Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque: An Unexpected Divine Encounter

I ended up in Kuantan. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, just a drive with no plans whatsoever, going with the flow. Actually, it was to break free from the mundane life and welcome something new. Landing in Kuantan, I checked into Vistana Kuantan (now known as AC Hotel Kuantan). The room was lovely, with nothing to fault. Next, I made a call to meet up with two friends who fetched me from the hotel, and we took a drive around Kuantan town before I chanced upon the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque (Masjid Negeri, Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1). 

Cucumber Yogurt Salad Recipe

Time is the number one thing in current living. It’s time that decides if it’s cooking at home and the types of dishes cooked. Quick meals are generally the go-to, something related to easy recipes and simple cooking. Depending on what the meal is, a vegetable dish (QUICK CHINESE VEGETABLE STIR-FRY) is a must for the fiber, wellness, and healthy living. Furthermore, apart from the quick stir-fry vegetables, there are also salads. What can be a better salad recipe than the raw and no-cook salad?

Enter cucumber yogurt salad. Refreshing, healthy, minimalist, and made with common ingredients. Grated, sliced, or chopped cucumber with garlic, then tossed with yogurt, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

How to Make Saffron Rice

Homemade saffron rice isn’t something cooked regularly. It’s usually reserved for special occasions and celebrations. However, easy saffron rice can also be a treat for home dining (VEGETABLE KURMA CURRY).  The central ingredient is, of course, saffron strands. For Malaysians, saffron is imported and can be rather pricey, with flavor and price varying depending on the country of origin.

Over time, more choices have become available from Bangladesh, Iran, and Spain, with Iranian saffron being the most popular in Malaysia due to its affordability without compromising quality.

Kota Kinabalu, North Borneo: Unmasking Food and Business

During my stay in Kota Kinabalu, I decided to step out of the hotel (RANAU ECO-TOURISM GEMS) in search of breakfast. After walking a bit, I found myself at a humble halal kopitiam that seemed to call out to me. To my surprise, the breakfast spread was more like a lunch buffet, with a tempting array of dishes. I savored, lost in the enjoyment of the food, but I forgot to jot down the name of the place. Classic case of being caught between hunger and the chaos of a wandering mind!

Things To Do in Sabah, Malaysia

Sabah, Malaysia’s second-largest state, is located on the northern tip of Borneo and is known for its unspoiled nature, from rich flora and fauna to highlands, beaches, jungles, and coastal towns. It easily wins the hearts of travellers from all over the world, especially nature lovers. With its cool weather and laid-back pace, there's much to discover and experience.

From landing in Kota Kinabalu to exploring places like Kuala Penyu and Kota Belud, don’t miss out on Ranau and Kundasang, two spots that should be on your travel checklist. Start in Ranau, then head up to Kundasang for the cool highlands experience (KOTA BELUD SABAH TRAVEL GUIDE).

Kota Belud Travel Guide, Sabah Malaysia

While Kuala Penyu (KUALA PENYU TRAVEL GUIDE) offers a quiet coastal escape, Kota Belud deserves equal attention on your Sabah itinerary. Located in the northwestern part of Sabah, it’s easily accessible whether you're travelling from Kuala Penyu (approximately a 2-hour drive via Putatan, Inanam, Suromboton, and Kampung Kobusak) or from Kota Kinabalu (about 1 hour via Inanam and Kg. Kelawat).

Along the drive, you’ll pass by small towns, rural stretches, and roadside stalls,  ideal for a short stop to enjoy local snacks or a meal before arriving in Kota Belud.

Kuala Penyu, Sabah Travel Guide

For those exploring Sabah, Kuala Penyu is often included as a quiet stop worth visiting. Sabah, fondly known as “The Land Below the Wind,” is all about nature, beaches, local life, and cultural heritage. While Kuala Penyu may not be packed with major attractions, it offers something many travellers crave, space to slow down and enjoy the moment (SURAKARTA INDONESIA TRAVEL).

Whether you're passing through or planning to stay overnight, Kuala Penyu, Sabah offers a peaceful escape. You can book a beach lodge, a simple villa, or a guesthouse near the coast. Even a short half-day visit is enough to appreciate the calm setting and laid-back atmosphere.

Cumin Rice (Rice-Cooker Style)

The daily cooked rice, a staple food for Asians, Malaysians included, can easily be elevated to another level. Everyday white rice can get mundane and boring, and to break away from it, all you need is to reach for common kitchen ingredients. A handful of cumin seeds, one of the essential Indian spices (INDIAN LEAFY VEGGIE STIR-FRY) for curries and stir-fries, when cooked with rice, infuses fragrant, subtly spiced, and peppery notes.

Fry the cumin seeds in ghee first, letting its buttery aroma coat the rice, then add a red chili for a hint of heat (VEGETARIAN KANGKUNG/WATER SPINACH SALAD). This simple step brings the much-loved flavors of Indian cooking to life. The best part? It’s cooked entirely in the rice cooker, Cumin Rice Indian-Style, the homely yet flavorful upgrade to your daily rice.

Indian Fish Curry Recipe

A long list of ingredients is typical for Indian Fish Curry, but it’s the spices that truly define its deliciousness. Without them, the curry would be simple and mild, lacking the bold Indian flavors. The good news is, with easily available store-bought spice powders or ready-made fish curry powders, this dish becomes simple and convenient to prepare.

But this isn’t your ordinary fish curry (TAMARIND FRIED FISH). It’s enhanced with mango, adding a natural burst of sourness that complements the spices. The curry also uses tomatoes and tomato paste, which not only add depth but give it a vibrant color. This version is somewhat similar to a South African Fish Curry, explaining the choice of ingredients and flavor profile (MALAYSIAN MUTTON CURRY).

Vegetarian Bak Kut Teh

The food culture has changed over the years. For reasons of healthy living or a wellness lifestyle, more people are becoming vegetarians, vegans, or following a plant-based diet. Some are born vegetarians, while others convert to embrace the vegetarian lifestyle. This shift has increased the demand for vegetarian food, especially for home-cooked meals.

Take Bak Kut Teh  as an example. The traditional Chinese herbal soup (QUICK CHINESE VEGETABLE STIR-FRY) made with Chinese herbs as the core ingredient. These days, there are choices, and it’s easy to pick one that’s affordable.

Vegetarian Water Spinach Salad (Urap Kangkung)

In Malaysia, water spinach, commonly known as “kangkung”, is a well-loved vegetable in Malaysian cuisine. A simple favorite is stir-fried kangkung with garlic, while Kangkung Belacan, water spinach stir-fried with shrimp paste, is another popular dish. Among the most common Malay (VEGETARIAN ASAM PEDAS/SOUR SPICY CURRY) and Indonesian dishes featuring kangkung is Urap Kangkung, a traditional vegetarian water spinach salad.

 

Urap Kangkung is a type of salad related to Kerabu Kangkung, though the ingredients can vary. In both dishes, the water spinach is softened in hot water before being tossed or mixed with other ingredients. The result is a fresh, tasty, and healthy Southeast Asian salad.

Spinach Cheese Recipe

In Malaysia, tofu is often preferred over Indian cottage cheese, but in India, paneer (homemade Indian cheese) is a staple ingredient. While tofu is made from soybeans and paneer from milk, both are protein sources for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Paneer is indeed an alternative to tofu and is now widely available in Indian grocery stores as ready-made cheese.

Feel free to substitute tofu for Indian cottage cheese. However, the classic Spinach Cheese dish, known as Palak Paneer, is a comforting home-style dish that combines paneer and spinach into a creamy, satisfying recipe (SPINACH COCONUT MILK CURRY VEGETARIAN).

Quick Chinese Vegetable Stir-Fry

A beloved Chinese dish, known for its crunchy, colorful vegetables and healthy, vegetarian-friendly appeal. This quick and easy vegetable stir-fry is so flavorful, you can enjoy it on its own without any side dishes or rice for a simple night meal.

The addition of roasted cashew nuts brings a rich, buttery crunch that complements the fresh vegetables perfectly. Soaked and softened fu chuk sheets (tofu sheets) add a delightful chewy texture and absorb the savory sauce beautifully. Meanwhile, dried chillies lend a spicy kick that balances the dish’s flavours.

Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe: Ponnanganni Keerai

Ponnanganni Keerai, also known as Sessile Joyweed, is a nutritious Indian green leafy vegetable packed with vitamins and minerals. Popular in traditional South Indian cooking (VEGETABLE KURMA CURRY), this humble green is valued not only for its mild bitterness but also for its many health benefits, from cooling the body to improving digestion.

Ponnanganni keerai is commonly found at local markets, usually sold by Indian vegetable traders, but it’s also easy to grow at home. Simply plant the stems after plucking the leaves for cooking. They’ll thrive with minimal care, for your home garden.

Vegetable Kurma Curry Recipe

Kurma curry ranges from chicken, mutton and beef to vegetable versions. The kurma mix generally consists of common ingredients (SPINACH COCONUT MILK CURRY VEGETARIAN), with variations depending on the country or specific region. The differences mainly come down to the spices used and whether it’s a homemade kurma paste or a store-bought curry mix.

Nowadays, countless brands offer a variety of curry mixes, including kurma curry. These ready-made mixes are convenient for quick recipes, catering to today’s busy lifestyle. While the essential ingredients remain in ready-made kurma powders or mixes, some differences may occur between brands.

Spinach Coconut Milk Curry Recipe (Bayam Masak Lemak)

A perfect combination: spinach and coconut milk. Both are affordable superfoods. When it comes to spinach, there are a couple of varieties, including Amaranth Spinach. It is truly affordable and can be cooked into spinach stir fry, anchovies spinach soup, lentil spinach curry, and many more spinach recipes.

Today’s recipe is also a curry style, Malay-style vegetable curry (VEGETABLE SOUR SPICY CURRY/ASAM PEDAS). It falls under vegetarian and vegan recipes. It begins with making the rempah, a homemade spice mix. Then, amaranth is added, which is mild and slightly sweet. Cooked with the spice mix and coconut milk, it becomes a thick, mildly sweet curry. The curry is a vibrant color mix of yellow, green, red, and reddish-purple, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.