Malay Style Prawn Noodles/Mee Udang

There is the Chinese-style prawn mee and the Malay-style prawn mee, known as Mee Udang. Both dishes use prawns and prawn broth, though the Chinese version, sometimes called Hae Mee, may also include chicken or pork bones.

Mee Udang is a traditional Malay dish. It is popular in Malacca, Klang, and coastal towns in Penang. The dish is part of Indian-Muslim (Mamak) cuisine and well-known in Malaysian street food and Malay eateries (FRIED KEMBUNG WITH ASAM SAUCE).

Easiest Banana Chocolate Cake Recipe

(Updated Version)

Baking made easy and simplified - sounds great, right? Absolutely! No need for fancy machines or tiring hand-mixing. This Easiest Banana Chocolate Cake lives up to its name. It’s simple to make and effortless to whip up. Trust us, you’ll thank us for this recipe! Need a bigger cake? Just double the ingredients and use a larger pan. Now, imagine taking a bite of a buttery cake bursting with the flavors of banana and chocolate. Truly one of the best cake wonders.

Portuguese Vegetable Pickle/Achar

In 2020, I whipped up this Portuguese vegetable pickle, or achar, as some may call it. This isn't my first rodeo with it - I've made it a couple of times before. You might be wondering why I'm only sharing it now. Well, the idea struck me as I was browsing through our YouTube channel. I thought, "Why not feature it as part of our Zen Cuisine?" Plus, not everyone prefers video recipes; some prefer the written words. 

Named as vegetable pickle, I've experimented with various veggies like carrots, cabbage, long beans, fresh beans, and even ginger. But after a couple of tries, I've settled on just green chilies, shallots, and garlic because these are what we tend to prefer, not the vegetables. That's what you'll find in the final product.

Things to Do in Verona, Italy

For those who have visited Verona, it likely feels like a city of love and romance. It’s simply the vibes. During autumn, the weather is cool, although the morning breeze can be overwhelming,  further adding to the sense of love in the air. The stone buildings, still preserved from yesteryear, enhance that feeling (WHAT TO SEE IN VENICE ITALY).

Verona is a city in northern Italy, located in the Veneto region between the larger cities of Milan and Venice. Travelling from Venice to Verona takes around two hours by coach. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Verona has existed for over 2,000 years. No wonder it stands as one of the top tourist spots in the world and a must-visit destination in Italy.

Bread Pudding Recipe

Bread isn’t just a staple in my kitchen; it’s a cherished ingredient! Whether it’s the star of our light dinners or a perfect companion to savory curries, bread brings simple joy to our meals. But what about those leftover slices? Instead of tossing them out, why not transform them into something delicious?

Enter the delightful vegetarian bread pudding! With minimal effort and simple ingredients like canned peaches and raisins, you can create a mouthwatering dessert that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. Raisins add natural sweetness along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this a healthy treat. Plus, you control the sweetness - use the syrup from the can or skip it for a lighter version.

Things to Do & See in Venice, Italy

Mention Venice, and most visitors will picture a water world - boats, gondolas, or vaporetto boats gliding through narrow canals. This historic city in northeastern Italy is built on more than 100 small islands. There are no roads, only canals, with the Grand Canal as the city’s main waterway. If you’re heading from Pisa to Venice, the journey takes approximately 4 hours (5 TOP THINGS TO DO IN PISA).

Sadly, due to climate change, Venice is slowly but surely sinking, and in the years ahead, the outcome may not be favourable. For now, it remains a spectacular must-see city in Italy. Be prepared to be surrounded by thousands of visitors, it’s usually packed. Weekends can be even busier, with Italians from other parts of the country joining in for sightseeing. That’s exactly why Venice is one of the top sights in the world. Your time in Venice is truly priceless, a travel experience of a lifetime (SURAKARTA INDONESIA TRAVEL GUIDE).

Top 5 Things to Do in Pisa, Italy

Spending a day in Pisa, Italy, offers just enough time to see its main attractions. Located about 1.5 hours from Florence by coach (WHAT TO DO IN FLORENCE), Pisa is ideal for a day trip unless you're planning to stay overnight or enjoy a local dinner. Starting in the morning, you can easily cover the top five sights by evening. All of them are located within the spacious Piazza dei Miracoli, officially known as Piazza del Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also referred to as the “Square of Miracles” for its stunning architecture.

How Does It Begin

The coach drops you off just outside Pisa’s main area. From there, you hop onto an open-air shuttle with other visitors for a short ride closer to the entrance. As you get down, non-Italian street vendors crowd around, selling everything from fake sunglasses and keychains to souvenirs you didn’t ask for. Walk ahead and you’ll find rows of permanent stalls on both sides - bags, hats, T-shirts, fridge magnets, Pisa towers in every size. Keep moving, and soon you’ll pass through an old stone gateway, and your moment of sightseeing in Pisa begins (VARANASI INDIA TOP SIGHTS).

Fried Kembung (Mackerel) With Assam Sauce

Ikan kembung, sometimes spelled kembong and known as Indian mackerel, is a small, affordable local fish common in Malaysia. These fish sometimes come in slightly bigger sizes and are popular across Southeast Asia.

 

In Malaysia, this same fish is boiled in saltwater and sold as Ikan Kembung Rebus, or literally “Boiled Kembung.” This variety is aptly for an easy, no-fuss, traditional Malaysian fish recipe. 

Simple and packed with authentic flavors, it’s a staple in Malaysian street food, especially at nasi campur stalls and casual eateries.

What To Do in Florence, Italy

Florence, the city of art and design, is located in central Italy in the Tuscany region. It lies along the Arno River, surrounded by hills and vineyards, and is known for its romantic dining, complete with Italian cuisine and local wine. From Rome, it takes about 4 to 4½ hours by car or bus (TOP THINGS TO DO IN ROME).

One of the best things about Florence is that vehicle traffic is limited in the city center. Thanks to traffic control zones, it’s convenient for tourists to walk from one attraction to another. Be prepared to walk a lot, and if you visit during autumn, expect chilly mornings and cold evenings. A day is usually enough to cover the main attractions in Florence, unless you plan to explore more tourist spots or discover hidden gems.

Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

Italy is a land of love, where ancient history lives on and food lovers can enjoy real Italian cuisine. Despite modernization, many of Italy’s historical sites remain untouched. It’s a country that attracts thousands of tourists year-round (HOKKAIDO JAPAN BEST THINGS TO DO).

While Italy can be an expensive destination, especially for Asian travellers, that hasn’t stopped them from visiting. There are many cities in Italy, but Rome is a must. You can easily spend days in Rome going from one sightseeing spot to another, but if you're touring other parts of Italy, two or three packed days in Rome are enough to cover the top sights (CHANDIGARH INDIA TOP PLACES TO VISIT).

KKSV Restaurant: Malaysian Coffeeshop Eating Culture

Formerly recognized as Restoran Poh Yap, this establishment underwent refurbishment a few months ago and now goes by the name KKSV Restaurant. The makeover includes an expanded, air-conditioned dining area. While some familiar stalls, like the Pork Noodles, remain, new additions have also been introduced, creating an exciting blend of the traditional and the novel (Exploring A Kopitiam).

Bay Leaves: Health Benefits and Cooking Uses

(Updated Version)

In Malaysia, bay leaves are somewhat unfamiliar, with many people unsure of their appearance or uses. Some wonder if these are the same leaves used in biryani rice - referring to the dried ones commonly found in stores. It might seem surprising, but bay leaves offer a wealth of health benefits, making them a valuable addition to any pantry (GROWING SPRING ONIONS IN URBAN GARDENS).

Health Benefits of Bay Leaves

Here are some key health benefits of bay leaves: 

Heart Health

Bay leaves help lower bad cholesterol levels and strengthen blood vessels, reducing heart disease risk.

Turmeric Eggs Recipe

Whether you call them Turmeric Eggs or Golden Eggs, these vibrant eggs are striking with natural turmeric patterns. Using fresh turmeric gives the best aroma and flavor, though turmeric powder works too. 

Packed with health benefits (TURMERIC FRIED FISH), these healthy turmeric eggs are simple to make and perfect as a snack, breakfast, or a colorful addition to any meal.

Sometimes, the best recipes are the easiest. This guide shows you how to make turmeric eggs with minimal effort, producing eggs with attractive, golden hue, natural patterns (MORINGA LEAVES STIR-FRIED).

Moringa Leaves Stir-Fried Recipe

Moringa Leaves Stir-Fry with dried shrimps is a simple, flavorful dish packed with nutrients and health benefits. Often called a superfood, every part of the moringa tree (POTATO MORINGA CURRY) is valuable, from the leaves and flowers to the fruits. (Branches are generally used for planting.)

This easy stir-fry keeps the leafy greens fresh while adding taste and texture. Dried shrimps, fresh grated coconut, black mustard seeds, and dried red chilies give the moringa leaves a mild spiciness and a lasting punch of flavor.

 

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the dried shrimps, and the dish remains delicious and wholesome (VEGETABLE KURMA CURRY). 

The Beginner's Ultimate Guide to Growing Herbs

(Updated Version)

Gardening is a fulfilling practice that contributes to your overall sustainable zen. It’s also about preserving our eco-world, not just for today but for future generations. Having equipped ourselves with the basic and essential tips on gardening, let’s now move on to the art of growing herbs (ESSENTIAL GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS).

Take it from Ms. Nava, who has been gardening for over 20 years - a journey filled with its share of mishaps. While some gardening challenges are inevitable, let me share with you my guide to growing herbs.

Manjoe Taiwanese Dumplings (Kota Kemuning): A Rainbow of Colors

A few days ago, while in the midst of grocery shopping for our home, I stumbled upon Manjoe Taiwanese Dumplings in Kota Kemuning. The Rainbow Dumpling immediately caught my attention with its vibrant colors:

Earthy Green Spinach/Chives 

Bright Yellow Pumpkin/Signature 
Soft Red Beetroot/Spicy Kimchi 
Vibrant Blue Butterfly Peas Flowers/Fresh Prawns 
Original/Fresh Fish 
Mellow Black Charcoal/Cabbage  ...........all crafting a holistic wellness color allure on my palate.