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.
Monday, June 12, 2023
Friday, June 9, 2023
My Weight Journey: Overcoming Setbacks and Rediscovering Self-Confidence
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Lemongrass: Natural Aromatherapy & Holistic Wellness Drinks
Lemongrass has a soothing, fresh, and clean fragrance, blending bright citrus notes with subtle herbal undertones. The aroma is a delicate balance of lemony zest with earthy sweetness, enriched by a hint of green freshness. It’s an invigorating scent that calms the mind and rejuvenates the spirit. Lemongrass is one of my favorite fragrances, and I often use it in my cooking (LEMONGRASS RICE). At Nava’s Zen, we grow lemongrass as part of our holistic wellness (CHINESE VEGETARIAN LONG BEANS STIR FRIED)approach, sharing it with our clients alongside urban gardening tips. For those interested in growing lemongrass, the process is simple: place a few stalks in water until roots appear, then plant them in soil. With time, the roots will take hold, and the plant will thrive.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Zesty Malay Okra Salad: A Veggie Delight
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
Zen Blooming: Ylang-Ylang's Therapeutic Delights
Friday, June 2, 2023
Personalized Diet Plans: Your Unique Weight Loss Journey
Embrace Your Individuality
Every person's body is different, and what works for someone else may not necessarily work for you. It's essential to recognize and appreciate your individuality when it comes to your diet and weight loss goals. Your lifestyle, preferences, and specific needs should all be taken into account.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Cultivating Convenient Gardening: Welcoming Nature's Splendor
Home gardening should be a convenient endeavour, where simplicity reigns supreme. It's about finding an approach that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. The essentials revolve around watering your plants according to their needs, providing fertilizers when necessary, and repotting those that have outgrown their containers. However, it's important to recognize that not all plants can be saved, and sometimes letting go is the only option. Consider replacing them with similar varieties or exploring new possibilities. Remember, the size of your garden matters. The larger it is, the more time you'll need to allocate for its care. Don't overlook the importance of keeping your surroundings clean, even if you're gardening in pots. Regular cleaning and sweeping will ensure a tidy and inviting atmosphere. The time you invest will depend on the number of plants you have.
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Revealing Radiant Skin: Inside My Daily Skincare Routine
Friday, May 26, 2023
Eurasian Pineapple Salted Fish Curry & Savory Pineapple Creations
I’m the ultimate foodie - always on the hunt for new flavors and never one to shy away from a culinary adventure (SZECHUAN LONG BEANS). From five-star restaurants to roadside stalls, you’ll find me indulging in just about anything. There's no "mudguard" mentality here; I'll eat wherever and whatever catches my fancy. But there’s a downside to this passion: the people in my life are fussy eaters with endless restrictions. “I don’t like this, “I can’t eat that,” and “Street food? No way!” - you get the idea.
Eating out with them is like replaying the same old song at the same eateries, ordering the same dishes. It’s become so monotonous that I’ve resorted to dining solo. Even my husband, bless him, has a laundry list of limitations - except when it comes to Indian food. Put a plate of curries in front of him, and he’s all smiles. It took me years to expand his culinary horizons (TOM YAM FISH), and while he’s gotten better, he’s still pretty reluctant to try new things. The funniest part? These folks won’t even try something before deciding they don’t like it. Funny, right?
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Blossoming Passion: A Journey of Gardening, Learning, and Perseverance
Step
into the tranquil beginnings of my journey in Kota Kemuning two decades ago,
where amidst the calm, a yearning for vitality stirred. With my spouse often
away, I craved solace and purpose. Balancing academia and domesticity, the idea
of crafting a blog and delving into culinary ventures beckoned.
Yet, it was the sight of the barren plot outside my home that ignited an insatiable desire for lush greenery. Having only dabbled in indoor plants before, the notion of gardening felt foreign. However, the vast potential of this newfound space sparked an intense passion within me.
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Versatile Long Beans: Szechuan, Basic, & Egg Stir-Fry
A couple of years ago, I grew long beans, but unfortunately, their lifespan is only about 4 months, so you need to replant them to continue harvesting. I didn't get around to replanting them back then, but now I've started growing them again. The plants are slowly coming up, and I'm hopeful for a good harvest for my cooking. In the meantime, I buy them, and they are quite affordable (VEGETARIAN TOFU RENDANG). Long beans are a favorite in my household.
I cook them in Indian style (VEGETARIAN DEVIL/DEBEL CURRY), but for a quick Chinese-style dish, stir-frying is the way to go. This recipe is quite simple, and as someone who cooks Chinese dishes regularly, I always keep peanut oil, sesame oil, and soy sauce on hand. Szechuan peppercorns, available at Chinese grocers, also last a long time and should be stored in the fridge.
Friday, May 19, 2023
Harmony and Rejuvenation: Embracing Eternal Youth with Yoga and Skincare Mantras
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Malaysian Wildboar Curry/Kattu Pandi Kulambu
I find it rather curious, or perhaps understandable, that among 10 Indians, only one or two would indulge in pork. While this doesn't particularly bother me, it's quite a phenomenon when dining with them, as they tend to avoid eateries serving pork dishes. This preference is more prevalent among the older generation, although a fair number of younger individuals do enjoy pork. Interestingly, those who abstain from pork often struggle to articulate the reasons behind their choice. Some perceive pork as unclean, while others cite religious beliefs. Many were simply not exposed to pork consumption by their parents, leading to a perpetuation of dietary habits. In general, Indians tend to favor familiarity over culinary exploration, which contrasts with my own adventurous palate.
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Rotkohl (German Red Cabbage): A Timeless Culinary Tradition
I've dined at several exclusive German restaurants, where the cost is a bit steep, but worth it for an occasional indulgence. My favorite dishes are the German sausages and pork knuckles (CHINESE HERBAL PORK SOUP), typically served with potato salad, a fresh salad, and either Rotkohl (braised red cabbage), Weißkohl (fermented green or white cabbage), or Sauerkraut (sautéed green or white cabbage). I sometimes buy German sausages to grill at home, pairing them with crouton salad (TURKISH CARROT YOGURT SALAD), cheese, and whatever sauce I have on hand.
Friday, May 5, 2023
Yoga Magic - Ms. Nava's Journey To A New Lease Of Life
Zen
yoga is undoubtedly at the heart of holistic wellness, a concept that continues
to resonate in our modern world. It's the epitome of natural therapy, nurturing
the breath, body, mind, and soul, with the power to reshape lives in unexpected
ways.
However, it's essential to recognize that while yoga is a potent tool, it should never replace medical care. Doctors are vital in our healthcare system, offering essential services such as emergency care, managing chronic conditions, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive patient care. Yoga can complement traditional medical treatments but should never be seen as a substitute.
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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Let's talk Sodhi - a flavorful Indian coconut stew that's a hit in many households ( RASAM ), including ours! It's like a cousin...
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Growing up in the government quarters of Sungei Besi , just across from the army camp, I've always felt a deep connection to Malay c...
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As I peer into the earthen pot , brimming with the flavorful Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu, my appetite awakens. I must admit, I have a so...