Saturday, June 1, 2024

Pada Salted Fish Pickle

A glass bottle with salted fish pickle, made with spice mix, ginger, garlic and green chilies.
Pada Salted Fish Pickle is a famous Eurasian dish unique to the Malaysian and Singaporean Eurasian community. While other fish pickles or meen achar exist worldwide, none match the aroma, tang, and sweetness of this salted fish pickle (PORTUGUESE VEGETABLE PICKLE).

Crispy fried salted fish and green chilies in a delicious spice paste make it irresistible.

 

For taste, adjust the amount of salted fish, green chilies, and spice paste to balance spiciness, tanginess, and saltiness. These are the essential cooking tips for Pada salted fish pickle.

Friday, May 31, 2024

Pulau Ketam (Crab Island) Malaysia Travel Guide

Crab Island, Selangor, Malaysia - traditional wooden fishing boats docked amongst the houses on stilts.
Over the years, Pulau Ketam, or Crab Island, has gained attention. Pulau Ketam, a small island near Port Klang in Selangor, Malaysia, is surrounded by muddy shores and nearby islets where the river meets the sea. Entirely built on wooden stilts above mangrove swamps, it has gradually become a popular tourist destination in Malaysia.

Weekends, public holidays, school holidays, and the year-end break draw countless locals and foreign tourists to Pulau Ketam (FREMANTLE AUSTRALIA THINGS TO DO). For those with flexibility, the island is best visited during off-peak seasons and weekdays. It also serves as a getaway for urbanites, offering an escape from the daily rush and stress, an island to relax and walk around before returning to the usual routine of life.

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

Fremantle, Australia

View of Fremantle coastline from train, Perth, Australia.
There is something quietly magical about the train ride from Perth to Fremantle. Perhaps it is the anticipation, or for travelers experiencing it for the first time, it becomes a meaningful part of heading to Fremantle itself. As the train passes through different suburbs, it is not merely a direction to Fremantle but also a meaningful journey for viewing Perth in a broad spectrum. From Perth city to the outer suburbs, each unveils different types of views, a candid shot of this part of Australia (AUSTRALIA CRUISE - MANDURAH).

Things to See in Perth
Perth Station
Modern skyline with skyscrapers, office buildings, and busy streets.
Glimpses of Elizabeth Quay and the Swan River.

Steamed Fish: Thai Style

Close-up steamed seabass, made with red chilies, coriander leaves, fish sauce, soy sauce, and ginger.

Bold, vibrant Thai flavors. Spicy, sour, and salty, all come together in tender steamed fish. This is the ultimate Thai dish. Steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods, requiring little more than preparing fresh ingredients, including cleaning and gutting the fish.

 

Freshness is key. Choose a fish that has a subtle scent of the ocean or sea water. The eyes should be clear, and the gills bright red, indicating fresh blood and quality. Otherwise, making steamed fish is a waste of time and money (FISH CURRY WITH COCONUT MILK). 

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Tempe Orek (Indonesian Spicy Fermented Soy Beans)

Stir fried tempeh, made with crispy fried tempeh pieces, stir fried with red and green chilies, shallots, garlic, bay leaf, galangal, sweet soy sauce, oil and salt.
Tempeh, also spelled tempe, a traditional fermented soybean product from Java, Indonesia, is a nutrient superfood. Protein-rich, full of probiotics, and packed with nutrients, it is one of the healthiest plant-based foods. In Malaysia, it is mainly used for Malay food (RENDANG KAMBING/MUTTON RENDANG). Tempeh has also gained recognition worldwide, including in Western meals.

The plain, humble taste of tempeh is delicious on its own. A sprinkle of salt and a quick fry makes it crispy and appetizing, a healthy snack by itself. It can also be added to masak lemak (turmeric coconut milk stew), made as sambal tempeh, or included in other dishes.

Sawtooth Coriander: Culantro or Ketumbar Jawa

Sawtooth coriander, or culantro, scientifically known as Eryngium foetidum, is a tropical herb that goes by many names around the world. In ...