Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Mee Rebus (Vegetarian)

A swallow white plate consisting of thick vegetarian spicy sauce, with blanched yellow noodles, and crispy fritters, garnished with green chillies
(Updated Version)

Mee rebus is a well-loved noodle dish originating from Malaysia and Singapore. Its name, derived from Malay, translates to "boiled noodles." This dish consists of yellow noodles drenched in a flavorful gravy that strikes a delicate balance between sweetness and spice. The gravy is crafted from a blend of ingredients such as sweet potatoes, shrimp paste, dried shrimp, and a medley of spices. 


Common toppings include hard-boiled egg, fried tofu, green onions, bean sprouts, and occasionally crispy shallots. I've had the pleasure of trying various renditions of mee rebus, both from restaurants and street vendors. Interestingly, some of the most satisfying versions I've encountered have been from street vendors, often at a more affordable price. 

Monday, May 6, 2024

Things to Do in Bangkok, Thailand

Malaysian Indian lady tourist posing with one of trans performers, side by side
Calypso Cabaret Show

Returning to my room at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel after a day in Ayutthaya (EXPLORING THE ANCIENT CITY OF THAILAND) I felt the urge to discover more of Bangkok. After all, time was on my side, and this led me to my first-ever cabaret show in my life. In Bangkok, it was the Calypso Cabaret Show, seated among none of the people I knew. It was truly mind-blowing, full of soul, and a lively show. It kept me glued to the stage until it felt like the show flew by very fast. The dazzling colors, captivating performances, and stunning costumes left me enchanted. If you find yourself in Bangkok, experiencing this show is an absolute must—one of the best things to do in Bangkok. 

3 performers of a trans cabaret show, performing in vibrant and colorful sexy costumes with hats on stage



One trans performer performing during a cabaret show, striking a bending pose in sexy costumes

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The next morning, it was a different kind of experience. I enjoyed a thrilling long-tail boat ride through Bangkok's nature waterways. What a moment! The soothing ride was truly an escape from the city's hustle and bustle (THINGS TO DO IN LAKE COMO & LUGANO). Arriving at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, it was so jammed that getting down from the boat took a while, and I was the only Indian amongst the hundreds of older Westerners. Given an hour here, I treated myself to fluffy coconut pancakes and coffee from the boat vendors. As I explored the stalls filled with Thai goods, I couldn’t resist picking up saffron strands as a memento of this vibrant market.

Floating market with boats in the water and traditional unassuming stalls at the side

Long tail boats with Western tourists on the waters of a Thailand floating market


Traders on long tail boats in the waters of a floating market in Thailand

Royal Thai Handicraft Center

Next, we visited the Royal Thai Handicraft Center. No doubt, the craftsmanship was to be admired, but since I’m not really into shopping, I took one quick round, came out, and waited for the rest of the group to arrive.





Phra Pathom Chedi

Hopping back into the coach, we headed to Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom, the largest pagoda in Thailand. It was truly something to admire - the golden Buddha and the breathtaking architecture surrounding this historical site. The grounds also featured a bustling market offering Buddha amulets and delicious Thai treats. However, the hot weather made it really uncomfortable, and the heat literally drained my energy. I spent maybe 20 minutes there before hopping back into the coach.







Rose Garden Riverside

For lunch, this all-paid-for tour took us to the serene Rose Garden Riverside restaurant. Nestled amidst lush greenery, it was an amazing place, facing the lake while tucking into delicious Thai dishes. The food was beautifully plated, and the desserts were unique and outstanding as well. We also had a Thai cultural show, which required us to walk across to the theater. There was a mini museum nestled in the nature, where I spent some time looking and admiring. The show started off promisingly, but after the first 15 minutes, I felt bored, leading to a sleepy afternoon. I couldn’t escape, as leaving would interrupt the Westerners who were all hyped up over the show. So, I stayed put until finally, thank God, the show ended.




Countless numbers of roses on the rose plants





Shopping at MBK Mall

The next morning, with a few hours to spare, I walked over to MBK Mall, conveniently located near the Pathumwan Princess Hotel. I was glad I stayed at this hotel because MBK Mall has everything. It’s filled with eateries where I enjoyed some meals and plenty of shopping options, including stalls on the top floor. Although I'm not usually a shopping person, I couldn't resist the sales on Triumph undergarments. They were so much cheaper than buying them in Malaysia, so I made sure to stock up.

 

Final Thoughts

As I packed my belongings and prepared to leave Bangkok, I felt proud that I had spent three days alone in the city—my first-ever solo trip. I made sure to spend my time discovering Bangkok and enjoying the various Thai foods.


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Ms. Nava, a spirited Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at the vibrant age of 58. With over 22 years as a lecturer, including at Curtin University’s Degree Twinning Program, she dreams of traveling 365 days a year. However, she embarks on her enchanting 'Zen Journeys' whenever her yoga instruction, coaching, and counseling profits allow her to.









Saturday, May 4, 2024

One Day in Ayutthaya (Thailand)

Malaysian Indian lady posing with one leg bent, facing backward in the garden across the lake at Bang Pa-In Palace, Ayutthaya
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).

Friday, May 3, 2024

Easy Instant Rasam Recipe - Indian Pepper Soup

Indian pepper soup paired with spinach cooked in coconut milk, pan-grilled turmeric curry leaf tofu, and a spicy fish dish
(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).

Thursday, May 2, 2024

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.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

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.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Easy Cheesecake Recipes - The Best

No-bake cheesecake with a biscuit bottom layer and creamy top layer, decorated with sliced red and green cherries
(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.

Vegetable Stew Recipe - Sayur Lodeh Putih

Vegetable stew is a beloved dish worldwide, but in Asian countries, it's often prepared with coconut milk. In Sri Lanka ( KIRI HODI RECI...