Betong, Thailand: What to See and Do

Not the sleepy town it once was, Betong has grown into one of Thailand’s popular tourist destinations. The town is lively, especially on weekends and public holidays, attracting foreign visitors, including Malaysians. Even on weekdays, Betong is not short of visitors, from all walks of life (PULAU KETAM/CRAM ISLAND SELANGOR). 

Located in Yala Province, southern Thailand, right on the Malaysian border, Betong is easy to reach for Malaysians. Unlike famous Thai destinations like Phuket or Krabi, known for their beaches, Betong attracts visitors for strolling through town, tasting authentic Thai street food, shopping, and relaxing with traditional Thai massages.

Steamed Fish (Chinese Style)

Tender fish is topped with a no-cook chili, scallions, coriander, and ginger sauce, creating a delicious Chinese-style steamed fish. Steamed fish is naturally healthy, and the spicy no-cook sauce adds even more benefits. Steaming is simple, making this an easy recipe to try at home (THAI STYLE STEAMED FISH). 

Various types of fish can be used, but some of the best are red snapper (ikan merah), white pomfret (bawal putih), grouper (kerapu), mackerel (tenggiri), and tilapia. For this recipe, seabass (kurau) is used, with tender, flaky flesh that takes on the sauce beautifully.

Payasam Recipe

Green peas in coconut milk, and plumped-up black raisins and cashew nuts fried in ghee, make this a delicious Indian sweet porridge. A South Indian Payasam. In North India, it is widely known as Kheer. There is also the South Indian Kerala Pradhaman / Pal Payasam.

Various styles and types of Payasam are possible. Each one depends on which Indian ingredients are preferred, between the legumes, lentils, sago (PALM SUGAR SAGO PUDDING), nuts, and seeds. There is the simple Payasam, to the top-notch restaurant-style Payasam.

Sago Pudding with Palm Sugar (Sago Gula Melaka)

Translucent sago pearls in creamy coconut milk and palm sugar syrup make this dessert a soft, slightly sticky indulgence. Sago pudding with palm sugar, or Sago Gula Melaka, is a cherished part of Malaysia’s traditional kuih-muih desserts (CEMPEDAK GORENG).

Visually appealing and irresistibly tempting, this sago dessert is surprisingly simple to make. Just simmer rinsed sago, locally known as sagu in Malaysia, in boiling water until translucent, rinse again, and set in a large mould or individual cups.

Molten Lava Cake: Eggless

Oozy, gooey chocolate in the middle of a soft, melting-in-the-mouth cake. This is the eggless Molten Lava Cake. A no-fuss, chocolaty dessert chocolate cake (MARBLE CAKE), ideal when you crave a portion of cake, even for one person.

It can be made as mug cake, or in small Pyrex dishes, or any microwave-friendly container. Yes, it’s also the microwave Molten Lava Cake, ready in minutes. You can also make a steamed version if preferred.

 

The method is simple: sift the dry ingredients, mix in the wet ingredients, place a piece of chocolate in the center, and cook. The result is a warm, gooey chocolate center every time.

Chettinad Mutton Curry Recipe

Karaikudi food is about South Indian cooking, and within this category, there is also the Chettinad food. Spices play a role in Chettinad cooking, and that’s what makes a Mutton Curry Chettinad style simply mouthwatering (KARAIKUDI CHICKEN CURRY). 

There is the typical version, or authentic version, and there is also a Malaysian-style Chettinad Mutton Curry. Which means Indian mutton curry recipe can be tweeted.

Tandoori Salmon

It’s all worth it for the no-smell, omega-packed salmon. While salmon is rather pricey in Malaysia compared to our local catch, a simple pan-grilled salmon with lemon juice, crushed pepper, and salt is one of the best ways to have it.

 

Tandoor-style salmon, on the other hand, brings in Indian spices, making it a tasty, healthy dish (STEAMED FISH THAI STYLE). 

 

Traditionally, North-Indian Tandoori Salmon is cooked in a tandoor oven, or oven-baked for a home version. But the pan-grilled version is just as satisfying. Served with a no-cook mint dip, also known as mint chutney, and a crisp salad, it becomes a complete, restaurant-style salmon meal at home.

Kodai Kueh Shah Alam Review – Malay Kueh & Noodles

On my way to an eatery I’d been eager to try on Jalan Kebun, I stumbled upon Kodai Kueh Shah Alam by Aboy Eisha, located at Lorong Ikhsan. It’s just a quick 10-minute drive from Nava’s Zen in Kemuning Greenville. I found it intriguing that it’s called kodai instead of the more common kedai, which means "shop" in English. Ah! Just one of those quirks I can't comment on. Never mind; it’s not a big deal anyway.

As I approached this unassuming roadside shop, I noticed a growing crowd. Curiosity piqued - what was it about this place that was drawing so many people in? The closer I got, the more intrigued I became.

Mutton Curry Recipe

The simple, easy curry is the best curry. The best mutton curry features ingredients commonly used in Indian cooking. Items you likely already have at home. Mutton curry is all about bold spiciness and aroma (MUTTON DALCHA). 

This South Indian-style mutton curry is ideal for beginners or for days when time is tight. With mutton pressure-cooked first, it saves time and lets you focus on cooking the rest of the ingredients.

Marble Cake Recipe

Marble cake, also known as swirl cake or butter cocoa cake, is a hybrid of half butter cake and half chocolate (cocoa) cake. This is a pretty easy recipe. You can even use a regular butter cake recipe, split the batter into two, and fold cocoa powder into one portion, making sure there are no lumps (BUTTER CAKE RECIPE). 

If you like, add a little extra cocoa powder. The slight bitterness blends well with the sweetness of the buttery cake batter.

Sleep Struggles for Women in Midlife: Yoga Solutions

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract
This article investigates the sleep struggles faced by women in midlife, particularly those in their forties and beyond, and emphasizes the role of yoga as a holistic solution. As women in this age group encounter various challenges - such as emotional fatigue, physical inactivity, and disruptions in circadian rhythms - these factors significantly contribute to poor sleep quality. The research highlights how the practice of yoga can address these issues by enhancing physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By incorporating yoga into their daily routines, women can cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress, and foster a deeper sense of tranquility, which are essential for reclaiming restful sleep.

Sarawak Laksa Recipe

Fragrant, spicy, and creamy Sarawak-style noodle soup with a rich prawn-coconut broth layered in tangy, aromatic flavors. The famous Sarawak Laksa or laksa made in Sarawak. Though spices like coriander seeds, cumin seeds and fennel seeds are roasted before adding into the making of Sarawak Laksa Paste, for easy cooking, store-bought already grounded ones make it easier.

 

The Laksa paste is what determines the delicious of laksa, which also be said as curry or laksa gravy. Once this has been made, the rest of the cooking technique is rather straightforward (PRAWN CURRY LAKSA). 

Mutton Dalcha Recipe

When mutton is cooked with lentils and spices, it becomes a thick, spicy curry with tender meat. A vibrant yellow hue, soft lentils and meat, tasty Indian-style Mutton Dalcha.

What makes this Mutton Dalcha, or Mutton with Lentils Curry, stand out? It’s the cooking technique. Pressure-cooking the mutton softens the tough meat. The flavor is enhanced by store-bought spice powders instead of making masala from scratch.

 

Add the creamy richness of natural yogurt and the aromatic touch of curry leaves and coriander, and the curry is full of depth and aroma (INDIAN LAMB SOUP).

Tofu Stir Fry: Indian Style

Tofu, the protein-packed ingredient made from soybeans, is suited for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. These days, it comes in different tyoes. from traditional blocks to sofu and even organic varieties (VEGETARIAN NASI LEMAK). 

For this Indian-style stir fry, firm tofu works best. Otherwise, tofu will crumble apart, unless you’re after a softer, scrambled texture.

Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe: Italian Genoise

This Easy Chocolate Cake: Italian Genoise is light, tender, slightly dense, and soft yet crumbly, all the way through a chocolaty delight. With just six simple ingredients, it’s amazing how such a minimalist recipe can create a cake that melts in your mouth (BUTTER CAKE). 

Baking this cake requires the boiler method, where eggs and sugar are whisked over simmering water until foamy, then whisked off the heat to reach the ribbon stage. Folding in the flour carefully is equally important.

 

Fold in one direction and avoid lumps to keep the cake airy and light (CHOCOLATE COFFEE CAKE). 

Warung Mak Dara Corner (Jalan Kebun): Taste of Malay Heritage

Living just 10 minutes from Jalan Kebun via Kemuning Greenville, I’ve yet to explore the eateries in Jalan Kebun. However, being a true lover of Malay cuisine, I’ve already indulged in every Malay eatery within Kemuning Greenville, where Nava's Zen is located as well. This time, for a casual lunch with my dining companion, we decided to venture into Jalan Kebun. Though I initially had another spot in mind, my lunch partner suggested Warung Mak Dara Corner (Kampung Jln Kebun), and we arrived around 11:30 am on a Sunday.

Parking was a breeze - being both Sunday and an early lunch hour. By the time we arrived, a few patrons were already enjoying their meals. While they offer breakfast and noodle dishes (likely served later in the day), the main attraction for lunch is Nasi Campur.