In Malaysia, the love for spiciness runs deep in
our culinary culture. Chillies, with their fiery punch, are an essential
ingredient that adds a delightful kick to our dishes or serves as a zesty
accompaniment. As Malaysians, we simply can't imagine our meals without that
familiar spiciness.Whether it's a dash of sliced chillies mixed with
lime juice and soy sauce or vinegar-soaked chillies, the craving for that
distinct heat on our palates is insatiable. Join me as I share my experiences
of seeking chilies abroad, the joys and challenges of gardening them, and the
intrinsic connection between chilies and our well-being.
I’m a huge fan of salads - how about you? I enjoy a
variety of salads (AVOCADO TOFU SALAD), but Indian salads are truly the epitome of Zen Wellness.
They’re refreshing, crunchy, spicy, and tangy - all the qualities that define
Zen Cuisine. While salads, in general, are healthy, Indian salads take it up a
notch. When I used to host gatherings, Indian salads were always a hit because
they’re so easy to prepare: just slice or cut the ingredients, which are both
accessible and affordable. You can prepare them in advance, store them in the
fridge, and serve them chilled or at room temperature. Isn’t that a fantastic
way to entertain, rather than spending hours stir-frying vegetables (ZESTY MALAY OKRA SALAD).
In the journey of marriage, we learn valuable lessons, and one of them is that
you don't always have to compromise on your food preferences. Last Sunday, this
lesson took me on a delightful food venture in Bandar Rimbayu. As my husband
headed to a kopitiam for Indian cuisine (K2 Kopitiam), I found myself at Ding
Xiang Bak Kut Teh Restaurant, craving Vietnamese flavors. This unassuming
eatery, also serving Bak Kut Teh and Chinese dishes, offered a menu right on
the table - a thoughtful touch.
Those
who've been following my social media and blogosphere journey are likely aware
of my deep passion for gardening (The Enchanting World Of Bunga Kantan/Torch Ginger). Gardening is not just a pastime for me; it's
my pride, my joy, and the heart of my fitness sanctuary, Nava's Zen. I have a
special affection for herbs, plants, fruit trees, and, more recently, roses. Initially,
my attempts with roses were less than successful, but I dedicated myself to
mastering the art of rose cultivation. Now, I take pride in the thriving blooms
that grace my garden. Roses, with their exquisite beauty and enchanting
fragrance, have found a special place in my heart.
To
be known as a foodie is to embrace culinary adventures, exploring flavors from
all corners, be it the streets or coffee shops. While high-end restaurants
often steal the limelight, it's essential to remember that delicious food can
be found in unexpected places, such as Chinese coffee shops that have
reinvented themselves as Kopitiams (Malaysia's Vibrant Street Food). In this blog post, we revisit K2 Kopitiam,
located in Bandar Rimbayu, a bustling end-lot coffee shop, where we sampled an
array of tantalizing dishes from its diverse stalls.
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.
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!
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).
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..
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 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).
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?
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.
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.
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?).
Have you noticed how people seem to be aging faster
these days, even younger ones? So, what exactly is anti-aging? It’s not about
looking 10 years younger than your age but about looking presentable for your
age, aging gracefully, and embracing time with confidence. Anti-aging is about
reflecting your inner and outer beauty as you age, not trying to turn back the
clock.
Here are simple
anti-aging tips to help you maintain a youthful and vibrant appearance:
Eating Habits
Anti-aging
isn’t magic, but it’s all about discipline - especially when it comes to eating.
Drink plenty of water - plain water is best. Include a lot of vegetables, fruits,
lean meats, and opt for steaming or roasting instead of frying. Eat to satisfy
hunger, not for socializing or out of greed. Keeping your eating habits aligned
with anti-aging principles is key. After all, you are what you eat.
Laughter
Therapy Laughter is one
of the best anti-aging therapies. Don’t hold back - let yourself laugh freely.
Watch comedy movies and enjoy lighthearted moments to boost those laughter
hormones. Did you know that laughter acts as a natural face massage? It moves
your facial muscles, stimulates circulation, and infuses your skin with oxygen.
Stay Away from
Unhappy People
For more
laughter therapy, surround yourself with happy, soulful people who keep things
simple, easy, and witty. Positive people are like happy hormones - they uplift
your spirit. On the other hand, stay away from those who complain, criticize,
or are constantly negative. More importantly, avoid people who show off or
flaunt their egos. These individuals can drain your energy and negatively
impact your anti-aging efforts.
Find a Hobby Engage in
meaningful activities that don’t cost a lot of money. Coloring, for example,
can be a surprisingly effective hobby for adults. The act of coloring with
vibrant crayons or paints can boost your mood and, since smiling is part of the
process, it also works as an anti-aging exercise by activating your facial
muscles. Other affordable hobbies like gardening can also help reduce stress
and keep you youthful (GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS).
Yoga Therapy
Yoga is one of
the best anti-aging therapies out there. It’s not just for blood circulation;
it’s also a mental therapy that works on your mind, body, and soul. Even just
an hour of yoga per week helps pump more oxygen into your system, improves
blood flow, and leaves you looking refreshed - like you’ve had a facial. Yoga
provides you with much-needed "me-time," and feeling relaxed and
rejuvenated reflects positively on both your inner and outer self.
Basic Skin Care Yoga should be
complemented by basic skincare routines. After your yoga session, cleanse your
face, then apply eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen. These steps are
essential to your anti-aging regimen and much more effective than piling on
makeup to hide your age. A consistent, simple skincare routine is key to
maintaining healthy, youthful skin. (BASIC SKINCARE TIPS).
Time to Take
Charge
Aging gracefully is about taking control of your well-being and making small,
consistent changes. With these simple anti-aging tips, you’ll enhance your
natural beauty and vitality, one step at a time. It’s time to embrace aging
with confidence and grace.
(Ms. Nava is a Zen
entrepreneur who founded Nava's Zen at 58 and is now in her 60s. She is a
certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. With over 22 years of
lecturing experience, including 13 years in the Curtin University Australia
Degree Twinning Program, she shares her passion for Zenfulness through the
small steps we take towards aging gracefully and fostering personal growth).
