Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Indian Fish Curry with Coconut Milk

Atop banana leaf, some steamed edamame beans, half boiled salted egg, a scoop of rice and a small silver bowl with spicy Indian fish curry.
An Indian Fish Curry, South Indian style, striking in spices with a reddish dark brown hue. A dish that instantly captures your food love - simple, nothing complicated, yet so satisfying. Coconut milk adds a creamy, mildly sweet flavor that softens the spiciness, while a touch of sourness rounds everything off for a perfectly balanced profile (SRI LANKAN FISH CURRY). 

In a Malaysian kitchen, though, a South Indian Fish Curry often takes on a local twist (SOUTH AFRICAN FISH CURRY). Vegetables are added, something not typically done in South India. For this version, eggplant joins the curry. The rest of the ingredients are a mix of common kitchen staples and fresh finds.

Best Things to Do in Norway

Indian lady posing in a dance pose, standing close to the two kids sculpture, Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo, Norway.
Planning a trip to Norway from Asia usually requires at least four full days for sightseeing, especially with a packed itinerary. Most Asian travelers, from countries like Singapore, Malaysia, India, Japan, and China, arrive via transit through hubs like Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, or major European airports.

Overnight flights to Oslo, Norway’s main international airport, are common, with many beginning their sightseeing right after arrival. Depending on the itinerary, some continue to Bergen or Tromsø via domestic flights. Norway offers plenty to see, but most visitors focus on key highlights across the country, not just Oslo, since it’s impossible to cover everything (NORWAY TRAVEL GUIDE).

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Norway Travel Guide

Indian lady in winter attire posing against the backdrop of nature in Norway.
Norway is a country of natural wonders, tall mountains, deep valleys, lush forests, and clean, crisp air. It’s perfect for nature lovers and anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. With its long coastline, scenic fjords, and many islands, Norway offers stunning views at every turn. Because of its northern location, you’ll find cold winters, cool summers, and rare sights like the midnight sun and northern lights.

Norway sits in Northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula, sharing borders with Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Some visitors include Norway in a wider Northern Europe trip, visiting nearby countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.

Monday, June 10, 2024

Keema Recipe

Grounded lamb cooked with spices, curry powder, potato, tomato, coriander leaves and dried fenugreek leaves, dry style.
Mince meat cooked in a spicy, dry-style curry, that’s keema. This popular South Asian dish is loved in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and even Malaysia. You can make keema with lamb, mutton (MUTTON RENDANG), beef, or chicken. Use home-ground meat or store-bought minced meat for convenience.

Keema is versatile. Add green peas, potatoes, or sliced button mushrooms, or keep it simple with just meat. Pantry-friendly ingredients are enough. No need for fancy extras. This recipe uses lamb, but you can easily swap in other meats or even make a vegetarian version called Vegetable Keema (VEGETABLE KURMA).

Top 5 Things to Do in Copenhagen, Denmark

Indian lady posing in front of ancient castle, in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Copenhagen offers plenty to explore, from historic landmarks to iconic tourist attractions. Whether you're on a free and easy sightseeing trip or part of a guided tour, the city has something for everyone. If you're touring without a fixed itinerary, take your time to discover hidden gems, wander the charming streets, and indulge in Copenhagen’s growing wine and dine scene, including organic wines and local dishes like roasted pork (flæskesteg).

For travelers on a fixed tour schedule, especially those combining their trip with Norway, you’ll likely spend around three days in Copenhagen, which usually includes Amalienborg Palace. You can also opt for a city tour, the best way to cover other significant landmarks. To visit castles outside the city center, such as Frederiksborg Castle or Kronborg Castle (Hamlet’s Castle), allow at least an hour of travel time, depending on your starting point in Copenhagen (COPENHAGEN TRAVEL GUIDE).

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Tom Yum Soup: Coconut Milk Thai Style

Close view of Thai soup, made with Thai herbs, coconut milk, fish, mushrooms and kaffir lime leaves.
Whether it a plain simple Thai soup, or Tom Yum style, it all comes back to the Southeast Asian Herbs. Galangal and lemongrass the common cooking with herbs, and for aroma the famed kaffir lime leaves, or even coriander leaves (STEAMED FISH THAI STYLE). 

Whether it’s a homemade paste, or store bought Tom Yum Paste, or without a paste, yet with the beloved Thai deliciousness.

 

Apart from the common fiery red tom yum, there is also there white tom yum (Tom Yum Nam Sai) and this tom yum soup with coconut milk (Tom Yum Nam Khon).

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Copenhagen, Denmark Travel Guide

Statue of two sisters, together in garden setting, known as Norway Thanks Denmark, Copenhagen.
Denmark, a Nordic country in Northern Europe, is made up of a mainland and several islands. With strong Viking roots and one of the world’s oldest monarchies, Denmark has played a key role in European history. Today, it ranks as one of the happiest and safest countries in the world.

Mention Denmark, and what comes to mind is clean air, peaceful countryside, and a deep connection to nature, especially beyond the busy cities. These are just some of the reasons why travelers choose Denmark as a destination (SHIMLA INDIA TRAVEL GUIDE).

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Best Things to Do in Thailand: Krabi & Phuket

Indian lady seated on a bench, with a black small monkey seated on her lap, Monkey Show, Krabi, Thailand.
Krabi and Phuket are two of the most popular provinces in southern Thailand, known for their stunning beaches and vibrant coastal experiences. Tourists are drawn to Krabi beaches and Phuket beaches for their natural beauty, clear waters, and a wide range of water-based activities such as island hopping, snorkeling, and scuba diving. 

These southern Thailand travel destinations are also featured on cruise itineraries, offering convenient sea access. Additionally, both provinces are easily reachable by air, with international airports in Krabi and Phuket providing direct connections from major cities (BANGKOK THAILAND THINGS TO DO).

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Mee Goreng (Fried Mee)

Close view of plated fried mee, cooked with big prawns, yellow noodles, cabbage, soy sauce, eggs, spring onions, pepper, salt and oil.
Apart from rice meals, (NASI KERABU/HERBS RICE) noodle dishes are highly anticipated in Malaysia, and one of the favorites is Mee Goreng (fried mee). Though it comes in different styles, it’s still Mee Goreng at heart. The variations mostly depend on the meat, seafood, or poultry used.

The Malay-style Mee Goreng is one example, and when cooked with fresh prawns, it’s called Mee Goreng Udang (MALAY STYLE PRAWN NOODLES). Eggs can be added on top, served as a runny fried egg (Mata Kerbau), or mixed into the yellow noodles while frying.

What To Do In Pulau Ketam (Selangor, Malaysia)

Pulau Ketam/Crab Island water way with a boat docked at the pier and another in the water, Selangor, Malaysia.
Pulau Ketam, also known as Crab Island, is a small Chinese fishing village with amenities that mirror those in the cities. There’s a police station, a school, community spaces, and provision shops that double up as souvenir stores selling Pulau Ketam-made trinkets, proof that life here is simple yet complete (PULAU KETAM TRAVEL GUIDE).

Generally calm and quiet, the village comes alive during peak seasons, with tourism being the main source of income for locals. Taking the ferry (MANDURAH PERTH CRUISE) into Pulau Ketam gives your first clue, no cars are allowed. The only modes of transport are bicycles and electric motorbikes that whiz along the narrow cement lanes. So, keep an eye out, don’t get in their way, and hopefully, they won’t get in yours.

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Pada Salted Fish Pickle

A glass bottle with salted fish pickle, made with spice mix, ginger, garlic and green chilies.
Pada Salted Fish Pickle is a famous Eurasian dish unique to the Malaysian and Singaporean Eurasian community. While other fish pickles or meen achar exist worldwide, none match the aroma, tang, and sweetness of this salted fish pickle (PORTUGUESE VEGETABLE PICKLE).

Crispy fried salted fish and green chilies in a delicious spice paste make it irresistible.

 

For taste, adjust the amount of salted fish, green chilies, and spice paste to balance spiciness, tanginess, and saltiness. These are the essential cooking tips for Pada salted fish pickle.

Friday, May 31, 2024

Pulau Ketam (Crab Island) Malaysia Travel Guide

Crab Island, Selangor, Malaysia - traditional wooden fishing boats docked amongst the houses on stilts.
Over the years, Pulau Ketam, or Crab Island, has gained attention. Pulau Ketam, a small island near Port Klang in Selangor, Malaysia, is surrounded by muddy shores and nearby islets where the river meets the sea. Entirely built on wooden stilts above mangrove swamps, it has gradually become a popular tourist destination in Malaysia.

Weekends, public holidays, school holidays, and the year-end break draw countless locals and foreign tourists to Pulau Ketam (FREMANTLE AUSTRALIA THINGS TO DO). For those with flexibility, the island is best visited during off-peak seasons and weekdays. It also serves as a getaway for urbanites, offering an escape from the daily rush and stress, an island to relax and walk around before returning to the usual routine of life.

Bread Flower/Kesidang Plant: An Enchanting Beauty for the Senses


Nature is truly captivating. It fills our lives with joy and peace. But nature also needs our help. As climate change makes the weather hotter and more unpredictable, we depend more on air conditioners, even for our babies. Yet, people miss the benefits of urban gardening. It can cool our homes and naturally relieve stress (Bay Leaves Healing Therapy). Urban gardening helps the environment and fills the air with the soothing scent of flowers, offering a peaceful escape from the stress that harms us.

Enter Ms. Nava, the founder of Nava's Zen, a true enthusiast of urban gardening. Today, she introduces us to the enchanting bread flower, also known as Kesidang, Kerak Nasi, Tikar Seladang, or Vallaris Glabra (Ylang Ylang). These white, star-shaped blossoms have a scent that evokes pandan leaves or the aroma of cooked fragrant jasmine rice. Whenever they bloom, Ms. Nava takes a moment to stand in Nava's Zen and inhale their delightful fragrance. It's her natural way to calm her senses and enjoy a bit of tranquility (Rangoon Creeper).

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Buns & Noodles (Bukit Rimau): Niche Excellence


Saying goodbye to loyal clients who have been strong supporters of our brand, especially when they're leaving due to moving away, brings mixed feelings. It's important to show gratitude for their support, even though it's tough to see them go. In business, clients come and go, so it's crucial to stay focused on our passion rather than getting too emotional. As a gesture of appreciation, I recently organized a heartfelt farewell for departing clients, recognizing their contributions to our business. And what better way for us Malaysians to bond than over a meal together?

As a culinary enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for new dining experiences. This time, I decided to try out Buns & Noodles in Bukit Rimau. Beforehand, I made sure to inform them of my visit, which is important in case they have any limitations or special arrangements, as I mentioned earlier (SAFAA)

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Top Things To Do in Fremantle, Australia

A big ship docked in Fremantle water, Australia.
The most convenient and reliable way to get to Fremantle is by train from Perth Station. The journey takes about 30 minutes, with trains running every 10-5 minutes during the day. From your seat on the train, you’ll enjoy elevated views, and with stops like Subiaco, Claremont, Cottesloe, and North Fremantle along the way, the time passes quickly (MANDURAH CRUISES, PERTH).

You can also take a bus or drive to Fremantle, depending on your preference. However, the train offers one of the most scenic routes, especially as you approach Fremantle and catch sight of the port and ocean in the distance. Once you arrive at Fremantle Station, the town is right at your feet. Fremantle is vibrant and energetic, especially on weekends, public holidays, and school breaks.

Indonesian Street Food

When in Indonesia, it’s impossible to ignore the street stalls. From lone roadside carts to clusters of vendors, they appear everywhere as y...