Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Easy Indian Creamed Spinach Curry (Vegetarian)

Creamed spinach, made with coconut milk, turmeric powder, red chillies, shallots, and curry leaves.
All natural goodness and deliciousness. Healthy, nutrient-packed coconut milk creaminess, glossy spinach, golden turmeric, and aromatic curry leaves. Along with chillies and a splash of lime juice, this creamed spinach recipe brings vibrant flavor and extra nutritious value to your plate (PICKLED EGGPLANT). 

Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and wholesome plant-based goodness, it’s a budget-friendly dish that doesn’t compromise on benefits. Nothing beats home-cooked meals for wellness.

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Discover Perak: Must-See Attractions & Hidden Gems

Woman standing in front of a banyan tree, surrounded by nature.
Perak is packed with must-see attractions and unexpected hidden gems. Our journey was unplanned, guided only by road signs that pointed us to well-known sites and surprising discoveries. Town by town, city by city, we explored Perak in the most spontaneous way, uncovering places that made the trip truly memorable (CAMERON HIGHLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE).

HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley (Gopeng)

A road sign led us to HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley, expecting just another tea plantation. Instead, we found a breathtaking valley of Gaharu (Agarwood) trees. The drive uphill, passing rows of young and mature trees, was mesmerizing - a true escape into nature.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Raub SYC Hainan Kopitiam Review

Signboard of Chinese eatery mounted atop at the entrance with a banner below.bove
I missed the chance to dine at Raub SYC Hainan Kopitiam during my visit to Raub last year (RAUB, TRAS, PAHANG VISIT) Not a major setback, as they’ve since expanded to Kota Kemuning, Setapak, and USJ. Naturally, the Kota Kemuning outlet was the most convenient, located near Nava’s Zen in Kemuning Greenville.

I visited on a mid-week morning around 9:30 AM. The kopitiam had a spacious and clean ambiance, with about half of the seating occupied and a steady stream of customers. The menu offered a wide selection, and it took some time for the three of us to decide.

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Lou Ho Kee Kopitiam: Uptown Rimbayu, Selangor

Green, white, and orange kopitiam signboard mounted atop the shop.
Opened just about two months ago, Lou Ho Kee Kopitiam joins the growing list of Chinese coffeeshops, now commonly known as kopitiams. Located in Uptown Rimbayu, Bandar Rimbayu, Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor, this eatery came recommended by someone who knows we’re always on the lookout for new food spots (PENANG FOOD GUIDE: WHERE & WHAT TO EAT).

Upon arrival, we were momentarily confused by the two corner-lot units side by side, separated by a lane. Unsure at first, we entered the right one and soon realized that both share the same ambiance - modern yet reminiscent of a high-end kopitiam. The corridor housing the food stalls is impressively clean, adding to the inviting atmosphere.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Tofu Sambal Recipe: Easy & Spicy Tofu Dish

Spicy tofu sambal coated in a tangy chili sauce in a white Pyrex.

Tofu Sambal, or Sambal Tofu, is a side vegetarian dish for a rice meal. Not only for vegetarians but also suitable for non-vegetarians. Suited for a meatless meal or plant-based cooking (VEGETARIAN NASI LEMAK), this simple recipe requires nothing more than pantry staples. These are the common ingredients stocked up at home.

 

There are a couple of ways to cook tofu sambal. Essentially, it’s the sambal or chili paste that creates the dish. The paste turns into a chili gravy or thick chili sauce.

 

The YouTube Shorts video attached below shows how to cook a simple tofu sambal.

Saturday, March 29, 2025

Malay Mix Rice Food Review: Gerai MBSA Shah Alam

Malaysian food court signboard along the road with two ground slits.
By pure chance, we stumbled upon Gerai MBSA, Shah Alam (G-03, SEKSYEN 31, Jalan Anggerik Mokara 31/50, Kota Kemuning). Essentially a food court, it wasn’t fully packed, but a few tables were already occupied with diners enjoying their meals. Arriving early for lunch gave us time to stroll around and scan the stalls before deciding (UCU TALAPIA TERBANG, JALAN BANI, SHAH ALAM).

Among the ample choices, Lailatif CafĂ© caught our attention. Freshly cooked dishes were already on display - tempting and mouthwatering. Here, it’s all about self-service: scoop your own rice and pick from a variety of dishes. Trust me, deciding wasn’t easy, especially on an empty stomach.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Pickled Eggplant Recipe

Eggplant pickle, made with birds eye chillies, shallots, ginger garlic paste, vinegar,, fresh bay leaves, and palm sugar.
Lightly fried for a crisp outer coating, this fusion eggplant in vinaigrette delivers bold flavors from garden to table. Fresh, colorful bird’s eye chilies, aromatic bay leaves, and ginger form the heart of this vinegar-infused eggplant, also known as pickled chilies when the heat is highlighted (EASY MANGO CHUTNEY). 

This recipe blends the best of various pickled eggplant traditions: Italian pickled eggplant, Lebanese pickled eggplant, Makdous, and Indian-style pickled brinjal, creating a versatile, home-style pickle.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe

Plate of Malaysian vegetarian spaghetti, with tofu, red chillies, cheese and crispy coriander in a spicy, creamy sauce.

The ultimate vegetarian spaghetti reflecting Asian tastes. This Malaysian-style spaghetti is spicy, buttery, and scented with fresh coriander leaves, also known as vegetable spaghetti (VEGETARIAN FRIED RICE). 

 

The fresh spaghetti sauce is made from scratch in a Malaysian kitchen using dried chili paste, ginger, shallots, and tomatoes, not store-bought spaghetti sauce. Tofu and green peas are added, making this vegetarian spaghetti recipe stand out from other spaghetti dishes.

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Beginner’s Guide to 5 Easy Herbs for Urban Gardening

A woman holding a packet of fertilizer and applying it to big trees.
Growing herbs successfully depends largely on climate. It’s essential to know which herbs thrive in your region, as what grows easily in tropical climates may struggle in four-season countries (EASY GARDENING: SEED SOWING FOR BEGINNERS). Through experience, we’ve learned that some herbs suited for cooler climates simply don’t do well in our environment. 

The herbs we’re sharing here are ideal for Southeast Asia, where temperatures are warm, and rainfall varies throughout the year. While we grow them directly in the ground due to available space, these herbs can also be cultivated in pots.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Easy Mango Chutney

Indian mango chutney, made with mustard seeds, turmeric powder, chillies, curry leaves, shallots, palm sugar, salt and water.
Spicy, sweet, with a vibrant golden turmeric hue and soft mango. The famed and popular Mango Chutney. This Indian-style chutney isn’t just a side dish for an Asian rice meal. It can be a mango jam as well. Whether cooked with or without chillies, mango chutney is a versatile Indian-style condiment that adds a sweet and tangy kick to dishes (VEGETABLE BIRYANI). 

 

Uses of Mango Chutney

On Toast and Sandwiches

Spread it on plain toast, sourdough, or sandwiches. It pairs well with butter or cream cheese.

Saturday, March 8, 2025

Food Review: CUK Bakery & Cafe (Bandar Rimbayu)

Halal bakery café with a welcoming atmosphere, rustic and white décor.
CUK Bakery & CafĂ©, with CUF short for Cikgu Una, is located in Bandar Rimbayu, Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor. The moment I stepped in, I was drawn to the ambiance. Though the space is limited - it’s a single lot, rather compact, with minimal space between tables - the rustic dĂ©cor, cleanliness, and cozy setting make it warm and inviting. What made it even more endearing was the staff’s friendly nature. Their genuine smiles and welcoming attitude added to the comfort as I waited for my lunch companion.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Easy Lamb in Soy Sauce Recipe

Lamb cooked in soy sauce with lemongrass, bird’s eye chilies and turmeric leaves in a thick sauce.

Fragrant lemongrass and turmeric leaf in a thick, spicy and tangy sauce blend with soy sauce, giving salty, sweet, and caramelized notes to tender lamb. The highlight is the use of Southeast Asian herbs -  Lemongrass and turmeric leaf, together with tomato for a fresh burst of tanginess, enhancing the taste of this dish, also known as soy sauce lamb recipe (LAMB SOUP RECIPE). 

 

Mutton can be used as well, but whether lamb or mutton, pressure cooking makes the meat soft and tender. Aromatics like ginger paste, garlic paste, and turmeric give the lamb a fragrant, slightly spicy profile while enhancing its natural taste.

Saturday, March 1, 2025

10 Things to Know Before Starting a Business

Starting a business sounds exciting. Many in their early twenties now choose entrepreneurship over traditional jobs. But if you've tried and failed or are just getting started, this guide will help you think before taking the plunge (RESILIENCE OF AN OLDER INDIAN WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR).

Before you dive in, watch this video.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Kopitiam Number One Rimbayu: Hawker Food Worth Trying?

Partial close-up of a Chinese Coffeeshop, Kopitiam, showing a wall menu with various bread and beverage options.
It was yet another recommendation for us to try a different Kopitiam - Kopitiam Number One Rimbayu (Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor), a branch of Kopitiam Number One Seri Muda. Like most kopitiams in Malaysia, this one was located on a corner lot. Parking was a breeze, especially since we arrived early, just before 11:30 AM, to secure a table. As soon as we walked in, my handphone camera was already in action, capturing the scene (PENANG MAINLAND FOOD ADVENTURES).

Watch the YouTube Shorts Video to see our food adventure at Kopitiam Number One Rimbayu before I share more.

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Easy Pumpkin Barley Dessert Recipe

Dessert made with barley, pumpkin pieces, screwpine leaves, and rock sugar, fully cooked and ready to serve.

Easy but super delicious dessert. Tender, naturally sweet pumpkin with barley cooked to the right texture. Sweetened with rock sugar and scented with pandan leaves (screwpine leaves).

 

This Malaysian dessert is a popular Chinese dessert, often found at dessert stalls in coffee shops or sold by van vendors alongside other desserts. You can also use Gula Melaka (palm sugar) or go sugarless for a healthier option.

Papaya Salad Recipe

Crunchy, fresh, crisp, spicy, and tangy papaya salad. Truly an appetizing dish that wakes up your taste buds instantly. Whether as a healthy...