Kuih Sagu Kukus (Steamed Sago Cake)

Kuih Sagu Kukus is one of Malaysia’s beloved kuih-muih or sweet delicacies. Soft, sticky, and chewy, they are delicately rolled in fresh grated coconut. Steamed sago cake is indeed one of  Malaysian desserts, known as pencuci mulut (NO-BAKE EASY CHEESECAKE).

There is the cooking method of sago pearls and water stirred constantly over heat until the sago becomes translucent, coming together like a sticky dough. Care is also needed to prevent it from burning at the bottom of the wok.

 

Steaming, on the other hand, is the easier recipe for Kuih Sagu Kukus.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Busy and bustling, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city. Formerly known as Saigon, it can feel chaotic, with streets full of motorbikes, cars, markets, shops, and street stalls. Traffic is constant, reflecting the city’s rapid growth and urban development.

The city is a blend of history and modern life. French colonial buildings with preserved facades stand alongside tall skyscrapers, office towers, shopping malls, and apartment blocks, showing how the old and new exist together (VERONA ITALY TOP THINGS TO DO). 

Kerabu Mangga - Vegetarian Mango Salad

Kerabu Mango or Mango Salad is a beloved and well-known Asian mango dish, especially popular in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. While the core ingredients are similar - green mango, chilies, herbs, and a tangy dressing, each country adds its own local touch. It's called Kerabu Mangga (VEGETARIAN OKRA SALAD/KERABU BENDI) in Malaysia, Som Tum Mamuang in Thailand, Gỏi Xoài in Vietnam, Nhoam Svay in Cambodia, and Rujak Mangga in Indonesia.

 

This raw mango salad is easy to prepare at home, including vegetarian versions of kerabu mangga or mango salad. The method is effortless: just slice, mix, and toss the ingredients together. Some versions include roasted white sesame seeds, but the crunch of affordable roasted or fried peanuts often steals the food show (VEGETARIAN HERBED RICE/NASI ULAM).

Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry)

Thick, spicy, tangy, and with a balanced saltiness, this Salted Fish Curry is truly delicious. This recipe features mochakottai (field beans) that are pre-simmered or boiled with turmeric powder. And what's a salted fish curry without skin-on pototoes? You can also use common and affordable ingredients like brinjals or okra (PINEAPPLE SALTED FISH CURRY).

For the salted fish, ikan kurau (threadfin) is considered the best choice, though other varieties work too. The salted fish bones add depth of flavor, but be careful, as some bones may soften and fall into the curry.

Rangoon Creeper: Cultivating Zen Blooming Bliss

(Updated Version)

Rangoon Creeper, or Combretum Indicum, is also known as Drunken Sailor, Akar Dani, Chinese Honeysuckle, and Red Jasmine. This charming plant originates from Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar. Its name pays tribute to Rangoon, now known as Yangon. In Nava's Zen garden, it brings both beauty and fragrance (ROSELLE - BENEFITS & USES).

 

Fragrance and Blooms

Rangoon Creeper isn’t just about its appearance; its scent is truly captivating. The sweet, fruity aroma fills the air, creating a serene and relaxing ambiance. The flowers begin as delicate white buds and gradually transition into clusters of rich red blooms. Over time, the slender stems grow into strong, lush vines, perfect for adorning pergolas or trellises.

Siamese Laksa Lemak

A revelation of bold flavors that awaken your palate instantly - spicy, sour, sweet, and fragrant herbs lifting your senses. This is the heart of Thai food. From quick, simple dishes to recipes with long ingredient lists, Thai cooking always leaves a lasting impression.

 

Siamese Laksa, or Laksa Thai, is a fusion of Asam Laksa and Curry Laksa, developed over time through gathered knowledge. Using familiar ingredients from both noodle dishes, it becomes Siamese Laksa, enhanced with Thai herbs that are also common in Malaysian and Southeast Asian kitchens.

Mee Rebus (Vegetarian)

What makes or breaks a Mee Rebus dish? It’s the gravy, or kuah. Made with the right balance of spiciness, sweetness, aroma, and thickness, it becomes the best Mee Rebus. The gravy is the central star of this beloved Malay noodle dish, which is also part of Indian-Muslim food (MALAY STYLE MEE UDANG) and Malaysian street food.

Yellow sweet potatoes are an important ingredient, giving the gravy its rich texture and subtle sweetness, even for the vegetarian version.

Ayutthaya, Thailand

There is no sightseeing in Thailand without Ayutthaya on the list. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, (VERONA ITALY TOP SITES) Ayutthaya stands as one of the country’s most important historic landmarks, preserving the grandeur and legacy of a once-flourishing kingdom.

Recognized globally as one of the world’s most significant heritage sites, Ayutthaya, officially known as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, is both a city and a province in central Thailand. It was the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam and remains a symbol of Thailand’s legacy which cannot be erased.

Pepper Soup: Instant Rasam

The healthy, nutritious and oilless Pepper Soup, also called Rasam. A nourishing tasty South Indian soup with the peppery taste and the natural sourness of tomatoes, along with the aroma of curry leaves. Rasam can be made in many ways, but the main ingredients are usually kitchen staples (MORINGA LEAVES STIR-FRIED).

 

For those who want a quick option, instant Rasam is available in pre-packed rasam powder at Indian grocery stores. Over time, you will discover which brand or mix suits your taste best.

 

Some people say nothing beats homemade Rasam. Made with freshly ground spices or a paste. But this quick Rasam recipe is for anyone short on time and still wanting one of the best pepper soups.