Vegetarian Nyonya Recipes: Contrasting Flavors

Once upon a time, cooking Nyonya Cuisine (NYONYA CUISINE: REDISCOVERING HERITAGE) meant pounding ingredients in a mortar. Today, it's all about convenience with food processors and blenders. But there's still one old-timer, Ms. Nava, pounding away now and then. While some women prefer showroom kitchens, she cooks in shorts, bringing Nyonya vegetarian recipes to life with flair! Unlike those reliant on helpers or fancy kitchen setups or cook for seeking validation and praising from others for occasions, Ms. Nava stays true to tradition, cooking for her family. She after using her Nyonya cooking knowledge, blends the old with the new, converting classic Nyonya dishes into delightful vegetarian versions, proving that culinary excellence knows no bounds.

Easy Tips for Healthy Eating Habits

We’ve discussed how what we eat affects our health. But staying healthy isn’t just about eating salads all day. It's about cultivating healthy eating habits that contribute to a balanced lifestyle - not just for weight loss, but for overall well-being (LOSE WEIGHT FAST: THE HEALTHY WAY). Wouldn’t you be interested in discovering healthy eating habits that are simple, sustainable, and effective?

Mastering Meal Planning

Meal planning is the cornerstone of mindful eating. It’s about making decisions ahead of time, rather than acting on impulse. Whether you plan for a day or a week, having a meal plan keeps you aware of what, when, and where you eat. This practice also helps you organize your grocery list, ensuring you have the right ingredients on hand.

Oslo, Norway: Top Attractions and Things to Do

Akershus Fortress: A Glimpse into Oslo’s Past
Our first stop (COPENHAGEN: KRONBORG CASTLE) was Akershus Fortress, a historical gem dating back to 1290, originally constructed to defend Oslo from invasions. This impressive stone structure has served various roles over the centuries, including a royal residence and a military base. Walking through the grounds, we admired the views over the harbor and Oslofjord, along with the beautiful rose garden. Though we couldn’t enter the Armed Forces Museum, it’s a must-visit for military history enthusiasts. Akershus offers a unique mix of history, beauty, and tranquility - a perfect way to start our day (PERTH, AUSTRALIA: ATTRACTIONS & DINING).

Lamb Keema Recipe: Savory and Delicious

Ms. Nava presents lamb keema, a savory and versatile dish that varies across different regions, each with its unique twist (MUTTON RENDANG: CLASSIC AND TRADITIONAL). This flavorful preparation typically features minced lamb, enhanced by a blend of aromatic spices. Depending on personal preference, you can incorporate ingredients such as potatoes and green peas for added texture and taste. The process of making keema is straightforward and accessible, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying meal (EASY MUTTON CURRY). Additionally, I will share creative ways to repurpose any leftover keema into lighter dishes for future enjoyment.

Copenhagen, Denmark: Frederiksborg and Kronborg Castle

After a hotel breakfast (COPENHAGEN: BEST PLACES TO VISIT), we embarked on an exciting journey to explore two of Denmark’s most magnificent castles. Frederiksborg and Kronborg are more than just historic sites—they’re stunning symbols of Danish heritage.

Frederiksborg Castle

Our adventure began with Frederiksborg Castle, also known as Frederiksborg Slot. Situated on three small islands surrounded by a tranquil lake, this Renaissance marvel stands as the largest of its kind in Scandinavia. The castle’s red-brick towers, lush gardens, and scenic lake views took my breath away the moment we arrived.

Tom Yum Soup Recipes: 3 Delicious Variations

(Updated Version)

Life without Tom Yam feels like a story missing its climax- a culinary journey left unfinished. Imagine vibrant Thai flavors awakening your taste buds with each spoonful of this iconic soup. My love for Tom Yam deepened during my adventures in Thailand, especially in Krabi and Phuket, where I couldn’t resist its tempting allure. While some bowls packed a spicy punch that left me reaching for tissues, the truly delicious ones warmed both my mouth and soul. Now, I’m excited to share how you can bring the flavors of Tom Yam into your home.

Tom Yam Paste: A Shortcut to Flavor
For an easy cooking journey, you can use ready-made Tom Yam paste from Thailand or local Malaysian brands. It’s a convenient option for achieving authentic flavor effortlessly.

Fear No Yoga: Overcoming Doubts, Welcoming Wellness

While we can't provide an exact figure, it's evident that a significant number of individuals harbor a fear of yoga. Our inbox is inundated with inquiries echoing this sentiment, with many expressing genuine terror at the mere thought of setting foot on a yoga mat. This fear becomes a formidable barrier, hindering them from embracing yoga practice - a challenge we face head-on. We dedicate considerable time to reassure them, emphasizing that there's nothing to fear. Despite our earnest efforts, however, many remain hesitant (CORPORATE YOGA).

Here's a compelling insight into why people fear yoga, drawn directly from the inquiries we've handled.

Copenhagen, Denmark: Best Places to Visit

Copenhagen is a city that feels like a mix of old and new. From beautiful palaces to cozy streets and lively harbors, this Danish capital has it all. Whether you're a history lover or just looking to explore, Copenhagen offers plenty of spots to make your visit unforgettable (EXPLORING KRABI & PHUKET). Let me take you through some of the best places in the city, each with its own charm and story to tell.

Christiansborg Palace

Our journey through Copenhagen began with a glimpse of the majestic Christiansborg Palace. Once the residence of Danish royalty, the palace now serves as the seat of Denmark’s Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister's office. Although we only viewed it from the outside, the palace’s grandeur and historical significance left a lasting impression on all of us.

Exploring Krabi and Phuket: Thailand's Coastal Gems

Humans are funny creatures indeed. Despite the increasing number of women traveling solo for various reasons (BANGKOK SOLO TRIP) like business, work-related trips, or simply holidays, people still seem puzzled and ask the same old question - why am I traveling alone (? When this question comes from Asians, I can understand their curiosity, as it might be uncommon to see an Indian woman of my age, in my late 50s, traveling solo (HANOI CULTURE). 

However, it's quite alarming when I receive the same inquiry from Westerners, especially considering the thousands of Western women venturing out alone. What could be behind this universal curiosity about solo female travelers? It's a question that leaves me intrigued. While pondering over this, let me share my solo adventure, a short and sassy trip to Krabi and Phuket, which are considered paradises for Westerners (PRETORIA MOMENTS & CAPE TOWN STEALER).

Mee Goreng and Seafood Fried Mee: Malaysian Noodle Recipes

Updated Version

Mee Goreng. Ah, yes! It’s an integral part of our Malaysian food culture. From street stalls to coffee shops, cafes, and even high-end restaurants, you can always find Mee Goreng on the menu when Malaysian cuisine is featured. Personally, I love those served at coffee shops. They’re so tasty, and every bite evokes nostalgia - a classic that delights the senses (ASAM LAKSA FACES: NYONYA & INSTANT).

I have three delicious recipes for you to choose from: Mee Goreng Malay Style with Prawns (MALAY STYLE PRAWN NOODLES), Easy Malaysian Fried Mee, and Authentic Street Stall Style Seafood Fried Mee.

Pulau Ketam: A Serene Escape into Island Living

After our tea break (PULAU KETAM TIMELESS CHARM), we were eager to discover more of Pulau Ketam. As we strolled, we noticed the police station and faintly saw the schools. In this village, people mainly get around by cycling, with occasional motorbikes on the narrow lanes, which serve as the main roads.

 

Our walk took us to the other side of the village, where we visited three temples. The first temple was slightly further from the jetty, and the second was officiated by the late Tan Sri Manickavasagam. While at the third temple, we chose to skip seeing the snake in the cage. We also couldn't overlook the captivating murals adorning the walls. Naturally, we couldn't resist snapping photos to immortalize our visit (MALACCA RIVER CRUISE, AYUTTHAYA CRUISE & JEJU ISLAND). 

Pada Salted Fish Pickle: Authentic Eurasian Taste Sensations

Can you still recall my recipe for Portuguese Vegetable Pickle? You might be wondering why I’m bringing it up. Well, this recipe for Pada Salted Fish Pickle comes from the same person who shared the Vegetable Pickle recipe. She told me it’s a Eurasian/Portuguese recipe, and I believe her since she’s Eurasian. Pada Salted Fish Pickle is truly delicious, especially if you love salted fish and the spicy kick from green chilies like I do.

Now, before we get to the recipe, here’s what you should know:

Ingredients

Quantities are flexible, especially for the salted fish and green chilies.

Adjust them to your liking.

Malay Chicken Recipes: Tempting Varieties to Try

Did you know I absolutely love Malay food (MALAY DESSERTS). Yep, it's my go-to. You'll often catch me at the Malay stalls digging into their dishes or bringing some home (PUCUK UBI MASAK LEMAK & MASAK TEMPEH). My Malay pals joke that I'm more Malay than them when it comes to food! I've tried it all - Petai, Jering, Tempoyak, you name it (PETAI RECIPES). And I grow those raw salad fixings in my fitness Zen, Nava’s Zen. I've cooked up various Malay dishes over the years, learning from my Malay friends. Not to copy, but to understand the flavors better.

I'm all about spicing up my Malay dishes, finding new twists to add in. Malay food, you know, it's all about those bold Asian flavors - spicy, sour, salty, sometimes a bit bitter. Oh, and a quick tip: chicken cooks fast, so watch it carefully to avoid it getting tough. These recipes I'm sharing aren't your usual ones, they're my own take. Simple, straightforward, and tasty. People who've tried them love how easy they are to follow and how delicious they turn out. So, ready to dive into these tempting Malay chicken recipes? You'll love them too, I'm sure (NASI GORENG & NASI KERABU).

Pulau Ketam: Timeless Charm Awaits

Pulau Ketam, or Crab Island, is a name that carries an air of charm. This island, nestled at the mouth of the Klang River near Port Klang, just downstream from Kuala Lumpur, has enchanted others, while it remained a mysterious enigma to me. Friends and fellow travelers rave about it, insisting it's a place you simply must experience. They talk about it with such fondness, always eager to return. My curiosity was piqued. Getting my husband to join in, we invited another husband-and-wife team, much older, to join us. They too were ready to discover what was in store in Pulau Ketam (KOTA KINABALU WATERFRONT, KUANTAN COASTAL WONDERS & LAKE COMO).

Bread Flower/Kesidang Plant: An Enchanting Beauty for the Senses

Nature is truly captivating. It fills our lives with joy and peace. But nature also needs our help. As climate change makes the weather hotter and more unpredictable, we depend more on air conditioners, even for our babies. Yet, people miss the benefits of urban gardening. It can cool our homes and naturally relieve stress (Bay Leaves Healing Therapy). Urban gardening helps the environment and fills the air with the soothing scent of flowers, offering a peaceful escape from the stress that harms us.

Enter Ms. Nava, the founder of Nava's Zen, a true enthusiast of urban gardening. Today, she introduces us to the enchanting bread flower, also known as Kesidang, Kerak Nasi, Tikar Seladang, or Vallaris Glabra (Ylang Ylang). These white, star-shaped blossoms have a scent that evokes pandan leaves or the aroma of cooked fragrant jasmine rice. Whenever they bloom, Ms. Nava takes a moment to stand in Nava's Zen and inhale their delightful fragrance. It's her natural way to calm her senses and enjoy a bit of tranquility (Rangoon Creeper).

Nyonya Cuisine: Rediscovering Heritage Through Home Cooking

Nyonya food in Malaysia is a unique and flavorful cuisine that combines Chinese and Malay cooking (MALACCA'S FOOD FIESTA) styles, with extra influences from Portuguese and Eurasian foods in Melaka. This delicious blend comes from the Peranakan community, where Chinese immigrants married local Malays. Nyonya dishes use lots of spices like lemongrass and turmeric, along with coconut milk and pandan leaves. When the Portuguese (PORTUGUESE VEGETABLE PICKLE) ruled Melaka in the 16th century, they introduced new cooking methods and ingredients like vinegar and more spices, which became part of Nyonya cooking (PETAI SAMBAL).

Additionally, Eurasian cuisine, which blends European and local flavors, has also influenced Nyonya food, adding to its rich and diverse taste. Dishes like Devil’s Curry (MUTTON DEVIL CURRY) show how Nyonya food has mixed different cultural flavors to create something special and tasty.