Kopitiam Review: Kawan Place Kota Kemuning

Located on a corner lot in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, Selangor, Kawan Place offers a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. Green is their highlight color - seen on the signboard, façade, and dining area - while the overall ambiance feels clean and welcoming. We arrived on a Monday at about 11:15 a.m.; as we entered the indoor dining area, we noticed a few customers tucking into their meals at the outside pavement dining area (WHERE TO EAT IN PERAK).

Chinese Steamed Chicken Recipe

Tender and juicy chicken, served with ginger sauce. The fresh aroma of ginger, the bright burst of spring onions, and the nutty scent of sesame oil make this a delicious, wholesome, and simple Chinese meal (CHINESE EGG FRIED RICE). 

 

Truly, Chinese cooking doesn’t get easier. Steaming is straightforward, and the no-cook Chinese Ginger Dip delivers a beloved spicy kick. The succulent steamed chicken (EASY CHICKEN SALAD) is eaten by dipping into the Chinese sauce.

Best Turmeric Rice Recipe: Rice Cooker Style

Best in the sense that it’s not only known as turmeric rice but also as golden rice. Fluffy grains, earthy, peppery, and buttery, with a satisfying crunch from nuts and natural sweetness from raisins. Though some stove-top prep is required, this recipe is mostly cooked in the rice cooker for ease and consistency.

 

Turmeric powder, a powerful antioxidant with numerous health benefits. A staple of Indian cooking and has now found its place in Western kitchens. Basmati rice is also known for its health benefits compared to plain white rice, with light, separate grains and a fragrant aroma.

Vegetarian White Bee Hoon Recipe - Indian Style

Forever a classic - fragrant, nutritious, and wholesome. This Indian-style vegetarian white bee hoon (rice vermicelli) is a family favorite. The aroma of curry leaves, the gentle heat of dried red chilies, and the crunch of cabbage come together in soft or al-dente fried bee hoon.

 

Simple, affordable, and homemade (INDIAN CREAMED SPINACH), this stir-fried bee hoon is enjoyed for breakfast, tea-time, or even as a light dinner.

Where to Eat in Perak: A Foodie’s Guide

Perak is one of Malaysia’s states where food is never in short supply. From hawker stalls and humble street setups to upscale restaurants and hotel dining, you’ll find a variety of hearty meals. As for us, we chose to go with the flow (WHAT TO DO IN PERAK) - stopping wherever caught our attention instead of planning too much. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you're a curious local (CAMERON HIGHLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE), this guide shares some of the must-try eateries we explored across Perak.

Little House Café (Jalan Stesen, Tapah)

A quick online search while passing through Tapah brought us to this old-school, humble kopitiam. We ordered Black Pepper Chicken Chop, Hainanese Chicken Chop with fries, Fish Soy Rice Set, and Petai Squid Rice Set. Every dish was satisfying, home-style, and generous in portion. Halal Malaysian fusion at an affordable price—definitely worth stopping for. (WHERE & WHAT TO EAT IN PENANG). Even as a small eater, I finished my Hainanese Chicken Chop!

Mutton Curry Recipe/Masala Mutton Gravy

The simply aromatic, top-notch flavor profile of Indian spices defines this Indian-style Mutton Curry. Tender mutton in a thick, spicy gravy awakens the palate instantly, while crushed black pepper adds a sharp heat and lingering spiciness (CHETTINAD MUTTON CURRY).

 

Mutton curries with black pepper are popular across regions, each with unique local names. In Kerala, it’s called Meat Pepper Curry or Irachi Milagu Curry. In Tamil Nadu, simply South Indian Mutton Curry. It is Milagu Mutton in Sri Lanka, whereas, in Bangladesh, known as Kala Bhuna, and in Durban, South Africa, as Durban Mutton Curry.

Adolescents' Global Mental Health Crisis: Holistic Wellness Yoga

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zenpreneur 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
The mental health crisis among adolescents has become a global concern, with rising rates of stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. While traditional approaches to mental health often focus on psychological interventions, holistic wellness through practices such as yoga has gained recognition as an effective remedy. Yoga, which integrates breathwork, physical postures, and mindfulness, offers a unique solution to promote mental health, physical wellness, and emotional resilience among adolescents. This article explores the potential of yoga, focusing on its holistic approach to well-being and its benefits in addressing mental health issues faced by adolescents.

What to Do in Perak: Travel Guide

Our travel adventure in Perak continued, revealing a blend of well-known destinations and hidden gems (DISCOVER PERAK: MUST SEE & HIDDEN GEMS) Some of these travel discoveries were truly worth experiencing - especially if you love exploring beyond typical tourist trails. We used Ipoh as our base for the night and journeyed outwards, spending solid hours on the road. But for travelers who don’t mind driving a bit, it’s definitely worth the time and effort (KUALA KUBU BHARU: A DAY TRIP).

Gunung Lang Recreational Park (Ipoh)

For nature lovers visiting Ipoh, Gunung Lang Recreational Park is a fulfilling stop. This serene escape, surrounded by limestone hills and a tranquil lake, is one of Ipoh’s scenic gems. Ideal for a breather from city life, it’s a place to slow down and admire nature. We spent about 15 minutes by the lake and chose not to explore further into the park’s trails (EXPLORING BETONG, THAILAND).

Sardine Sambal/Sambal Sardin: Canned Sardine Recipe

Ever classic, ever beloved, spicy sardine made with canned sardines is simply irresistible. No dried chilli paste is needed, so you don’t have to pound or blend even if using fresh chillies. For tanginess, there’s no need for tomatoes. The sauce in the canned sardines works as it is.

 

The twist for this recipe is home-grown lemongrass, turmeric leaf, and bird’s eye chillies, which add fragrance, spiciness, and the health benefits of cooking with herbs. Known as sambal sardine for Malay cooking, or sarden sambal for Indonesian food, it’s called sarden balado when made with balado sauce (SPICY EGGS/TELUR BALADO).

Smith's Diner (Kota Kemuning): Western Food Review

The latest buzz in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, Selangor - Smith’s Diner caught our attention through a Facebook food group. Curious and ready to explore, we headed over last Sunday.To beat the weekend crowd, we arrived early at 6:30 PM and were the first two customers of the evening.

The ambiance? Nothing overly fancy, but pleasantly inviting. The interior is clean, cosy, and tastefully simple - just the right setting for a relaxed dining experience.

Easy Indian Creamed Spinach Curry (Vegetarian)

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.

Discover Perak: Must-See Attractions & Hidden Gems

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.

Raub SYC Hainan Kopitiam Review

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.

Lou Ho Kee Kopitiam: Uptown Rimbayu, Selangor

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.

Tofu Sambal Recipe: Easy & Spicy Tofu Dish

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.

Pickled Eggplant Recipe

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.

Young Adult Health Crisis in Selangor, Malaysia: Can Yoga Help?

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 
The rising prevalence of physical health issues among young adults in Selangor, Malaysia, including chronic pain, fatigue, and stress-related ailments, highlights the need for holistic interventions. Despite substantial evidence supporting yoga’s benefits for physical resilience, flexibility, and pain management, it remains underutilized. This article examines the role of yoga as a complementary health approach, drawing insights from direct observations, data collection, and a review of peer-reviewed and medical literature.

Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe

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.

Beginner’s Guide to 5 Easy Herbs for Urban Gardening

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.

Easy Mango Chutney

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.

Food Review: CUK Bakery & Cafe (Bandar Rimbayu)

CUK Bakery & Café, 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 décor, 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.

Easy Lamb in Soy Sauce Recipe

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.

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.

Kopitiam Number One Rimbayu: Hawker Food Worth Trying?

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.

Easy Pumpkin Barley Dessert Recipe

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.

Cameron Highlands (Pahang) Ultimate Travel Guide

With a few sightseeing spots lined up, our hotel-arranged transport arrived at 11 AM (CAMERON HIGHTLANDS WHAT TO DO). Driven by a friendly local driver, we set off to explore some of Cameron Highlands' must-visit attractions. 

Lavender Garden (Cameron Lavender)

Also known as Cameron Lavender, this vibrant garden is a feast for the senses. The RM20.00 entrance fee (per person) is well worth it for the mesmerizing purple blooms and other colorful flowers. A perfect spot for social media-worthy photos and videos, the garden buzzes with visitors even on weekdays (WHAT TO DO IN PULAU KETAM).

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Repurposing leftover steamed chicken creates a fresh, sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy No-Cook Chicken Salad with the fragrance of spring onions. Call this recipe (NO-COOK BOILED PEANUT SALAD) No-Cook Chicken Salad, or even Chicken Salsa, thanks to the burst of sweet tangy notes from pineapple.

What type of cooked chicken can be repurposed for this salad? Literally anything, from fried chicken, curried chicken, roast chicken, or steamed chicken as in this recipe. No leftovers? No problem. The easiest method is steaming a piece of chicken with some salt or pan-grilling chicken, which also works for making a healthy chicken salad.

Cameron Highlands Trip: What to Do

A break from the city’s hustle and monotony - off we went to Cameron Highlands. No rush, no pressure, no fixed itinerary, just a leisurely drive (A DAY TRIP TO SEKINCHAN). Being an off-peak season and a weekday, traffic was manageable, making the journey all the more enjoyable. A late brunch along the way, and with anticipation building, we looked forward to the cool, crisp air of Cameron Highlands.

Spicy Eggs Recipe: Resepi Telur Balado Indonesia

Boiled eggs (TURMERIC EGG/TELUR KUNYIT) coated in a spicy Indonesian chili paste are Telur Balado, or simply “spicy eggs.” The Balado Sauce is the heart of Indonesian food, packed with fiery flavors and the fragrance of bay leaves, known as daun salam in both Indonesian and Bahasa Malaysia.

 

For extra aroma, ingredients like daun limau purut (kaffir lime leaves) can also be added.

 

Balado sauce is sold ready-made in stores, but nothing beats homemade Balado sauce. Even as a no-cook sauce, it pairs well as a dipping sauce. Just squeeze some lime juice atop before serving with dishes like ikan bakar (grilled fish), mee goreng (fried noodles), or other classic Indonesian dishes (SALTED FISH SAMBAL). 

Xiang Bak Kut Teh – Kota Kemuning (Shah Alam)

On this particular Saturday afternoon, I walked into Xiang Kota Kemuning, a branch of the  Klang Original Xiang Bak Kut Teh, right as they opened at 11:15 AM. As the first customer, I had the freedom to choose my seat. The ambiance, with its classic Chinese design,  made me feel at home - it was exactly the kind of setting you'd expect for an a Bak Kut Teh meal (EASY INSTANT BAK KUT TEH RECIPE).

For those who prefer a visual representation, I’ve captured my experience at Xiang in a video (see below). Don’t forget to subscribe to our Nava’s Zen Channel for more updates. Subscribe Now. But for those who prefer reading, let me share my experience.