Saturday, June 1, 2024

Pada Salted Fish Pickle: Authentic Eurasian Taste Sensations

A see-through small glass recycled bottle filled with pada or Eurasian salted fish pickle, made with spices and green chillies
Can you still recall my recipe for PORTUGUESE VEGETABLE PICKLE? You might be wondering why I’m bringing it up. Well, this recipe for Pada Salted Fish Pickle comes from the same person who shared the Vegetable Pickle recipe. She told me it’s a Eurasian/Portuguese recipe, and I believe her since she’s Eurasian. Pada Salted Fish Pickle is truly delicious, especially if you love salted fish and the spicy kick from green chilies like I do.

Now, before we get to the recipe, here’s what you should know:


Ingredients

Quantities are flexible, especially for the salted fish and green chilies.

Adjust them to your liking.

Friday, May 31, 2024

Pulau Ketam - An Overnight Trip


Pulau Ketam, or Crab Island, is a name that carries an air of charm. This island, nestled at the mouth of the Klang River near Port Klang, just downstream from Kuala Lumpur, has enchanted others, while it remained mysterious to me. Friends and fellow travelers rave about it, insisting it's a place you simply must experience. They talk about it with such fondness, always eager to return. My curiosity was piqued. Getting my husband to join in, we invited another husband-and-wife team, much older, to join us. They too were ready to discover what was in store in Pulau Ketam (KOTA KINABALU WATERFRONT, KUANTAN COASTAL WONDERS & LAKE COMO).

Bread Flower/Kesidang Plant: An Enchanting Beauty for the Senses


Nature is truly captivating. It fills our lives with joy and peace. But nature also needs our help. As climate change makes the weather hotter and more unpredictable, we depend more on air conditioners, even for our babies. Yet, people miss the benefits of urban gardening. It can cool our homes and naturally relieve stress (Bay Leaves Healing Therapy). Urban gardening helps the environment and fills the air with the soothing scent of flowers, offering a peaceful escape from the stress that harms us.

Enter Ms. Nava, the founder of Nava's Zen, a true enthusiast of urban gardening. Today, she introduces us to the enchanting bread flower, also known as Kesidang, Kerak Nasi, Tikar Seladang, or Vallaris Glabra (Ylang Ylang). These white, star-shaped blossoms have a scent that evokes pandan leaves or the aroma of cooked fragrant jasmine rice. Whenever they bloom, Ms. Nava takes a moment to stand in Nava's Zen and inhale their delightful fragrance. It's her natural way to calm her senses and enjoy a bit of tranquility (Rangoon Creeper).

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Buns & Noodles (Bukit Rimau): Niche Excellence


Saying goodbye to loyal clients who have been strong supporters of our brand, especially when they're leaving due to moving away, brings mixed feelings. It's important to show gratitude for their support, even though it's tough to see them go. In business, clients come and go, so it's crucial to stay focused on our passion rather than getting too emotional. As a gesture of appreciation, I recently organized a heartfelt farewell for departing clients, recognizing their contributions to our business. And what better way for us Malaysians to bond than over a meal together?

As a culinary enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for new dining experiences. This time, I decided to try out Buns & Noodles in Bukit Rimau. Beforehand, I made sure to inform them of my visit, which is important in case they have any limitations or special arrangements, as I mentioned earlier (SAFAA)

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Travel Guide to Fremantle, Western Australia

Malaysian Indian lady tourist in a seated position, holding a scarf, behind her head, in front of the anchor in WA shipwrecks museum, Fremantle, Perth
Fremantle, a charming port city just outside of Perth (TOP ATTRACTIONS IN PERTH, AUSTRALIA), beckons with a rich maritime history, stunning Victorian architecture, and lively markets. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or foodie, Fremantle offers a little something for everyone. Here's a guide to the top attractions and must-see spots in Fremantle.

Wesleyan Church

One of the first stops in Fremantle is the Wesleyan Church, an architectural gem with a rustic brick exterior. Although I couldn't enter the church, its quaint charm and peaceful aura made it a memorable stop. It was a perfect place for reflection, even if only for a quiet moment.

Thai Steamed Fish with Lime and Chili

Close-up of Thai steamed fish with lime and chili
(Updated Version)

Soul food nourishes both the body and the spirit, and what could embody this better than steamed fish? In our home, we adore steamed fish (CHINESE STEAMED FISH WITH GINGER AND SCALLION), and it often graces our dining table, lovingly prepared by Ms. Nava. Today, we’re sharing another beloved style of steamed fish known worldwide: Thai Steamed Fish with Lime and Chili.

 

Thai cuisine is a delightful revelation of flavors, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed indulging in its diverse offerings throughout my travels in Thailand. Wouldn’t you agree that the quintessential tastes of Thai food - spiciness, tanginess, and aromatic herbs - are truly captivating for the soul (TOM YAM SOUP)? This Thai Steamed Fish with Lime and Chili encapsulates all of that deliciousness and comes together effortlessly.

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Tempe Orek (Indonesian Spicy Fermented Soy Beans)

Diced fermented soy beans (tempe) cooked with red and green chillies, and soy sauce
Fermented soybeans, known as tempeh or tempe, are a fantastic meat alternative for vegetarians and vegans. Packed with health benefits, tempeh is a staple in local Malay and Indonesian dishes. I'm a huge fan of tempeh and use it all the time in my cooking, especially because I love Malay and Indonesian food. You’ll often find me at Malay stalls, loading up on their delicious offerings. During my time in Indonesia, I indulged in plenty of tempeh and was particularly fond of sambal terasi and sambal ijo. 
Four plates of rice, crispy fried chicken, fried fermented soy, spicy dip and tofu

 

Today, I'm featuring a tempeh dish - an Indonesian recipe that's perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Let me share my passion for tempeh and show you how to incorporate it into your savory dishes.

Indian Food Near Me: Restaurant Dhiyaz Curry House

Restaurant Dhiyaz Curry House, which opened its doors in April, is one of the newer additions to the growing list of eateries in the now-pop...