Hong Kong-Style Wonton Noodle Soup: Prawn, Chicken & Pork Wanton

(Updated Version)

Why not make Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soup in your Malaysian kitchen? Who says you can't? Not me - I’ve already shown you can! Here’s a little confession: I’ve never actually been to Hong Kong (SINGAPORE LAKSA MS. NAVA'S VERSION). But isn’t it refreshing to hear someone like Ms. Nava keeping it real in a world full of fakes, especially on social media?

I’ve certainly enjoyed my fair share of Hong Kong-style dishes right here in Malaysia. From devouring Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soups multiple times to savoring both Prawn and Pork Chee Cheong Fun from local coffee shop stalls, it’s clear that you don’t need to travel to Hong Kong to enjoy authentic flavors (SARAWAK LAKSA CREATIVE FLAIR).

Sri Lankan Carrot Salad: Healthy No-Cook Recipes You’ll Love

(Updated Version)

Sri Lankan cuisine is a symphony of flavors, where spices and fresh coconut - either as creamy coconut milk or raw - play the lead role. During my seven-day trip in Sri Lanka, I was blown away by the vibrant dishes (COLOMBO DISCOVERY & KANDY SRI LANKA). Not a single meal disappointed, and I even picked up a few new recipes along the way, despite being no stranger to Sri Lankan cooking.

These recipes are not just about taste (SRI LANKAN FISH COCONUT MILK CURRY) - they embody healthy, nutritious eating and align perfectly with the much-loved Zen holistic wellness approach, emphasizing mindful eating and balance.

Wajik Pulut: Zen Wellness Glutinous Rice Cake

(Updated Version)

For Ms. Nava, a true daughter of Malaysia, nothing captures the essence of our cherished heritage quite like traditional kuih-muih (EFFORTLESS MALAY DESSERTS) - those beloved local sweet treats. These delectable morsels, crafted from our rich bounty of pandan leaves, coconut milk, palm sugar (Gula Melaka), flour, and glutinous rice, are a tribute to and celebration of our Malaysian roots (KUIH BUAH MELAKA). Embracing Zen wellness, which emphasizes simplicity, balance, and mindful living, has inspired me to adapt these traditional delights to fit modern lifestyles while preserving their essence. 

Although I haven’t witnessed the process of making palm sugar in Malaysia, I did observe it in Indonesia (YOGYAKARTA TASTES). Palm sugar is my go-to sweetener, preferred over white sugar, and I also use a small amount in Malaysian Malay savory dishes.. Its inclusion aligns with Zen wellness principles, as it offers a lower glycemic index and minimal processing, supporting a balanced and mindful approach to nutrition (PULUT INTI CLASSIC).

Penang Food Finds: Classic Eateries and Hidden Gems

Hey foodies! It's time for another food adventure (BUTTERWORTH FOOD ADVENTURE), and this time we've landed on Penang Island. This place is a true food paradise (MALACCA TRIALS) with so many options to choose from. Even though I've been to Penang Island 8 times already, there's always a new eatery waiting to be discovered. Here are the spots I've tried so far (KOTA KINABALU FOOD SPOTTING), and I'm excited to share them with all of you.

Paal Sangam Café (Jalan Dato Keramat, George Town)

Paal Sangam Café did not disappoint! Their vegetarian banana leaf lunch was fantastic. The Tofu Sambal, Stir Fried Beansprout, Potato Podimas, Chutney, and Curries all tasted truly authentic. It's definitely some of the best vegetarian food around. I loved it, although the Kesari (Indian Semolina Cake) was a bit dry. The service was a bit slow due to peak lunch hour, but it was worth the wait.

Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal: A Nostalgic Malay Heritage

(Updated Version)

Let’s talk about our Malaysian local herbs - the unsung heroes that infuse dishes with vibrant hues and a tantalizing burst of spicy and sour notes. What dish could I possibly be referring to? None other than the legendary, timeless, and quintessentially Malay, Asam Pedas.

 

Oh-my! Does the name alone stir a sense of nostalgia? Of course, it does! Asam Pedas is more than just a dish; it's a journey through the heart of Malaysian culinary heritage. A dish that has stood the test of time, not just for its rich flavors but for the bounty of nutrients and health benefits it brings to the table. At its core, Asam Pedas is all about tender fish swimming in a gravy that’s an explosion of taste—sour, spicy, and utterly mouthwatering.

Zen Mango Pickles: Three Unique Recipes to Savor

(Updated Version)
Aam ka Achaar, or mango pickle, isn't just a beloved staple in India and Pakistan; it's a sensation across South Asia. And guess what? Our Western pals have caught on and are nailing it with their own versions of mango pickle. Impressive, right? Meanwhile, Asians are busy whipping up Western dishes, often with a little too much pride, like they’re honorary Westerners. Can you relate? 

Even in Malaysia, it seems, some Indians feel they’ve got a bit of the Western bug. Sadly, this extends to the kids too—they’re all about burgers and pizzas, forgetting the rich flavors of Indian cuisine. It's heartbreaking to see culture slipping away, to the point where some young ones can't even speak Tamil. I always start by asking, “Can you speak Tamil?” before diving into a conversation with the younger generation. It’s a sad reality, but true. And even aam ka achaar, once a beloved treat, now seems to be something only the older generations, like Ms. Nava in her 60s, truly savor.

Tanni Saar (Sweet Leaf In Dhal Gravy)

(Updated Version)

Tanni Saar - now that’s a name that might raise an eyebrow or two! Directly translated, tanni means water and saar means juice. Oh dear! I’m not going to dwell on that translation, but let me tell you what Tanni Saar actually is. It's a delightful concoction of dal and sweet leaves, specifically known as tausi murungai keerai in Tamil. Think of it as a hybrid between dal curry, stew, and soup, with light coconut milk and your everyday kitchen staples rounding it out.

Hokkien Hae Mee, Penang Hae Mee, Prawn Mee & Mee Yoke Recipes

(Updated Version)

Hokkien Hae Mee, or Hokkien Prawn Mee, is a prawn noodle dish that revolves around its star ingredient - the prawn stock. This rich, savory essence forms the heart of this beloved Malaysian Chinese classic (HAND CRAFTED FISH BALL NOODLE SOUP). While the photos of Hae Mee dishes might look intricate and intimidating, don’t be discouraged. With the right ingredients and a bit of kitchen confidence, you can easily recreate this dish at home.

In today’s world, capturing that perfect Hae Mee shot is more about smartphone skills than anything else. It’s all in how you style the dish, choose your props, and present the meal. But don’t get too caught up in the visual showmanship. The truth is, anyone can master this flavorful prawn noodle dish, and that includes you.

Aging Faster Today: Yoga as a Natural Anti-Aging Therapy

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract
This paper explores the profound benefits of yoga as a natural remedy for anti-aging, contrasting it with contemporary quick-fix solutions and aesthetic treatments. Yoga is presented not merely as a physical exercise but as a holistic approach that nurtures the breath, body, mind, and soul, offering significant advantages for maintaining a youthful appearance and overall vitality. The paper highlights how yoga fosters genuine skin nourishment and rejuvenation, reducing the reliance on heavy makeup and superficial enhancements. However, it also cautions against overdoing yoga, as excessive practice can lead to fatigue, injury, and may paradoxically accelerate the aging process.