Sun-Dried Mango Curry: Healthiness & Deliciousness

It's been ages since I used sun-dried mangoes in my cooking. Growing up, my mum often used these tangy delights in various dishes. Sometimes she soaked them to soften, then lightly fried them to serve with rice (LEMONGRASS RICE) and other side dishes. The sour notes always brought immense joy to my palate. Whenever mum cooked dishes with sun-dried mangoes, I was in food heaven.

Sun-dried mangoes had slipped from my memory until I recently spotted them at the Indian grocer. Affordable and full of flavor, these mangoes need to be soaked in water to soften before cooking. They add delightful sour notes to dishes, especially traditional curries with potatoes. The combination of sourness, spiciness from the spices, tender potatoes, the aroma of asafoetida powder, and a drizzle of gingerly oil creates an indescribable taste sensation.

Lemongrass Rice (Nasi Serai): 3 Citrus-Fresh Dishes

I have a whole list of things to share with all of you about lemongrass, or as we call it in our local language, serai. The most important thing is that I grow them right here in Nava’s Zen. In fact, I have a few bunches growing now, as I use lemongrass quite regularly in my cooking. One of the simplest things I do is make lemongrass rice (AROMATIC CUMIN RICE), also known as Nasi Serai (BALINESE FISH SAMBAL) amongst us Malaysians. I have three different recipes to share with you. And oh, before I forget (VEGETARIAN POTATO SAMBAL), I also grow Thai betel leaves and papaya trees as part of Nava’s Zen urban gardening.

Balinese Fish Sambal & Ikan Masak Merah

Back in 2009, I had the pleasure of spending six unforgettable days in Bali. This island, with its rich culture and history, left me spellbound. Years later, when I returned to Indonesia (YOGYAKARTA THE KICKOFF & SURAKARTA HEARTBEAT), my passion for Indonesian cuisine led me to savor a variety of dishes to my heart’s content. While Indonesian cuisine share some similarities with Malaysian Malay cuisine, particularly in the use of sambal - a fiery blend of fresh or red chilies, shallots, garlic, ginger, and tangy tamarind or lime juice - Indonesian sambal has its own unique charm. My sambal recipe also includes terasi (belacan) for an extra layer of depth.

Turkish Carrot Yogurt Salad and Indian Variations

How about we make Turkish Carrot Yogurt Salad? Sounds fabulous, right? Aha, yes! I love all things yogurt. It’s a delight for me. In fact, I use yogurt regularly in my cooking, including in curries for its creamy and tangy burst (EGG CURRY TRIO). I’ve made carrot yogurt salad countless times as a side dish for our rice meals (MUGHLAI KORMA), whether it's a no-cook raw version or with tempered spices.

But let me first share the Turkish version, which I made for the first time. The cooking technique and ingredients are a bit different, and this cooked version of Turkish Carrot Yogurt Salad tasted sensational (TURKISH SAFFRON RICE). I added an extra dose of olive oil, which melded beautifully with the creamy yogurt, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. It brings a subtle, peppery depth to the sweetness of the carrots, elevating each spoonful to a new level of deliciousness (TURKISH CUCUMBER YOGURT SALAD).

Langkawi: A Memorable Island Escape

The next morning (LANGKAWI SKY HIGH) was dedicated to shopping at the duty-free shops. One of those things I am not fond of? Shopping. It felt like an hour of wasted time before finally stepping foot in Underwater World Langkawi. Located in Pantai Cenang, this is one of Malaysia's largest marine and freshwater aquariums, offering a captivating journey through the wonders of the aquatic world. Spanning over six acres, this renowned attraction features a diverse range of marine life, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sea turtles and vibrant corals.

At first glance, it didn't win me over. I doubted its worth and wasn't sure if it was worth paying for. But once inside, ohlalala! The place was spellbinding with its bountiful, beautiful, and vibrant displays. My eyes almost popped out. Underwater World Langkawi proved me wrong and kept me thoroughly occupied. I loved every moment. I could have spent all my time leisurely exploring the strikingly colorful underwater creatures.

Langkawi (Kedah): Sky High and Artistic

Embarking on a road trip to Langkawi with a large group required two coaches. This was my second visit, the first being 25 years ago, leaving me curious about what had changed. Langkawi, a cluster of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, is known for its natural beauty and rich history. It has been a significant trading post influenced by Malay, Thai, and colonial cultures and is steeped in local legends like that of Princess Mahsuri. Now a UNESCO Global Geopark, Langkawi's rainforests, beaches, and wildlife showcase Malaysia's heritage (PERAK STEPPING BACK IN TIME).

We arrived in Kuala Kedah and took a ferry to Langkawi. Once there, we divided into cars and headed to Oriental Village. After a walk from the car park, our first stop was the food court to satisfy our hunger before starting our exploration of the village.

Perak - Authentic Finds

The day to return home arrived, but with plenty of time still on our hands, the adventure continued. We began by joining the line outside Restoran Xin Quan Fang in Taman Jubilee, where anticipation built as we waited a good ten minutes before being seated and another ten before placing our order. The Curry Mee, a local favorite, was the highlight of our morning (PERAK STEPPING BACK IN TIME).

As one of the most sought-after dishes in Ipoh, patience is key. The small but tantalizing bowl of Curry Mee arrived, its fragrant, not-too-spicy broth perfectly soaking up the noodles, seafood, chicken, and pork, all garnished with fresh spring onions. Truly a delight, and nothing complemented it better than a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Perak: Stepping Back in Time

The first half of my day was pretty hectic but incredibly fulfilling (IPOH TEMPLE TREASURES). Despite being roasted under Malaysia's scorching hot weather, I loved every moment of it. After visiting Perak Cave Temple, our next destination was Gunung Lang Recreational Park. I must crown Gunung Lang Recreational Park as one of Ipoh's natural prides, especially for a nature lover like me. Surrounded by mountains and centered around a serene lake, the park offers a picturesque escape (RANAU SABAH ECO-TOURISM).

Ipoh, Perak: Temple Treasures Explored

Our next day began with a return to Ipoh town (PERAK DISCOVERIES) for breakfast. With numerous eateries to choose from, we opted for Paris Restaurant, Famous Mee Hakka, a place I had previously discovered as a must-try. And indeed, it was true. The noodles, a pride of Ipoh, offered in both dry and soupy styles, paired with fish or pork, were delightful. But the highlight? The sambal/chili dip. A powerhouse of flavor, it packed a punch that elevated the entire meal. Oh, how my taste buds rejoiced with this homemade, authentic Chinese spicy dip!

Perak Discoveries

Embarking on a road trip to Perak, my mother’s hometown, felt both sentimental and surreal. While most of my mum’s aunts and uncles are now in heaven and the rest have moved to Kuala Lumpur, I couldn't help but recall my childhood years spent in Ipoh, enjoying school holidays at my grandpa’s kampung house in Kampung Paloh. Though I can't remember my last visit to Ipoh, this trip was all about discovering Perak (KUANTAN SHIVAN TEMPLE. MALACCA TRAIL & KINABALU UNMASKING FOOD). 

Our first stop was lunch at Little House Café in Tapah, an unassuming kopitiam I had already discovered online. We indulged in Black Pepper Chicken Chop and Hainanese Chicken Chop paired with fries, along with Fish Soy and Petai Squid served with rice. The home-style, delicious Halal Malaysian fusion dishes were a delight, with generous portions that left us thoroughly satisfied. Even as a small eater, I managed to finish the Hainanese Chicken Chop.

Shivan Panching & Sri Marathandavar Temples

While exploring sightseeing spots in Kuantan (KUANTAN COASTAL WONDERS) I discovered the Shivan Temple in Gua Charas Panching, which led to an unexpectedly profound journey. We parked at the base of the hill, where the ascent up a steep, uneven stairway tested our resolve. My friends, initially skeptical and grumbling about the difficulty, were reluctantly drawn onward by our determination to reach the temple. The drive to the foothill was equally challenging, with its bumpy, rocky terrain (VARANASI SACRED GANGES, MADURAI SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS, KERALA TEMPLE & KATAGARAMA TEMPLE). 

Kuantan: Coastal Wonders and Tasty Eats

Visiting Kuantan (SULTAN AHMAD SHAH MOSQUE) is incomplete without exploring its stunning beaches, known for their mesmerizing natural beauty. These beaches are a favorite among Malaysians from various regions, especially during weekends, public holidays, and school breaks. They also attract tourists from around the globe.

With the beaches already on my mind, we made our way to one of these scenic spots. I can't pinpoint the exact location, as there were no signboards, but the experience was unforgettable. The blue waters were simply breathtaking, and just gazing at them felt incredibly fulfilling (KUALA PENYU TRANQUIL NATURE & CAPE TOWN NATURAL STUNNER).

Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque: An Unexpected Divine Encounter

I ended up in Kuantan. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, just a drive with no plans whatsoever, going with the flow. Actually, it was to break free from the mundane life and welcome something new. Landing in Kuantan, I checked into Vistana Kuantan (now known as AC Hotel Kuantan). The room was lovely, with nothing to fault. Next, I made a call to meet up with two friends who fetched me from the hotel, and we took a drive around Kuantan town before I chanced upon the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque (Masjid Negeri, Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1). 

Vegetarian Spinach Turmeric: Vibrant & Plant-Based

Spinach: the epitome of effortless urban gardening! Why aren’t you growing it yet? It's a breeze to cultivate in pots. Simply grab a packet of seeds - costing just a few dollars - then sprinkle them on soil or in a pot, covering with a thin layer of soil. Just ensure the soil remains moist with watering. I personally grow spinach in the garden alongside amaranth, Brazilian spinach, and Surinam spinach. I also have a bay leaf plant that has grown into a medium-sized tree, with leaves naturally sun-dried at my windows.

Turkish Cucumber Yogurt Salad (Cacik) & Indian Varieties

Cacik, a refreshing Turkish cucumber yogurt salad, is celebrated for its creamy texture and vibrant flavors. Often enjoyed as a dip or accompaniment to grilled meats and kebabs, it also stands out as a delightful appetizer in Turkish meals (TURKISH SAFFRON RICE). While I frequently prepare similar no-cook cucumber salads in the Indian style, known as raita, usually served with rice meals, I had never included garlic as in the Turkish version.

The addition of garlic made a significant difference, introducing a robust, aromatic bite that contrasted beautifully with the cool, creamy yogurt and crisp cucumber. The garlic added a slight pungency and depth, infusing the salad with a savory, almost spicy undertone that enhanced its overall flavor profile. This subtle sharpness enlivened the dish, creating a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors. We truly loved it.

Turkish Saffron Rice (Safranli Pilav): Golden Taste of Turkey

During my nine days in Turkey, I had the delightful opportunity to savor a variety of Turkish dishes, with Turkish Saffron Rice being a particular highlight. My visits to the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, with their vibrant displays of spices, showcased Turkey’s deep appreciation for aromatic flavors.