Saturday, October 4, 2025

Street Food in Sri Lanka

Spicy coconut, made with pounding fresh grated coconut, shallots, dried red chilies, lime juice and salt.
Street food is literally everywhere in Sri Lanka. Mouthwatering and tempting, it is made from ingredients that are readily available, affordable, and common, referred as hawker food as well (THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA). 

Typical ingredients include spices, coconut, and the well-known Sri Lankan palm sugar (kithul treacle). Coconut is used in various for - from grated coconut to coconut milk, coconut oil, fresh sap (kithul sap), or even pol kallu (fermented sap, known as toddy).

 

Fresh local fish is a staple of Sri Lankan street food, especially for curries (FISH CURRY WITH COCONUT MILK). Common varieties include tuna, mackerel (balaya), sardines, and seer fish (thora). Tamarind (puli) is added to introduce a touch of sourness. These ingredients combine to create the sweet, sour, spicy, and creamy flavors that define Sri Lankan street food.

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Lotus Soup Recipe - Vegetarian

Vegetarian soup made with tofu, lotus root, leek, black fungus, spring onion, dashi stock and water.
Light, mildly umami, and subtly sweet-savory broth with cooked-to-the-right-texture lotus root, black fungus, white tofu, and leek. The aroma of spring onions complements the soup with a fresh burst. Nutritious, nourishing, and easy to make, lotus soup is suited for vegetarians, vegans, and is certainly a plant-based recipe.
Jump to the Recipe

Lotus Soup is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, and there is also a non-vegetarian version known as Pork Bones Lotus Soup (EASY BAK KUT TEH/PORK SOUP). However, this recipe is inspired by Japanese-style vegetarian Lotus Root Soup, as Katsuobushi (bonito flakes), which is fish-based, is not included.

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 Guide

Varieties of raw sliced Indonesian salads, in two rattan trays, for a buffet meal.
Indonesia is a large country both in size and population. With an estimated population of over 277 million people (as of 2025), it is the fourth most populous country in the world. Geographically, Indonesia is the largest archipelago, made up of over 17,000 islands, and ranks as the 14th largest country by land area (MOUNT MERAPI INDONESIA TOUR). 

With such diversity across its regions, Indonesia’s food culture is just as wide-ranging. In every city or town, food is part of daily life, and eating out is common. You might also come across Indonesian food outside the country, as some Indonesians living abroad have introduced it through small eateries or food ventures (IKAN BALADO RECIPE).

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

Asian Travel Food Guide: What to Eat in Vietnam

Steamed Vietnamese fish in sauce with onions and herbs.
Vietnamese food stands out as one of Asia’s most vibrant and flavor-packed cuisines. With big, bold tastes and distinct character, it holds its own alongside Cambodian, Thai, Malaysian, and Indonesian food (SPICY LEMONGRASS FISH). When it comes to Asian flavours, it’s all about elevating the taste experience, and Vietnam delivers that through a unique mix of fresh ingredients and local cooking styles.

 

Whether you’re a meat lover or vegetarian, there’s something for everyone. Vietnamese food strikes a balance between subtlety and richness - dishes that gently light up the tastebuds without overpowering. So, what should you eat in Vietnam? The options are endless, from street stalls and roadside carts to restaurants and even high-end eateries (THINGS TO DO IN VIETNAM).

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).

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Easy Rice Pudding Recipe

Rice pudding with basmati rice, coconut milk, ghee, sugar, almonds, blackcurrants, and stevia leaves.

Looking for a simple, comforting dessert? This easy homemade rice pudding recipe uses pantry staples like rice, sugar, and milk, or coconut milk. It’s similar to Indian kheer in the north and payasam in the south, loved for its creamy texture and gentle sweetness (EASY BREAD PUDDING).  

 

This recipe is flexible, affordable, and quick to make. With rice and some milk, you’re already halfway there.

 

This rice pudding can be served warm or chilled and is ideal for anyone who loves familiar, homey desserts. Whether you call it rice pudding, kheer, or payasam (PAYASAM RECIPE), the comfort is universal.

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Asian Food Guide: Cambodian Food for Beginners

Three slices of purple custard apple on a plate.
Heading to Cambodia (SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA TRAVEL) and wondering what to expect from its food? You’re in for a treat! If you're a fan of Asian cuisine, Cambodian food offers a delightful mix of flavors. Drawing influences from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia, the food ranges from fresh and subtle to bold and spicy. Whether you’re at a street stall, casual eatery, or upscale restaurant, there’s something to suit every palate. And don’t worry, vegetarians will find plenty of flavorful options, too.

How to Order Cambodian Food

Not speaking Cambodian? No problem! When you're at street food stalls, just point to the dish you want. Vendors are used to tourists, and a smile will go a long way. In restaurants, menus usually have pictures and sometimes English translations, making it easy to order. Be mindful of portion sizes, though - they might surprise you,

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Best Things To do In South India

Indian lady tourist posing from behind the tall tree, in nature setting, in Kodaikanal, South India.
There’s so much more to discover when it comes to things to do in South India, especially with the diverse experiences across the states we journeyed through (BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN SOUTH INDIA). Traveling by coach allowed us the pleasure of catching up on sleep and admiring the ever-changing scenery. From bustling cities to quaint villages, from being caught in traffic jams to taking comfort breaks along the way, it was all part of the adventure. Our sightseeing journey officially began in the misty hills of Kodaikanal.

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Traditional Malay Food Review: Selera Kampung Nasi Campur

Red and white neon signboard mounted above a food court Malay food stalls.
For the longest time, whenever we’re at AEON Bukit Rimau, Shah Alam, Selangor to run errands or pick up a few things, we never miss having lunch at Selera Kampung Nasi Campur. Sometimes, I even bring along my containers to pack their food back home. We usually arrive early, around 11:30 am, to avoid the lunchtime crowd. This stall is by far the most popular among the few in the food court.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Bread Pudding Recipe: Malaysian Style

Bread pudding with screwpine leaves extract, milk, eggs, sugar, and butter in a clear square Pyrex dish.

When it comes to bread pudding, it's all about waste not, want not. This Malaysian-style bread pudding recipe is a go-to when needing to use up near-expiry bread slices, crusts included. No waste, no fuss (FRUITY BREAD PUDDING). And when you add the beautiful aroma of pandan leaves (screwpine), you get that unmistakable local Malaysian taste.

 

This is a healthier version of bread pudding. Instead of condensed milk, which is often too sweet, plain carton milk is used with a light touch of sugar. You can even swap in coconut milk for a creamier, more indulgent texture.

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Best Tourist Spots in South India, India

Indian lady in traditional punjabi attire, with head wrapped in scarf, with both palms together in an Indian temple.
South India comprises several states in the southern part of India - Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala (TOURIST PLACES IN KERALA). Our nine-day trip began in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and continued to Mysuru (also in Karnataka) and Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Though this was another solo trip for me, I joined a tour group of about 20 people, traveling by coach from one destination to another.

Bengaluru, Karnataka

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Spanning over 240 acres, Lalbagh Botanical Garden is one of Bengaluru’s must-visit attractions. Established in 1760 by Hyder Ali, it features more than 1,000 plant species from across the world. The garden’s highlight is the Glass House, which hosts an annual flower show inspired by London’s Crystal Palace.

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Holistic Wellness: 5 Quick Yoga Tips

Yoga instructor stands on a chair, one leg bend, hands on the wall in an advanced standing pose.
What Is Holistic Wellness

Key “holistic wellness” into any search engine and dozens of definitions pop up. Most say roughly the same thing. Ask Ms. Nava, founder of Nava’s Zen Holistic Wellness, and she’ll tell you this:

 

Holistic Wellness is about your complete self - your whole package inside and out - linked to everything that matters to you: where you live, what you do, who you’re with, and when you do it. It’s the connection you discover between breath, body, mind, and soul.

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Fried Banana Chips Recipe

Coated with chilli powder, turmeric powder and salt, crispy fried Indian banana chips.
Crunchy, crispy, and lightly spiced, these banana chips are a beloved accompaniment for home-cooked rice meals (RICE-COOKER TURMERIC RICE) and are looked forward to in unassumingly Indian eateries. Making fried banana chips isn’t complicated. It’s all about time, batch-frying, and ensuring they are crispy fried without burning. This Indian banana chips recipe shows you how to make banana chips easily at home.

The bananas used for these crispy banana chips are green bananas, known as Valakkai in Tamil, which gives the recipe its name in Tamil as Valakkai Chips or Valakkai Poriyal (though “poriyal” usually refers to stir-fries).

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Kopitiam Review: Kawan Place Kota Kemuning

Facade and main entrance of a kopitiam with a signboard mounted above, located on a corner lot.
Located on a corner lot in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, Selangor, Kawan Place offers a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. Green is their highlight color - seen on the signboard, façade, and dining area - while the overall ambiance feels clean and welcoming. We arrived on a Monday at about 11:15 a.m.; as we entered the indoor dining area, we noticed a few customers tucking into their meals at the outside pavement dining area (WHERE TO EAT IN PERAK).

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Chinese Steamed Chicken Recipe

Steamed chicken with ginger, cabbage, and spring onions on a silver oblong serving tray.

Tender and juicy chicken, served with ginger sauce. The fresh aroma of ginger, the bright burst of spring onions, and the nutty scent of sesame oil make this a delicious, wholesome, and simple Chinese meal (CHINESE EGG FRIED RICE). 

 

Truly, Chinese cooking doesn’t get easier. Steaming is straightforward, and the no-cook Chinese Ginger Dip delivers a beloved spicy kick. The succulent steamed chicken (EASY CHICKEN SALAD) is eaten by dipping into the Chinese sauce.

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Best Turmeric Rice Recipe: Rice Cooker Style

Turmeric rice made with turmeric powder, rice, pecans, raisins, butter, water, and salt.

Best in the sense that it’s not only known as turmeric rice but also as golden rice. Fluffy grains, earthy, peppery, and buttery, with a satisfying crunch from nuts and natural sweetness from raisins. Though some stove-top prep is required, this recipe is mostly cooked in the rice cooker for ease and consistency.

 

Turmeric powder, a powerful antioxidant with numerous health benefits. A staple of Indian cooking and has now found its place in Western kitchens. Basmati rice is also known for its health benefits compared to plain white rice, with light, separate grains and a fragrant aroma.

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Vegetarian White Bee Hoon Recipe - Indian Style

Blanched bee hoon, stir fried with dried chilies, curry leaves, mustard seeds, shallots and cabbage.

Forever a classic - fragrant, nutritious, and wholesome. This Indian-style vegetarian white bee hoon (rice vermicelli) is a family favorite. The aroma of curry leaves, the gentle heat of dried red chilies, and the crunch of cabbage come together in soft or al-dente fried bee hoon.

 

Simple, affordable, and homemade (INDIAN CREAMED SPINACH), this stir-fried bee hoon is enjoyed for breakfast, tea-time, or even as a light dinner.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Where to Eat in Perak: A Foodie’s Guide

Lady tucking into chicken chop meal in a Chinese restaurant.
Perak is one of Malaysia’s states where food is never in short supply. From hawker stalls and humble street setups to upscale restaurants and hotel dining, you’ll find a variety of hearty meals. As for us, we chose to go with the flow (WHAT TO DO IN PERAK) - stopping wherever caught our attention instead of planning too much. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you're a curious local (CAMERON HIGHLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE), this guide shares some of the must-try eateries we explored across Perak.

Little House Café (Jalan Stesen, Tapah)

A quick online search while passing through Tapah brought us to this old-school, humble kopitiam. We ordered Black Pepper Chicken Chop, Hainanese Chicken Chop with fries, Fish Soy Rice Set, and Petai Squid Rice Set. Every dish was satisfying, home-style, and generous in portion. Halal Malaysian fusion at an affordable price—definitely worth stopping for. (WHERE & WHAT TO EAT IN PENANG). Even as a small eater, I finished my Hainanese Chicken Chop!

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Mutton Curry Recipe/Masala Mutton Gravy

Mutton curry made with spices, crushed black pepper, shallots, curry leaves, and potatoes.
The simply aromatic, top-notch flavor profile of Indian spices defines this Indian-style Mutton Curry. Tender mutton in a thick, spicy gravy awakens the palate instantly, while crushed black pepper adds a sharp heat and lingering spiciness (CHETTINAD MUTTON CURRY).

 

Mutton curries with black pepper are popular across regions, each with unique local names. In Kerala, it’s called Meat Pepper Curry or Irachi Milagu Curry. In Tamil Nadu, simply South Indian Mutton Curry. It is Milagu Mutton in Sri Lanka, whereas, in Bangladesh, known as Kala Bhuna, and in Durban, South Africa, as Durban Mutton Curry.

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Adolescents' Global Mental Health Crisis: Holistic Wellness Yoga

Author
Ms. Krishnan N, a Zenpreneur 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
The mental health crisis among adolescents has become a global concern, with rising rates of stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. While traditional approaches to mental health often focus on psychological interventions, holistic wellness through practices such as yoga has gained recognition as an effective remedy. Yoga, which integrates breathwork, physical postures, and mindfulness, offers a unique solution to promote mental health, physical wellness, and emotional resilience among adolescents. This article explores the potential of yoga, focusing on its holistic approach to well-being and its benefits in addressing mental health issues faced by adolescents.

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