Siong Huat Bak Kut Teh (Pelabuhan Klang) Selangor

How did Nava K end up in Port Klang? Nava K all the way to Port Klang? Intriguing story plot actually. I really can’t wait to tell you, sincerely, you may not even believe it. Nonetheless, instead of allowing Nava cat out of her own bag right now, right at this juncture, lemme keep it as a classified KGB or even FBI Indian file. At least till I spill all of it in the next sharing. I promise I will bare front and bare back all of it. Suspense by the way, I reckon, don't you agree is your mind and my mind boggling and wrecking? Undoubtedly, suspense indeed is a heart killer, I know, patience obviously is not a virtue anymore. Don't believe me? See how impatiently everyone is killing each other, even family members, all because of money suspense? Still, whatever said, my dear followers, I suggest you patiently await in suspender or suspense on what's with me in Port Klang (Khuntai Thai Banting, Coconut Flower Telok Gong & Bagan Hailam Klang)

Restoran Lucky Loke SS3

What have my fifties done to me? Aplenty! Crucially, my fifties has automated me towards the core meaning  of friendship. I realise that, for some reason or rather, once fifties started crawling on my body, mind and soul, my maturity friendship button sky rocketed till the moon and sky for loudly alerting me to trash aside rubbish friends. Who are these rubbish friends we are talking about? Those who massively use us, those who constantly empty their bad and negative vibes on us, and those who slyly bad stab us. Shall we now realistically blame it on, what else can it possibly be except the competitive real time and social media time friendship. I bet. Of course. Envy and jealously. Anything new? No. Pretty much a norm and a complicated messy head banging matter. Nevertheless, believe me, once the big five hard kick your butt, most probably you won’t have any problem identifying who these friends are. Unless of course, if you are telling me that your fifties is just another passing phase? Am I right? I believe I am.

Olive Garden - AEON Mall, Seksyen 13 (Shah Alam)

Over to AEON Mall after the hearty breakfast in “The Coffee & Bar". Nothing really on my mind, I am by the way not someone who aimlessly walk around shopping malls for no apparent reason. Gone are the days of giving into shopping temptation or spending money without thinking hundred over times. Basically, I can't afford. I don't earn as much as I used to, I also rather keep my money for my travel ventures (Melaka Jonker Walk & Pyeonchang Korea) instead of spending for the sake of it. But since this is my time in AEON Shah Alam mall, my niece who comes over quite often insisted on showing me around. Why not? No harm done because should I really need to shop next time, I may consider this mall. 

Khuntai Authentic Thai Restaurant – Banting, Klang

Hoopla-hop-hula-hop family wedding finally was over and done (Indian Fashion Trends For Ladies In Their 50's). Phew! What an Indian live show to a grand wedding and also who is richer than art thou. Least expected next was the "thank you all" appreciation family dinner. Sure, why not? We were free, so, we hopped into the back wagon of car pooling to rock and roll once we hit the long stretch of sinking up and down pothole inner road on this raining day while glimpsing at the squatter living on both sides. Squatter living it may be, still, we shouldn't underestimate these people. Nice big cars parked in their open to all compound, but I won’t encourage you to compete with them by driving your sports car to Khuntai. A fat car repair bill may be awaiting due to the condition of the road. Therefore, I suggest you load the whole family on a pick-up truck or lorry for the akin a roller-coaster drive before parking in front of Khuntai or take a turn to park further inside. 

Soup Restaurant - 1 Utama, Bandar Utama

What brought me all way to this part of Petaling Jaya? I, seldom drive this far, not for no valid reason, this trip of mine will seemingly be kinda starlight star bright for Nava K. I am suppose to audition for a Malay segment food hunting tv program. Was I literally jumping up and down while anxiously awaiting for the day? Honestly, sort of. Not because I am guaranteed my road to fame and fortune, neither will I be the biggest threat to the existing tv host and hostess who have worked their butts for capturing their spots in the limelight. Anyone for the matter, even you, if you are to audition for a tv program, I am sure you will be having sleepless nights. Mine was, on one side excitement, the other, fear. Actually, more of fear. Never have I done it before, so, my heart kept rushing up and down. To tell you the truth, I was worried if my heart will stop pumping permanently. In all fairness, I knew I may fumble, but I have already clearly mentioned to the company I am the freshest grain in front of the camera. They were fine. They assured me they don't mind. Alright. 

Fried Fish with Soy Sauce

How easy sometimes it can be. Not always though and unless and until you decide you want easiness. Easiness by far can take place in your and my kitchen as well (Mapo Tofu & Fried Prawn Wanton)? Of course. Without a doubt when we don't feel like rolling aplenty pots and pans and we actually yearn for simplicity. Take this Fried Fish with Soy Sauce (Ikan Masak Kicap) as an example. I actually got the fish monger to clean the fish  (Yong Tau Foo) and when I returned home, I gave fish a good rinse in lime water, prior to moving on to cooking (Fish Ball Noodle Soup). Cooking basically meaning dusting fish with corn flour, rice flour and seasoned by pepper and salt, thereafter deep fried and removed from wok. Up next? Frying ginger till crispy (Thai Crispy Fish & Chilli Lime Fish) and kept aside, before making the easy sauce and this sauce, as well as fried ginger going over fried dish and spring onion garnished. Over, over. Our Fried Fish with Soy Sauce is ready (Nyonya Acar Fish & Teochew Steamed Fish).

Fried Prawn Wanton

Fried Prawn Wanton. My-My! Such a fab kinda crunch and munch right? I know. Fried stuffs especially on the whole? You tell me. In fact, when these wanton skin parcel filled with prawns came out from my wok, a few actually went missing immediately. Not anywhere far, but our tummy tucking actually. By themselves, or when dipped into chilli sauce prior to having a ball of a time and as many as we want till all the fried prawn wanton are over and done, perhaps within a short while, what a delight. How do we make these prawn wantons? I think I have already alerted you. In fact in my previous recipes as well (Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soup & Chicken Wanton Soup) and this latest variety is sort of the cousin of the previous Fried Shrimp Wanton. Only that, the tedious thing for me when prawns are a concern (Mee Goreng Udang, Hokkien Hae Mee, Mongolian Prawns, Goan Prawn Curry, Butter Prawns & Prawn Coconut Milk)? The peeling and cleaning, especially the time taken pulling out the veins. Otherwise, all is fine with prawns though I must say we are not the biggest fans of prawns (Sichuan Prawns & Chinese Prawn Fritters). Of course, there is always the once a while and these Fried Prawn Wanton, trust me, are super yummy, super crunchy and super beautifully plated up. 

Nescafe Chocolate Cake (Eggless)

Buying ingredients is one thing, the other of course is making sure we use or finish them up. Potentially we should right? Otherwise, don't you think its such a waste to our money? I know. I in fact have been trying to finish up the box of quality cocoa powder I bought and seemingly there is no end (Eggless Molten Lave Cake, Chocolate Genoise & Cocoa Butter Cake). Greedy me actually. Instead of buying a small box, me the hero bought a big box. Henceforth, I am like racing in finishing it up and thank god, I decided to let go of the brakes towards this Nescafe Chocolate Cake (Milo Cake Eggless). But instead of getting excited again by buying coffee, I told myself. What the hack. I will make do with Nescafe which is by our favorite coffee brand. Not at all a regret. Nothing in fact was regrettable. Obviously, Nescafe instead of coffee, plus cocoa powder (Chocolate Cheesecake, Marble Cake & Chocolate Rum Tart) and the rest of the ingredients listed below for this eggless cake (Eggless Mandarin Orange Cake). Nescafe Chocolate Cake? Like a dark knight splendid attractiveness. Coffee and cocoa in one, super moist (Easy Banana Bread, Traditional Butter Cake & Sujee Cake) and vanilla scented winning eggless cake. 

Thai Style Eggplant

Eggplant, aubergine or brinjal. All from the same family tree right? Except maybe their shapes and sizes and at times, color code as well. Eggplant in fact is a favourite in my house for all sorts of dishes, including in curries as well (Nadan Meen Curry). In fact, I can go on and on and speak about eggplant, but potentially it will be best I stick to this recipe for the day. Thai Style Eggplant. Thai cuisine and Nava K (Vegan Tom Yum Soup, Thai Fried Chicken & Lamb Massaman Curry)? Pretty much says it all and after,  and Thai Style Eggplant basically is fried eggplant in a spicy, tangy and kaffir lime leaves scented attractive gravy/sauce. Oh, a vegetarian variety too (Bengali Begun Bhaja, Baingan Bharta, Japanese Eggplant Saute, Eggplant Tikka & Brinjal Stir Fry).

Mango Kulfi

The second round of me making ice cream (Nescafe Ice Cream) and specifically these rich, creamy and super attractive Mango Kufli, aka Indian ice cream. Damn and darn tempting and absolutely a temptation right? I know. Of course. I made, so I must blow my own trumpet. Just kidding. Regardless, since I don't owe any kulfi moulds, I was supported by cup cake cases. Not a bad idea actually for easy serving and instead of kulfi dripping and messing and creating work to wiping and mopping the floor. Mango Kulfi. The pleasure is always ours. Fresh milk, condensed milk, cardamom, mango puree, saffron strands and pistachios. 

Chocolate Genoise

On the go. Baking is still on the go? Looks like it, but perhaps sooner or later, most probably sooner I foresee I will be pulling the brakes to baking (Easy Banana Bread & Cocoa Butter Cake). Enough. I think enough of practice and trying to make perfect, and also putting some much of effort on baking. Done it and I am quite satisfied actually (Lemon Bars, Mandarin Orange Cake, Milo Cake & Sujee Cake). Pretty much satisfaction attained, but I thought I will still do one for the road and out came from the oven this Chocolate Genoise. The other side of the coin to Classic Genoise. Of course the intention was also for finishing up the box of cocoa (Chocolate Cheesecake & Cayenne Chocolate Cookies). Chocolate Genoise as you can see is an ultimate sweet delight right? And the technic to making? Remember, the folding must be done daintily and without rushing. Otherwise? You tell me please (Traditional Butter Cake). 

Ingredients

3 eggs (room temperature)

80g sugar

30g warm melted butter 

70g cake flour

15g cocoa powder

15g corn flour

Method

Create a double boiler (a bowl placed on top of a pan simmering with water)

Whisk eggs and sugar (on the bowl) till slightly warm and foamy.

Remove from heat.

Whisk to the ribbon stage (drop to see a line)

Combine/mix cake flour, corn flour and cocoa together. 

Sift the flour mixture over the egg mixture.

Carefully fold in. Do not over fold but ensure there's no lumps. 

Stream warm melted butter inside and fold in.
Tip cake mixture onto a greased baking pan (size depends on how thick or thin you prefer the cake)

Bake at 170C (preheated for 5 mins) for about 40 mins or until cooked.

(Note; adjust heat according to your oven and baking time, depending on the size of the pan).

Remove from oven, cool down and optional - dust some icing sugar atop. 

Mathi Achar

Mathi Achar. Kerala Sardine Fish Achar or Kerala Sardine Fish Pickle. Says it all. Me and my love for fish achar (Nyonya Acar Fish) or even salted fish pickle (Pada Salt Fish Pickle & Salted Fish Pickle). And so, you think I would have had major kitchen struggle in making Mathi Achar? I don't think so because I have to some extent, mastered my cooking skills towards Kerala cuisine (Nadan Meen Curry, Fish Puttu, Tuna Thoran & Malabar Fish Curry & Kerala Fish Fry). Of course, I must admit I did refer to a couple of recipes, but at the end of it all, I decided I will stay true to my own Mathi Achar cooking invention and fish by themselves, do I have to repeat myself again and again (Fish Ball Noodle Soup, Malu Kirata/Sri Lankan Fish Coconut Stew, Indonesian Fish Balado, Mauritian Fish Curry & Ikan Masak Kicap)? Moreover, sardines are not only a popularity in Kerala, but here in Malaysia too. So, sardines they were. Masala enhanced fried sardines tipped into a spicy and full of utmost power packed vinaigrette. Oh-My! What a fish pleasure. Made ahead and having Mathi Achar as you wish whenever you yearn for, for your rice meals (Sardine Masak Lemak).

Thai Thai Revisited - Sunway Pyramid

Back, back to Sunway Pyramid for a quick shopping spree and back again to Thai Thai. Quite a regrettable decision actually as Thai Thai spilled over with customers during this Ramadhan month. So service?  No where to be seen despite patiently calling over and over. Finally after 10 minutes, the female staff came with the menu and kept apologising. As soon as she suggested the dishes, I melted and anger was forgotten but since hunger was unbearable, I reminded her to speed up with the first dish.  

Cocoa Butter Cake

Me and my baking story? I think you already know it (Traditional Butter Cake)? My pastime and not hobby. Baking definitely can't be my hobby (Lemon Bars, Mandarin Orange Cake & Milo Cake) and me and baking are not even distant cousins. In fact, we are like touch and go, hit and run, acquaintances. Wish I can actually develop my interest in baking, but trust me, seemingly still inconclusive. What then to the outcome of this happy-tummy, soft and moist Cocoa Butter Cake? The calling for using up the ingredients and maybe, practice must make perfect. Absolutely. Cocoa Butter Cake actually is the other side of the coin to my previous Marble Cake. And pretty much, we need the same ingredients right? Of course. But instead of doing the swirling, I decided I want to a contrast between the dark brown tone (Chocolate Cheesecake) and yellow buttery tone (Sujee Cake). Not at all a letdown. I am sure you are agreeing?

Maggi Goreng Mamak

Maggi Goreng Mamak. The number fried noodle selling. In fact, each time we head to the mamak stalls, its like a habit or food lingo we must call for a plate of Maggi Goreng Mamak. My knees too can wobble for this style. Quickly fried on the spot, there and then noodles (Mee Goreng Udang, Char Kway Teow, Anchovies Fried Mee Hoon & Malaysian Fried Mee). Maybe not always, yet, I do yearn for and I usually request for lotsa veggies in Maggi Goreng Mamak. Can be a satisfying mind you even when we make it in our kitchen and of course, without compromising on cleanliness and according to our taste (Nyonya Mee Siam, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon & Hokkien Mee). Whichever and whatever ingredients we prefer, regardless, the essentials have to be Maggi instant noodle or noodles, chillies, soy sauce, and like I have already told you, throwing in lotsa vegetables.

Cincalok Omelette

Pictures went bizzared. I make mistakes too, its not always golden rain for me. Aplenty mistakes made, I tried to redo them, I guess only so far I could do. As you have noticed, pictures to this Malaysian authentic egg dish I know didn't turn out good. Then again, no point spilling over spilled milk, I guess sometimes its not the pictures, but its the person who sincerely and genuinely share meaningful recipes, which will never fail you. In the sense that you can daringly replicate and you will be jolly good be fine. Okay. Egg is the story today (Egg Mayonnaise Sandwich, Egg Potato Salad, Egg Sodhi & Egg Chicken Vinegar), as well you need to get a bottle of cincalok (I've attached the picture). 

Mixed Vegetable Soup

And so like they say, if you really can't conclude what to cook for the day (Moroccan Pea Soup, Kashmiri Vegetable Soup, Kenchin Jiru/Japanese Vegetable Soup, Moo Gook/Korean Radish Soup & Caldo Verde/Portuguese Potato Soup) and you also want to clear your fridge, plus the weather is chilling your bones, what else can be a new story in our kitchen? Wouldn't you agree it should potentially be a soup story? A soup as well (Thai Tomato Soup, Vegetarian Mulligatawny Soup & Chinese Tofu Soup), for also, like I have already said, for saving all the vegetables in the fridge before they permanently bid bye-bye? Such a waste right? Throwing away ingredients? As if you are throwing away money as well? Of course (Old Cucumber Soup, Burdock Root Soup, Winter Melon Soup & Turmeric Tomato Soup). Moreover, there's no leaps and bounds for a soup. By far, anything goes? Literally whatever, like for this Mixed Vegetable Soup. Of course, we must have aroma and scent for an Indian soup and we can't run far away from spices. All about worthiness. The worthiness of slurping or drenching Mixed Vegetable Soup over rice prior to finger and hand tucking in. I mean, nothing like our fingers leading the way when its an Indian soup in rice instead of soup being a starter (Pumpkin Soup, Creamy Mushroom Soup & Onion Soup). Oh, before I forget, vegetable stock and butter does mountain heaps of luxurious goodness in Mixed Vegetable Soup.

Nescafe Ice Cream

Me and ice-cream making. Shocker right? I know. I myself couldn't believe it. No words to describe why I made ice-cream. Must be one of my mood swings. The right pendulum swing until I decided. Not just any ordinary ice-cream, but ice-cream made from my favourite coffee. Nescafe! I mean, I told myself. Why should I buy a specific brand of coffee just for making ice-cream when I already have stock of Nescafe. Always and forever ((Milo Cake With Milo Glaze). After all, there is no such a thing as you must bring out your money each time you make something and me of course, as always, believe in starting with whatever ingredients I have stocked up at home (Bingka Pisang/Malaysian Banana Cake, Poached Pears In Citrus Syrup & Pineapple Bread Pudding). Possibly? What else shall I say then? Perhaps, you like to help me out (Malaysian Sago Pudding, Thai Mango Sticky Rice & Bubur Cha Cha) or best will be getting down to making Nescafe Ice Cream. Like any other ice cream made without the ice cream maker and alongside the ingredients listed below, Nescafe Ice Cream sincerely and definitely is a home made chilled, creamy and not overly sweet pride (Watermelon Milk Sorbet). 

Asian Egg Mayonnaise Sandwiches

Sometimes, or maybe even every now and then, we should ditch our regular meals aside for a simply put together home style sandwiches. I however, honestly and sincerely, am not at all a bread person (Tomato Rice Pilaf). And despite me having had tried really hard, I somehow still can't swallow any, whichever type of bread made. Usually, a bread meal is prepared for my other half-half, which in return must be interpreted as, he and bread are best friends (Tuna Burgers, Mushroom Veggie Burger & Lamb Burgers). Then again, since I am not a fussy eater and when I am hungry anything goes, and when I have to prepare a meal after a tiring working day, let it even be bread. Furthermore, can you imagine how much of time I have to spent in the kitchen if I have to prepare a bread meal for my other half-half, followed by a meal for myself (Dried Shrimp Sambal Sandwich, Fish Sandwich & Vegetarian Sandwich)?  

Semperit Cookies

My-my! Me and my baking. Still on-going.  Llike they say, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. True enough. I wouldn't keep quiet and I got down to making Semperit Cookies from the family group of Malay cookies. Nothing more did stop me and all went on well (Vanilla Butter Cookies, Cayenne Chocolate Cookies, Nyonya Pineapple Tarts & Chinese Peanut Cookies) until I had to pipe out the dough from the stringent and short tight tunnel like cookie mold. Oh-hack! Such a time consuming thing for ensuring that the long piece of dough didn't break in between and crumble and I also had make sure the size and shape were in balance with each other. What a killer go. In the end regardless, these buttery and vanilla scented Semperit Cookies were worthiness. I am sure you are agreeing and the more you will agree once you make.