Let’s venture into the world of Rendang, starting with
Malaysian Rendang - a favorite among the Malay community. This rich and flavorful
dish features meat, usually beef or chicken, slow-cooked in coconut milk and a
blend of spices like lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and chilies. Malaysian
rendang comes in various types, including Rendang Tok from Perak, known for its
darker, richer flavor due to longer cooking times and the addition of kerisik/toasted grated coconut): KERISIK RECIPES. Another type, Rendang Minang, reflects the influence
of the Minangkabau people, with a slightly different preparation and taste.
Personally, I’m most familiar with the classic
rendang, always made with a blend of spices and kerisik - an essential ingredient
for me. Since we don’t eat beef and my husband avoids chicken, I often make
Rendang Kambing (Mutton or Goat Rendang). However, I also prepare Rendang Ayam
(Chicken Rendang) when we have guests, and I’ve experimented with other
variations like Vegetarian Rendang, Rendang Kentang (Potato Rendang), Rendang
Sardine using canned sardines, Rendang Ikan Bawal (Pomfret Fish Rendang), and
even TOFU RENDANG..
Indulge in a culinary journey, for even food enthusiasts
deserve a treat from time to time (Signature Tiffins Cafe). Whether it's to reward ourselves for our
hard work and dedication or simply to savor life's pleasures, treating
ourselves is a nourishment for both the mind and soul (He Ju Kopitiam & Nutz & Boltz). Today, at about 10:15 AM, we found ourselves at Lavish Coffee House (No 16-G, Jalan Eco
Santuari 8/2B, Eco Santuari, Selangor) immersed in its captivating ambiance. The
menu instantly caught our attention, offering a plethora of options to satisfy
our cravings. Among the array of choices, we opted for Ladies
Breakfast Set (RM23.00), which came with a steaming cup of Americano and a
plate of Kampung Fried Rice (RM19.90), alongside a comforting Cafe Latte
(RM9.90).
Spinach is my go-to green - packed with nourishment
and bursting with benefits. It’s no wonder it’s considered a superfood, and I
proudly grow several varieties in Nava’s Zen. Though, I’ll admit, sometimes
it’s tricky to pin down the exact names of each type. But hey, if it’s got
those vibrant red or purple stems, I know it’s Malabar Spinach. Why are so many
types lumped under the Malabar name? Beats me! But one thing’s for sure:
spinach is a must-have in my garden (CURRY LEAF RICE 3 SIMPLE RECIPES).
Now, if you’re
thinking you can’t grow spinach, think again. It’s as simple as grabbing seeds,
tossing them in soil, and giving them a good drink of water. You don’t need to
be a wellness guru or attend gardening seminars to make it happen (BRAZILIAN SPINACH A HIDDEN GEM).
Eggs - they’re the universal culinary treasure,
right? At my house, they’re a staple ingredient, always on standby for those
emergency cooking situations. I mean, who doesn’t love the versatility of eggs?
Countless dishes, endless creativity (THAI GREEN CRAB CURRY & BASIL PEPPER CRAB). But let's get to the basics: how do you
boil your eggs for those perfect recipes? Let me share my trick. I wash them
and pop them into the rice cooker while cooking rice.
Yep, you heard
that right! I’ve boiled up to six eggs at once this way. Once the rice cooker
clicks off, I run the eggs under cold water, so I don’t burn my hands, then
crack and peel. Efficient and energy-saving, right?
Two
weeks ago, a fellow food enthusiast and I embarked on a delightful culinary
adventure in Bandar Rimbayu, uncovering yet another food paradise. As a resident
of Kota Kemuning, I was thrilled to find an expanding dining scene right in our
own backyard. On a leisurely Sunday afternoon, we made our way to Signature
Tiffins Cafe (Blossom Square, 7-G, Jalan Flora 1/4, Bandar Rimbayu, Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor), a 20-minute drive away, and were pleased to discover that parking
was a breeze. Bandar Rimbayu has truly evolved into a haven for food lovers (Nutz & Boltz, & He Ju Kopitiam) offering us an abundance of new and exciting eateries to explore, including
those in Kota Kemuning.
Usually, my food hunting adventures take place within Kota Kemuning. However, a
week ago, I had the pleasure of venturing into Taman Tun Dr Ismail after a
delightful outing with a dear friend in Bukit Bintang. In search of a
satisfying late lunch, we stumbled upon Alora Spices, an Indian eatery that
instantly captivated us with its inviting ambiance and clean atmosphere. Join
me as I recount the flavorsome experience and delectable dishes that awaited us
at this hidden gem.
In the storm of today's wellness craze, it’s easy
to forget that once upon a time, wellness wasn’t something you chased after - it
was just a part of life. Back then, people were simpler, humbler, and frankly,
more human. Fast forward to the 21st century, and we're all racing for success,
wealth, and achievements, with the daily grind and city traffic serving up
pollution and viruses on a silver platter. Now, instead of wellness being a way
of life, it's become something we scramble for, popping supplements like candy
and treating medicine as food, instead of food as medicine (MALAY HERITAGE TURMERIC RICE).
But for those
of you willing to hit pause, rethink, and maybe even re-look, there's always
the option of simple, homemade wellness. Yes, eating out and ordering in might
seem like the easier route - because who has time to cook, right? But the truth
is, there are plenty of quick and easy dishes that can save the day, especially
if you’re a fan of rice (and let's be honest, who isn't?).
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:
Eating Habits
Anti-aging
isn’t magic, but it’s all about discipline - especially when it comes to eating.
Drink plenty of water - plain water is best. Include a lot of vegetables, fruits,
lean meats, and opt for steaming or roasting instead of frying. Eat to satisfy
hunger, not for socializing or out of greed. Keeping your eating habits aligned
with anti-aging principles is key. After all, you are what you eat.
Laughter
Therapy Laughter is one
of the best anti-aging therapies. Don’t hold back - let yourself laugh freely.
Watch comedy movies and enjoy lighthearted moments to boost those laughter
hormones. Did you know that laughter acts as a natural face massage? It moves
your facial muscles, stimulates circulation, and infuses your skin with oxygen.
Stay Away from
Unhappy People
For more
laughter therapy, surround yourself with happy, soulful people who keep things
simple, easy, and witty. Positive people are like happy hormones - they uplift
your spirit. On the other hand, stay away from those who complain, criticize,
or are constantly negative. More importantly, avoid people who show off or
flaunt their egos. These individuals can drain your energy and negatively
impact your anti-aging efforts.
Find a Hobby Engage in
meaningful activities that don’t cost a lot of money. Coloring, for example,
can be a surprisingly effective hobby for adults. The act of coloring with
vibrant crayons or paints can boost your mood and, since smiling is part of the
process, it also works as an anti-aging exercise by activating your facial
muscles. Other affordable hobbies like gardening can also help reduce stress
and keep you youthful (GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS).
Yoga Therapy
Yoga is one of
the best anti-aging therapies out there. It’s not just for blood circulation;
it’s also a mental therapy that works on your mind, body, and soul. Even just
an hour of yoga per week helps pump more oxygen into your system, improves
blood flow, and leaves you looking refreshed - like you’ve had a facial. Yoga
provides you with much-needed "me-time," and feeling relaxed and
rejuvenated reflects positively on both your inner and outer self.
Basic Skin Care Yoga should be
complemented by basic skincare routines. After your yoga session, cleanse your
face, then apply eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen. These steps are
essential to your anti-aging regimen and much more effective than piling on
makeup to hide your age. A consistent, simple skincare routine is key to
maintaining healthy, youthful skin. (BASIC SKINCARE TIPS).
Time to Take
Charge
Aging gracefully is about taking control of your well-being and making small,
consistent changes. With these simple anti-aging tips, you’ll enhance your
natural beauty and vitality, one step at a time. It’s time to embrace aging
with confidence and grace.
(Ms. Nava is a Zen
entrepreneur who founded Nava's Zen at 58 and is now in her 60s. She is a
certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. With over 22 years of
lecturing experience, including 13 years in the Curtin University Australia
Degree Twinning Program, she shares her passion for Zenfulness through the
small steps we take towards aging gracefully and fostering personal growth).
Last
week, we decided to break our routine Sunday lunch outing and instead opted for
a delightful dinner. Thanks to my accommodating husband for adjusting our
plans, as I had some afternoon commitments to attend to. Being a woman
entrepreneur, sometimes we need to shift priorities and adapt our schedules
accordingly. Our destination for the evening was Nutz N Boltz Quayside Mall,
Telok Panglima Garang. Although it had been around for some time, I hadn't
explored it yet. As a passionate foodie, I felt it was time to personally
experience the flavors and determine if the reviews I had read truly held
merit. After all, tasting and discovering food ourselves allows us to form our
own opinions rather than blindly relying on others' experiences, as our palates
and preferences differ.
Let’s be real - when you’re
craving crab, it’s not just dinner; it’s a full-on event. At home, it’s a rare
but glorious treat, and nothing hits the spot quite like a spicy crab dish.
Trust me, I’ve whipped up a bunch of different crab recipes, but today, it’s
all about Ms. Nava’s Masala Crab. Here’s the thing - eating crab at home versus
a restaurant is like night and day. At home, you can go all out, cracking those
claws with gusto, maybe even throw a leg up on the chair for good measure. It’s
pure, unfiltered crab joy. In restaurants, though? You’re stuck minding your
manners and trying not to embarrass yourself, even if you’re at a casual coffee
shop. Where’s the fun in that?
Discovering
new ingredients is always an exciting journey, and my encounter with Brazilian
spinach, about four years ago, was nothing short of a delightful surprise.
Prior to that, I had never even heard of this leafy green vegetable. Its origin
remained a mystery, intriguing me to delve deeper into its background. Today, I
not only grow Brazilian spinach myself, but also relish its diverse culinary
applications. Join me as we explore this fascinating ingredient and its simple
yet flavorsome Malaysian-style stir-fry recipe.
The
Butterfly Blue Pea flower, also known as Bunga Telang, is incredibly easy to
grow. Just scatter the seeds on the ground or in pots, and they’ll sprout with
little effort. The seeds come in pods, and there are plenty of them. I'm
growing them along the fence in my fitness area, Nava’s Zen, and they thrive
even without much attention.
If you're an urban gardener like me, you should
definitely consider these beautiful flowers. They bloom in stunning shades of
purple or dark blue. No fertilizer is needed; just water them. Plus, these
flowers are packed with antioxidants and offer various health benefits, such as
aiding in weight loss, improving blood sugar control, and enhancing hair and
skin health.
The Butterfly Blue Pea flower is versatile
and has very few side effects, making it a great addition to your diet.
However, it's important to enjoy it in moderation and check for any potential
side effects, as what's good for one person might not work for another.
We
decided to check out a kopitiam, which has become quite popular lately. It
seems that just using the word "kopitiam" in a restaurant's name
attracts customers for different reasons. Kopitiams can be simple coffee shops
serving Malaysian food or fancier places with nice decorations and air
conditioning. The fancier ones may be a bit pricier, but they attract people
with their tasty food and cozy atmosphere. The one we went to was somewhere in
the middle, offering a variety of delicious dishes from both Malaysia and other
countries on their menu.
Lemongrass has a soothing, fresh, and clean
fragrance that combines bright citrus notes with subtle herbal undertones. The
aroma (EASY TIPS FOR GROWING SPRING ONIONS) is a delicate balance of lemony zest with earthy sweetness, enriched by a
hint of green freshness. It’s an invigorating scent that not only calms the
mind but also rejuvenates the spirit, making it one of my favorite fragrances.
At Nava’s Zen, lemongrass is an essential part of our wellness practices,
offering both aromatherapy benefits and culinary versatility (LEMONGRASS RICE).
Okra, known locally as "bendi" in Malay
and sometimes referred to as lady’s finger, is a versatile ingredient in
Malaysian cuisine. It’s often used in curries and stir-fries, which are popular
dishes here. However, Ms. Nava not only grows okra but also highlights it in
traditional Malay recipes (TOFU RENDANG). Growing okra can be a challenge, especially during
heavy rains when the plants don’t survive, requiring her to regrow them. She
leaves a couple of okras on the plant to dry naturally, later harvesting the
seeds for replanting.
Now, let's talk about Malay Okra Salad, or Kerabu
Bendi. One key ingredient is kerisik, which is grated coconut that's dry-fried
or pan-fried and then pounded. Sometimes, I make it from scratch, but for
convenience, I also buy it. I’ve also created Turmeric Kerisik (NASI KUNYIT/TURMERIC RICE), where turmeric
powder is added while frying the coconut, and it can be sprinkled over salads
or used in stir-fries.
As an avid food lover, I may
not claim to be the world's top foodie, but I've had my fair share of dining
experiences both within and outside my country. While traveling abroad, I've
had the pleasure of indulging in various cuisines. I must confess, I'm not a
picky eater and can enjoy a meal anywhere without following strict food rules.
Unlike some self-proclaimed foodies, I embrace all sorts of culinary delights,
except for beef due to my religious beliefs rooted in Hinduism. Although I cook
regularly at home, I often take a break to explore the realm of dining out.
Lately, I've found myself drawn to the fascinating world of street food, which
offers a delightful array of flavors right here in Malaysia.
