The Delights of K2 Kopitiam: A Foodie's Paradise

To be known as a foodie is to embrace culinary adventures, exploring flavors from all corners, be it the streets or coffee shops. While high-end restaurants often steal the limelight, it's essential to remember that delicious food can be found in unexpected places, such as Chinese coffee shops that have reinvented themselves as Kopitiams (Malaysia's Vibrant Street Food). In this blog post, we revisit K2 Kopitiam, located in Bandar Rimbayu, a bustling end-lot coffee shop, where we sampled an array of tantalizing dishes from its diverse stalls.

How To Grow and Care for Torch Ginger (Pokok Kantan)

(Updated Version)

Take a whiff of the torch ginger flower and you’ll fall in love with its delicate, sweet, and subtly floral scent, reminiscent of a tropical garden. Even the leaves emit a mild, citrusy, and slightly herbal aroma. Torch ginger, also known as Pokok Kantan, and its vibrant flowers, known as Bunga Kantan, add a beautiful burst of green to any garden. Its simple elegance truly brightens up any space (PANDAN LEAVES: BENEFITS & USES)

Vegetable Biryani Recipe

Effortlessly made in the rice cooker, a versatile kitchen appliance designed for simple and efficient cooking. Beyond just cooking rice, I rely on the rice cooker for a variety of rice dishes. One of its best features is that you don’t have to worry about rice being burned or undercooked (LEMONGRASS RICE). 

 

For this vibrant, colorful, and grainy rice cooked with spices, using basmati super long rice is ideal. Consider splurging on saffron strands - worth the investment for its floral earthy notes, subtle honey-like taste, and light golden hue (SAFFRON RICE). 

Chicken Rendang Recipe (Resepi Rendang Ayam)

Chicken Rendang, or Rendang Ayam, is a popular Malaysian dish, a traditional Malay chicken dish. Rendang is also found in other Asian countries, with Indonesia being one of them. There are various types of rendang recipes, but all feature herbs and spices. It can be an easy rendang recipe or a more elaborate one if you prefer to use more ingredients than what is generally featured. Yet, one of the must-use ingredients is pan-roasted and pounded fresh grated coconut, which in Malaysia is known as kerisik. Kerisik is easily available, which actually saves you time in making it at home.

Lavish Coffee House: A Treat for the Senses

Indulge in a culinary journey, for even food enthusiasts deserve a treat from time to time (Signature Tiffins Cafe). Whether it's to reward ourselves for our hard work and dedication or simply to savor life's pleasures, treating ourselves is a nourishment for both the mind and soul (He Ju Kopitiam & Nutz & Boltz). Today, at about 10:15 AM, we found ourselves at Lavish Coffee House (No 16-G, Jalan Eco Santuari 8/2B, Eco Santuari, Selangor) immersed in its captivating ambiance. The menu instantly caught our attention, offering a plethora of options to satisfy our cravings. Among the array of choices, we opted for Ladies Breakfast Set (RM23.00), which came with a steaming cup of Americano and a plate of Kampung Fried Rice (RM19.90), alongside a comforting Cafe Latte (RM9.90).

Easy Spinach Lentil Curry - Indian Style

A dish I’ve made countless times and is a favorite in my home, spinach lentil curry holds a special place at our table. Packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach, lentils, coconut milk, and spices, it’s a comforting and wholesome dish. Each time I prepare it, I tweak the ingredients for a slightly different version, ensuring it never becomes monotonous or boring (EGG GREEN CURRY RECIPE). 

Spinach lentil curry is not only easy to assemble but also bursts with flavor. For this version, I use red Malabar spinach and red lentil, though other varieties work beautifully as well. The blend of spinach, lentil, coconut milk, ghee, curry leaves, and cumin seeds elevates spinach lentil curry as a forever timeless classic Indian dish (CURRY LEAF RICE - 3 VARIETIES). 

Egg Curry Recipe: Thai Green Curry Style

Eggs – they’re the universal culinary treasure, right? At my house, they’re a staple, always on standby for those emergency cooking situations. Who doesn’t love the versatility of eggs? Countless dishes, endless creativity, and egg curries being one of them. Today’s recipe still features eggs, but in a thick, green curry (THAI GREEN CRAB CURRY & BASIL PEPPER CRAB). Once you make the green chillies and herbs-scented Thai paste, you’re good to go. The rest is simple – aromatic and creamy, mouthwatering boiled eggs in green curry (EASY INDIAN EGG CURRY). 

A Foodie's Journey in Taman Tun Dr Ismail: Unveiling the Culinary Delights of Alora Spices

Usually, my food hunting adventures take place within Kota Kemuning. However, a week ago, I had the pleasure of venturing into Taman Tun Dr Ismail after a delightful outing with a dear friend in Bukit Bintang. In search of a satisfying late lunch, we stumbled upon Alora Spices, an Indian eatery that instantly captivated us with its inviting ambiance and clean atmosphere. Join me as I recount the flavorsome experience and delectable dishes that awaited us at this hidden gem.

Curry Leaf Rice: Three Simple Recipes

The aroma of curry leaves is a natural perfume for the senses - imagine that scent in a rice dish? Sounds fantastic, right? Absolutely. By the way, have you made curry leaf rice before, or even tasted it? You should, because the aroma of curry leaves lingering in your kitchen while cooking and in the rice dish will bring a smile to your face when you tuck in (BUTTERFLY BLUE PEA FLOWER RICE). 

Crab Masala Recipe

(Updated Version)

Have you realized that compared to enjoying a crab meal outside, nothing compares to savoring a crab dish at home (BLACK PEPPER & GREEN CRAB CURRY)? You can sit comfortably, take your time, and use your fingers to dig in, feeling the spiciness ignite sparks on your lips, tongue, and throat. We cherish our home-cooked crab, and nothing beats a crab dish infused with Indian spices - thick, spicy gravy or sauce that coats the crabs, leaving them drenched in fiery, lingering flavor (EASIEST MUTTON CURRY RECIPES). This crab masala dish is exactly that. Sit back and picture yourself indulging in it? Pow!!!

Exploring the Versatility of Brazilian Spinach: A Hidden Gem in the Culinary World

Discovering new ingredients is always an exciting journey, and my encounter with Brazilian spinach, about four years ago, was nothing short of a delightful surprise. Prior to that, I had never even heard of this leafy green vegetable. Its origin remained a mystery, intriguing me to delve deeper into its background. Today, I not only grow Brazilian spinach myself, but also relish its diverse culinary applications. Join me as we explore this fascinating ingredient and its simple yet flavorsome Malaysian-style stir-fry recipe.

He Ju Kopitiam: A Culinary Adventure Through a Food Critic's Lens

We decided to check out a kopitiam, which has become quite popular lately. It seems that just using the word "kopitiam" in a restaurant's name attracts customers for different reasons. Kopitiams can be simple coffee shops serving Malaysian food or fancier places with nice decorations and air conditioning. The fancier ones may be a bit pricier, but they attract people with their tasty food and cozy atmosphere. The one we went to was somewhere in the middle, offering a variety of delicious dishes from both Malaysia and other countries on their menu.

Vegetarian Okra Recipe: Kerabu Bendi (Lady Finger Salad)

Whether you call it okra or lady fingers, in our Malay language, it’s known as bendi. Even among other Malaysian races, bendi is the familiar name. This affordable vegetable is often added to curries or stir-fried. But did you know it can also be made into a salad? In Malaysia, it’s known as Kerabu Bendi - a simple, no-fuss recipe using kitchen-friendly ingredients. 

Lemongrass (serai), a favourite Malaysian herb, lends its aroma and benefits, a staple in cooking with herbs. For those who are not familiar with kerisik, it’s fresh grated coconut that’s pan roasted and pounded. This easy vegetarian okra salad delivers spice, tang, and a hint of Gula Melaka sweetness for that balanced taste.

Restoran Top 1 Kopitiam: Malaysia's Vibrant Street Food Scene

As an avid food lover, I may not claim to be the world's top foodie, but I've had my fair share of dining experiences both within and outside my country. While traveling abroad, I've had the pleasure of indulging in various cuisines. I must confess, I'm not a picky eater and can enjoy a meal anywhere without following strict food rules. 

Unlike some self-proclaimed foodies, I embrace all sorts of culinary delights, except for beef due to my religious beliefs rooted in Hinduism. Although I cook regularly at home, I often take a break to explore the realm of dining out. Lately, I've found myself drawn to the fascinating world of street food, which offers a delightful array of flavors right here in Malaysia.

Gardening Tips for Beginners

(Updated Version)

Not sure how to start or where to begin your gardening journey? Don’t worry! With over 20 years of experience, I’m here to guide you step by step. Gardening doesn’t have to be overwhelming - it’s all about keeping it simple and fun. In this article, we’ll focus on gardening on the ground, leaving aside container gardening for the time being. Let’s dig in.

 

Where to Plant
Start by identifying a plot of land within your compound. Even a small area, like the patch of land near your gate, can work wonders. Consider how much space you have and choose a location that gets enough sunlight. Accessibility for watering and maintenance is key - ensure it’s easy to reach and work with.

 

Cleaning Up
Before planting, clear the area thoroughly. Remove weeds, rocks, and debris from both the surface and below the soil. A clean foundation is essential for healthier plants and makes planting easier. Remember, the larger the plot, the more time it will take to prepare, so start small if you’re a beginner.

Soil Matters

Examine the soil type in your chosen area. In Malaysia, clay soil is common but tends to harden quickly, especially in hot weather. If the soil is too hard, water won’t penetrate deeply, which can hinder plant growth. Consider enhancing the soil by mixing in black soil or compost. Black soil not only improves moisture retention but also adds an attractive contrast when paired with lush green plants.

 

Essential Tools
Equip yourself with the basics:

A hand trowel for planting and digging.

Pruning shears for trimming plants.

Garden gloves for protection and comfort.

A watering can for precise watering.

Start with these essentials and expand your toolkit as needed. For example, a small shovel and soil moisture meter can be helpful once you’re more experienced.

Protection and Safety

Always wear gardening gloves - they protect your hands from dirt, thorns, and insects. Consider gardening boots if you’re working on uneven or rocky ground. If you’re out in the sun for long hours, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen are must-haves for your safety.

 

What to Plant
Choose plants suited to your climate and environment. As a beginner, focus on low-maintenance options. Those grow easily and are satisfying to nurture. Avoid  ambitious choices to start; small successes will build your confidence as you grow your green thumb.

 

Learning Along the Way
Gardening is an ongoing learning experience. Read books, explore online resources, or join free gardening workshops if available. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice at local nurseries - most staff are happy to share tips. Every plant you grow teaches you something new, making the journey all the more rewarding.

Dedication and Passion

Gardening requires time, effort, and a love for the process. Be prepared to get sweaty and dirty - it’s part of the experience. Dedication and passion will help you enjoy the challenges and rewards that come with nurturing your own green haven.

 

Happy gardening. In the next article, we will dwell into other matters on gardening.

(Ms. Nava is a dynamic individual in her 60s, leading yoga sessions at Nava's Zen while also embracing her passion for gardening through Zen Blooming. With credentials in gardening and extensive experience, she cultivates a serene environment that reflects her commitment to Zen, inspiring others to find balance and tranquility in their lives). 

 

Pineapple Salted Fish Curry Recipe

Pineapple salted fish curry is a beloved dish among the Eurasian, Portuguese (EASY MALAYSIAN DEVIL CURRY), and Malay communities. It’s a dish I truly love and have introduced to my other half-half. He, too, has grown fond of it, though he never knew such a dish existed until we got married. Yippie yeh!