This Malay heritage recipe has been handed down through generations and remains a staple in a traditional Malay rice meal (RENDANG AYAM/CHICKEN RENDANG).
Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, located in Siem Reap, Angkor Wat was built in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II. Originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, it later became a Buddhist site. Today, Angkor Wat remains the largest religious monument in the world and a lasting symbol of Cambodia’s national identity (HO CHI MINH CITY SITES).
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).
There is the cooking method of sago pearls and water stirred constantly over heat until the sago becomes translucent, coming together like a sticky dough. Care is also needed to prevent it from burning at the bottom of the wok.
Steaming, on the other hand, is the easier recipe for Kuih Sagu Kukus.
The city is a blend of history and modern life. French colonial buildings with preserved facades stand alongside tall skyscrapers, office towers, shopping malls, and apartment blocks, showing how the old and new exist together (VERONA ITALY TOP THINGS TO DO).
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).
For the salted fish, ikan kurau (threadfin) is considered the best choice, though other varieties work too. The salted fish bones add depth of flavor, but be careful, as some bones may soften and fall into the curry.
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, 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.
Yellow sweet potatoes are an important ingredient, giving the gravy its rich texture and subtle sweetness, even for the vegetarian version.
Recognized globally as one of the world’s most significant heritage sites, Ayutthaya, officially known as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, is both a city and a province in central Thailand. It was the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam and remains a symbol of Thailand’s legacy which cannot be erased.
For those who want a quick option, instant
Rasam is available in pre-packed rasam powder at Indian grocery stores. Over
time, you will discover which brand or mix suits your taste best.
Some people say nothing beats homemade Rasam. Made with freshly ground spices or a paste. But this quick Rasam recipe is for anyone short on time and still wanting one of the best pepper soups.
No need to spend on digestive biscuits. Cream crackers are a cheaper alternative and give a delightfully crumbly base. For a denser base, simply add more butter.
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).
Ideal for those who prefer straightforward baking without the need for special utensils. Everything is handmade. Just mixing and combining before it goes into the oven.
This version features only chilies, shallots, and garlic, though you can add vegetables such as long beans, French beans, carrots, white radish, or cabbage, or any other firm vegetables that pickle well (NO-COOK CUCUMBER SALAD).
Verona
in summer has cool breezes and gentle streets, in a city of romance and love in
Italy. The simple vibes add to the sense of love in the air. Rustic stone
landmarks in Verona add more feeling to the city. Verona is in northern Italy,
in the Veneto region between Milan and Venice.
Driving to Verona from Venice (TOP SITES IN VENICE) takes about two hours, and an overnight stay makes the experience more meaningful. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Verona has existed for over 2,000 years. Its heritage sites make the city one of the top attractions in Verona. Walking through the city unhurriedly while stopping at sightseeing spots, with breaks for lunch or coffee, fits the pace of Verona.
Five-ingredient
bread pudding, a beloved dessert. An absolutely beautiful, visually appealing
result. Soft, warm, and creamy, it has a custard-like texture that melts in
your mouth. This is not an ordinary recipe. It has a twist that’s probably
unlike the others.
What makes it special? It’s made with almost expiring bread slices. A vegetarian dessert that won’t let down non-vegetarians either. Naturally sweetened with dark raisins, it’s an ultimate easy vegetarian bread pudding.
Besides the gondola ride, there are other things to do in Venice. The journey usually begins with a boat ride from the main arrival point, passing famous landmarks along the way. Summer is the peak season, but Venice in Italy (PISA ITALY TOP ATTRACTIONS) attracts crowds throughout the year. During busy times, lines form to disembark, and once on land, the walk into Venice begins. Gradually, the crowd spreads out, leaving enough space to move around for the activities in Venice.
How to Travel to Piazza dei Miracoli,
Pisa, Italy
In Pisa, travelling to the Piazza dei Miracoli,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brings people to view the Leaning Tower,
the cathedral, the baptistery, and the monumental cemetery. This cluster of
landmarks, often called the “Square of Miracles,” is the main attraction in
Pisa, admired for its remarkable ancient historic medieval architecture.
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.
The typical Italy travel route starts in Rome and continues to Florence. The journey to Florence usually takes place immediately after a full day of sightseeing in Rome. Dinner and an overnight stay follow. The next morning, after breakfast, the day in Florence starts early at 9:00 am. This is to ensure the best things in Florence are visited before closing time.
From
northern cities like Milan and Turin to southern cities like Naples and Palermo
in Sicily, Italy is a medium-sized country in southern Europe, stretching into
the Mediterranean Sea. It’s not the size of Italy, but what it is known for
that draws thousands from around the world. For Asians, heading to Italy and
returning home with the lasting impact of Italy signifies a permanent emblem in
their traveling history (CHANDIGARH, INDIA WHAT TO DO).
The long hauls to step foot in Italy are worth it for discovering Italy - its history, legendary landmarks, heritage from many years back, and Italian culture. And nothing can beat it: when Italy is mentioned, the word “Roman” immediately pops to mind. When in Italy, its Italian food, top brands, fashion, and ancient buildings all sum up what the nature of the country (SABAH, MALAYSIA TOP SPOTS).
Sometimes, the best recipes are the easiest. This guide shows you how to make turmeric eggs with minimal effort, producing eggs with attractive, golden hue, natural patterns (MORINGA LEAVES STIR-FRIED).
This easy stir-fry keeps the leafy greens fresh while adding taste and texture. Dried shrimps, fresh grated coconut, black mustard seeds, and dried red chilies give the moringa leaves a mild spiciness and a lasting punch of flavor.
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the dried shrimps, and the dish remains delicious and wholesome (VEGETABLE KURMA CURRY).
Take it from Ms. Nava, who has been gardening for over 20 years - a journey filled with its share of mishaps. While some gardening challenges are inevitable, let me share with you my guide to growing herbs.
The vibrant golden hue of fresh turmeric, wrapped in aromatic turmeric leaves and pan-grilled, makes this Turmeric Fish Recipe a healthy and delicious dish. Cooked in traditional Malay style, the aroma of turmeric blends perfectly with fresh herbs, adding both fragrance and flavor (MALAY STYLE HERBED RICE).
For those who grow turmeric plants, fresh turmeric and turmeric leaves are readily available. For others, these ingredients can be purchased at local markets. While you can substitute turmeric powder and skip the leaf wrap, nothing quite matches the freshness and aroma of the real leaves.
For those who love home-cooked meals but need to save time, ready-made kurma powder is not a let-down. The foundation of the curry is there. As for the vegetables, the assortment is entirely up to you (POTATO CURRY VEGETARIAN).
But what makes a Malaysian Style Kurma special? It’s the addition of Southeast Asian herbs. One version that closely resembles it is the Sri Lankan kurma. Also features pandan (screwpine) leaves and lemongrass, fragrant elements that give the curry its tropical lift.
Congrats
on taking the first step toward gardening (GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS). Whether you're working with a small
patch or a larger plot, it’s always exciting to start your own garden. After
cleaning up your plot, it’s time to dive into some essential gardening tips for
beginners. Let’s get started.
Define Your Garden's Concept
It’s helpful to have a rough idea of the concept or theme for your garden. If you’re still deciding, don’t worry. A clear concept will give you direction as you begin. For instance, my garden’s theme is Zen, which led me to incorporate bamboo plants, stones, and pebbles. You could also choose a modern, traditional, or minimalistic theme. Without a clear concept, you may be planting without direction, so it’s worth spending some time thinking about what resonates with you.
Imagine sipping a homemade lemonade that is lightly sweet, refreshing, nourishing, and instantly wakes up the taste buds. This unique drink ...
