Bunga Kantan/Torch Ginger: Urban Farming's Culinary Gem

Have you ever caught a whiff of Bunga Kantan, also known as Torch Ginger or Torch Lily? If you have, you'll know the thrill it brings. And if you haven't, you're in for a treat. Beyond its enchanting scent, growing this plant is like adding a vibrant burst of green to your garden. Its simple elegance truly lights up any space. And when those torch-like blooms start to emerge, it's like witnessing a whole new level of natural beauty unfold right before your eyes. As an urban gardener passionate about cultivating local scents, my first attempt at growing torch ginger didn't quite go as planned. But let me tell you, the journey is just as enchanting as the destination.

Turmeric Black Cumin Rice - A Health is Wealth Dish

There's a common misconception that rice should be avoided if you're trying to lose weight. However, that couldn't be further from the truth! With the right approach, you can still enjoy a small portion of rice and maintain a balanced diet (Curry Leaf Coconut Oil Rice). Today, I bring you a delicious and wholesome rice dish that combines the goodness of turmeric and black cumin. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds (Malay Style Turmeric Rice) but also contributes to your overall well-being (Blue Pea Rice). Let's dive into the delightful world of Turmeric Black Cumin Rice!

Vegetable Biryani & Pulao: Zen Color & Taste Therapy

Zen Color Therapy in cuisine is all about the art of creating visually stunning dishes that nurture both body and soul. It’s not just about adding color but about crafting meals that engage the senses, enhance well-being, and bring joy. By incorporating a variety of colorful ingredients, you make your dishes not only appetizing but also a feast for the eyes, elevating both the presentation and the dining experience (HYDERABADI VEGETABLE BIRYANI: SPICE INFUSED). 

High-end restaurants understand this, with their focus on plating that turns food into art. Similarly, when you elevate the presentation of your meals, you uplift the happiness of everyone who enjoys them (TURKISH SAFFRON RICE: GOLDEN RICE).

Rendang Recipes: Chicken, Goat, Potato & Fish

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..

Lavish Coffee House: A Treat for the Senses

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 Lentil Recipes: 21st Century Wellness

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).

Thai Green Egg Curry: A Spicy Green Goddess

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?

Signature Tiffins Cafe: Exploring a New Eatery in Bandar Rimbayu (Teluk Panglima Garang)

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.

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.

Curry Leaf Rice: Three Simple Recipes for Zen Wellness

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?).

Savoring Life: Embracing Guilt-Free Indulgences in a Healthy Journey

Living a healthy lifestyle is not a temporary endeavor that ends once we achieve our desired weight. It is a lifelong commitment that encompasses more than just torturing our palates. While striving for weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight (My Weigh Journey), it's important to understand that we don't have to completely deprive ourselves. Occasional indulgences can be a part of our journey, as long as we approach them sensibly. Instead of viewing it as a day to eat to excess, let's embrace the concept of a controlled indulgence - a guilt-free opportunity to savor our favorite treats.

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.

Nava's Masala Crab & Nandu Rasam Tips

(Updated Version)

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?

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.

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.