Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Mention Cambodia and instantly one thing comes to mind,  Angkor Wat. Located in Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s most iconic and world-renowned landmark. Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, it was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu before gradually transforming into a Buddhist site. Angkor Wat holds the title of the largest religious monument in the world. In fact, it is Angkor Wat that has firmly placed Cambodia on the map as one of the top travel destinations and a must-see world tourist attraction (BOROBUDUR TEMPLE INDONESIA).

Rightly so, a "wonder of Southeast Asia," a "man-made wonder," and a "must-see ancient wonder." It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing thousands of visitors throughout the year.

Ikan Balado

Balado is a spicy Indonesian chili sauce, or sambal, that’s both versatile and fiery, depending on how many red chilies you use. Originating from West Sumatra, it’s a key feature in Padang-style cooking and often served with mixed rice dishes across Indonesia (KERABU MANGGA/MANGO SALAD). Made by blending red chilies with shallots, garlic, and a touch of lime, balado can be used raw or sautéed until aromatic (TAMARIND FISH). 

It’s delicious on its own as a condiment or as a base for dishes like Ikan Balado (fish in chili sauce). You can prepare balado ahead of time and store it for adding to rice meals, vegetables, or other protein dishes whenever you need a spicy kick (FRIED FISH WITH ASAM SAUCE).

Kuih Sagu Kukus (Steamed Sago Cake)

Recall our discussion on sago in "EFFORDLESS MALAY DESSERTS"? Let's delve into it again, this time focusing on Kuih Kukus Sago/Steamed Sago Cakes. Despite their delightful flavor, they consistently turned out too sticky. Even after coating them with fresh grated coconut, they clung to fingers, prompting me to serve them in a saucer with a fork, which is actually how the cakes should be served, to prevent spillage and mess on the floor. Baffled by their stickiness, I experimented with various methods: steaming, cooking with water until thick, and chilling. Yet, none resolved the issue.

What to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is busy and always full of life. The traffic can be heavy, so visitors should be ready for that. Still, the city is a top destination for tourists from around the world.

It was once called Saigon during French colonial rule in the 19th century, and you can still see the influence in its colonial buildings and street layout. After Vietnam’s reunification in 1975, it was renamed to honor leader Ho Chi Minh.

 

Today, the city is developed and growing fast. While not everyone speaks English, most tour guides can speak it well and are trained to help tourists. Sightseeing is easy and enjoyable with a guide (BANGKOK THAILAND TRAVEL).

Kerabu Mangga - Vegetarian Mango Salad

Kerabu Mango or Mango Salad is a beloved and well-known Asian mango dish, especially popular in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. While the core ingredients are similar - green mango, chilies, herbs, and a tangy dressing, each country adds its own local touch. It's called Kerabu Mangga (VEGETARIAN OKRA SALAD/KERABU BENDI) in Malaysia, Som Tum Mamuang in Thailand, Gỏi Xoài in Vietnam, Nhoam Svay in Cambodia, and Rujak Mangga in Indonesia.

 

This raw mango salad is easy to prepare at home, including vegetarian versions of kerabu mangga or mango salad. The method is effortless: just slice, mix, and toss the ingredients together. Some versions include roasted white sesame seeds, but the crunch of affordable roasted or fried peanuts often steals the food show (VEGETARIAN HERBED RICE/NASI ULAM).

Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry)

(Updated Version)

Every beloved and timeless dish, salted fish curry is something I’ve made countless times. Each time, there’s a twist that brings a new variation. While the core ingredients remain the same, the types of beans can vary - from mochakottai (field beans), chickpeas, or kondakadalai (chana dal). Additional ingredients like potatoes, brinjals, white radish, okra, or murungakkai (moringa fruits/sticks) offer endless possibilities (SOUTH INDIAN FISH CURRY RECIPES). 

Rangoon Creeper: Cultivating Zen Blooming Bliss

(Updated Version)

Rangoon Creeper, or Combretum Indicum, is also known as Drunken Sailor, Akar Dani, Chinese Honeysuckle, and Red Jasmine. This charming plant originates from Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar. Its name pays tribute to Rangoon, now known as Yangon. In Nava's Zen garden, it brings both beauty and fragrance (ROSELLE - BENEFITS & USES).

 

Fragrance and Blooms

Rangoon Creeper isn’t just about its appearance; its scent is truly captivating. The sweet, fruity aroma fills the air, creating a serene and relaxing ambiance. The flowers begin as delicate white buds and gradually transition into clusters of rich red blooms. Over time, the slender stems grow into strong, lush vines, perfect for adorning pergolas or trellises.

Siamese Laksa Lemak

A revelation of bold flavors that awaken your palate instantly - spicy, sour, sweet, and fragrant herbs lifting your senses. This is the heart of Thai food. From quick, simple dishes to recipes with long ingredient lists, Thai cooking always leaves a lasting impression.

 

Siamese Laksa, or Laksa Thai, is a fusion of Asam Laksa and Curry Laksa, developed over time through gathered knowledge. Using familiar ingredients from both noodle dishes, it becomes Siamese Laksa, enhanced with Thai herbs that are also common in Malaysian and Southeast Asian kitchens.

Mee Rebus (Vegetarian)

What makes or breaks a Mee Rebus dish? It’s the gravy, or kuah. Made with the right balance of spiciness, sweetness, aroma, and thickness, it becomes the best Mee Rebus. The gravy is the central star of this beloved Malay noodle dish, which is also part of Indian-Muslim food (MALAY STYLE MEE UDANG) and Malaysian street food.

Yellow sweet potatoes are an important ingredient, giving the gravy its rich texture and subtle sweetness, even for the vegetarian version.

Things to Do in Bangkok, Thailand

Whether you're a solo traveler in Bangkok, or visiting with family or friends, one of the best ways to discover Bangkok is by joining a guided tour. From half-day to full-day options, tours cover top Bangkok attractions and usually include hotel transfers and lunch (AYUTTHAYA THAILAND TOP THINGS TO DO).

Booking a tour saves time and avoids the hassle of negotiating with tuk-tuk drivers, helping you steer clear of unwanted issues such as language barriers or drivers insisting on tips. It’s a more convenient and structured approach to sightseeing in Bangkok.

Top Things to Do in Ayutthaya Thailand

When it comes to traveling in Thailand, Ayutthaya is a destination not to be missed. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1351 to 1767, Ayutthaya was among the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities at its peak in the 17th century. Now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city was destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767. Despite its fall, Ayutthaya remains a lasting symbol of Thailand’s cultural and historical identity.

Whether you choose to stay overnight in Ayutthaya or prefer a day trip from Bangkok (BANGKOK TOP ATTRACTIONS), exploring the ancient city is convenient and accessible. Most hotels in Bangkok and local tour operators offer affordable packages to Ayutthaya, with transport included. These tours typically handle all the arrangements, including pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation. If you're heading out in the morning, be ready by 7:00 AM. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. (KULLU MANALI INDIA SIGHTSEEING).

Easy Instant Rasam Recipe - Indian Pepper Soup

(Updated Version)

Rasam, often referred to as Indian Pepper Soup, needs little introduction (CRAB RASAM RECIPES). Light, healthy, and flavorful, it’s a staple in Indian households. For us, rasam is often the star of the meal, pairing wonderfully with a variety of dishes. As seen in the photo above, rasam is a versatile companion to spinach cooked in coconut milk, pan-grilled turmeric curry leaf tofu, and a spicy fish dish. For vegetarians, it can easily be paired with a range of vegetarian sides (EASIEST MALAYSIAN VEGETARIAN NASI LEMAK).

Bangkok, Thailand - Top Attractions to Visit

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is one of the country’s most visited destinations, drawing countless tourists from around the world. While the city’s traffic can be overwhelming, Bangkok remains the ideal entry point via Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main international hub for transiting to other parts of Thailand or abroad.

There’s plenty to experience. The best things to do in Bangkok often revolve around its legendary landmarks and classic tourist spots. No matter your travel style, the top attractions in Bangkok continue to draw visitors. These sightseeing spots are must-visits at least once, whether or not you plan to return again. 

Easy Cheesecake Recipes - The Best

(Updated Version)

Easy and delicious cheesecakes! One simple way to keep them affordable and perfect is by using a budget-friendly bottom layer. Over the years, I’ve used affordable options like cream crackers and digestive biscuits. For the top layer, you can choose between cream cheese, condensed milk, or fruit purees. That’s all there is to it! Let’s make some delicious cheesecakes together.

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.