Palak Paneer: Spinach with Indian Cottage Cheese

Unlike tofu, paneer or Indian cottage cheese is something I cook only once in a while. When making a dish with paneer, it’s the convenience of buying rather than making it at home. Honestly, I don’t see the need to go through the process of making paneer when Indian grocers offer so many choices. Buying and cooking saves a lot of time.

Chinese Chill Cashew Veggie Stir-Fry: Two Crunchy Recipes

No matter how many times I've attempted to master Chinese-style stir-fried veggies, the results have been less than stellar. Sure, they’re edible, but they lack that restaurant-quality crunch and flavor. Ever wondered why? Here’s the secret: in Chinese restaurants (CHINESE HERBAL SOUP), vegetables are stir-fried over blazing high heat, a technique known as "wok hei" or "the breath of the wok." This involves constant stirring and tossing, which imparts a distinctive flavor and keeps the veggies crisp. They also use large cast iron woks and the right seasonings to achieve this perfection.

This is why the stir-fried veggies you savor at Chinese restaurants or mixed rice stalls maintain their delightful crunchiness.

Ponnanganni Keerai/Sessile Joyweed: Three Tasty Ways

In an era where healthy living is front and center, embracing nutritious home-cooked meals (MUGHLAI VEGETARIAN KORMA) is more crucial than ever. Growing your own food not only enhances your diet but also connects you with the earth. Yet, surprisingly, many people are too busy to indulge in urban gardening - even for something as simple as Ponnanganni Keerai, also known as Alternanthera Sessilis or Dwarf Copperleaf. This green, which thrives effortlessly from stems planted in soil or pots, is a perfect candidate for your home garden. The ones I’ve replanted are flourishing joyfully among my Zen garden’s veggies and herbs.

 

Nothing rivals the freshness of a home-harvested vegetable, even over Ayurvedic supplements claiming to deliver nature’s best.(VEGETARIAN BAYAM MASAK LEMAK). This raises a question: are Ayurvedic products truly 100% natural?

Easy Vegetable Kurma Recipe

With the rise of Indian stores, the abundance of spices and ready-made products has made cooking a breeze. Recently, I picked up a box of Mughlai spice mix and decided to whip up a Kurma curry. The recipe, conveniently printed on the box, allows for versatile vegetable options like potatoes, carrots, or beans.

The preparation is straightforward yet packed with flavor. Crispy fried shallots, crushed and added to the curry, lend a rich golden hue. Yogurt adds a creamy texture, while ghee imparts a nutty, caramelized depth. Prefer a milder taste? Simply adjust the chili levels to suit your palate.

 

I’ve named this recipe Easy Vegetable Kurma - a no-fuss way to savor bold and satisfying flavors.

Coconut Stew with Spinach (Bayam Masak Lemak)

Coconut stew with spinach, or the longer version, coconut milk with spinach, is a popular dish enjoyed by people from various walks of life. There’s the Indian version, the Western version, and so on. How about a Malay version, known as Bayam Masak Lemak? Yes, that’s precisely the recipe I’m sharing today. It’s a vegetarian version, and the vibrant red and yellow hue comes from fresh turmeric and red chillies. Scented with lemongrass, these two herbs are staples in Malay cuisine (VEGETARIAN ASAM PEDAS). 

 

Vegetarian coconut stew with spinach, or Bayam Masak Lemak, is a dish that brings the warmth of thick, aromatic, and vibrant coconut milk with soft, tender spinach inside.

  

Ingredients

1 bunch spinach - washed, rinsed, leaves plucked, stems sliced

1 ½ cups thick coconut milk

2 turmeric leaves - sliced

3 tbsp oil

Salt to taste

For blending

1 large red onion
1 inch fresh turmeric
1 lemongrass
Fresh red chilies - as needed

Method:

Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat and add the blended/pounded ingredients. Fry until fragrant.

Pour in 1 cup of water and bring to a simmer.

Add the prepared spinach and cook until wilted.

Pour in the coconut milk and add salt to taste. Simmer gently until the spinach is fully cooked and the flavors are well combined.
Turn off the heat and stir in the sliced turmeric leaf. 

Chinese Herbal Pork Soup

Are you thinking, "An Indian lady cooking Chinese Herbal Pork Soup?" Yes, she does! I'm one of those Indians who loves pork, even though my husband doesn't. He doesn't mind me cooking it for myself. What's better than a Chinese soup packed with nourishment and goodness? Chinese Herbal Pork Soup sounds fabulous, don't you agree? Plus, it's super easy to cook. I usually use pre-packed herbs from the store, and wow, there are so many choices these days. Just pick your favorite, and let's cook up some soup! I also have a recipe for Chinese Pork Old Cucumber Soup, but let's start with this one - Chinese Herbal Pork Soup.

Vegetarian Asam Pedas (Asam Pedas Sayur)

Let's clear the air before we get cooking. People love to judge at first sight - some see me as a lady of leisure, a glamour queen, and the ultimate non-cook. After I got married, every time I walked into my in-laws' gatherings and mentioned cooking, I'd get sly smiles and those nasty, scrutinizing looks as if they were checking up on my culinary skills. Oh, the expressions on their faces - priceless! Apparently, my appearance didn't fit their cooking connoisseur checklist. How should a lady who cooks look? If only I resembled them, right? Weeeeeee!!

Tamarind Fried Fish/Ikan Goreng Asam Resep

Have you tried Tamarind Fried Fish? It’s a fascinating dish where fish is soaked in tangy tamarind juice before being fried to perfection. If you love zesty flavors, this dish is a must-try. I’m a big fan of such vibrant tastes, and Tamarind Fried Fish, with its lively kick, hits the spot. Even if you’re not usually into zesty foods, pairing this fried fish with a spicy soy dip might just open your taste buds to new flavors (EASY FISH HEAD CURRY).

 

You can use any type of fish for this recipe. I’m featuring two varieties: torpedo scad (cencaru) and mackerel (kembung). Each type of fish (CRISPY FRIED PRAWNS) comes with its own unique dip, making both versions of this Tamarind Fried Fish equally delightful and easy to prepare.

Egg Curry Recipes: Indian Style

Something that I repeat regularly is that I love eggs. They sort of complete my meals. Enough said, I suppose, because I have nothing more to say about eggs, and today, eggs will be featured in curries. I will share with you two types of egg curries, both with potatoes. These recipes are nothing complicated - recipes with pantry-friendly ingredients.

Surakarta (Solo): Heartbeat of Central Java

The final day of my 5-day, 4-night escapade has arrived (BOROBUDUR ETERNAL LEGEND & YOGYAKARTA REGAL WONDERS). Tomorrow morning, I’ll  be heading back to reality, back to the daily grind. As much as I'd love to keep traveling forever, the truth is, it's time to return home. But not before I embark on my last adventure in Surakarta, also known as Solo.

My day began with a delightful hotel buffet breakfast at Harper Mangkubumi. The spread was a feast for the senses, especially the array of local traditional dishes that tantalized my  taste buds. Satisfied and ready for the day, we set off  (COLOMBO DREAMS & SEOUL THROUGH MY EYES) for Surakarta.

Yogyakarta: Regal Wonders and Indonesian Tastes

It's time to talk about the buffet breakfast at Harper Mangkubumi, and trust me, you're in for a treat! I haven't yet introduced you to this culinary delight, and now is the perfect moment (JOGYAKARTA EXPOSURE). By now, you probably know how much I adore Indonesian cuisine and our local Malay Malaysian food. Oh, yes, please! The buffet breakfast at Harper Mangkubumi was a feast for the senses during my stay (COLOMBO DISCOVERY & NEW DELHI REVELATION). 

The variety was astounding, even featuring different Jamu concoctions, those traditional herbal drinks. Although I’m not a big eater and not usually a breakfast person, I couldn't resist sampling the array of dishes. Such a sensational meal, including the desserts that left me in awe. I know I'll miss this breakfast spread (HOKKAIDO WANDERLUST) once I leave, and I'm sure you'll agree with me after seeing it for yourself.

Jogyakarta: Authentic Indonesian Cuisine & Cultural Exposure

After an action-packed morning filled with thrilling adventures (MOUNT MERAPI JEEP TOUR), lunch was a much-anticipated respite. With a sparse breakfast and energy spent, I eagerly looked forward to a hearty meal. Finally (SEOUL THROUGH MY EYES & CHENNAI DISCOVERY) we arrived at Restaurant Timbul Roso, albeit a bit later than planned. The stunning rustic ambiance, highlighted by rich wood tones, made me feel as if I had walked into a luxurious home in Jogjakarta. I longed to sit outside amidst the mini nature jungle, but our group of four opted for the comfort (OSAKA SUNSETS) of the indoor dining area.

Mount Merapi Jeep Tour: Rugged Adventure

Adventure was calling, and I was ready to answer. The Mount Merapi Jeep Tour promised an experience (JOGYAKARTA TEMPLES) like no other, and while my previous travels had already seen their fair share of thrilling escapades (HOKKAIDO SNOW MOBILE & VARANASI GANGES), I was eager to see what this adventure had in store. As we arrived at the starting point, the sun blazed overhead, and the air was thick with dust. Grateful for my trusty scarf- a staple of my travel gear - I wrapped it around my face and prepared for the ride (CAPE TOWN SEAL ISLAND & PRETORIA MOMENTS). 

Mount Merapi, Indonesia's "Mountain of Fire," loomed majestically before us. This active volcano, near Yogyakarta on the island of Java, is infamous for its frequent and powerful eruptions that have shaped the surrounding landscape and the lives of local communities for centuries. Its fiery temperament has caused extensive damage and loss of life, yet it remains an integral part of the region's culture and spirituality. Those brave enough to hike its slopes are rewarded with breathtaking views and a profound appreciation for the raw power of nature.

Yogyakarta: Temples, Traditions, and Tastes

Our day began at the crack of dawn in Borobudur (BOROBUDUR ETERNAL LEGEND), capturing the essence of our journey to Jogjakarta. This iconic site, the highlight of our trip, was just the beginning (SOUTH AFRICA PRETORIA MOMENTS) of our temple exploration in Central Java. A short 2 km trip brought us to Candi Pawon Temple, a lesser-known but equally fascinating Buddhist temple. This small yet impressive structure, believed to be a royal tomb, remains a mystery (MYANMAR FROM MAE SAI) as to who might be buried there.

Borobudur - Yogyakarta: The Eternal Legend

With barely four hours of sleep (Jogyakarta The Kickoff), I was were up and ready, heading to the lobby by 4 a.m. A packet breakfast awaited me - two sandwiches and some cut fruits, enough to tide us over since we'd miss the hotel's breakfast service. By 4:45 a.m., we arrived at the entrance of Borobudur Temple.

Borobudur Temple, located in Central Java, Indonesia, is a monumental Mahayana Buddhist temple and the world's largest Buddhist monument. Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its intricate stone carvings, stunning architectural grandeur, and unique design that symbolizes the Buddhist cosmology with its three tiers: the world of desire, the world of forms, and the formless world (Pretoria South Africa Moments).

Yogyakarta - Indonesia: Just The Kickoff

Joining a group of five friends, one of whom took charge of all the arrangements (Pretoria Moments & Cape Town Nature Stunner), including our sightseeing, I embarked on a five-day, four-night adventure to Indonesia. Despite the person’s planning, I still made it a point to contact the travel agent to ensure I had a single occupant room (Korea Through My Eyes). With a mid-morning flight, I was up by 5 am and arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport by 7 am. After a flight delay, we finally took off, landing at Adisutjipto Airport.

Upon arrival (Osaka Sunsets & New Delhi Revelation), we were greeted by our tour guide, Pak Adi. Lunch at Sekar Kedhaton Restaurant set the lovely tone for our trip. The rustic, woody ambiance complemented the delicious spread of achar (pickled veggies), stir-fried vegetables, fried chicken, sweet and sour fish, fresh fruits, and buah salak for dessert. The highlight for me was the sambal, which I couldn’t get enough of, especially with the keropok (fried fritters). Wow! The spicy power of Indonesia, which I had heard about from the helpers who come over to clean my house, was now validated after tasting it.

Kari Kambing Malaysia (Malaysian Mutton Curry)

(Updated Version)

Curious about why Ms. Nava’s mutton curry is dubbed Kari Kambing Malaysia? It’s not just any mutton curry; it’s a beloved staple that resonates with Malaysians from all walks of life. Crafted with vibrant spices, this curry is perfectly spicy - just the way Malaysians love it. Can you almost taste it? I bet you’re nodding in agreement or perhaps even salivating (THAI RED MUTTON CURRY).

But wait, there’s more! I have a vast collection of mutton recipes, and despite sharing quite a number already, there's still more to explore - each with its own unique twist. From classic to innovative, you'll find variations to suit every palate. In fact, I’m sharing more than one recipe here, guiding you on how to tweak mutton curries into fresh, exciting dishes (MUTTON DIVERSE RECIPES).

Pretoria Moments & Insights into South Africa

As I prepared to leave South Africa (Johannesburg Wildlife & Cape Town Nature Stealer) and head back home, emotions were running high. Each moment spent here has been truly fulfilling for my soul. Today, we started with a city tour of Pretoria, the administrative capital nestled in the northern part of Gauteng Province. Founded in 1855 by Marthinus Pretorius and named after his father, Andries Pretorius, a prominent Boer leader, Pretoria has been central to South Africa's history (Hokkaido Wanderlust & Kochi Kaleidoscope).

It served as the capital of the South African Republic (ZAR) and later became one of the capitals of the Union of South Africa in 1910. The city has witnessed pivotal events, including the signing of the Peace of Vereeniging in 1902, ending the Second Boer War, and the establishment of the Union Buildings in 1913, symbolizing the country's political evolution (Colombo Discovery & New Delhi Revelation).

Must-Try Food in South Africa

South African cuisine (BEST THINGS TO DO IN JOHANNESBURG) blends local traditions with global flavours. Popular dishes like braai, bobotie, pap, and biltong are found in eateries that serve traditional food or at local street stalls. Don’t hesitate to ask what’s on your plate, it’s the best way to learn and enjoy. You’ll also find a wide range of Indian, Chinese, Western, and South African fusion food, making food a key part of your travel experience. When in South Africa, its about what to eat and where to find it (CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA THINGS TO DO).

Best Things to Do in Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, also known as Joburg, is South Africa’s largest city and a key destination alongside Cape Town. Known as the “City of Gold” due to the 1886 gold rush, Johannesburg is rich in history, nature, and unique travel experiences. If you're flying from Cape Town (TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN CAPE TOWN), expect a two-hour flight into O.R. Tambo International Airport. Depending on how long you stay, even two days is enough to explore some of the top things to do in Johannesburg, South Africa. Here are three must-visit attractions.

The Lion & Safari Park

Located in the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park offers a scenic bushveld backdrop and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Established in 1966, it has grown into a popular tourist and conservation center. Don’t miss the Cub World, where visitors queue up for a rare moment to interact with lion cubs,  one person at a time, with just two to three minutes allocated per visitor (PLACES TO VISIT IN SRI LANKA).

Top Places to Visit in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, one of the most visited cities in South Africa, is packed with attractions (THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN). From scenic landscapes and wildlife to good food and coastal drives, there’s so much to see and do. You could easily spend a week exploring Cape Town. While the list of tourist spots is long, a few stand out as must-visit highlights, both for sightseeing and experiencing the essence of the city.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is the main highlight of Cape Town, a must-see for every visitor. But take note: your visit depends on the weather. On rainy or misty days, the cable car doesn’t operate. Once the weather clears, you can buy your ticket, queue up, and take the cable car ride. It lifts you 1,086 meters above sea level, with stunning views of the sea and the city below (SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING SPOTS).

Things To Do in Cape Town, South Africa

Nature lovers, brace yourself. Cape Town will sweep you off your feet with its unspoiled landscapes. Whether it’s cycling in nature, hiking, a gentle walk, or just a drive along mountain slopes that open up to sea views and green hills, Cape Town has it all (CAPE TOWN TRAVEL GUIDE). You can easily spend a full day soaking in the natural beauty without rushing. Still, there are a few must-visit attractions in Cape Town you shouldn't miss.

Mouille Point to Muizenberg

A drive from Mouille Point to Muizenberg feels like an adventure on its own. The road winds through mountain slopes, with high-up views of the sea and even glimpses of the harbour. It’s the kind of drive where your eyes do all the work, looking around and appreciating what’s there (COLOMBO SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING).

Cape Town, South Africa Travel Guide

Located at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa is known for its natural beauty, diverse cultures, colonial history, and the end of apartheid in 1994. Over the years, it has become one of the top tourist destinations in the world (HOKKAIDO, JAPAN SIGHTSEEING). When people think of South Africa, they often imagine wildlife, scenic landscapes, cultural diversity, and local cuisine. Among all the places to explore, Cape Town stands out as one of the country’s most visited and vibrant cities.

Signal Hill

One of the must-visit Cape Town attractions, Signal Hill offers sweeping views of the city, the harbour, and the Atlantic Ocean. Located beside Lion’s Head, it’s a popular spot for watching sunsets, taking photos, or simply relaxing in nature. The historic noon gun still fires daily, a tradition from the colonial era used to signal ships in Table Bay. From here, you’ll also see the Sea Point suburb, Green Point Stadium, and the city skyline. Visitors often drive or hike up for the best views, especially in the late afternoon (MYANMAR -ACROSS CHIANG RAI).

Seoul, Korea: A Journey Through My Eyes

On the second last day in Korea, which was spent in Seoul (GANDWON-DO & JEJU THROUGH MY LENS) e skipped the usual hotel buffet breakfast and were taken to an eatery instead. Remember, I told you how it's difficult to figure out the names of eateries in Korea, as the signboards are all in Korean? By the time we walked in, it seemed it was almost the end of breakfast. The tables were a mess, created by previous tour groups who had already eaten and left. It felt like we were helping ourselves to the remnants of the dishes, and the staff seemed uninterested in serving us. Nevertheless, we helped ourselves to pumpkin porridge and spinach porridge, along with Kimchi soup and side dishes. Despite the initial chaos, it was a pleasant meal.

Gangwon-do, South Korea: From Mount Sorak to Pyeongchang

Mount Sorak, or Seoraksan, located in the northeastern part of South Korea, marked the start of our adventure-filled day (NAMI ISLAND & JEJU THROUGH MY LENS). This majestic mountain, part of the Taebaek range within Seoraksan National Park, spans the provinces of Gangwon-do, including Sokcho, Inje, and Yangyang. Renowned for its rugged peaks, dense forests, and stunning waterfalls, the park offered us a serene and picturesque setting.

Our group, moving like one happy family, enjoyed fun moments as we walked through the park, passing by towering red pine trees. Our first stop was the Bronze Jwabul Statue, also known as the Tongil Daebul, erected in 1997. Standing 14.6 meters tall, this statue symbolizes the hope for the reunification of North and South Korea and represents the moment of the Buddha's enlightenment. Nearby, we visited Sinheungsa Temple, one of Korea's oldest Zen Buddhist temples, dating back to the 7th century. Joining in the prayers for a few minutes, I felt a profound sense of calm and zen spirituality (KYOTO ZENFUL SIGHTS & VARANASI SACRED GANGES).

Nami Island & Petite France: A Korean-French Experience

Leaving Jeju Island behind (JEJU THROUGH MY LENS), we were off to Nami Island, located 63km northeast of Seoul. After breakfast and packing our bags, we headed to the airport and arrived in Seoul just in time for lunch. Seeing Korean steamboat yet again almost did me in - was it always steamboat or hotplate on these tours? I wondered. Fortunately, Korean side dishes and rice saved the day with their flavors.

Within the hour, we journeyed to Nami Island. This scenic oasis in the heart of South Korea's Bukhan River is celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural charm. Shaped like a half-moon after the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam, Nami Island captivates visitors with its tree-lined pathways, lush landscapes, and serene lakeside views.

Jeju Island Through My Lens

Our day began with a different kind of start, skipping the usual hotel buffet breakfast for a meal across the harbor in a small restaurant. Ah! The challenge of figuring out the names of eateries in South Korea when everything is in Korean (SEOUL TO JEJU), including this one. Breakfast commenced with toast, butter, jam, and a soft-boiled egg, with the highlight being the abalone porridge. Or at least, it was supposed to be. Noticing the absence of abalone in the porridge and informing the guide, he got worked up as if I was pulling his leg, until the rest echoed. Soon enough, we were served additional bowls of porridge, this time with discernible pieces of abalone. The porridge paired with the soft-boiled egg was an appreciated start to the rainy day.

From Seoul to Jeju: A Solo Traveler's Korean Venture

A complete package tour to South Korea, yet another solo adventure for me, this time with 14 strangers. Without a local Malaysian guide, the tour company representative met me at the airport for a quick check-in and briefing before we took to the skies (OSAKA SUNSETS & KYOTO ONSEN BARENESS) , arriving at Incheon International Airport by 9:00am. Our Korean guide was already there, and I was the first to greet him. Mysteriously, the remaining 13 took an additional 45 minutes.

Our journey commenced at Gyeongbokgung Palace, a magnificent symbol of Korean history and culture located in northern Seoul. Built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, this grand palace, whose name translates to "Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven," showcases Korea's rich architectural heritage and royal lifestyle. The sprawling grounds are adorned with meticulously restored halls, pavilions, and gardens. Highlights include the imposing Geunjeongjeon Hall, used for royal ceremonies, and the National Palace Museum of Korea, displaying artifacts that narrate the country's royal history (NEW DELHI REVELATION & RAJASTHAN MAGIC).

New Delhi - North India: A Soulful Revelation

On the last two days in New Delhi (TAJ MAHAL & VARANASI) before returning home, I enjoyed a relaxed morning on the second-to-last day. After breakfast, I stayed in my room, sipping coffee and having a light meal from the buffet. While the rest of the group went shopping, I took advantage of the hotel's fast Wi-Fi to catch up on social media (COLOMBO DISCOVERY & HOKKAIDO WANDERLUST).

For lunch, we headed to "Flavour Of Southvala" in Karol Bagh. Despite the cramped seating, the food was exceptional. We shared a Paper Tosai, a Non-Vegetarian Thali Set, and India's beloved Bru Coffee. The curries were rich and flavorful, thanks to the spices used, and the presentation was appetizing - unlike some eateries that overlook the importance of plating. This meal was a clear winner, making up for the less enjoyable dining experiences elsewhere (CHENNAI & KODAIKANAL).

Taj Mahal Agra - (North India)

The journey from Jaipur (JAIPUR LOVE CITY & VARANASI SACRED GANGES) to our destination was about five and a half hours, and I was glad to have the company of some lively ladies on this tour. With jokes and laughter filling the bus, time flew by until our first comfort break. These breaks can happen anywhere, often at roadside shops where a bathroom stop is a must. Here’s the thing: you have to brace yourself. Sometimes there's water, sometimes not, so always carry tissues. Out in the outskirts, you can't afford to fuss; no one’s going to hear you anyway.

For men in India, bathroom breaks are even more informal. They relieve themselves wherever they please, and it's a sight that's hard to miss. I'd seen enough in North India to know it wasn't just a South Indian phenomenon (MYSURU & CHENNAI) . At some sightseeing spots, the smell is impossible to avoid as you walk in.