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).
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.
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.
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 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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
How do salads come to life in my kitchen? It all
starts with a quick scan of my fridge and pantry - spotting veggies and fruits
that might not last much longer. Waste is something I’m mindful of, so I
prioritize ingredients that need to be used up soon. For me, this approach is
part of mindful living (INDIAN VEGETARIAN SALADS).
The vegetarian
salad recipes I’m sharing are incredibly easy and adaptable. They incorporate
what are traditionally considered Western ingredients, which have become
staples in Asian kitchens, including here in Malaysia (TURMERIC EGGS).
Tofu has long been a favorite in my household - loved
for its versatility, affordability, and ability to satisfy vegetarians, vegans,
and even meat lovers. Widely used in Japan and Korea ((KOREA THROUGH MY EYES, HOKKAIDO WANDERLUST & OSAKA SUNSETS). tofu has become a global
favorite, with endless possibilities for simple yet satisfying dishes.
Today, tofu is
easily available, from traditional markets to high-end stores, offering many
varieties. While I appreciate all types, my go-to is the soft, organic Japanese
tofu, free of preservatives. Its mild flavor may seem simple, but it’s perfect
for absorbing the bold, spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors of Malaysian and Asian
cooking.
What makes
these recipes even more special is that many of the ingredients come from my
own garden at Nava’s Zen - chilies, basil, and spring onions that I carefully
grow.
(Vibrant Sabah chillies in purple, red, and green,
grown fresh in Nava's Zen garden)
These tofu recipes are healthy, vegetarian, vegan and ideal for anyone looking
for quick, flavorful plant-based meals.
Thai-Style Vegetarian Tofu
Steam or
microwave tofu for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Transfer the
tofu to a plate and top with chopped or sliced cucumber, tomato, and chilies.
Drizzle with
lime juice and sprinkle with Thai basil leaves and salt to taste.
Steamed Tofu with Soy Sauce Steam or
microwave tofu until warmed.
Garnish with
crushed peanuts, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chilies, salt, and fresh
cilantro.
Steamd Tofu with Oyster Sauce Steam white tofu and place on a plate.
Tip atop vegetarian oyster sauce, some crispy fried shallots and sliced spring onions.
When
my breakfast crew suggested heading to Klang's Chong Kok Kopitiam for another
morning feast, I, being the enthusiastic foodie, readily agreed. I heard tales
of this Kopitiam being a stroll down heritage lane from years back, adding to
the allure. As we negotiated the usual challenge of finding parking in Klang,
we eventually secured a spot in one of the backlanes.As we crossed the road in
front of Chong Kok Kopitiam, a sudden realization hit me - I've been here before.
While I couldn't recall the name initially, revisiting the same eatery posed no
issue.