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 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)

Chair Yoga

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). 

Homemade Lemonade

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.

Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia -Things to Do

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.

Indonesian Desserts

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). 

Coconut Milk Dessert - Bubur Cha-Cha

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). 

Best Street Food in Sri Lanka

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.