Monday, July 3, 2023

A Foodie's Journey in Taman Tun Dr Ismail: Unveiling the Culinary Delights of Alora Spices

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.

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Curry Leaf Rice: Three Simple Recipes

Rice cooked with coconut oil, curry leaves, salt, and water
The aroma of curry leaves is a natural perfume for the senses - imagine that scent in a rice dish? Sounds fantastic, right? Absolutely. By the way, have you made curry leaf rice before, or even tasted it? You should, because the aroma of curry leaves lingering in your kitchen while cooking and in the rice dish will bring a smile to your face when you tuck in (BUTTERFLY BLUE PEA FLOWER RICE). 

Friday, June 23, 2023

A Delicious Evening Delight: Nutz N Boltz Quayside Mall Review

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.

Monday, June 19, 2023

Crab Masala Recipe

Indian crab masala dish cooked with spices and infused with the fragrance of curry leaves.
(Updated Version)

Have you realized that compared to enjoying a crab meal outside, nothing compares to savoring a crab dish at home (BLACK PEPPER & GREEN CRAB CURRY)? You can sit comfortably, take your time, and use your fingers to dig in, feeling the spiciness ignite sparks on your lips, tongue, and throat. We cherish our home-cooked crab, and nothing beats a crab dish infused with Indian spices - thick, spicy gravy or sauce that coats the crabs, leaving them drenched in fiery, lingering flavor (EASIEST MUTTON CURRY RECIPES). This crab masala dish is exactly that. Sit back and picture yourself indulging in it? Pow!!!

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Exploring the Versatility of Brazilian Spinach: A Hidden Gem in the Culinary World

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.

Monday, June 12, 2023

Growing and Cooking with Butterfly Blue Pea Flowers


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.

He Ju Kopitiam: A Culinary Adventure Through a Food Critic's Lens

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.

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Lemongrass/Serai: Benefits and Lemongrass Tea/Cordial

(Updated Version)
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).

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Best Vegetarian Okra Salad - Malay Style

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.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Restoran Top 1 Kopitiam: Malaysia's Vibrant Street Food Scene

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.

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 RECI...