow female yoga practitioners (Zen Yoga Style)
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Ha Long Bay Escapade: Nature's Splendor and Culinary Delights
As we journeyed towards Ha Long Bay, heavy rain slowed us down, prolonging our travel time. Finally, we arrived at our hotel around 9:00 pm, had dinner, and retreated to our rooms for some well-deserved rest. Amidst it all, some curious fellow travelers couldn't help but wonder why I was traveling alone and where my husband was, with a few even attempting to uncover my marital status. But honestly, I paid little attention to their inquiries - after all, Malaysians have a reputation for being quite inquisitive.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Nasi Kerabu Kelantan: Culinary Marvel
Besides the flavorful rice, the condiments served with this Malaysian dish are truly exceptional, all thanks to Ms. Nava's creativity. If you're expecting the same old Nasi Kerabu Kelantan you've had before, you might be disappointed. But if you appreciate culinary innovation (BUNGA KANTAN/GINGER TORCH RAW SALAD), you'll be applauding Ms. Nava's version.
Safaa (Taipan, Subang Jaya): Middle Eastern Cuisine
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Petai/Stink Beans Recipes: Versatile Varieties
Yet, there's more to petai than meets the nose. Believe it or not, this humble bean holds a trove of benefits, including detox properties. In today's fast-paced world, where health is the new wealth, people are turning to petai as a quick fix. But is it really the magic bullet?
Bunga Kantan/Ginger Torch Bud Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Don’t
you agree that cooking is all about inventing your own recipes rather than
desperately trying to replicate others'? This is my cooking philosophy. Why,
you ask? I believe in using up the ingredients I have instead of letting them
go to waste. Whether it's fresh produce I've grown or items from the fridge,
it's crucial to use them wisely. By doing so, you not only reduce waste but
also let your creativity shine as you craft your own unique dishes.
How about a raw salad? It's convenient and saves time - just prepare the ingredients, then toss and stir. However, remember that raw salads should be eaten immediately. Otherwise, they lose their crunchiness and freshness, and won't look as appealing.
Siem Reap, Cambodia: Exploring Heritage and Human Stories
Our first stop today was Artisan d’Angkor, and let me tell you, it was something special. This place is all about giving back, providing support and training for underprivileged youth. Stepping into the workshop, we watched these talented individuals honing their craft with such focus and dedication. Despite our attempts in making eye contact with them, they were totally immersed in their work. Still, the experience left us in awe of their skills. After the workshop, we explored the shop, filled with handmade treasures. Sure, the prices were a bit higher than what you'd find elsewhere, but knowing that our purchases were making a difference made it all worthwhile.
Monday, May 13, 2024
Malaysian Sodhi (Indian Coconut Milk Stew)
(Updated Version)
Ever heard of a golden-hued coconut milk stew? For
the Indian community in Malaysia, it's known as sodhi, a creamy, comforting
dish with a rich coconut base. Interestingly, the Malay community also has a
similar dish, masak lemak, though each has its distinct twist. But today, we’re
diving into the world of sodhi - a dish that’s as simple as
it is flavorful.
Sodhi Vegetarian Thali Set
In the picture above, you probably noticed a full vegetarian thali set featuring:
Cauliflower Sodhi
Onion Raita (No-cook Indian yogurt salad)
Potato Sambal
Beans Garlic Stir Fry
Cauliflower Turmeric
Sawi Stir-fried with Coconut
Crispy Fried Curry Leaves in Ghee
Fried Yogurt Chili (Moor Milagai)
Indian Lemon Pickle
Rice
Vegetarian Mutton Gastronomy: Five Tempting Recipes to Savor
Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak (Tapioca leaf In Coconut Gravy)
Ever wondered
how many urban dwellers are secretly urban gardeners? Well, I’m proud to say
I’m one of them. In our little corner of the world, Nava’s Zen, we’ve created a
lush urban oasis, where veggies flourish. Okay, not all vegetables, but
certainly the ones that are easy to grow. I’m all about keeping it old-school,
growing the things people used to plant way before the city turned into the
bustling, concrete jungle it is today.
I’ve got a pretty exciting lineup in my garden: tapioca (or ubi kayu), some vibrant purple sweet potatoes (keledek), and even keladi, the purple elephant yam and also the bigger, beautiful purple kind. On top of that, I grow fresh turmeric, chillies, lemongrass, galangal, and all the aromatic herbs essential for the rich flavors of Malay cuisine. And yes, I'm a huge fan of Malay food (MALAY CHICKEN RECIPES: TEMPTING VARIETIES).
Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Unearthing Timeless Treasures
Trust me, navigating Angkor Wat is a breeze if you follow the signs, allowing you to fully admire and capture its beauty. Continuing inside, you'll stumble upon Angkor Thom, the fortified inner royal city constructed by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. There's so much to admire until moving further can literally hold you back. Apart from posing and taking pictures for remembrance, it feels like you're in a lost city all by yourself. Thanks to my tour buddies for helping with my pictures; they were fascinated by my poses. Well, it's just me, but soon they were trying new poses too.
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Ikan Balado
Now, onto Ikan Balado and Ikan Balado Hijau/Ijo - the main difference lies in whether you use red chilies or green chilies (Cabe Hijau/Ijo). Indonesians also use jeruk limau (pickled lime), something my late mum used to make as well, similar to the Indian Salted Lime Pickle. Personally, I don’t think it’s a must for Indonesian savory dishes, as you can easily substitute with lime juice (KENTANG INDONESIA & TEMPE OREK).
One-Day Dubai Adventure: Must-See Attractions & Desert Safari
One of those unexpected twists turned into an adventure I didn’t see coming. After boarding my flight in Turkey ( TURKEY TRAVELGRAM: BEYOND ...
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(Updated Version) Ever heard of a golden-hued coconut milk stew? For the Indian community in Malaysia, it's known as sodhi, a creamy, co...
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(Updated Version) Ever wondered how many urban dwellers are secretly urban gardeners? Well, I’m proud to say I’m one of them. In our lit...
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(Updated Version) As I reflect on my cooking routine ( SOUTH INDIAN STYLE FISH CURRY ), one dish stands out time and again - Salted Fish ...