Betong, Thailand: Weekend Trip of Discoveries

Betong? I wondered, Where is Betong? What’s there to see in Betong? These were my questions when a couple, a husband and wife, invited me to join them on a trip there. It didn’t really matter where Betong was or what it offered, as I'm always ready to explore new places (BERGEN SIGHTSEEING & DENMARK-NORWAY REFLECTIONS). I also love road trips - the free and easy, no-pressure kind where you go with the flow and discover something new. I soon found out that Betong is a town in Southern Thailand, near the Malaysian border.

With bags packed for a weekend trip, we set off on Friday morning for a three-day adventure. By 9:00 AM, we hit the road, and the drive through Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, on narrow, winding roads was breathtaking. Towering trees and untouched virgin jungle lined both sides of the road, offering us a scenic, mind-soothing view until we reached the border.

Sarawak Laksa: Tradition Meets Creative Flair

(Updated Version)

There’s a magic that stirs within me when I step into the kitchen - a dance of flavors that nourishes both body and soul. Cooking transcends mere recipes; it’s about weaving my creativity into each dish, making it uniquely mine. Infusing your spirit into what you create is what sets you apart, don’t you agree? That’s why my recipes often carry a touch of the unexpected, even with the same core ingredients (EASY PRAWN LAKSA: A DELICIOUS NOODLE DISH).

Take my Sarawak Laksa, for instance. This isn’t your standard bowl of laksa; I’ve taken the traditional essence and infused it with my flair, creating a dish I proudly call my own (SINGAPORE LAKSA: MS. NAVA'S VERSION).

Easy Mutton Dalcha Recipe: A Flavorful Lentil Curry

When mutton is cooked with lentils and a blend of spices and vegetables, the result is a flavorful dish known as Mutton Dalcha or Mutton Dal Curry. In Ms. Nava’s kitchen, the focus is on easy and authentic recipes. It's often said that simpler ingredients yield the most delicious results, and I wholeheartedly agree (SOUTH INDIAN STYLE FISH CURRY).

Before diving into Ms. Nava’s Easy Authentic Mutton Dalcha, here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience:

Tasty Tofu Dishes: From Manchurian to Flavorful Treats

I’m all about that tofu life! What about you? If you're a tofu enthusiast like me, you're in for a treat with my recipes, starting with the crowd-favorite Tofu Manchurian. I’ve whipped up this dish a few times without realizing it had such a fancy name - I used to call it 'masala tofu' or 'spicy tofu.' But now, I proudly embrace its rightful name: Tofu Manchurian (CAULIFLOWER/GOBI MANCHURIAN).

For those who don’t know, Tofu Manchurian is a star in Indo-Chinese cuisine, offering a vegetarian twist on classic Chicken Manchurian. It was born from the fusion of Chinese and Indian flavors in the 1970s, thanks to Chinese immigrants in Kolkata. This blend has become a beloved staple across India. But here’s the twist—my version has a Malaysian flair (5 EASY VEGETARIAN RECIPES).

NIVEA Rose Care Micellar Wash Gel with Organic Rose Water

As a woman in my 60s, I’ve long avoided traditional face soaps and powder-based cleansers, regardless of how promising their ingredients sound. These products tend to strip my skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and tight - exactly the opposite of what mature skin, in need of moisture and hydration, requires. I usually stick with milk cleansers, but when I came across the NIVEA Rose Care Micellar Wash Gel with Organic Rose Water, I was intrigued enough to make an exception (WARDAH UV SHIELD ESSENTIAL GEL).

First Impressions

The packaging caught my eye immediately - a tube in a delicate pink shade with a convenient flip-top lid. Its simplicity and elegance appealed to me, but what really drew me in was the product description. This micellar wash gel promises to gently remove waterproof makeup and deeply cleanse the skin without drying it out, all while being infused with organic rose water. It also claims to purify the skin, control sebum, and leave it feeling moisturized for 24 hours (FOOT CREAMS: DRY SKIN & CRACKED HEELS).

Easy Chocolate Cake: Minimalist Italian Genoise Recipe

Baking is always an adventure! Don't be intimidated by the Easy Chocolate Cake: Minimalist Italian Genoise Recipe. Listen to Ms. Nava - anyone can bake! Just pick a day when you can relax, as baking requires a calm mind, similar to how you feel after our Zen Yoga sessions. Remember, baking is all about focus, just like your Zen Yoga poses.

I previously shared how to make genoise in my post, CLASSIC GENOISE; A EUROPEAN STYLE SPONGE CAKE. Unfortunately, I forgot to take step-by-step photos while making this Easy Chocolate Cake because I was focused on the process. But don’t worry. Follow these simple steps, and I’m sure you’ll create a fantastic cake that’s airy and spongy, crumbling in your mouth with every bite (CLASSIC, MARBLE & LEMON BUTTER CAKES) .

Warung Mak Dara Corner (Jalan Kebun): Taste of Malay Heritage

Living just 10 minutes from Jalan Kebun via Kemuning Greenville, I’ve yet to explore the eateries in Jalan Kebun. However, being a true lover of Malay cuisine, I’ve already indulged in every Malay eatery within Kemuning Greenville, where Nava's Zen is located as well. This time, for a casual lunch with my dining companion, we decided to venture into Jalan Kebun. Though I initially had another spot in mind, my lunch partner suggested Warung Mak Dara Corner (Kampung Jln Kebun), and we arrived around 11:30 am on a Sunday.

Parking was a breeze - being both Sunday and an early lunch hour. By the time we arrived, a few patrons were already enjoying their meals. While they offer breakfast and noodle dishes (likely served later in the day), the main attraction for lunch is Nasi Campur.

Ghee Masala Mutton Roast Recipe: Authentic Mutton Ghee Roast

When it’s festive season among Indians in Malaysia, a mutton dish is always a must. Don’t you agree? I certainly do! Mutton dishes, especially during Deepavali, are something I eagerly anticipate. What I love most is that mutton dishes can be made a day ahead, allowing the spices and flavors to really soak into the meat. When reheated, the gravy thickens, transforming into a rich, vibrant sauce that coats tender mutton pieces in all their glory (AUTHENTIC INDIAN MASALA CHICKEN CURRIES). 

Today, I’m not just sharing any ordinary mutton recipe. This is something truly special: Ghee Masala Mutton Roast, or Mutton Ghee Roast. Originating from Mangalore, this dish has many variations, but this is Ms. Nava's Zen Cuisine version - rich, bold, and absolutely mouthwatering (HYDERABADI VEGETABLE BIRYANI). It’s indulgent, yes, but as with all guilty pleasures, it’s important to enjoy it mindfully. Savor each bite, but don’t forget to balance it out with your Zen Yoga practice.

Top Malaysian Chinese Desserts: Leng Chee Kang

Leng Chee Kang is a refreshing Chinese dessert that’s perfect for hot weather, providing a delightful way to cool down. As a huge fan of this sweet treat, I can’t resist ordering it whenever I visit a Chinese coffee shop that features it. The stalls often offer a variety of options, allowing you to choose a traditional Leng Chee Kang or customize your bowl with specific ingredients like lotus nuts.

Making Leng Chee Kang is simple and straightforward. The ingredients are easily found in Chinese provision shops and mini markets (CHRYSANTHEMUM GOJI BERRY JELLY). You can purchase pre-packaged options that include all the essentials or select your favorite ingredients for a personalized touch.

Breathwork and Mindfulness: Benefits of Yoga Practice

In the previous article, we explored YOGA AND MINDFULNESS FOR MENTAL HEALTH as part of a healing journey. Keeping it simple and consistent is key to reaping the benefits of yoga and mindfulness. At its core, this practice helps calm the mind - a continuous journey as we face daily challenges. Breathwork, along with mindfulness and awareness, is essential in yoga, often combined with meditation. 

Meditation, which brings the mind into the present moment, can be practiced on your own for just one minute each day, ideally before bed. You can sit comfortably on your bed, breathing in and out through your nose to center yourself. However, for deeper practice, it's important to have guidance from a qualified yoga instructor.