One Day in Ayutthaya (Thailand)

Bright and early at 6 a.m., I’m filled with excitement for my adventure ahead (BANGKOK, THAILAND: PLACES TO VISIT). My tour guide is set to arrive at 7 a.m., marking the start of my day trip to Ayutthaya, a place that has been on my bucket list for ages. I’m surrounded by fellow travelers, all seasoned Westerners, yet I feel right at home as the only Indian in the group.

The hour-long journey to Ayutthaya is a treat for the eyes, like driving through a living postcard with endless green paddy fields. Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whispers stories of its glorious past, with ancient ruins standing tall and drawing visitors from around the world (VARANASI NORTH INDIA: MYSTICAL JOURNEYS).

Easy Instant Rasam Recipe - Indian Pepper Soup

(Updated Version)

Rasam, often referred to as Indian Pepper Soup, needs little introduction (CRAB RASAM RECIPES). Light, healthy, and flavorful, it’s a staple in Indian households. For us, rasam is often the star of the meal, pairing wonderfully with a variety of dishes. As seen in the photo above, rasam is a versatile companion to spinach cooked in coconut milk, pan-grilled turmeric curry leaf tofu, and a spicy fish dish. For vegetarians, it can easily be paired with a range of vegetarian sides (EASIEST MALAYSIAN VEGETARIAN NASI LEMAK).

Zen Yoga Style: Elevate Your Yoga Outfits for Mindful Practice

Hey there, fellow yogis! Can we chat for a moment about something that's been on my mind lately? It's about outfits for our zen yoga sessions. At first, I'll admit, I found it a tad peculiar when clients asked about what to wear. I mean, shouldn't they already know, right? But then it hit me - as the founder of Nava's Zen, it's my job to provide guidance, not assumptions. So, let's dive into what to keep in mind when choosing your yoga outfits.

Bangkok, Thailand - Places to Visit

Wat Traimit Wittayaram Temple
My adventure (SOLO TRAVEL IN THAILAND: PATTAYA) began with a visit to the stunning Wat Traimit Wittayaram Temple, also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. This temple is famous for housing a remarkable 5.5-ton golden Buddha statue, which dates back to the Sukhothai period (13th-14th century). Originally covered in plaster to hide its true value, the golden statue was discovered accidentally in the 1950s when the plaster was damaged. The temple bustled with both tourists and locals, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere (MOUNT MERAPI JEEP ADVENTURE), Inside, a variety of Buddha statues shimmered in the soft light, and from the temple's vantage point, we enjoyed lovely views of the surrounding area, making it a perfect first stop in Bangkok.

Easy Cheesecake Recipes - The Best

(Updated Version)

Easy and delicious cheesecakes! One simple way to keep them affordable and perfect is by using a budget-friendly bottom layer. Over the years, I’ve used affordable options like cream crackers and digestive biscuits. For the top layer, you can choose between cream cheese, condensed milk, or fruit purees. That’s all there is to it! Let’s make some delicious cheesecakes together.

Malay Style Prawn Noodles/Mee Udang

Malay Style Prawn Noodles/Mee Udang features prawn and anchovy broth-based noodles, setting it apart from Chinese-style dishes like Penang Prawn Mee or Hae Mee (HOKKIEN HAE MEE & PENANG PRAWN MEE). The inspiration for my version of this dish? It's a mystery to me! One day, while surfing the web, the idea just popped into my head. 

Now, let's be real - the cooking process can get a bit involved, and the ingredient list might seem lengthy. But fear not, everything you need can be found at your local grocery store. And trust me, the effort is totally worth it once you taste the explosion of flavors in every mouthful.

I've even included a recipe for a spicy sambal dip to accompany the dish, adding an extra layer of deliciousness. As a Malaysian, I believe a sambal dip is a must-have, don't you agree? I mean, what's a Malaysian noodle dish without that spicy kick? We Malaysians sure do love our chilies (MALAY STYLE MEE GORENG UDANG).

Solo Travel in Thailand: Chonburi to Pattaya Guide

Back from my very first trip abroad (THINGS TO DO IN LAKE COMO, LUGANO & MILAN), can you believe it? Within just two months (Rome), I found myself on my first solo adventure. It wouldn't have happened without my girlfriend, who was at Amata Golf & Country Club in Chonburi, Thailand, organizing a golf tournament. She was amazing. Without her, I wouldn't have even considered traveling alone, especially for the first time. I owe her so much. 

But it's heartbreaking to think she's no longer here. She passed away a few years ago from breast cancer in her early 50s. I miss her to this day. I was there for her through everything, from her chemotherapy to her funeral. It still brings tears to my eyes.

Easiest Banana Chocolate Cake Recipe

(Updated Version)

Baking made easy and simplified - sounds great, right? Absolutely! No need for fancy machines or tiring hand-mixing. This Easiest Banana Chocolate Cake lives up to its name. It’s simple to make and effortless to whip up. Trust us, you’ll thank us for this recipe! Need a bigger cake? Just double the ingredients and use a larger pan. Now, imagine taking a bite of a buttery cake bursting with the flavors of banana and chocolate. Truly one of the best cake wonders.

Things to Do in Lake Como, Lugano, and Milan

The final stretch of my 9-day Italian adventure (VERONA: THINGS TO DO) marked another chapter of exploration (NUWARA ELIYA HILLSIDE), beginning with a visit to the stunning Lake Como, nestled cozily in the embrace of Lombardy. The moment I laid eyes on its tranquil waters, I was utterly captivated (SEOUL THROUGH MY EYES). We took our time, strolling leisurely along the shoreline, capturing each moment with our cameras and basking in the peaceful atmosphere. The morning breeze was crisp, sending shivers down my spine, but thankfully, my trusty scarf came to the rescue. While I was wrapped up like a mummy, the others seemed unaffected, lost in the beauty of the lake. 

Portuguese Vegetable Pickle/Achar: A Flavorful Delight from Tradition

In 2020, I whipped up this Portuguese vegetable pickle, or achar, as some may call it. This isn't my first rodeo with it - I've made it a couple of times before. You might be wondering why I'm only sharing it now. Well, the idea struck me as I was browsing through our YouTube channel. I thought, "Why not feature it as part of our Zen Cuisine?" Plus, not everyone prefers video recipes; some prefer the written words. 

Named as vegetable pickle, I've experimented with various veggies like carrots, cabbage, long beans, fresh beans, and even ginger. But after a couple of tries, I've settled on just green chilies, shallots, and garlic because these are what we tend to prefer, not the vegetables. That's what you'll find in the final product.

Verona, Italy - Things to Do and Must-See Spots

As the days dwindled down to just two left in Italy (VENICE IN A DAY), a feeling of reluctance settled in (MUST SEE LANDMARKS IN ROME). How I wished our tour could stretch on indefinitely, allowing us to bask in the beauty of this enchanting country a little while longer. But alas, reality beckoned, and we had to prepare for our return to the daily grind.  

Our next destination: Verona. By 9:00 am, we found ourselves standing before the majestic Adige River, its clean waters flowing serenely beneath our gaze. The sight was a balm to our senses, soothing our souls as we took in the natural wonder of the surrounding hills and bridges that dotted the landscape.

Easy Bread Pudding Recipe: Vegetarian

Bread isn’t just a staple in my kitchen; it’s a cherished ingredient! Whether it’s the star of our light dinners or a perfect companion to savory curries, bread brings simple joy to our meals. But what about those leftover slices? Instead of tossing them out, why not transform them into something delicious?

Enter the delightful vegetarian bread pudding! With minimal effort and simple ingredients like canned peaches and raisins, you can create a mouthwatering dessert that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. Raisins add natural sweetness along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this a healthy treat. Plus, you control the sweetness - use the syrup from the can or skip it for a lighter version.

Venice in a Day

Amidst the hustle and bustle (EXPLORE THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA), we waited patiently to disembark from the boat and explore Venice on foot. Even with the chaos around us, I was excited to see what Venice had to offer. It was a busy Sunday, and navigating through the crowds in peak summer was a bit of a challenge. There were rules in place to manage the flow of people, allowing only a certain number to walk together to avoid congestion.

We followed our tour guide, trusting him to lead us through the winding streets and alleys. Our “Day in Venice” adventure started at Piazza San Marco, also known as St. Mark’s Square. We looked up at St. Mark’s Church, the tall Campanile Bell Tower, and the impressive Doge’s Palace. We could only admire these landmarks from the outside, but their beauty was clear (PRETORIA SOUTH AFRICA). The square was full of life, with shops, stalls, and cafes all around, giving us a taste of Venetian life.

Gerai Signature (Kota Kemuning): Zen Dining Insights

Reflecting on my past as a blogger, approximately 7 years ago, invitations to private or group dining experiences were anything but straightforward. The portrayal of a zen dining experience often concealed the truthfulness of such reviews. Bloggers were given scripts and instructed to adhere strictly to them, mandating praise regardless of authenticity. These bloggers, now overtaken by so-called social media influencers, were sought after for their ability to craft beautiful narratives in exchange for complimentary food and products, presenting an idealized picture. 

However, I chose to maintain authenticity in my writing, even if it means receiving no invitations. Why would I need such invitations when I can afford to pay for my own meals? Paying for meals frees you from biased reviews, avoiding all the praise in exchange for free food.

Explore the Leaning Tower of Pisa and More

As the sun set on our day in ROME and also, next in FLORENCE, my anticipation for the next morning's journey to Pisa soared. After all, what could be more captivating than the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa? With excitement coursing through my veins, we embarked on the scenic route to Pisa, a journey that unfurled over four hours of picturesque landscapes and intriguing encounters. 

As we approached Pisa, the sight of street vendors lining the roads, their vibrant displays beckoning to passersby, caught me off guard. What surprised me even more was the diverse array of faces behind the stalls - foreigners adding their own flair to the city's charm (CHANDIGARH URBAN MARVELS). 

Fried Kembung (Mackerel) With Assam Sauce

Cooking with Fried Kembung (Mackerel) and Assam Sauce evokes a journey of flavors and nostalgia. Have you ever wandered through the bustling wet markets or strolled the aisles of a hypermarket, catching glimpses of the humble boiled kembung? Perhaps you've even taken home this unassuming fish, its potential yet to be unlocked in your kitchen.

 

There's a certain beauty in the simplicity of this dish - a beauty that lies in its uncomplicated nature and the rich flavors it offers. Boiled kembung, or mackerel as Google kindly translates, is a fish steeped in saltwater, readily available at local markets and hypermarkets alike. But before diving into the cooking process, a gentle rinse and thorough pat-dry are essential to maintain the fish's integrity during frying. Careful attention to these details ensures a crisp exterior without sacrificing the tender flesh within.