Kota Belud: Untamed Beauty, Sun Watching & Fireflies

Between the 1st and 3rd day, I met up with several people in Kota Kinabalu, which served as my base. What and what not, I will let you know after the finale of my so-called looking for new ventures in Sabah. On the 4th day, I decided to include some sightseeing. I arranged and paid for a drive to Kota Belud. This trip was also to explore this part of Sabah and assess its potential for future ventures, which I can't disclose more about (KUALA PENYU TRANQUIL NATURE).

The drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kota Belud takes about 1 ½ hours, and I requested stops along the way for some discoveries. We stopped at Gerai Kelapa Bakar Kak Tini (Lokan Bakar & Puding Kelapa) on Jalan Sulaman Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu. It's famous for Kelapa Bakar, where whole coconuts are roasted to perfection, resulting in tender, smoky coconut flesh and uniquely flavored coconut water. The coconuts, with their hard outer shells, are roasted over charcoal, and once done, the shells are peeled off before serving.

Sabah: Kuala Penyu’s Tranquil Nature

A few months ago, I took a trip to Sabah with the goal of meeting new people and exploring fresh opportunities, as promised by an  expert who claimed to know the area inside and out. I boarded an early morning flight to Kota Kinabalu and, driven by hunger, made a beeline for the McDonald’s at the airport. Sometimes convenience trumps local flavor when you’re starving. The place was crowded, but I managed to squeeze in and eat to my heart's content.

With my hunger addressed, I took a cab to the Hotel KK Waterfront in Warisan Square, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu. While the hotel itself was nothing remarkable - though clean -  the windows provided a crucial connection to the outside world, which is essential for someone like me who prefers not to feel trapped in a room. The main draw for choosing this hotel was its prime location: directly across from the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront and surrounded by various eateries and convenience stores, making it an ideal spot for my needs.

Easy Cumin Rice Recipe - Indian Jeera Rice

What about rice lovers? They crave rice daily, and instead of sticking to plain white rice, they elevate it with flavorful ingredients. Rice lovers are naturally creative, crafting various rice dishes that simplify the process while delivering a delightful taste - like cumin rice, with its subtle hint of spiciness. How do we prepare cumin rice or Indian jeera rice? Here’s the recipe.

Cape Town Indian Fish Curry & Malaysian Recipes

During an unforgettable nine-day adventure in South Africa, I experienced moments that felt like pure magic. Cape Town, with its dramatic landscapes and vibrant spirit, was an absolute highlight (CAPE TOWN: THE NATURE STUNNER). One evening, while soaking up the rich cultural atmosphere of a local show, I struck up a conversation with a South African Indian lady beside me. As we shared stories and laughter, she unveiled her treasured recipe for South African Fish Curry (PRETORIA MOMENTS & INSIGHTS) - a dish that beautifully echoes the flavors of Indian cuisine (EGG CURRY TRIO).

 

That recipe stayed with me, and years later, as I prepared fish - one of my husband’s favorite brain foods—I decided to recreate her South African Fish Curry with my own creative twists. But that's not all! I’m also excited to share another flavor-packed treasure: Malaysian Indian Fish Curry, a recipe from Ms. Nava. Join me on this culinary journey and try these delicious recipes that bridge continents and cultures.

Vegetarian/Plant Based Bak Kut Teh Recipe

(Updated Version)

A Chinese herbal soup made with the quintessential Chinese herbs - this is Bak Kut Teh. If you're familiar with the variety of Chinese herbs, you can handpick them from Chinese grocers. Otherwise, they are always willing to help you choose the best herbs for Bak Kut Teh.

 

For me, I prefer to simplify things by opting for a ready-made Bak Kut Teh packet, which typically comes with two sachets. When it comes to making a Vegetarian Bak Kut Teh (MALAY VEGETARIAN SPINACH COCONUT), the foundation remains the same: the herbs. However, to bring it to life, vegetable stock is essential; without it, the taste will fall flat.

Water Spinach Salad Vegetarian - Indonesian Style

Water spinach, known as kangkung in Indonesia and Malaysia, is a leafy green veggie commonly stir-fried or added to fried rice. In Indonesia, I enjoyed it in a salad. As a fan of Indonesian cuisine, water spinach salad - known as Urap Kangkung Jawa or simply urab kangkong - delights my palate (MOUNT MERAPI JEEP TOUR). 

 

Back home, I’ve experimented with making it in various styles, including a vegetarian version. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that involves blanching the water spinach. For the kerisik (grated and pan-fried coconut), store-bought versions make cooking easy (YOGYAKARTA WONDERS & TASTES). 

Palak Paneer: Spinach with Indian Cottage Cheese

Unlike tofu, paneer or Indian cottage cheese is something I cook only once in a while. When making a dish with paneer, it’s the convenience of buying rather than making it at home. Honestly, I don’t see the need to go through the process of making paneer when Indian grocers offer so many choices. Buying and cooking saves a lot of time.