Vegetarian Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is a beloved Malaysian dish enjoyed any time of the day, from breakfast to late-night supper. It’s a favorite among rice lovers and food enthusiasts alike. While nasi lemak is also part of Singaporean cuisine, and can be found in Brunei, certain parts of Indonesia, and Southern Thailand, nothing quite compares to the original Malaysian version. Nasi lemak is one of Malaysia’s most iconic dishes and has put Malaysian food on the global map.

What is Nasi Lemak?

Nasi lemak means coconut milk rice. Whether it’s the traditional non-vegetarian version, vegan, or plant-based nasi lemak, the main recipe for the coconut milk rice stays the same.

Kuih Kaswi Recipe

Chewy and scented with palm sugar (Gula Melaka) and fragrant pandan (screwpine) leaves, this is Kuih Kaswi, also known as Kuih Kasui. Like other popular Malay kuih-muih, it’s a steamed Malaysian delicacy and a traditional dessert (WAJIK/GLUTINOUS RICE CAKES). 

 

The Gula Melaka version, sometimes called Gula Merah, is essentially a palm sugar–flavored steamed dessert. It is infused with the fragrance of pandan leaves, which is what sets Malay kuih-muih apart from those made with vanilla essence (MALAYSIAN BANANA PANCAKE). 

Suicide in Young Indian Women in Selangor: Yoga Therapy

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 explores the intricate relationship between cultural expectations, mental health, and wellness practices among young Indian women in Selangor. It examines how societal pressures and a lack of mental health awareness contribute to emotional distress and coping strategies, particularly in the context of yoga therapy. Despite the growing prevalence of mental health issues and rising suicide rates, yoga remains undervalued within the community, often overshadowed by more competitive pursuits. 

This study highlights the potential of yoga therapy to foster resilience and emotional well-being, advocating for its integration into daily life as a preventive measure against mental health crises. By promoting open discussions around mental health and encouraging holistic practices, families can create supportive environments that nurture the mental wellness of young Indian women, ultimately leading to healthier, more balanced lives.

Banana Pancake Recipe

The irresistible banana pancake is loved worldwide. Whether for breakfast, as an after-meal dessert, or as part of a high-tea treat. Making banana pancakes is simple. You can make them vegetarian or vegan, use baking powder or self-raising flour for convenience, or even go 100% with just ripe bananas (BANANA CHOCOLATE CAKE). 

It’s also a great way to use bananas that are near expiry and already soft and mushy, waste not, want not. First, make the pancakes, and then comes the fun part, toppings. From maple syrup to ice cream, salted caramel, cream, or fresh fruits. The options are endless.

Bitter Gourd with Eggs Recipe: Chinese Style

The slight bitterness from bitter gourd in Bitter Gourd with Eggs is what makes it delicious, plus it’s packed with nutrients. Bitter gourd and eggs, the two main ingredients, create a healthy recipe.

For a Chinese-style bitter gourd, it’s the light green bitter gourd. Not the darker, usually smaller variety, which is slightly milder in bitterness (CRISPY FRIED BITTER GOURD CHIPS). 

 

With a couple of common Chinese ingredients, you can whip up this bitter gourd stir-fry easily. Whether you prefer the eggs as one Bitter Gourd Omelette or in smaller pieces is a matter of preference.

Tasty Thai, Bukit Rimau: A Food Critic's Thai Bite

Arriving at Tasty Thai in Bukit Rimau around 11:50 AM with two lunch companions, we found ourselves among just three or four other early diners. Despite the quiet start, the staff were fully prepared to serve us. The moment I stepped inside, it felt like walking into a space that blended the warmth of a traditional Thai family home with the refined atmosphere of a high-end Thai food stall. The ambiance was serene and calming, instantly putting me at ease.

Kerabu Taugeh: Bean Sprout Salad

No-cook salads on the whole are about crispness, freshness, and the ease of a simple recipe. Between the various types of salads, there is the kerabu.  The Malaysian salad, specifically a Malay raw salad that is about preparing and tossing the ingredients together (URAP KANGKUNG/WATER SPINACH SALAD). 

Most of the time, apart from the star ingredient, the rest are everyday Malaysian staples that are easily available.

 

Take this Kerabu Taugeh (Bean Sprout Salad) as the example. This Kerabu Taugeh recipe calls for crunchy bean sprouts, chilies, shallots, lime juice, and kerisik (pan-roasted and pounded grated coconut), along with the fresh fragrance of spring onions and coriander leaves (KERABU BENDI/OKRA SALAD).

Peanut Cookies Recipe

No matter the festival, peanut cookies are a beloved treat that everyone looks forward to (SUJI COOKIES). The two star ingredients for these crumbly, buttery, and nutty cookies are nothing more than peanuts and butter.

These are Chinese-style cookies, shaped into small mounds, topped with peanuts, and brushed with egg yolk for a golden finish. For a vegetarian or egg-free version, use milk or cream instead of egg yolk.

 

For the peanuts, you can choose fried or roasted peanuts, then grind them in a food processor or mortar to make a coarse or fine powder. There’s also a version using store-bought peanut butter, which already includes butter and sometimes sugar.

Turkey Attractions

The journey starts in Istanbul and loops through some of Turkey’s top cities. In each city, it’s best to focus on the main attractions, as time is limited and budgets need to be considered. Traveling between cities is mostly by road and can take significant time (ISTANBUL TURKEY). 

One of the easiest ways to see Turkey is by joining a tour. Most tours include arrangements for accommodation, meals, and transportation. A local guide adds value by explaining the history and highlights of each city and attraction, making the experience smoother and more informative.

Crispy Fried Bitter Gourd Chips Recipe

As bitter as they are, bitter gourd is packed with healthy nutrients. Its natural bitterness acts as a remedy for managing blood sugar levels and supporting digestive health. When sliced thinly and fried, the bitterness mellows, turning into crispy fried bitter gourd chips, a favorite snack or accompaniment for an Indian rice meals (CRISPY FRIED CAULIFLOWER). 

Found in Indian eateries, this dish is always popular. Some versions are fried with flour, but this recipe does not need it (MORINGA LEAVES STIR-FRIED). 

Suji Cookies Recipe

Crumbly, crunchy, and scented with ghee, these golden yellow Suji Cookies are a festive favorite. Also known as Sujee Cookies, semolina cookies, or spelled as Sugee Cookies, they are usually made for celebrations like Hari Raya, Deepavali, or Chinese New Year (SEMOLINA/SUGEE CAKE). 

This is a simple 4-ingredient recipe (excluding cherries), but the ingredients are flexible. For less sweet cookies, use less sugar. For richer, more indulgent cookies, add extra ghee.

Sambal Belacan

Fiery, salty, tangy, and packed with umami, this is the classic Malaysian spicy dip. Sambal belacan, also known as Chili Shrimp Paste Sauce, is a no-cook or raw dip made traditionally with a mortar and pestle, or more quickly with a food processor or blender (NASI KERABU/HERBS RICE). 

This world-famous condiment comes in various versions. Apart from the popular Malaysian sambal belacan, there is the Thai-style sambal belacan and the Indonesian sambal belacan, also called Sambal Terasi. Each has its own preferred ingredients and flavors.

Misdiagnosis of Depression in Menopause: Yoga for Relief

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 examines the misdiagnosis of depression during menopause and the potential benefits of yoga as a complementary treatment. It highlights the limitations of conventional approaches that often oversimplify menopausal symptoms by labeling them as depression. Through the author's personal experiences, it is demonstrated how yoga can offer significant relief and mental clarity beyond what is typically achieved with standard medical treatments. 

The discussion emphasizes the importance of integrating yoga into mental health care, not only as a supplementary remedy but as a vital tool for enhancing overall well-being. The findings suggest that a more nuanced understanding of menopause-related mental health issues and the inclusion of yoga in treatment plans can lead to improved outcomes and greater self-reliance.

Easy Mango Sticky Rice Recipe - Thai Style

Khao Niew Mamuang, or Thai mango sticky rice, is a dessert loved across the globe, and for good reason. This Thai classic brings together fragrant glutinous rice (KUIH BUAH MELAKA/ONDEH ONDEH RECIPE), rich coconut milk, and sweet, juicy mango for a refreshing tropical treat.

In Thai, “Khao Niew” means sticky or glutinous rice, and “Mamuang” means mango. You’ll often find this dessert sold at street stalls in Thailand, but trust me, not every version is worth raving about. I’ve tasted many, even right in Thailand (RED RUBIES IN COCONUT MILK), and some were just average. But when it’s good, it’s really good, sticky rice that’s soft but not mushy, coconut milk that’s sweet and salty, and mango that melts in your mouth (THINGS TO DO IN THAILAND).

PIneapple Tarts Recipe

Golden and mildly crispy pastry filled with spiced pineapple jam,   that’s the  captivating  pineapple tarts. This recipe features the open-face version, also known as Nyonya pineapple tarts, a favorite during festive seasons and special occasions. Making pineapple tarts may be a tedious job, but homemade tarts are always worth the effort (TEA GOJI BERRY JELLY). 

What makes these homemade pineapple tarts unique compared to other fruity tarts?

 

Butter

Creates an extra crumbly, melt-in-the-mouth texture (BUTTER CAKE RECIPE). 

 

Corn flour

Binds the dough, making it tender and crisp, while enhancing the filling and extending shelf life.

Istanbul, Turkey

Uniquely positioned at the junction of Europe and Asia, Turkey is a country that shares land borders with eight countries. It is also surrounded by the Aegean Sea to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Black Sea to the north. With over 85 million people, the official language is Turkish, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas (COPENHAGEN DENMARK SITES). 

Most travelers enter Turkey through Istanbul Airport, though there are also airports in Ankara and Izmir. Mention Istanbul, and the words mentioned are stunning, historic, and aplenty things to do in Istanbul. Truly a must-visit city for Turkey travel. No surprise, countless attractions in Istanbul have stood the test of time, drawing travelers from throughout the world (VENICE ITALY THINGS TO DO). 

Easy Pork Belly with Salted Fish

Pork belly and salted fish. Imagine these two ingredients coming together in one Chinese dish. That’s Pork Belly (PORK CHOPS CHINESE STYLE) with Salted Fish, a popular and much-loved recipe. You’ll often find it at Chinese mix rice stalls, and in restaurants, it’s served bubbling hot in a claypot as Claypot Pork Belly with Salted Fish.

At home, though, it’s all about easy cooking. This steamed version is simple and even considered the healthier choice. Just prep the ingredients, place them on a steaming tray, and steam away.

Thai Red Prawn Curry

Bright red, rich, and filled with the aroma of Thai herbs. Exactly how a Thai Red Prawn Curry should be. Thai curries are usually made with one of the three main pastes: red, yellow, or green curry paste (THAI GREEN EGG CURRY). This recipe uses the Thai red curry paste, the key to bold and fragrant flavor.

There are different ways to prepare red curry paste, from simple homemade versions to more complex blends. A vegetarian red curry paste works as a good base and can be easily adapted into a non-vegetarian curry. Choice of Thai herbs and ingredients can also be adjusted to taste.

Chinese Rice Congee

Rice congee is the watery, lighter version of rice. It’s comfort food at its best. Ideal for rainy or chilly days when you need warmth. Or for those times you’re under the weather yet still crave rice, just in a soft, soupy form. And of course, for true congee lovers, anytime is a good time for a bowl of rice congee.

While congee recipes may seem similar across cultures, Chinese rice congee stands out because it’s not cooked into a mushy, sticky lump. 

Instead, the rice grains remain soft, grainy, and cooked to just the right texture, with enough water to create a light, soothing broth.

Jelly Recipe: Chrysanthemum Goji Berry Jelly

Herbal jelly with loads of health benefits. It’s indeed a Chinese jelly recipe, as chrysanthemum tea and dried goji berries are part of their cooking. Imagine the refreshing and cooling chrysanthemum tea and also the natural sweetness of goji berries (THAI RED RUBIES). 

In a mildly crunchy, yet wobbly jelly, made with lump sugar. Let alone only 4 ingredients (excluding water) for this not a common jelly. But it’s truly a sweet dessert pleasure, whether preferred at room temperature or after chilling in the fridge (ONDEH-ONDEH/KUIH BUAH MELAKA). 

Indian Crab Rasam (Crab Soup)

Among the versions of Indian Crab Rasam (Nandu Rasam), from rustic village-style to modern twists, this spiced South Indian Crab Soup stands out as both nourishing and tasty. Whether you cook with the meaty claws of mud crabs or the smaller legs of blue crabs, the choice is yours (EASY CRAB CURRY).

You can prepare the rasam paste from scratch with fresh spices or use a ready-made spice powder.

 

From a quick, simple crab rasam to a more elaborate version, the heart of the dish lies in a blend of Indian spices. Simmered with crab claws, tamarind juice, tomato, and curry leaves, it carries a bold, spiced taste.

Sri Lankan Mango Fish Curry: Miris Malu:

Village cooking, traditional cooking,  also Kerala style and Sri Lankan style heritage cooking (SRI LANKAN COCONUT MILK FISH). Cooking in clay pot is not only truly meaningful, but considered healthier because it preserves nutrients, requires less oil, and allows slow, even cooking.

This fish curry takes the Sri Lankan fish curry recipe, known as Miris Mallu, cooked in clay pot, but with its own tweet and twist. Still, featuring from a stratch, homemade curry paste. Pan roasted spices to release their aromas, and traditionally pounded, but for easy cooking, blended (KEEMA RECIPE). 

Chilli Chicken Recipe: Chinese Style

A popular order during Chinese meals, or as one of the dishes in a Chinese mix rice (chap fun) eatery, Chilli Chicken features dried red chilies, spring onions, and soy sauce with tender chicken pieces. Its simplicity makes it a sincerely appetizing dish (BEANS STIR-FRY CHINESE STYLE). 

This recipe follows the same high-fire stir-frying (woi hei) style found in eateries. It also includes crispy fried cashew nuts. This gives it the name Cashew Nut Chilli Chicken or Chilli Chicken Cashew Nut, depending on which you prefer to put first.

 

Get your plate of rice ready. The pairing does not have to be elaborate for this classic Chinese-style chilli chicken (CHILLI PRAWNS CHINESE STYLE). 

Kuih Buah Melaka/Ondeh-Ondeh

Whether known as Kuih Buah Melaka, or spelled as onde-onde or ondeh-ondeh, it’s one of Malaysia’s beloved traditional desserts, or kuih-muih (WAJIK PULUT/GLUTINOUS RICE CAKE). 

Taking a bite into the chewy, pandan-scented glutinous rice balls coated with palm sugar (Gula Melaka), bursting in your mouth, is a true Malaysian treat.

 

Back then, white glutinous rice (pulut putih) was soaked overnight, rinsed, and pounded into flour. These days, making ondeh-ondeh is easier with store-bought glutinous flour, making the process convenient and time-saving.

Crispy Fried Cauliflower Recipe: Gobi 65

Crispy fried cauliflower florets, also known as Gobi 65, are coated in a spiced batter and fried to a golden crisp. Each floret puffs up with a vibrant yellow hue from turmeric, with curry leaves in the batter adding fragrance and visual appeal (POTATO CURRY VEGETARIAN).

This batter-fried cauliflower is a vegetarian take on the famous Chicken 65, offering a crunchy, aromatic snack or appetizer.

 

To make this Gobi 65 recipe, start with the batter. The consistency is key. Too thick, and it overpowers the cauliflower; too thin, and the florets won’t hold together. The right balance seals in each floret for a crispy exterior and a tender bite inside.

Orange Cake Recipe: Eggless

The scent of orange cake, both while baking and after, is uplifting to the tastebuds. A fresh citrus burst in every bite makes this cake simply delicious. That’s exactly what this recipe is about, an eggless and vegetarian orange cake. It uses fresh orange juice and zest from Mandarin oranges.

If Mandarin is not available, any type of orange or even store-bought juice will do. Just ensure store-bought juice is sugar-free, as condensed milk already adds sweetness (NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE). 

Asam Laksa Recipe: Nyonya Style

What makes this Asam Laksa unique and outstanding? It’s a bowl of colorful fish broth, noodles, and fresh toppings. This is the Nyonya Style Asam Laksa, known for its aromatic fresh herbs, which form the base of the fish soup (TOM YUM FISH).

Unlike the typical reddish or dark brown fish soups, this recipe features a yellow hue from fresh turmeric.

 

The rest is mostly about making the fish soup and choosing toppings. Common choices include pineapple for natural sweet and sour notes. There’s no compromising on spiciness, add red chillies or even bird’s eye chillies to taste (HONGKONG WONTON NOODLE SOUP). Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra aromatic touch.

Chilli Prawns Recipe: Chinese Style

Succulent, juicy prawns stir-fried in soy sauce, spiced with red chilies, and lifted by the aroma of kaffir lime leaves. This is not your usual chili prawns, and not even the typical Chinese-style chilli prawns. It’s a tweaked version.

Made with common Chinese ingredients but infused with kaffir lime leaves instead of spring onions or coriander (PORK CHOPS RECIPE). 

 

Think of it as a touch of fusion Chinese cooking. Tiger prawns as the star, cooked skin-on for maximum tastiness.

Red Rubies with Coconut Milk

Looking for the best Thai dessert to make at home? It has to be Thai Red Rubies with Coconut Milk, also known as Tub Tim Grob in Thai. This popular dessert is refreshing, chewy, and coconut-creamy, perfect for hot days.

Red Rubies are water chestnuts (or turnips as a substitute) coated in tapioca flour, boiled until translucent, and served in sweetened coconut milk, often with a touch of pandan (screwpine) leaves for fragrance, just like in many Malaysian desserts.

Obesity in Indian Women in Malaysia: Yoga as Holistic Wellness

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 explores the complex relationship between social media, weight perception, and weight management among Indian women. It examines how social media celebrates body diversity and sometimes downplays the health risks of obesity. The article focuses on the significant role of yoga in promoting mindful weight management and addressing challenges such as self-esteem issues, eating habits, and societal pressures faced by overweight women.

The article underscores yoga’s holistic benefits for weight loss, mental clarity, and overall well-being, advocating for a balanced approach to health that integrates physical exercise with mindful eating practices. The findings suggest that while social media plays a significant role in shaping body image and weight management behaviors, a nuanced understanding of its impact and a comprehensive approach to wellness are crucial for achieving sustainable health outcomes.