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Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Chinese Herbal Pork Soup
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Thursday, August 13, 2020
Vegetarian Asam Pedas (Asam Pedas Sayur)
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Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Tamarind Fried Fish: Classic vs. Alternative Dip Recipes
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Have you tried Tamarind Fried Fish? It’s a
fascinating dish where fish is soaked in tangy tamarind juice before being
fried to perfection. If you love zesty flavors, this dish is a must-try. I’m a
big fan of such vibrant tastes, and Tamarind Fried Fish, with its lively kick,
hits the spot. Even if you’re not usually into zesty foods, pairing this fried
fish with a spicy soy dip might just open your taste buds to new flavors.
You can use any
type of fish for this recipe. I’m featuring two varieties: torpedo scad (cencaru)
and mackerel (kembung). Each type of fish comes with its own unique dip, making
both versions of this Tamarind Fried Fish equally delightful and easy to
prepare.
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Egg Curry Trio: Spiced, Tangy & Veggie Delights
Something that I repeat regularly is that I love eggs. They sort of complete my meals. Enough said, I suppose, because I have nothing more to say about eggs, and today, eggs will be featured in curries. I will share with you two types of egg curries, both with potatoes, and also give you another option for how you can elevate your egg curry with vegetables.
That is not all. Let's do it up to a complete egg set meal, including a rice dish and a veggie dish that you can consider pairing with your egg curry. Or just go with the flow of however you want to pair an egg curry. These recipes are nothing complicated - basic recipes with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Sunday, April 5, 2020
Surakarta (Solo): Heartbeat of Central Java
The final day of my 5-day, 4-night escapade has arrived (BOROBUDUR ETERNAL LEGEND & YOGYAKARTA REGAL WONDERS). Tomorrow morning, I’ll be heading back to reality, back to the daily grind. As much as I'd love to keep traveling forever, the truth is, it's time to return home. But not before I embark on my last adventure in Surakarta, also known as Solo.
My day began with a delightful hotel buffet breakfast at Harper Mangkubumi. The spread was a feast for the senses, especially the array of local traditional dishes that tantalized my taste buds. Satisfied and ready for the day, we set off (COLOMBO DREAMS & SEOUL THROUGH MY EYES) for Surakarta.
Friday, April 3, 2020
Yogyakarta: Regal Wonders and Indonesian Tastes
It's time to talk about the buffet breakfast at Harper Mangkubumi, and trust me, you're in for a treat! I haven't yet introduced you to this culinary delight, and now is the perfect moment (JOGYAKARTA EXPOSURE). By now, you probably know how much I adore Indonesian cuisine and our local Malay Malaysian food. Oh, yes, please! The buffet breakfast at Harper Mangkubumi was a feast for the senses during my stay (COLOMBO DISCOVERY & NEW DELHI REVELATION).
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Jogyakarta: Authentic Indonesian Cuisine & Cultural Exposure
After an action-packed morning filled with thrilling adventures (MOUNT MERAPI JEEP TOUR), lunch was a much-anticipated respite. With a sparse breakfast and energy spent, I eagerly looked forward to a hearty meal. Finally (SEOUL THROUGH MY EYES & CHENNAI DISCOVERY) we arrived at Restaurant Timbul Roso, albeit a bit later than planned. The stunning rustic ambiance, highlighted by rich wood tones, made me feel as if I had walked into a luxurious home in Jogjakarta. I longed to sit outside amidst the mini nature jungle, but our group of four opted for the comfort (OSAKA SUNSETS) of the indoor dining area.
Monday, March 30, 2020
Mount Merapi Jeep Tour: Rugged Adventure
Adventure was calling, and I was ready to answer. The Mount Merapi Jeep Tour promised an experience (JOGYAKARTA TEMPLES) like no other, and while my previous travels had already seen their fair share of thrilling escapades (HOKKAIDO SNOW MOBILE & VARANASI GANGES), I was eager to see what this adventure had in store. As we arrived at the starting point, the sun blazed overhead, and the air was thick with dust. Grateful for my trusty scarf- a staple of my travel gear - I wrapped it around my face and prepared for the ride (CAPE TOWN SEAL ISLAND & PRETORIA MOMENTS).
Mount Merapi, Indonesia's "Mountain of Fire," loomed majestically before us. This active volcano, near Yogyakarta on the island of Java, is infamous for its frequent and powerful eruptions that have shaped the surrounding landscape and the lives of local communities for centuries. Its fiery temperament has caused extensive damage and loss of life, yet it remains an integral part of the region's culture and spirituality. Those brave enough to hike its slopes are rewarded with breathtaking views and a profound appreciation for the raw power of nature.
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Yogyakarta: Temples, Traditions, and Tastes
Our day began at the crack of dawn in Borobudur (BOROBUDUR ETERNAL LEGEND), capturing the essence of our journey to Jogjakarta. This iconic site, the highlight of our trip, was just the beginning (SOUTH AFRICA PRETORIA MOMENTS) of our temple exploration in Central Java. A short 2 km trip brought us to Candi Pawon Temple, a lesser-known but equally fascinating Buddhist temple. This small yet impressive structure, believed to be a royal tomb, remains a mystery (MYANMAR FROM MAE SAI) as to who might be buried there.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Borobudur - Yogyakarta: The Eternal Legend
Borobudur Temple, located in Central Java, Indonesia, is a monumental Mahayana Buddhist temple and the world's largest Buddhist monument. Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its intricate stone carvings, stunning architectural grandeur, and unique design that symbolizes the Buddhist cosmology with its three tiers: the world of desire, the world of forms, and the formless world (Pretoria South Africa Moments).
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Yogyakarta - Indonesia: Just The Kickoff
Joining a group of five friends, one of whom took charge of all the arrangements (Pretoria Moments & Cape Town Nature Stunner), including our sightseeing, I embarked on a five-day, four-night adventure to Indonesia. Despite the person’s planning, I still made it a point to contact the travel agent to ensure I had a single occupant room (Korea Through My Eyes). With a mid-morning flight, I was up by 5 am and arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport by 7 am. After a flight delay, we finally took off, landing at Adisutjipto Airport.
Upon arrival (Osaka Sunsets & New Delhi Revelation), we were greeted by our tour guide, Pak Adi. Lunch at Sekar Kedhaton Restaurant set the lovely tone for our trip. The rustic, woody ambiance complemented the delicious spread of achar (pickled veggies), stir-fried vegetables, fried chicken, sweet and sour fish, fresh fruits, and buah salak for dessert. The highlight for me was the sambal, which I couldn’t get enough of, especially with the keropok (fried fritters). Wow! The spicy power of Indonesia, which I had heard about from the helpers who come over to clean my house, was now validated after tasting it.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Kari Kambing Malaysia (Malaysian Mutton Curry)
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There are various ways to prepare spicy or masala mutton, from making the spice paste from scratch. But for this Malaysian version, Kari Kambing Malaysia (Malaysian Mutton Curry), we'll use store-bought spice powders, embracing the convenience of ready-made options in our fast-paced lives, where cooking time is limited. I usually stock up on spice powders, storing them in the fridge to prevent molding and mustiness.
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Malacca: Magnetic Sightseeing Trail
Taking a pause from sightseeing in Malacca (PORTUGUESE SETTLEMENT) or Melaka, the historic gem of Malaysia, we found ourselves diving into local cuisine and switching hotels, all while giving our legs a much-needed break. Our adventure resumed with renewed energy, revealing meaningful and captivating sights that made us feel like explorers from a distant land, in this state.
Christ
Church
Christ
Church Malacca is a notable historical landmark in Malacca, Malaysia,
showcasing Dutch colonial architecture. Built between 1741 and 1753, this
red-bricked church commemorates a century of Dutch rule and serves the local
Protestant community. Its Dutch design, original handmade pews, and an early
18th-century brass Bible add to its charm. We spent time inside, offering
prayers and absorbing the serene atmosphere. The church’s tranquility provided
a reflective pause, though our exploration soon continued. Don't miss the
nearby clock tower, a significant historical feature connected to Christ
Church.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Casa del Rio Melaka: A Night of Decadence and Daydreams
In the middle of our Malacca adventure (MALACCA'S FOOD FIESTA), we got this wild idea to switch hotels. No, nothing was wrong with our current digs, but the explorer in us just had to see what else was out there. So off we went, strutting down Jonker Street, popping into hotels and homestays like we were on some kind of luxurious treasure hunt. Spoiler alert: none of them clicked with us.
After looping around Jonker Street and finding nothing that screamed 'home away from home, I had a lightbulb moment. "Why not Casa Del Rio?" I suggested. The place had a fancy ring to it, but my wallet groaned at the thought. Still, curiosity won, and we waltzed into Casa Del Rio, inquiring about the rates. After a quick huddle, we took the plunge and booked a "Deluxe Lago/River Side Room." Two single beds? No problem. We threw in an extra bed, and guess who volunteered for the floor? Yep, that’s me.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Malacca’s Food Fiesta
What’s a journey without diving into a world of flavors? In Malacca (PORTUGUESE SETTLEMENT CUISINE), the culinary adventure is endless. We roamed the streets, tasting our way through an array of dishes that promised to thrill. Curious about our finds? Here’s a glimpse into our edible escapades (SOUTH AFRICA EXOTIC MEAT, MYANMAR STREET FOOD & JAPAN KOBE BEEF).
What’s the deal with “Cenderella”? We had to find out. We grabbed a packet of ondeh-ondeh, or Buah Melaka, and watched the process of making these treats. Little balls of pandan dough, filled with palm sugar, are cooked until they float, then rolled in coconut. A delicate taste of sweet nostalgia, but it wasn’t the revelation we hoped for - one serving was enough.
Monday, March 9, 2020
Portuguese Settlement Malacca: Food Critic’s Review and Experience
When in Malacca (MALACCA'S LEGENDARY SITES), a visit to the Portuguese Settlement is a must. Established in 1933, this legendary spot preserves the traditions of Portuguese descendants who have lived there for centuries. The settlement stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Portuguese influence in Malaysia, dating back to the early 16th century when the famed explorer Afonso de Albuquerque captured Malacca in 1511. Albuquerque, a pivotal figure in the Age of Discovery, played a crucial role in establishing Portuguese colonial dominance in Southeast Asia.
Our late evening trip to the Portuguese Settlement was driven by a quest for its renowned food and a desire to experience the area's unique atmosphere. The settlement's historical importance is intertwined with the spice trade, which significantly shaped its local cuisine. The Portuguese, led by Albuquerque, sought control over Malacca as a strategic port in the lucrative spice trade routes between the East and West. This influence is evident in the fusion of Portuguese and local Malay flavors, creating the distinctive Kristang cuisine, a culinary heritage reflecting the profound impact of the spice trade on the gastronomic traditions of Malacca's Portuguese community.
Chinese Rice Congee: Best Accompaniments and Tips
(Updated Version) Let me tell you about rice congee, also known as rice porridge or in our local Bahasa Malaysia, Bubur Nasi. In Tamil, it’...
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