Cameron Highlands Trip: What to Do

A break from the city’s hustle and monotony - off we went to Cameron Highlands. No rush, no pressure, no fixed itinerary, just a leisurely drive (A DAY TRIP TO SEKINCHAN). Being an off-peak season and a weekday, traffic was manageable, making the journey all the more enjoyable. A late brunch along the way, and with anticipation building, we looked forward to the cool, crisp air of Cameron Highlands.

Spicy Eggs Recipe: Resepi Telur Balado Indonesia

Boiled eggs (TURMERIC EGG/TELUR KUNYIT) coated in a spicy Indonesian chili paste are Telur Balado, or simply “spicy eggs.” The Balado Sauce is the heart of Indonesian food, packed with fiery flavors and the fragrance of bay leaves, known as daun salam in both Indonesian and Bahasa Malaysia.

 

For extra aroma, ingredients like daun limau purut (kaffir lime leaves) can also be added.

 

Balado sauce is sold ready-made in stores, but nothing beats homemade Balado sauce. Even as a no-cook sauce, it pairs well as a dipping sauce. Just squeeze some lime juice atop before serving with dishes like ikan bakar (grilled fish), mee goreng (fried noodles), or other classic Indonesian dishes (SALTED FISH SAMBAL). 

Xiang Bak Kut Teh – Kota Kemuning (Shah Alam)

On this particular Saturday afternoon, I walked into Xiang Kota Kemuning, a branch of the  Klang Original Xiang Bak Kut Teh, right as they opened at 11:15 AM. As the first customer, I had the freedom to choose my seat. The ambiance, with its classic Chinese design,  made me feel at home - it was exactly the kind of setting you'd expect for an a Bak Kut Teh meal (EASY INSTANT BAK KUT TEH RECIPE).

For those who prefer a visual representation, I’ve captured my experience at Xiang in a video (see below). Don’t forget to subscribe to our Nava’s Zen Channel for more updates. Subscribe Now. But for those who prefer reading, let me share my experience.

No-Cook Boiled Peanut Salad Recipe

Refreshing, tangy, and with just the right touch of sweetness and spiciness - this No-Cook Asian Style Peanut Salad is pure deliciousness (NO-COOK CUCUMBER PINEAPPLE SALAD). In Malaysia, peanuts are a staple. Whether fried, boiled (kacang rebus), or even from a canned, braised or boiled peanuts, used in Malaysian Chinese cooking.

 

That canned variety is especially convenient for salads. Just drain and toss it with chilies, tomatoes, zucchini (or cucumber), and fresh coriander leaves.

Durian Food Eatery - Durians Atok, Selangor, Malaysia

Our Sunday food adventure brought us to Durians Atok, tucked away in Kampung Jalan Kebun, Shah Alam. I stumbled upon this eatery while searching for places near Nava’s Zen (just 10 minutes away), and what a discovery it turned out to be. By 11:30 AM, this unassuming spot was already packed, but we managed to grab a table just as someone was leaving.

Salted Fish Sambal Recipe: Sambal Ikan Asin

The traditional classic, a much-loved Malaysian food. Spicy, savory, tangy, and bursting with umami, this Salted Fish Sambal (Sambal Ikan Asin) with crispy fried salted fish is a dish that never goes out of style.

Between the Indonesian sambal ikan asin and the Malaysian version, the ingredients are almost the same. But it is the sambal that sets apart Indonesian food and Malaysian food (CHICKEN RENDANG/RENDANG AYAM) from the rest of Southeast Asian cuisine. 

While spicy gravies and sauces are common across Southeast Asia, where vegetables, meat, and seafood are cooked, the sambal remains the heart and soul of both Malaysian and Indonesian kitchens.

Restoran Kopitiam Number One (Taman Sri Muda) Shah Alam

Recommended by a friend, we decided to visit Restoran Kopitiam Number One, a corner-lot Chinese coffee shop, on a Saturday. Parking was a bit of a challenge; it took a few rounds before we finally found a spot. Arriving around 11:30 a.m., we were greeted by an array of hawker stalls offering a modest yet varied selection of food. As expected of a traditional coffee shop, staples like bread toast with eggs and hot beverages shared the spotlight with other local favorites.

Japanese Grilled Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Mention salmon, and what pops to mind is a Japanese recipe. Between teppanyaki salmon and teriyaki salmon, this recipe focuses on teriyaki salmon. Either a dry style or coated in a thick sauce using soy sauce as the base. It’s garnished with crispy sesame seeds and spring onions (also known as scallions or green onions) for a fresh, crisp, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavor.

This recipe is a fusion between Indian-style salmon and Japanese-style salmon. Without the soy sauce base, it becomes grilled salmon, masala salmon or even Japanese grilled salmon. Japanese teriyaki salmon is an easy cooking technique relying on pantry staples (PUMPKIN SOUP). 

Skin Care: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil is primarily marketed for body care, though it can also be used as a facial beauty product (LOREAL BRIGHT GLOWING DAY CREAM). I’ve been incorporating this oil into my nightly skincare routine for over three weeks, applying it to my face after cleansing and showering. The product combines key ingredients such as Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Natural Rosehip Oil, and Argan Oil, and is formulated to be non-comedogenic, providing 48 hours of moisture.

Pumpkin Soup

Undeniably irresistible, homemade pumpkin soup is simple yet satisfying. Authentic, buttery, creamy, thick, and indulgent. The classic pumpkin soup, kept simple (CHICKEN SOUP INDIAN STYLE). 

Call it a wellness food, great when you’re under the weather, or as a light yet fulfilling home meal. Using home-grown pumpkins from non-commercial gardeners makes this homemade pumpkin soup affordable and generally free from chemicals and pesticides.