Friday, December 26, 2025

Spicy Fish Recipe: Sambal Ikan/Fish Sambal

Fried fish pieces cooked in a spicy chili paste and kaffir lime leaves, in a small silver wok.
There are no short of spicy fish recipes throughout the world. From the Western style to the Asian style spicy fish, the choices are endless, but the Malaysian-style version is all about the sambal. Sambal, also popular in Indonesia (INDONESIAN SPICY EGGS RECIPE), is made with chillies and a few pantry-friendly ingredients. Sambal, which is basically a chilli paste, can be eaten raw, like sambal belacan or known as sambal terasi, the Indonesian version.

Sambal is also versatile, and it can be used as the base for stir-fried vegetables, noodles, fried rice, so on and so forth, making it a common foundation in Malaysian spicy recipes (SPICY PRAWN WITH BEANS).

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Top Local Foods in Malacca

One bowl of noodles with soup, fish balls and yellow noodles, the other curry with noodles and flat tofu sheets, in a Nyonya restaurant.
What to Eat in Malacca can be overwhelming. Just thinking about the city’s food can make anyone salivate. The choices are endless, from classic favourites to popular local dishes. From breakfast to supper, the list of options seems never-ending (THINGS TO DO IN MALACCA). 

Street food in Malacca is especially tempting, ideal for snacking while sightseeing. Even restaurants, whether in stylish settings or casual spots, are affordable and often comparable to street food (CAMBODIAN FOOD GUIDE). 

Monday, December 15, 2025

Turmeric Milk Recipe: Golden Milk

A glass of turmeric milk, made with milk, turmeric powder and honey.
The golden hue of turmeric needs no introduction. It has taken the world by storm as wellness becomes a trend and healthy, clean eating gains attention. Turmeric has always held a place in the Indian kitchen for generations and is still a must-have in Indian households. You name it, you see turmeric in the dishes, whether vegetarian (CRISPY TURMERIC TOFU) or non-vegetarian. A power-packed spice, turmeric powder is made from fresh turmeric, whether processed in cottage industries, commercial factories, or even at home.

Turmeric milk, or golden milk, is a traditional Indian drink known for its wellness benefits.

 

Fresh turmeric is peeled and dried in the sun. Then pounded or ground using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, whichever is preferred.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Things to Do in Malacca, Malaysia

Malacca river view at the jetty, Malaysia.
Malacca, one of Malaysia’s historical cities, is renowned for its legendary history and cultural heritage. Called Melaka by locals, its origins trace back to the founding of the Malacca Sultanate around 1400. Its location along the Straits of Malacca attracted Chinese traders for ceramics, silk, and other goods, as well as Indian and Arab merchants for spices, textiles, and other commodities.

In 1511, the Portuguese became the first European power to capture Malacca, followed by the Dutch in 1641 and the British in 1824. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, Malacca’s history is reflected in its top attractions and heritage sites.

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Eggplant Curry

A claypot eggplant curry, cooked with spices, tomatoes, tamarind juice and curry leaves.
A one-pot dish, full of nutrients and nourishment. Eggplant curry, whether cooked in a regular pot or traditionally in a claypot, is spicy, tangy, and aromatic. Tender small eggplants absorb the flavours beautifully, making the curry comforting and nutritious.

The spices used in this curry come with many health benefits. Chilli powder, for example, has been linked to supporting weight management. From ancient times, spices have been regarded as natural “food for health,” with most carrying unique benefits (CREAMED SPINACH CURRY). 

Friday, November 28, 2025

Top Urban Gardening Benefits

In the heart of bustling cities, urban gardening brings green spaces into everyday life. It exists in small apartments, rooftops, and residential areas surrounded by concrete, traffic, and noise. Also known as green living or an eco-friendly concept, urbanites grow plants, fruits, vegetables, and flowers in indoor gardens, balcony setups, container gardens, vertical gardens, and backyard patches. 

Soil, butterflies, and birds create pockets of nature under the blue sky, turning unused corners into lively green spots that add color and life to urban surroundings (HOW TO GROW SAWTOOTH CORIANDER). 

Saturday, November 22, 2025

Burgers Around the World

Close view of McDonalds lamb burger.
A burger, a simple meat patty in a bun, has its roots in Western culture. While minced meat patties trace back to Hamburg, Germany, it was the United States that transformed the burger into a fast-food icon in the early 20th century. From diners to drive-throughs, the burger quickly became a symbol of convenience and modern eating, shaping how people viewed quick meals.

As global brands expanded, burgers travelled across borders and entered different food cultures. In many Asian countries, the idea of a burger felt new and exciting, especially among younger generations who were open to trying something Western and trendy. Soon enough, burgers became more than just a foreign food. They became part of everyday city life (WHAT TO EAT IN VIETNAM). 

Monday, November 17, 2025

Famous Temples in Thailand

Two tiled pagodas at the courtyard of Wat Pho Temple, Bangkok, Thailand.
Religion and spirituality are deeply embedded in Thai culture. Whether or not it is a religious day, Thais can often be seen in temples, praying and offering gratitude and homage to the gods. This devotion truly stands out in Thailand,  as their heritage and cultural identity (AYUTTHAYA TEMPLES, THAILAND). 

Even Bangkok’s main international airport, Suvarnabhumi, carries a touch of spirituality. The name Suvarnabhumi comes from Sanskrit, where “Suvarna” means gold and “Bhumi” means land, together meaning “Golden Land.” The name holds deep meaning for Thailand, reflecting its culture, tradition, and spiritual faith 

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup Recipe

Thai vegetable soup made with Thai herbs, corn kernels and carrots.
A delicious vegetarian Tom Yum soup is easy to make and brings the classic Thai taste to the tastebuds. The core is a fragrant Thai stock, made by slow-simmering ingredients. While common ingredients for such a stock include galangal, chili, and lime, this version stands out with its unique blend.

It carries extra layers of flavor from torch ginger, spring onions, and coriander leaves with the roots. To keep it kid-friendly, chili is optional and can be added on top as preferred. These classic Thai ingredients come together to give this vegetarian soup Thai style its signature, quintessential tastes. 

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Getting on the E-Commerce Train as an Entrepreneur

E-commerce has changed how a lot of businesses operate, and for entrepreneurs aiming to break into it it offers a lot of opportunities and challenges. Starting an online store gives you not only lucrative returns, but also allows you to reach a global market at minimal overhead costs. But doing it right requires a deep understanding of its dynamics, planning and an unfailing drive towards innovation. 

Friday, October 31, 2025

Sawtooth Coriander: Culantro or Ketumbar Jawa

One cluster of sawtooth coriander, also known as culantro, growing on the ground.
Sawtooth coriander, or culantro, scientifically known as Eryngium foetidum, is a tropical herb that goes by many names around the world. In Malaysia, it is called Ketumbar Jawa, and in Indonesia, depending on the region, it may also be known as Ketumbar Lombok.

Why is it called Ketumbar Jawa? In Malay and Indonesian, the word ketumbar means coriander, while Jawa refers to Java, the Indonesian island. Locals began calling it Ketumbar Jawa, meaning “Javanese coriander,” because its aroma and taste resemble coriander and it was commonly found and used in the Java region (GROWING BUTTERFLY PEA FLOWER)

Sunday, October 26, 2025

Chair Yoga

Lady instructor demonstrating one leg on the seat of the chair yoga, with one hand lifted.
Chair Yoga is not a modern trend or a practice adopted simply because others are doing it. It was created to address the practical realities of today’s world, where health and wellness are widely discussed, yet maintaining good health has become increasingly challenging.

In the 21st century, supplements and mindful eating are often emphasized as keys to good health. Yet the reality tells a different story. It is no surprise that maintaining health can be a struggle, and nothing compares to yoga as a natural remedy and therapy. It is affordable, effective, and requires only a commitment to regular practice. (YOGA FOR STRESS RELIEF & INNER CALM). 

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Homemade Lemonade

Lemonade in tall glass, made with lemon juice, lemon slices, honey, basil seeds, mint leaves and mineral water.
Imagine sipping a homemade lemonade that is lightly sweet, refreshing, nourishing, and instantly wakes up the taste buds. This unique drink works as a summer refreshment, for hot days, casual gatherings, or as a mocktail party drink. It combines classic lemon juice with common Southeast Asian ingredients (COCONUT MILK DESSERT RECIPE). 

The ingredients for this homemade drink are also available in other parts of the world, as Asian grocers are now common. For home gardeners, lemons and mint leaves are grown fresh at home, while basil seeds come from simply removing the seeds from basil leaves and drying them.

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia -Things to Do

Boats moving in the waters of Langkawi Island, against the mountain backdrop, Kedah, Malaysia.
Langkawi is home to a wide variety of sightseeing spots, from natural wonders and beaches to popular attractions. How much you can explore depends on the number of days you spend on the island and the travel time between each destination.

Some travelers prefer a back-to-back schedule, visiting multiple attractions each day, while others take a slower, free-and-easy approach, allowing time to relax and explore each location (BEST THINGS TO DO IN PENANG). 


Among the tourist spots in Langkawi, certain attractions stand out, you’ll see why once you visit.  Whether it’s a short trip or a longer stay, planning your Langkawi itinerary carefully will help you make the most of your visit and discover the top things to do in Langkawi.

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Indonesian Desserts

A bowl of coconut milk, green jelly, red beans, jackfruit slices, and ice.
Without a doubt, desserts in Southeast Asian countries share similarities. Common ingredients include pandan leaves, palm sugar, glutinous rice, coconut milk, and different types of flour. These ingredients often result in desserts that may seem similar but carry a local twist or have a different name (SRI LANKA STREET FOOD). 

Indonesian desserts are part of this tradition and are available across Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. Still, nothing compares to having desserts in Indonesia itself. Fresh local produce, authentic Indonesian cooking styles, and traditional preparation methods give desserts in Indonesia a distinctive character. When in Indonesia, trying these local Indonesian desserts is certainly worthwhile (SURAKARTA TOP THINGS TO DO). 

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Coconut Milk Dessert - Bubur Cha-Cha

A glass of sweet pandan scented coconut milk, cubed orange sweet potatoes, sago and palm sugar syrup.

One of the well-known Malaysian sweet desserts is Bubur Cha-Cha. It is made with boiled or steamed sweet potatoes and yam cooked in coconut milk, flavored with pandan leaves. This simple dessert requires only a few ingredients that are common and affordable in Southeast Asian cooking (PUMPKIN BARLEY DESSERT). 

 

Bubur Cha-Cha originates from the Nyonya community, created by the Peranakan Chinese in Malaysia and Singapore. It is a part of Nyonya cuisine and has become popular as both a Chinese-style and Malay dessert. Today, it remains a staple in Malaysian dessert culture (DURIAN SWEET DESSERT). 

Saturday, October 4, 2025

Best Street Food in Sri Lanka

Spicy coconut, made with pounding fresh grated coconut, shallots, dried red chilies, lime juice and salt.

Street food is everywhere in Sri Lanka, tempting locals and travelers alike. Made fresh from readily available, affordable ingredients, it’s often referred to as hawker food.

 

Typical ingredients include spices, coconut, and the famous Sri Lankan palm sugar (kithul treacle). Coconut appears in various forms - from grated coconut and coconut milk to coconut oil, fresh sap (kithul sap), and even pol kallu (fermented sap, also known as toddy).

 

Fresh local fish is another staple, especially in curries. Common varieties include tuna, mackerel (balaya), sardines, and seer fish (thora). A touch of tamarind (puli) adds subtle sourness. Together, these ingredients create the sweet, sour, spicy, and creamy flavors that define Sri Lankan street food.

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Easy Vegetarian Lotus Root Soup

Vegetarian soup made with tofu, lotus root, leek, black fungus, spring onion and vegetable broth.

This vegetarian lotus root soup is easy to make, using ingredients that are affordable and easy to find at any grocery store. Lotus root, tofu, black fungus, and leek cook together in a light, healthy broth. The soup is high in fiber, easy to digest, and a good choice for anyone looking for a simple, plant-based, vegan, healthy soup (PUMPKIN SOUP). 

 

Unlike versions made with pork bones, this recipe is completely meatless. It can be served on its own as a light meal or with rice for a wholesome, filling dish. Family- and kid-friendly, it works well for any time of the day, including breakfast.

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Langkawi Island: Ultimate Travel Guide - Kedah, Malaysia

Overview of Langkawi Island from a hilltop view, with the sea, nature and mountains.
Situated off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands scattered across the Andaman Sea. Within the state of Kedah and close to the border of Thailand, its location is truly distinctive. On clear days, the nearest Thai island, Ko Tarutao, can be seen from Langkawi, a rare sight highlighting the island’s notable position. The main island, Pulau Langkawi, is the largest and most developed, while many smaller surrounding islands remain untouched.

Langkawi History

Langkawi and Mahsuri’s story are closely linked. Over 200 years ago, Mahsuri, a young woman wrongfully accused of an affair, was sentenced to death. Before she died, she placed a seven-generation curse on the island.

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Yoga for Stress Relief and Inner Calm


Indian lady instructor doing a standing dance yoga pose in a selfie mode with handphone.
In today’s fast-paced world, life feels like a constant race. Commuting through traffic, meeting deadlines, managing family responsibilities, and staying connected on social media can leave even the resilient individuals feeling stretched both mentally and physically.

While discussions about mental well-being are more common than ever, there may be those who quietly struggle under daily pressures. Yoga offers a natural and accessible way to restore balance, cultivate inner calm, and improve focus, helping anyone navigate life’s challenges with greater ease (5 TOP MINDFULNESS TIPS).

Saturday, September 20, 2025

What to Eat in Indonesia

A bowl of spicy Indonesian soup, with mix range of vegetable and medium consistency soup.

What to eat in Indonesia isn’t complicated. The country offers food for everyone, depending on your preferences. Vegetarians, vegans, and those who need gluten-free options will find choices available (SURAKARTA TRAVEL GUIDE). Dish names are usually listed on menus or visible at street stalls, but ingredients aren’t always clear.

 

In such instances, it’s best to ask whether a dish contains animal products, dairy, or ingredients that may cause allergies.

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Papaya Salad Recipe

Papaya Salad, made with pounded shrimp paste, palm sugar, garlic, tomato and red chilies,  mixed with julienned green papaya, lime juice and salt.

Crunchy, fresh, crisp, spicy, and tangy papaya salad. Truly an appetizing dish that wakes up your taste buds instantly. Whether as a healthy salad for nibbling or paired with rice as an Asian meal, this green papaya salad is versatile. Known as Som Tum in Thailand, Bok Lahong in Cambodia (ANGKOR WAT CAMBODIA), Kerabu Betik in Malaysia, and Gỏi đu đủ in Vietnam, it can be made with unripe or semi-ripe papaya.

 

The best thing about this no-cook papaya salad recipe is there’s nothing to heat on the stove. While traditional preparation may involve pounding ingredients, thinly sliced or chopped papaya work just as well.

Saturday, September 13, 2025

Pandan Leaves: Screwpine Leaves

Clusters and bunches of pandan leaves growing on the ground.

Sweet, grassy, slightly nutty with a hint of coconut, that’s the essence of pandan leaves, also known as screwpine leaves or pandanus leaves. Comparable to vanilla beans or vanilla essence, pandan leaves are long, vibrant green, and naturally sharp along the edges. Recognized as a top Southeast Asian culinary and medicinal herb, pandan leaves are a source of pride across the region (TORCH GINGER/BUNGA KANTAN). 

 

In Western countries, fresh pandan leaves are often expensive and hard to source, with substitutes like pandan extract or pandan flavoring used instead. In contrast, they grow effortlessly in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, and can also be found in Sri Lanka and parts of southern India, though they are not widely used there.

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Vietnamese Noodles: Lamb Pho

Lamb soup with blanched rice noodles, stir fried minced lamb, bean sprouts, red chllies, coriander, Thai basil and mint leaves.
Inspired by Vietnamese pho, here is a tweaked version of the classic noodle soup, Lamb Pho. While it may not be the exact version of Vietnam’s world-famous national dish (WHAT TO EAT IN VIETNAM) the Malaysian-made version can be known as a Malaysian-style lamb noodle soup or homemade lamb pho recipe.

Following the traditional pho style from Vietnamese street stalls, the dish features an aromatic and flavorful lamb bone soup, poured over blanched rice noodles or bee hoon. The broth is simmered with essential spices, as in Vietnamese pho - cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and coriander seeds, which are also common in Indian cooking.

Saturday, September 6, 2025

Indonesian Street Food

Nasi Padang food tray, with yellow curries, squid dish and crispy crackers.
When in Indonesia, it’s impossible to ignore the street stalls. From lone roadside carts to clusters of vendors, they appear everywhere as you start walking. These stalls serve traditional and authentic Indonesian street food. Similar dishes can also be found in simple, unassuming eateries (INDONESIA FOOD GUIDE).

The ambiance is nothing fancy - long tables with chairs or benches. Menus may be a single laminated sheet or a wall listing in unassuming eateries, while at street stalls, menus are usually displayed somewhere on the cart.

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

5 Top Mindfulness Tips

Indian lady, doing bringing both palms together at the heart center, standing on a stone platform, across a lake.
In the 21st century, mindfulness has become more than just a buzzword. It’s a popular concept, possibly even ranking among the most searched terms in today’s modern vocabulary. Suggestions, ideas, and mindfulness techniques are everywhere. Social media is overflowing with mindfulness content, with each person sharing their own version of what they believe, follow, or feel works for them.

Yet, despite its popularity and countless conversations, mindfulness practice remains a challenge - more a concept than a consistent habit.

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Galangal (Lengkuas)

A full clutter of tall galangal stems with leaves under the sun, grown on the ground.
Galangal (Lengkuas), known as Lengkuas in Indonesia and Malaysia, Kha in Thailand, Riềng in Vietnam, and Luyang Lapis in the Philippines, is a popular herb in Southeast Asian cooking. It comes from the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), which also includes ginger, turmeric, and cardamom.

Unlike ginger, galangal has a sharper, citrusy, pine-like flavor that makes it a unique spice in soups, curries, and sauces. In its raw form, it gives off a bright aroma with citrus and woody notes, stronger and spicier than ginger.

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Mee Siam Goreng Recipe

Thin rice vermicelli, stir fried with dried shrimps, chili paste, garlic, beansprouts, chives, topped with fried egg strips, cucumber and lime wedge.
Springy rice vermicelli (bee hoon), stir-fried to the right texture, coated in a spicy, mildly salty rempah with taucheo (fermented soybean paste) and dried shrimp. Tossed with tofu pok, chives, and beansprouts, then served with cucumber, fried egg, and a wedge of lime, the beloved Mee Siam Goreng. Goreng basically refers to a dry-style, stir-fried noodle dish. (MEE SIAM GRAVY VEGETARIAN). 

 A Peranakan (Nyonya) noodle dish found in Singapore and Malaysia, and part of the wider Malaysian food heritage. There is also Malay Mee Siam, though the core ingredients remain similar.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Simple Yoga Poses for Relaxation

Indian lady yoga instructor, in yoga outfit, performing yoga pose with one leg bends, both arms lifted up, in garden setting.
Feeling overwhelmed by daily stress? Modern life moves so fast that finding calm can seem impossible. These simple yoga poses can help you slow down, relax, and restore balance. Although the universe rotates at its own pace, everything around us seems to move very fast.

Today’s lifestyle is about rushing and juggling multiple tasks, leaving people constantly trying to keep up. Several factors contribute to this fast-paced environment.

Saturday, August 16, 2025

How to Make Jelly: Natural Green Jelly Recipe

White bowl with, made with green leaves sliced jellies, atop with coconut milk and palm sugar syrup.

Green Cincau Jelly (Cincau Hijau) is a two ingredient homemade jelly that is soft, wobbly, and naturally cooling. In its natural form, this no-cook jelly carries a fresh, grassy, and lightly earthy flavor with a hint of bitterness. It’s an acquired taste, and not everyone can digest it easily.

 

But sure, as a sweet dessert, as an Asian dessert, it can be anything more than coconut milk and palm sugar/Gula Melaka syrup. Or, to convert to a Western style dessert, honey, a scoop of ice cream, or even pancake.

 

A top notch healthy dessert, Green Cincau made from Cencau Perdu leaves (Premna oblongifolia or Cyclea barbata), is valued for its chlorophyll, natural cooling effect, gentle digestion, hydration, and antioxidants. 

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

How To Grow Calamansi Lime

On the front side of a palm, three calamansi limes, in nature surrounding.
The little citrus-scented green balls with dark skin and orangey flesh filled with seeds when sliced, these are calamansi limes. A popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking, especially in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines, calamansi adds that essential sourness or tangy lift that brightens up dishes.

Calamansi lime has a unique tangy-sweet flavour, somewhat like a cross between lime and mandarin orange. Compared to the regular green lime commonly used in Asian cooking (HOW TO GROW TORCH GINGER/BUNGA KANTAN), which is sharper and more acidic, calamansi is milder and slightly sweeter.

Saturday, August 9, 2025

How to Make Easy Overnight Oats

Overnight Oats In a Bottle - rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, blueberries and walnuts.
Breakfast on the go doesn’t have to mean sacrificing nutrition. Overnight oats are a quick, no-cook option, ideal even for grab-and-go mornings. Just assemble the ingredients and refrigerate. This make-ahead breakfast is not only convenient but also nutritious and delicious (EASY VEGETARIAN BREAD PUDDING).

You can prep overnight oats 2 to 3 days in advance, but food safety is key, a healthy (PUMPKIN BARLEY DESSERT) breakfast shouldn't cause an upset stomach. Follow these simple hygiene tips to keep your oats fresh.

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Penang Food: Indian-Muslim Food (Seberang Perai)

Indian Muslim man making fluffy, crispy flat breads, at the food counter, Penang, Malaysia.
Indian-Muslim food, or Mamak food, is a key part of what to eat in Penang (BEST THINGS TO DO IN PENANG) Whether bold or subtly spiced, these flavours reflect generations of Indian-Muslim heritage, still alive in every dish.

The Indian-Muslim community came to Penang during the spice trade era as traders, cooks, and labourers. They settled, built communities, and opened eateries that blended Indian spices with Malay and local Penang influences, becoming a food segment of Malaysian food.

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Easy Chicken Curry Recipe: Indian Style

Medium size Indian pot with Indian chicken curry, cooked with spices, green chilies, curry leaves, tomatoes, shallots, water & salt.

Easy, quick, and made with pantry-friendly ingredients, this spicy and delicious chicken curry is a must-try. These days, for an easy chicken curry or instant chicken curry, store-bought curry paste, or even dry spice blends, can do the job (CHICKEN CURRY WITH COCONUT MILK). 

 

Still, nothing beats this homemade chicken curry, made with aromatic spices, curry leaves, and store-bought chili powder.

Monday, July 28, 2025

Spicy Prawn with Beans Recipe: Sambal Petai Udang

A bowl of prawns cooked with stink beans, red chili paste, shallots, tomato, lemongrass, shrimp paste and lime juice.

Healthy, spicy superfood. Petai Sambal with prawns, or stink beans cooked in a Malay spicy gravy, is a classic Malaysian seafood recipe. Petai is an acquired taste, not for the faint-hearted due to its strong smell, but beloved by Malaysians (SARDINE SAMBAL/SAMBAL SARDIN). 

 

Packed with health benefits, it contains a list of nutrients. Petai can also be eaten raw as a salad or ulam, dipped in sambal belacan, and paired with fresh vegetables like cucumber and salad leaves.

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Sanur Festival: Celebrate Bali’s Coastal Culture in Style

Sanur isn’t just about sunrise walks and calm beaches (though I love those too, don’t get me wrong). This chill seaside town knows how to throw a good party while keeping things breezy, and the upcoming Sanur festival lineup proves it. If you’re looking for fun, color, and a peek into the actual local culture, here’s your cheat sheet for what’s coming next. Mark your calendar, gather your friends, and get ready to swap your Bintang for coconut water (or hey, have both) because these events in Bali will keep your Sanur days anything but boring!

 

Pica Fest (24 – 27 July 2025) at Lapangan Niti Mandala, Denpasar

Monday, July 21, 2025

Indian Food Review: Annapurna Restaurant (Rimbayu)

Social media platforms have become the go-to for discovering where to dine, what to eat, and which restaurants to try. That’s how I came across Annapurna Restaurant, a well rated Indian restaurant in Bandar Rimbayu, Selangor, Malaysia (16 G, Jalan Flora 1/1, 42500 Telok Panglima Garang). Their tagline, “Spices That Speak,” promises authentic Indian flavours, a tempting offer (EASIEST VEGETARIAN NASI LEMAK).

 

(Watch the full Indian dining experience at Annapurna Restaurant Rimbayu in Selangor on our YouTube channel)

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Travelling as a Path to Mental Well-Being and Joy of Life

Man standing at the beach during sunset with arms raised halfway, facing the sea, partially visible in silhouette.
It is a well-established fact that globetrotters don't simply escape their daily routines; rather, they enter an unknown, magical world full of surprises and discoveries. Everyone who leaves their comfort zone is exposed to unusual experiences, diverse cultures, languages, and customs.  This self-discovery not only broadens their horizons but also positively affects physical and emotional well-being, leading to greater life satisfaction levels. Let's take a closer look at the mental health perks of travel. 

 

Nourishing Your Brain 
Psychologists have long noticed that travel stimulates blissful emotions and has a beneficial effect on the human psyche. When we venture to a spot we have never been before, or even just change the environment, our brains are supposed to adapt to novel conditions. 

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Indonesia Food

Varieties of Indonesian raw salad, placed in big rattan tray, Indonesia.
If not all, some common ingredients shine promisingly for Indonesian foods. These ingredients are not pricey or exclusive. Yet their presence in Indonesian cooking is simply marvellous. It’s striking how such simple ingredients make a profound impact. Nothing is over-done. Whether in Indonesia or in Indonesian eateries abroad, it all begins right at home (SURAKARTA INDONESIA TOP SITES). 

Call these foods humble and simple. They are daily meals in households of average income. Yet when served even in high-end Indonesian restaurants, they sweep the food heart without words. Street stalls reflect the same reality. Local, affordable ingredients create flavors that leave one yearning for more (WHAT TO EAT IN SOUTH AFRICA). 

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Stir-Fried Winged Beans: Kacang Botol Goreng Belacan

Stir-fried winged beans/kacang botol with pounded chillies, garlic, shallots, and shrimp paste, seasoned with lime, salt, and palm sugar.

Stir-fried in a spicy, umami belacan paste, these winged beans stay crunchy and full of taste. This dish is a classic Malay-style stir-fried vegetable (KERABU BENDI/OKRA SALAD). It is known as Kacang Botol Goreng Belacan. The key ingredient is shrimp paste (belacan), a staple in Malaysian sambals, spicy gravies, and sauces.

 

Winged beans, also called four-angled beans or kacang botol in Malaysia, are nutritious and affordable. They can be replaced with French beans or long beans. Kangkung Belacan (water spinach stir-fry) is cooked the same way but softer for easier chewing.

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Yoga for your pre-wedding planning process: Why is it a great way to manage the stress of this period and be Zen?

A wedding is among the most important days in your life, and particularly because of its significance, this event can bring considerable stress. This is why you must look for other ways that can help you alleviate some of the anxiety and stress of this period. It can be easy to get caught up in your wedding planning, but this process can also leave you feeling exhausted. This occurs because you have a long list of tasks to accomplish, and among the most important ones are finding your bride's dress, organizing the guest list, selecting the right venue, and searching for suitable vendors, among others.


So, when you want to be Zen and alleviate some of the stress, you can try yoga, which is one of the best ways to relax, spend time focusing on yourself, and also keep you in great shape. In this article, we will explore why incorporating yoga into your pre-wedding planning is a great idea. Keep reading to learn more.  

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Vietnamese Food

A whole fried fish, topped with Asian herbs and sauce, Vietnamese style.
One does not have to travel far to dive into Vietnamese food. Its influence has spread worldwide through Vietnamese migrants, restaurants, and even street stalls. In Malaysia, Vietnamese food stalls exist, but in Vietnam, it is a completely different food story (HANOI VIETNAM THINGS TO DO). 

Traditional dishes are prepared as they were decades ago, using local ingredients and time-honored methods. For first-timers, sticking to the familiar is safe, but for adventurous foodies, much more awaits. Forget the usual dishes for a moment. Vietnam is a country where creativity and inventiveness shine in every meal.

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Sun Protection: Biore UV Perfect Protect Milk Review

Outer packaging of Biore UV Perfect Protect Milk SPF50+ PA+++ sunscreen; yellow bottle, white cap, dark blue text.
How important is sun protection? In my opinion, it’s not just important, it’s non-negotiable for anyone serious about maintaining healthy skin. Regular use of sunscreen helps reduce the risk of wrinkles, pigmentation, and premature aging (PALMER'S SKIN THERAPY OIL). While the term “sunblock” still appears in casual conversations, it’s outdated in the skincare world. Sunscreens like Biore UV Perfect Protect Milk SPF50+ PA+++ offer reliable, broad-spectrum protection without claiming to block 100% of UV rays.

(A quick look at Biore UV Perfect Protect Milk SPF50+ PA+++ — lightweight texture, smooth application, and sun protection in action.)

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Indian Food Near Me: Restaurant Dhiyaz Curry House

Bright yellow and dark brown themed front counter at an Indian restaurant.
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-popular Bandar Rimbayu area. Located at No. 20, 1/3, Persiaran Rimba, 42500 Bandar Rimbayu, Kuala Langat, Selangor, it’s a relatively short drive from our place in Kemuning Greenville, Kota Kemuning. We left at 11.00 a.m. and arrived by 11.15 a.m. on a Tuesday.

Walking in, we noticed three customers having their meals. The ambiance was welcoming - clean, brightly lit with yellow walls, and accented with a touch of Indian décor. No menu was handed out. Instead, we walked to the food counter and, from the decent spread available at that hour, we opted for two side dishes to go with our South Indian banana leaf lunch (RM11.90 each).

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