Friday, December 6, 2024

Easy Grilled Turmeric Tofu Recipes

Grilled turmeric tofu with tempeh and a refreshing raw salad, served on banana leaves for a rustic, flavorful meal
Turmeric, with its vibrant yellow-orange hue, is as calming to the mind as it is versatile in the kitchen. Renowned for its health benefits, turmeric is anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, supports digestion, boosts immunity, and promotes heart and brain health.

Sri Annamalai Unavagam: Sekyen 15, Shah Alam

Our visit to Sri Annamalai Unavagam was entirely unplanned, driven by a spontaneous decision about where to have lunch while we were just five minutes away from Shah Alam’s Seksyen 15. This humble stall had previously caught my attention on TikTok, known for its much-talked-about vegetarian set meal, priced at RM6.99 - a clever psychological pricing strategy just under RM7.

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Asam Laksa Recipe: Vegetarian & Vegan

Close-up view of vegetarian Asam Laksa with noodles, thick broth, and garnishes
Curious about a vegetarian and vegan version of Asam Laksa? I’m sure it piques your interest! And why not? However, let me be honest, as always - this vegetarian and vegan Asam Laksa is a recipe I created myself. No copying here, just some thoughts and experimentation, and out came this dish (HOMEMADE VEGETARIAN CURRY LAKSA & CURRY MEE).

One thing to note, especially for those who aren’t vegetarian or vegan and love the traditional fish broth-based Asam Laksa: this version won’t replicate that (ASAM LAKSA: NYONYA STYLE). But rest assured, it will still surprise and delight your taste buds. Now, let's dive into the recipe.

Monday, December 2, 2024

Crispy Fried Prawns Recipes: Oats & Cereal Coated

Close-up view of crispy oats-coated prawns
(Updated Version)

Cooking prawns is a fun adventure, and with Zen Cuisine, it’s all about creativity (CHINESE PRAWN RECIPES). Today, I’m sharing two crispy prawn recipes that bring a perfect balance of oats and cereal - Crispy Fried Oats-Coated Prawns and Crispy Fried Prawns with Cereal. These dishes are the ultimate crunch, delivering happiness with every bite. After all, food is more than just sustenance - it’s a little moment of joy on a plate (FRIED PRAWN WANTON)

Cracked Heel Cream: Footease by Watsons


We’ve talked about foot creams before, and I’ve mentioned that I’d introduce a truly affordable option (FOOT CREAMS: HONEST REVIEWS). But before anything else, let’s take a moment to think about your feet. Have you been taking good care of them? If not, now might be a great time to start. A quick reminder: neglecting your feet can lead to discomfort and even more serious issues like cracked or bleeding heels. Taking just a few minutes each day to moisturize and care for them can save you from a lot of pain down the road (LOREAL PARIS BRIGHT GLOWING CREAM SPF).

Thursday, November 28, 2024

Easy Banana Blossom/Flower Recipes: Stir-Fry & Curry

A bowl of stir-fried banana blossom cooked to perfection, served as a traditional Indian dish
(Updated Version)

Banana blossom, or banana flower, is the nutritious (SWEET SOUR TOFU CHINESE STYLE), often-overlooked flower of the banana tree. While it remains a staple in traditional home kitchens, especially in Indian households, it's rarely seen in modern recipes or restaurants - likely due to the meticulous cleaning process. 

Handling banana blossom can leave sticky residue on your hands, but you can prevent this by applying a bit of oil, using gloves, or washing with lemon juice afterward.

Despite its numerous health benefits, this superfood is gradually disappearing from our diets, replaced by processed foods. Easy to prepare and perfect for stir-fries (EASY QUICK EGG RECIPES) and curries, banana blossom is a wholesome ingredient that deserves a spot in your kitchen.

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Glowing Day Cream SPF17 Review

L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Glowing Day Cream SPF17 in its original packaging
(Updated Version)

Difference Between Day Cream and Night Cream
Understanding the difference between day and night creams is key to choosing the right product for your skin’s needs. Day creams are typically designed with SPF and antioxidants to protect against sun damage and pollution. They’re lightweight, quickly absorbed, and provide hydration without leaving a greasy finish (WARDAH UV SHIELD ESSENTIAL GEL).

Night creams, on the other hand, are richer and focus on repairing and nourishing your skin. They often contain ingredients like retinol and peptides to restore and rejuvenate your skin overnight, without SPF since sun protection is unnecessary during sleep.

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Spicy Lemongrass Steamed Fish: Thai Style

Close-up of spicy lemongrass steamed fish
Ah, the irresistible taste of Thai cuisine - spicy, fragrant, and full of bold flavors. Let’s dive into this recipe for Spicy Lemongrass Steamed Fish. It’s not the quickest dish to prepare, but the effort is well worth it for the incredible flavors. Although it requires a bit of preparation and cooking, the end result is a mouthwatering dish (THAI STEAMED FISH WITH CHILLI & LIME).

Fraser's Hill, Pahang - Quiet Getaway

Posing at Fraser's Hill entrance
Our journey took us from Raub (RAUB PAHANG MUSANG KING) to Fraser's Hill, a place I had never visited before. Located in Pahang, this hill station has a rich history. It was named after Louis James Fraser, a Scottish trader who discovered it in the late 1800s. After his mysterious disappearance in the early 1900s, the area remained abandoned until 1917 when British official J. Ferguson-Davie rediscovered it and saw its potential as a peaceful retreat.

Friday, November 22, 2024

Quick and Fast Pizza: Bread Pizza

Slices of bread pizza with toppings, baked and ready to serve
((Updated Version)

Honestly, I’ve never made pizza dough in my entire life. I personally feel it’s not worth the time, but when I have bread slices that are going to expire, I turn them into bread pizza. See? Quick and fast pizza (EASY MANGO STICKY RICE). I can assure you that your kids or even your older family members will love it. Here are some tips I feel are worth sharing with all of you.

 

Make It Healthy

Include veggies and choose affordable ones, like Brazilian spinach, which is super easy to grow, or local spinach, frozen veggies, or tomatoes. I used daun kaduk (Thai betel leaves), which I grow in Nava’s Zen.

Menopause Symptoms: What You Need to Know


Before anything else, I must emphasize that symptoms vary among each woman. Understanding this is key - otherwise, we start comparing ourselves to others and seeking advice that may not apply, making things worse (EASY TIPS FOR MENOPAUSE). That said, I’ve rounded up the most common symptoms that many women experience. See if these resonate with you.

 

Hot Flashes

Sweating for no apparent reason is an unavoidable part of menopause. It’s like feeling the heat surge unexpectedly - even under air conditioning or during a scorching hot day. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that trigger hot flashes.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Raub (Tras), Pahang – Discovering Durian

Famed Raub Musang King Durian
Raub is a town located in western Pahang, Malaysia, situated about 110 kilometers northeast of Kuala Lumpur. Established in the late 19th century, Raub grew as a significant gold mining town during the British colonial period. The town’s history is closely tied to the discovery of gold in the area, which led to the development of mining operations that played a key role in its growth. Today, Raub is known for its agricultural activities, particularly in the cultivation of palm oil and other crops.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Durian Dessert Recipe: Pengat Durian & Serawa Durian

Durian sweet porridge with glutinous rice served on plate, on top banana leaf
Durian lovers, this one's for you! As much as I enjoy eating durian fresh from the spiky husk, there's something special about creamy durian desserts. Have you tried Pengat Durian or Serawa Durian? Wondering what sets them apart?

Monday, November 18, 2024

Shan Pakistan Restaurant - Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam


As always, when a new restaurant opens in Kota Kemuning, there’s bound to be a buzz in the local Facebook groups, with everyone sharing their dining experiences. Naturally, I was curious and excited to check it out. I visited Shan Pakistan Restaurant on a weekday, somewhat sceptical after reading mixed reviews on Facebook and Google Maps. However, the moment I stepped inside, it felt surreal in the best way possible - a welcoming ambiance that immediately made me feel at ease.

Easy Tips for Menopause


At 37, my periods became sparse - sometimes lasting only a day, then disappearing for months. I knew menopause was coming, but I wasn't sure when. My perimenopause lasted for 7 years, finally culminating at age 45. It was a confusing time, filled with unanswered questions, and I wondered if my health issues were making menopause worse. Now, I want to share what I’ve learned.

Sunday, November 17, 2024

Eggplant Curry: Vegetarian & Claypot Style

Easy eggplant curry in a claypot, ready for tucking in
This eggplant curry isn't just your typical recipe (SPICY VEGETARIAN EGGPLANT: THAI STYLE). Ms. Nava’s twist on the classic involves a unique method of preparing the eggplant, ensuring the curry paste is absorbed deep into the eggplant for a richer, fuller flavor. Cooking it in a claypot deepens the taste, infusing the curry with an authentic touch and enhancing the spices, curry leaves, and a hint of gingerly oil. Simple ingredients, easily found at your local market, come together to create a flavor-packed curry that’s sure to surprise your taste buds (TASTY VEGETARIAN MUTTON RECIPES).

Malay Mix Rice Food Review: Gerai MBSA Shah Alam

By pure chance, we stumbled upon Gerai MBSA, Shah Alam (G-03, SEKSYEN 31, Jalan Anggerik Mokara 31/50, Kota Kemuning). Essentially a food co...