A bowl of vibrant broth, noodles, and a mix of fresh ingredients - this is the essence of Asam Laksa (PENANG GUIDE: WHERE & WHAT TO EAT). While the standard version is well-loved, have you tried Nyonya Asam Laksa? Let me share my take on this flavorful dish (MALACCA'S FOOD FIESTA). But before we dive into the recipe, here’s what you need to know when preparing Asam Laksa:
Fish Type
I use sardines and Indian mackerel, but feel free to experiment with other fish to discover your preferred flavor.
Prawn dishes are not a regular feature in my house; they’re more like a once-a-month treat. However, having cooked for so many years, I’ve prepared a variety of prawn dishes, including Chinese prawn varieties. What I like about Chinese dishes is that they are quick to cook, provided the ingredients are prepared and ready near the wok (PRAWN SAMBAL NYONYA STYLE).
Red Rubies are water chestnuts (or turnips as a substitute) coated in tapioca flour, boiled until translucent, and served in sweetened coconut milk, often with a touch of pandan (screwpine) leaves for fragrance, just like in many Malaysian desserts.
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 article explores the complex
relationship between social media, weight perception, and weight management
among Indian women. It examines how social media celebrates body diversity and
sometimes downplays the health risks of obesity. The article focuses on the
significant role of yoga in promoting mindful weight management and addressing
challenges such as self-esteem issues, eating habits, and societal pressures
faced by overweight women.
The article underscores yoga’s holistic benefits for weight loss, mental clarity, and overall well-being, advocating for a balanced approach to health that integrates physical exercise with mindful eating practices. The findings suggest that while social media plays a significant role in shaping body image and weight management behaviors, a nuanced understanding of its impact and a comprehensive approach to wellness are crucial for achieving sustainable health outcomes.
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).
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, the dark glossy brown sticky Malaysian rice cakes, as I translate it. Made with white glutinous rice, coconut milk, palm sugar, and pandan leaves for a fragrant scent – these ingredients are staples in many Malaysian desserts (PULUT INTI RECIPE). Traditionally, Wajik Pulut involves steaming glutinous rice, then stirring it into a mixture of coconut milk, palm sugar, and scented with pandan leaves. Watching my mother prepare it taught me the patience required for this delicate process. However, I’ve simplified the recipe, reducing the amount of coconut milk and palm sugar to create a version that is still rich in flavor but not overly indulgent. It turned out well (SAGU GULA MELAKA RECIPE). How about giving it a try?
Why Chinese Food is a Must in Penang
Chinese food is
rooted in Penang due to early Chinese settlers, mainly Hokkien, Cantonese,
Teochew, and Hainanese. They brought their food traditions and modified them
using local ingredients and methods. Over time, their dishes became distinct to
Penang while still preserving the original cooking heritage. Passed down
through generations, these foods continue to attract food lovers from around
the world.
It’s literally impossible to list every single dish, as each stands out in its own right. Still, there are those regarded as top picks, though, as always, taste is subjective (SEBERANG PERAI FOOD GUIDE).
Did you know that the herbs in Asam Pedas, like the sourness of asam (tamarind juice or dried tamarind pieces), are more than just flavor enhancers? They’re packed with health benefits, adding more than just taste to our plates - they add value to our well-being.
Now, if you're under the impression that making Asam Pedas is complicated, think again. It’s actually quite simple, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. It all starts with gathering the herbs and pantry-friendly ingredients to make the Asam Pedas rempah. You can make it from scratch or opt for store-bought versions. But here’s how you can whip up the rempah at home.
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.
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.
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.
Tamatar ki Chutney is a tomato-based chutney, known in the Punjabi language as "Tamatar ki Chutney," and is a dish from the North Indian region (INDIAN DESSERTS TO SAVOR). Tomatoes are a staple in many curries (CHANDIGARH NORTH INDIA MARVELS), and when used to make chutney, they create a spicy, tangy, and aromatic thick gravy. This chutney pairs well with chapati, paratha, dosai, and even idli. However, I recently paired it with our side dishes for a rice meal instead (VEGETARIAN MUTTON GASTRONOMY).
There’s also Takkali Thokku, which I consider another version of tomato chutney. Though it shares similarities with Tamatar ki Chutney, it differs slightly in its ingredients. The recipe I’m sharing is my own version. Plus, I’ll also show you how to make tomato rice. You have choices when it comes to cooking with tomatoes, don’t you? Isn’t it wonderful that Ms. Nava offers you these choices?
To tell you the truth, the ingredients for a classic Genoise are minimalistic (EASY CLASSIC BUTTER CAKE). However, it’s the technique that ensures the cake turns out as expected - soft, airy, and crumbly, melting in your mouth with every bite. Before sharing the recipe, here are the key techniques you should be aware of in baking a perfect Classic Genoise (EASIEST BANANA CHOCOLATE CAKE).
Whisk Eggs and
Sugar:
Use a double
boiler (with water boiling in the bottom pan).
Whisk the eggs
and sugar in a bowl placed over the boiling water.
Continue whisking until the mixture is slightly warm and foamy.
Roots, barks, herbs, and chicken - these are the
essential ingredients for Chinese Ginseng Chicken Soup. I particularly enjoy
homemade, healthy, and nutritious Chinese soups. Making any soup, including
Chinese Ginseng Chicken Soup, is straightforward. If anyone claims they can’t
make this soup, I’d be surprised (SIMPLE AND HEARTY LAMB SOUP)! It's as simple as adding all the ingredients
- roots, barks, and medicinal herbs from a Chinese medical hall or provision
shop - into a slow cooker or simmering them on very low heat over the stove.
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
Corporate
wellness programs are increasingly emphasizing mindfulness, mental health, and
work-life balance, yet yoga often remains sidelined. This abstract examines the
integration of yoga into corporate wellness initiatives and the benefits it
offers. Despite the growing popularity of mindfulness practices such as
meditation and breathwork, which originate from yoga philosophy, many
organizations overlook yoga's comprehensive benefits. This study explores the
disconnect between the promotion of wellness practices and the actual
incorporation of yoga into corporate programs. It highlights the extensive
benefits of corporate yoga, including improved mental clarity, stress
reduction, physical health, and enhanced workplace morale.
When it comes to cooking, do you really need every ingredient listed in a recipe? Not necessarily. If you’re the type who follows recipes to the letter, you might feel compelled to gather every single ingredient. But if you’re like Ms. Nava, you’ll consider what you already have and adapt the recipe accordingly (MALAY DESSERTS MADE SIMPLE).
Making do with what you have often involves a bit of creative thinking and improvisation. Take, for example, making pulut inti. Traditionally, it requires banana leaves, but if you’re missing them, why not adapt? I did just that using my Pyrex dish to craft a delicious serving of Pulut Inti. See? You don’t need everything to be perfect to be a food hero (KUIH SAGO KUKUS).
Always a classic and a favorite in my kitchen — Sambal
Telur, or Egg Sambal. No matter how many times I make this easy Malaysian egg
recipe, it never gets old. This version has a special twist: the addition of dried
shrimps, which truly elevate the flavor. Have you tried a sambal telur with
dried shrimps before? It adds depth and takes the traditional egg sambal to the
next level.
Nothing beats fresh
turmeric for that vibrant yellow hue, beautifully contrasting the rich red
sambal. It also brings a lovely, fresh scent. You can use basil leaves or swap
in any herbs you like.
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
Yoga,
an ancient practice combining breathwork, physical postures, and mindfulness,
has emerged as a potent tool for improving mental health. This article
investigates the therapeutic benefits of yoga in addressing stress, anxiety,
and depression. It reviews recent academic studies to highlight how yoga's
integrative approach - through breath regulation, mindful movement, and
relaxation - enhances emotional resilience and mental clarity. The paper
contrasts yoga with conventional mental health interventions and emphasizes its
role as a complementary therapy. By examining current evidence and theoretical
perspectives, the study advocates for the integration of yoga into mental
health practices, underscoring its potential to rejuvenate and stabilize the
mind amidst the demands of modern life.
Keywords: Yoga, Mental Health, Stress Relief, Anxiety Management, Depression, Breathwork, Mindfulness, Emotional Resilience, Complementary Therapy.
Forget store-bought fish balls! I ventured into making homemade Fish Ball Noodle Soup from scratch, and it was absolutely worth it. These hand-rolled fish balls, simmered in a rich broth made from fish bones and skin, were bouncy, soft, and completely odor-free.
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
Loneliness
among older adults, particularly within the Indian community in Malaysia,
presents a significant issue exacerbated by cultural and social dynamics. This
article explores the manifestations and contributing factors of loneliness
among older Indian individuals, focusing on their interactions, social
behaviors, and the impact of modern technology. The study highlights how older
Indians exhibit heightened levels of loneliness compared to other ethnic
groups, influenced by societal changes and family dynamics. Key findings reveal
that loneliness is frequently expressed through excessive social media use,
persistent communication attempts, and the seeking of validation through
personal achievements.
Malay food, on the other hand, is deeply rooted in the traditions of local communities, especially in Balik Pulau and Seberang Perai. Influenced by kampung (village) cooking and flavours from nearby northern states like Kedah and Perlis, Penang’s Malay food stands out with its own distinct identity and taste.
If shark isn’t your choice, you can use mackerel or another fish. It’s worth noting that the shark used in meen/fish puttu, often smaller species like "sura meen," is not the same as the large sharks used for shark fin soup. The smaller sharks used here are caught for their meat, ensuring a more sustainable approach.
George Town’s well-preserved colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses, temples, mosques, and churches reflect its diverse history. Many attractions are located close to one another, making it easy to see and experience by walking.