Betong, Thailand: Weekend Trip of Discoveries

Betong? I wondered, Where is Betong? What’s there to see in Betong? These were my questions when a couple, a husband and wife, invited me to join them on a trip there. It didn’t really matter where Betong was or what it offered, as I'm always ready to explore new places (BERGEN SIGHTSEEING & DENMARK-NORWAY REFLECTIONS). I also love road trips - the free and easy, no-pressure kind where you go with the flow and discover something new. I soon found out that Betong is a town in Southern Thailand, near the Malaysian border.

With bags packed for a weekend trip, we set off on Friday morning for a three-day adventure. By 9:00 AM, we hit the road, and the drive through Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, on narrow, winding roads was breathtaking. Towering trees and untouched virgin jungle lined both sides of the road, offering us a scenic, mind-soothing view until we reached the border.

Sarawak Laksa Recipe

(Updated Version)

When I step into the kitchen, something clicks. Cooking isn’t just about following recipes; it’s a chance to add my own twist and make each dish uniquely mine. Don’t you think that’s what makes it special? Even with the same ingredients, a personal touch can make all the difference.

 

Take my Sarawak Laksa, for example. It’s not just a traditional bowl of laksa - it’s my version, with flavors and tweaks that make it truly my own.

Easy Mutton Dalcha Recipe: A Flavorful Lentil Curry

When mutton is cooked with lentils and a blend of spices and vegetables, the result is a flavorful dish known as Mutton Dalcha or Mutton Dal Curry. In Ms. Nava’s kitchen, the focus is on easy and authentic recipes. It's often said that simpler ingredients yield the most delicious results, and I wholeheartedly agree (SOUTH INDIAN STYLE FISH CURRY).

Before diving into Ms. Nava’s Easy Authentic Mutton Dalcha, here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience:

Tasty Tofu Dishes: From Manchurian to Flavorful Treats

I’m all about that tofu life! What about you? If you're a tofu enthusiast like me, you're in for a treat with my recipes, starting with the crowd-favorite Tofu Manchurian. I’ve whipped up this dish a few times without realizing it had such a fancy name - I used to call it 'masala tofu' or 'spicy tofu.' But now, I proudly embrace its rightful name: Tofu Manchurian (CAULIFLOWER/GOBI MANCHURIAN).

For those who don’t know, Tofu Manchurian is a star in Indo-Chinese cuisine, offering a vegetarian twist on classic Chicken Manchurian. It was born from the fusion of Chinese and Indian flavors in the 1970s, thanks to Chinese immigrants in Kolkata. This blend has become a beloved staple across India. But here’s the twist—my version has a Malaysian flair (5 EASY VEGETARIAN RECIPES).

NIVEA Rose Care Micellar Wash Gel with Organic Rose Water

As a woman in my 60s, I’ve long avoided traditional face soaps and powder-based cleansers, regardless of how promising their ingredients sound. These products tend to strip my skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and tight - exactly the opposite of what mature skin, in need of moisture and hydration, requires. I usually stick with milk cleansers, but when I came across the NIVEA Rose Care Micellar Wash Gel with Organic Rose Water, I was intrigued enough to make an exception (WARDAH UV SHIELD ESSENTIAL GEL).

First Impressions

The packaging caught my eye immediately - a tube in a delicate pink shade with a convenient flip-top lid. Its simplicity and elegance appealed to me, but what really drew me in was the product description. This micellar wash gel promises to gently remove waterproof makeup and deeply cleanse the skin without drying it out, all while being infused with organic rose water. It also claims to purify the skin, control sebum, and leave it feeling moisturized for 24 hours (FOOT CREAMS: DRY SKIN & CRACKED HEELS).

Easy Chocolate Cake: Minimalist Italian Genoise Recipe

Baking is always an adventure! Don't be intimidated by the Easy Chocolate Cake: Minimalist Italian Genoise Recipe. Listen to Ms. Nava - anyone can bake! Just pick a day when you can relax, as baking requires a calm mind, similar to how you feel after our Zen Yoga sessions. Remember, baking is all about focus, just like your Zen Yoga poses.

I previously shared how to make genoise in my post, CLASSIC GENOISE; A EUROPEAN STYLE SPONGE CAKE. Unfortunately, I forgot to take step-by-step photos while making this Easy Chocolate Cake because I was focused on the process. But don’t worry. Follow these simple steps, and I’m sure you’ll create a fantastic cake that’s airy and spongy, crumbling in your mouth with every bite (CLASSIC, MARBLE & LEMON BUTTER CAKES) .

Warung Mak Dara Corner (Jalan Kebun): Taste of Malay Heritage

Living just 10 minutes from Jalan Kebun via Kemuning Greenville, I’ve yet to explore the eateries in Jalan Kebun. However, being a true lover of Malay cuisine, I’ve already indulged in every Malay eatery within Kemuning Greenville, where Nava's Zen is located as well. This time, for a casual lunch with my dining companion, we decided to venture into Jalan Kebun. Though I initially had another spot in mind, my lunch partner suggested Warung Mak Dara Corner (Kampung Jln Kebun), and we arrived around 11:30 am on a Sunday.

Parking was a breeze - being both Sunday and an early lunch hour. By the time we arrived, a few patrons were already enjoying their meals. While they offer breakfast and noodle dishes (likely served later in the day), the main attraction for lunch is Nasi Campur.

Ghee Masala Mutton Roast Recipe

When it’s festive season among Indians in Malaysia, a mutton dish is always a must. Don’t you agree? I certainly do! Mutton dishes, especially during Deepavali, are something I eagerly anticipate. What I love most is that mutton dishes can be made a day ahead, allowing the spices and flavors to really soak into the meat. When reheated, the gravy thickens, transforming into a rich, vibrant sauce that coats tender mutton pieces in all their glory (AUTHENTIC INDIAN MASALA CHICKEN CURRIES). 

Today, I’m not just sharing any ordinary mutton recipe. This is something truly special: Ghee Masala Mutton Roast, or Mutton Ghee Roast. Originating from Mangalore, this dish has many variations, but this is Ms. Nava's Zen Cuisine version - rich, bold, and absolutely mouthwatering (HYDERABADI VEGETABLE BIRYANI). It’s indulgent, yes, but as with all guilty pleasures, it’s important to enjoy it mindfully. Savor each bite, but don’t forget to balance it out with your Zen Yoga practice.

Top Malaysian Chinese Desserts: Leng Chee Kang

Leng Chee Kang is a refreshing Chinese dessert that’s perfect for hot weather, providing a delightful way to cool down. As a huge fan of this sweet treat, I can’t resist ordering it whenever I visit a Chinese coffee shop that features it. The stalls often offer a variety of options, allowing you to choose a traditional Leng Chee Kang or customize your bowl with specific ingredients like lotus nuts.

Making Leng Chee Kang is simple and straightforward. The ingredients are easily found in Chinese provision shops and mini markets (CHRYSANTHEMUM GOJI BERRY JELLY). You can purchase pre-packaged options that include all the essentials or select your favorite ingredients for a personalized touch.

Breathwork Basics: A Beginner's Guide

The Basics of Breathwork

Breathwork might seem straightforward, as breathing is something we do every day. However, in the rush of daily life, we often take our breath for granted. There’s much more to it than just inhaling and exhaling.

 

The best breathwork involves breathing through the nose - gently inhaling and exhaling, while embracing the breath with love and mindfulness (MINDFULNESS FOR MENTAL HEALTH).

Ben & Jerry’s Chocolatey Love A-Fair: A Sweet Treat

It all started with a craving for a sugar fix that I couldn’t shake off. While wandering around Gamuda Walk, I found myself stepping into Village Grocer, hoping to find something to satisfy my sweet tooth. Among the variety of desserts and sweet treats, I found myself irresistibly drawn to the ice cream section, where Ben & Jerry’s Chocolatey Love A-Fair caught my eye

Am I an avid fan of cocoa-based treats? Generally, I prefer dark chocolate, enjoying it in moderation when my need for a sweet indulgence or a guilty pleasure strikes. My previous encounter with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream was years ago at their now-closed Sunway Pyramid outlet, so this felt like a nostalgic choice.

Religionism & Mental Health in Selangor Hindus: Yoga Healing

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract
This article explores the intricate interplay between religion, mental health, and the practice of yoga among Hindus in Selangor, Malaysia. While yoga is deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, serving as a pathway to self-awareness and spiritual growth, modern interpretations often distort its essence. The article examines how contemporary societal pressures, social media, and the emergence of self-proclaimed "yoga masters" contribute to a disconnection from the authentic teachings of yoga. 

It highlights the importance of grounding practices in spirituality and the need for individuals to navigate their faith with humility and authenticity. By emphasizing yoga's role as a healing practice, the article advocates for a mindful approach to spirituality that fosters mental well-being and a deeper connection to one's cultural heritage.

Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani: Spice-Infused Rice Classic

(Updated Version)

Let’s dive into the world of Hyderabadi Biryani. Known for its unique dum cooking method, this dish combines marinated meat and rice, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You have two varieties: kacchi (raw meat cooked with rice) and pakki (pre-cooked meat and rice layered together). It’s a fusion of Mughlai and local Andhra cuisines, often served with mirchi ka salan and raita for a truly delightful experience.

Easy Prawn Laksa Recipe: A Delicious Noodle Dish

(Updated Version)

Are you intimidated by the thought of making laksa? Please don’t be, and don’t let others tell you it’s difficult. People love to boast, claiming that making laksa is a complex task, but in reality, it’s not.

Here’s a guide to help you out
Varieties of Laksa
As far as Ms. Nava knows, there are two main types: asam laksa (ASAM LAKSA VARIETIES) and curry laksa (SINGAPORE LAKSA: MS. NAVA'S VERSION). Let’s not delve into the versions that have been altered beyond recognition - let’s stick to the basics.

DUBAI, UAE: Tourist Discovery

What started as an unexpected twist turned into a thrilling adventure I didn’t see coming. After boarding my flight in Turkey (MUST-VISIT SIGHTS IN TURKEY), the plane stayed grounded for nearly an hour due to “technical hiccups.” Two hours later, we took off, but by the time we landed in Dubai, I had missed my connecting flight to KLIA. With nothing to do but wait for the next flight the following day, the airline arranged a one-day stay at the Copthorne Hotel Dubai, including meals.

Vegetarian Noodle Soup: Chinese Choices and Variations

(Updated Version)

Did you know that soup can nourish not just the body, but also the breath, mind, and soul? This is the essence of Zen cuisine - a mindful way of eating where simplicity and harmony are at the heart of every meal (5 EASY VEGETARIAN RECIPES).

 

There’s something almost magical about a Chinese soup infused with herbs, veggies, and ladled over tender noodles. The flavors blend together in a sensational way. While I’m not strictly vegetarian, I enjoy both meat (like my Chinese Herbal Pork Soup) and meatless meals. Nothing beats the depth of flavor from a homemade vegetable stock, which is key to a truly nourishing bowl.