Indonesian Desserts

Without a doubt, desserts in Southeast Asian countries share similarities. Common ingredients include pandan leaves, palm sugar, glutinous rice, coconut milk, and different types of flour. These ingredients often result in desserts that may seem similar but carry a local twist or have a different name (SRI LANKA STREET FOOD). 

Indonesian desserts are part of this tradition and are available across Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. Still, nothing compares to having desserts in Indonesia itself. Fresh local produce, authentic Indonesian cooking styles, and traditional preparation methods give desserts in Indonesia a distinctive character. When in Indonesia, trying these local Indonesian desserts is certainly worthwhile (SURAKARTA TOP THINGS TO DO). 

Coconut Milk Dessert - Bubur Cha-Cha

One of the well-known Malaysian sweet desserts is Bubur Cha-Cha. It is made with boiled or steamed sweet potatoes and yam cooked in coconut milk, flavored with pandan leaves. This simple dessert requires only a few ingredients that are common and affordable in Southeast Asian cooking (PUMPKIN BARLEY DESSERT). 

 

Bubur Cha-Cha originates from the Nyonya community, created by the Peranakan Chinese in Malaysia and Singapore. It is a part of Nyonya cuisine and has become popular as both a Chinese-style and Malay dessert. Today, it remains a staple in Malaysian dessert culture (DURIAN SWEET DESSERT). 

Best Street Food in Sri Lanka

Street food is everywhere in Sri Lanka, tempting locals and travelers alike. Made fresh from readily available, affordable ingredients, it’s often referred to as hawker food.

 

Typical ingredients include spices, coconut, and the famous Sri Lankan palm sugar (kithul treacle). Coconut appears in various forms - from grated coconut and coconut milk to coconut oil, fresh sap (kithul sap), and even pol kallu (fermented sap, also known as toddy).

 

Fresh local fish is another staple, especially in curries. Common varieties include tuna, mackerel (balaya), sardines, and seer fish (thora). A touch of tamarind (puli) adds subtle sourness. Together, these ingredients create the sweet, sour, spicy, and creamy flavors that define Sri Lankan street food.

Easy Vegetarian Lotus Root Soup

This vegetarian lotus root soup is easy to make, using ingredients that are affordable and easy to find at any grocery store. Lotus root, tofu, black fungus, and leek cook together in a light, healthy broth. The soup is high in fiber, easy to digest, and a good choice for anyone looking for a simple, plant-based, vegan, healthy soup (PUMPKIN SOUP). 

 

Unlike versions made with pork bones, this recipe is completely meatless. It can be served on its own as a light meal or with rice for a wholesome, filling dish. Family- and kid-friendly, it works well for any time of the day, including breakfast.

Langkawi Island: Ultimate Travel Guide - Kedah, Malaysia

Situated off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands scattered across the Andaman Sea. Within the state of Kedah and close to the border of Thailand, its location is truly distinctive. On clear days, the nearest Thai island, Ko Tarutao, can be seen from Langkawi, a rare sight highlighting the island’s notable position. The main island, Pulau Langkawi, is the largest and most developed, while many smaller surrounding islands remain untouched.

Langkawi History

Langkawi and Mahsuri’s story are closely linked. Over 200 years ago, Mahsuri, a young woman wrongfully accused of an affair, was sentenced to death. Before she died, she placed a seven-generation curse on the island.

Yoga for Stress Relief and Inner Calm

In today’s fast-paced world, life feels like a constant race. Commuting through traffic, meeting deadlines, managing family responsibilities, and staying connected on social media can leave even the resilient individuals feeling stretched both mentally and physically.

While discussions about mental well-being are more common than ever, there may be those who quietly struggle under daily pressures. Yoga offers a natural and accessible way to restore balance, cultivate inner calm, and improve focus, helping anyone navigate life’s challenges with greater ease (5 TOP MINDFULNESS TIPS).

What to Eat in Indonesia

What to eat in Indonesia isn’t complicated. The country offers food for everyone, depending on your preferences. Vegetarians, vegans, and those who need gluten-free options will find choices available (SURAKARTA TRAVEL GUIDE). Dish names are usually listed on menus or visible at street stalls, but ingredients aren’t always clear.

 

In such instances, it’s best to ask whether a dish contains animal products, dairy, or ingredients that may cause allergies.

Papaya Salad Recipe

Crunchy, fresh, crisp, spicy, and tangy papaya salad. Truly an appetizing dish that wakes up your taste buds instantly. Whether as a healthy salad for nibbling or paired with rice as an Asian meal, this green papaya salad is versatile. Known as Som Tum in Thailand, Bok Lahong in Cambodia (ANGKOR WAT CAMBODIA), Kerabu Betik in Malaysia, and Gỏi đu đủ in Vietnam, it can be made with unripe or semi-ripe papaya.

 

The best thing about this no-cook papaya salad recipe is there’s nothing to heat on the stove. While traditional preparation may involve pounding ingredients, thinly sliced or chopped papaya work just as well.

Pandan Leaves: Screwpine Leaves

Sweet, grassy, slightly nutty with a hint of coconut, that’s the essence of pandan leaves, also known as screwpine leaves or pandanus leaves. Comparable to vanilla beans or vanilla essence, pandan leaves are long, vibrant green, and naturally sharp along the edges. Recognized as a top Southeast Asian culinary and medicinal herb, pandan leaves are a source of pride across the region (TORCH GINGER/BUNGA KANTAN). 

 

In Western countries, fresh pandan leaves are often expensive and hard to source, with substitutes like pandan extract or pandan flavoring used instead. In contrast, they grow effortlessly in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, and can also be found in Sri Lanka and parts of southern India, though they are not widely used there.

Vietnamese Noodles: Lamb Pho

Inspired by Vietnamese pho, here is a tweaked version of the classic noodle soup, Lamb Pho. While it may not be the exact version of Vietnam’s world-famous national dish (WHAT TO EAT IN VIETNAM) the Malaysian-made version can be known as a Malaysian-style lamb noodle soup or homemade lamb pho recipe.

Following the traditional pho style from Vietnamese street stalls, the dish features an aromatic and flavorful lamb bone soup, poured over blanched rice noodles or bee hoon. The broth is simmered with essential spices, as in Vietnamese pho - cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and coriander seeds, which are also common in Indian cooking.

Indonesian Street Food

When in Indonesia, it’s impossible to ignore the street stalls. From lone roadside carts to clusters of vendors, they appear everywhere as you start walking. These stalls serve traditional and authentic Indonesian street food. Similar dishes can also be found in simple, unassuming eateries (INDONESIA FOOD GUIDE).

The ambiance is nothing fancy - long tables with chairs or benches. Menus may be a single laminated sheet or a wall listing in unassuming eateries, while at street stalls, menus are usually displayed somewhere on the cart.

5 Top Mindfulness Tips

In the 21st century, mindfulness has become more than just a buzzword. It’s a popular concept, possibly even ranking among the most searched terms in today’s modern vocabulary. Suggestions, ideas, and mindfulness techniques are everywhere. Social media is overflowing with mindfulness content, with each person sharing their own version of what they believe, follow, or feel works for them.

Yet, despite its popularity and countless conversations, mindfulness practice remains a challenge - more a concept than a consistent habit.

Galangal (Lengkuas)

Galangal (Lengkuas), known as Lengkuas in Indonesia and Malaysia, Kha in Thailand, Riềng in Vietnam, and Luyang Lapis in the Philippines, is a popular herb in Southeast Asian cooking. It comes from the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), which also includes ginger, turmeric, and cardamom.

Unlike ginger, galangal has a sharper, citrusy, pine-like flavor that makes it a unique spice in soups, curries, and sauces. In its raw form, it gives off a bright aroma with citrus and woody notes, stronger and spicier than ginger.

Mee Siam Goreng Recipe

Springy rice vermicelli (bee hoon), stir-fried to the right texture, coated in a spicy, mildly salty rempah with taucheo (fermented soybean paste) and dried shrimp. Tossed with tofu pok, chives, and beansprouts, then served with cucumber, fried egg, and a wedge of lime, the beloved Mee Siam Goreng. Goreng basically refers to a dry-style, stir-fried noodle dish. (MEE SIAM GRAVY VEGETARIAN). 

 A Peranakan (Nyonya) noodle dish found in Singapore and Malaysia, and part of the wider Malaysian food heritage. There is also Malay Mee Siam, though the core ingredients remain similar.

Simple Yoga Poses for Relaxation

Feeling overwhelmed by daily stress? Modern life moves so fast that finding calm can seem impossible. These simple yoga poses can help you slow down, relax, and restore balance. Although the universe rotates at its own pace, everything around us seems to move very fast.

Today’s lifestyle is about rushing and juggling multiple tasks, leaving people constantly trying to keep up. Several factors contribute to this fast-paced environment.

How to Make Jelly: Natural Green Jelly Recipe

Green Cincau Jelly (Cincau Hijau) is a two ingredient homemade jelly that is soft, wobbly, and naturally cooling. In its natural form, this no-cook jelly carries a fresh, grassy, and lightly earthy flavor with a hint of bitterness. It’s an acquired taste, and not everyone can digest it easily.

 

But sure, as a sweet dessert, as an Asian dessert, it can be anything more than coconut milk and palm sugar/Gula Melaka syrup. Or, to convert to a Western style dessert, honey, a scoop of ice cream, or even pancake.

 

A top notch healthy dessert, Green Cincau made from Cencau Perdu leaves (Premna oblongifolia or Cyclea barbata), is valued for its chlorophyll, natural cooling effect, gentle digestion, hydration, and antioxidants. 

How To Grow Calamansi Lime

The little citrus-scented green balls with dark skin and orangey flesh filled with seeds when sliced, these are calamansi limes. A popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking, especially in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines, calamansi adds that essential sourness or tangy lift that brightens up dishes.

Calamansi lime has a unique tangy-sweet flavour, somewhat like a cross between lime and mandarin orange. Compared to the regular green lime commonly used in Asian cooking (HOW TO GROW TORCH GINGER/BUNGA KANTAN), which is sharper and more acidic, calamansi is milder and slightly sweeter.

How to Make Easy Overnight Oats

Breakfast on the go doesn’t have to mean sacrificing nutrition. Overnight oats are a quick, no-cook option, ideal even for grab-and-go mornings. Just assemble the ingredients and refrigerate. This make-ahead breakfast is not only convenient but also nutritious and delicious (EASY VEGETARIAN BREAD PUDDING).

You can prep overnight oats 2 to 3 days in advance, but food safety is key, a healthy (PUMPKIN BARLEY DESSERT) breakfast shouldn't cause an upset stomach. Follow these simple hygiene tips to keep your oats fresh.

Penang Food: Indian-Muslim Food (Seberang Perai)

Indian-Muslim food, or Mamak food, is a key part of what to eat in Penang (BEST THINGS TO DO IN PENANG) Whether bold or subtly spiced, these flavours reflect generations of Indian-Muslim heritage, still alive in every dish.

The Indian-Muslim community came to Penang during the spice trade era as traders, cooks, and labourers. They settled, built communities, and opened eateries that blended Indian spices with Malay and local Penang influences, becoming a food segment of Malaysian food.

Easy Chicken Curry Recipe: Indian Style

Easy, quick, and made with pantry-friendly ingredients, this spicy and delicious chicken curry is a must-try. These days, for an easy chicken curry or instant chicken curry, store-bought curry paste, or even dry spice blends, can do the job (CHICKEN CURRY WITH COCONUT MILK). 

 

Still, nothing beats this homemade chicken curry, made with aromatic spices, curry leaves, and store-bought chili powder.

Spicy Prawn with Beans Recipe: Sambal Petai Udang

Healthy, spicy superfood. Petai Sambal with prawns, or stink beans cooked in a Malay spicy gravy, is a classic Malaysian seafood recipe. Petai is an acquired taste, not for the faint-hearted due to its strong smell, but beloved by Malaysians (SARDINE SAMBAL/SAMBAL SARDIN). 

 

Packed with health benefits, it contains a list of nutrients. Petai can also be eaten raw as a salad or ulam, dipped in sambal belacan, and paired with fresh vegetables like cucumber and salad leaves.

Sanur Festival: Celebrate Bali’s Coastal Culture in Style

Sanur isn’t just about sunrise walks and calm beaches (though I love those too, don’t get me wrong). This chill seaside town knows how to throw a good party while keeping things breezy, and the upcoming Sanur festival lineup proves it. If you’re looking for fun, color, and a peek into the actual local culture, here’s your cheat sheet for what’s coming next. Mark your calendar, gather your friends, and get ready to swap your Bintang for coconut water (or hey, have both) because these events in Bali will keep your Sanur days anything but boring!

 

Pica Fest (24 – 27 July 2025) at Lapangan Niti Mandala, Denpasar

Indian Food Review: Annapurna Restaurant (Rimbayu)

Social media platforms have become the go-to for discovering where to dine, what to eat, and which restaurants to try. That’s how I came across Annapurna Restaurant, a well rated Indian restaurant in Bandar Rimbayu, Selangor, Malaysia (16 G, Jalan Flora 1/1, 42500 Telok Panglima Garang). Their tagline, “Spices That Speak,” promises authentic Indian flavours, a tempting offer (EASIEST VEGETARIAN NASI LEMAK).

 

(Watch the full Indian dining experience at Annapurna Restaurant Rimbayu in Selangor on our YouTube channel)

Travelling as a Path to Mental Well-Being and Joy of Life

It is a well-established fact that globetrotters don't simply escape their daily routines; rather, they enter an unknown, magical world full of surprises and discoveries. Everyone who leaves their comfort zone is exposed to unusual experiences, diverse cultures, languages, and customs.  This self-discovery not only broadens their horizons but also positively affects physical and emotional well-being, leading to greater life satisfaction levels. Let's take a closer look at the mental health perks of travel. 

 

Nourishing Your Brain 
Psychologists have long noticed that travel stimulates blissful emotions and has a beneficial effect on the human psyche. When we venture to a spot we have never been before, or even just change the environment, our brains are supposed to adapt to novel conditions. 

Indonesia Food

If not all, some common ingredients shine promisingly for Indonesian foods. These ingredients are not pricey or exclusive. Yet their presence in Indonesian cooking is simply marvellous. It’s striking how such simple ingredients make a profound impact. Nothing is over-done. Whether in Indonesia or in Indonesian eateries abroad, it all begins right at home (SURAKARTA INDONESIA TOP SITES). 

Call these foods humble and simple. They are daily meals in households of average income. Yet when served even in high-end Indonesian restaurants, they sweep the food heart without words. Street stalls reflect the same reality. Local, affordable ingredients create flavors that leave one yearning for more (WHAT TO EAT IN SOUTH AFRICA). 

Stir-Fried Winged Beans: Kacang Botol Goreng Belacan

Stir-fried in a spicy, umami belacan paste, these winged beans stay crunchy and full of taste. This dish is a classic Malay-style stir-fried vegetable (KERABU BENDI/OKRA SALAD). It is known as Kacang Botol Goreng Belacan. The key ingredient is shrimp paste (belacan), a staple in Malaysian sambals, spicy gravies, and sauces.

 

Winged beans, also called four-angled beans or kacang botol in Malaysia, are nutritious and affordable. They can be replaced with French beans or long beans. Kangkung Belacan (water spinach stir-fry) is cooked the same way but softer for easier chewing.

Yoga for your pre-wedding planning process: Why is it a great way to manage the stress of this period and be Zen?

A wedding is among the most important days in your life, and particularly because of its significance, this event can bring considerable stress. This is why you must look for other ways that can help you alleviate some of the anxiety and stress of this period. It can be easy to get caught up in your wedding planning, but this process can also leave you feeling exhausted. This occurs because you have a long list of tasks to accomplish, and among the most important ones are finding your bride's dress, organizing the guest list, selecting the right venue, and searching for suitable vendors, among others.

So, when you want to be Zen and alleviate some of the stress, you can try yoga, which is one of the best ways to relax, spend time focusing on yourself, and also keep you in great shape. In this article, we will explore why incorporating yoga into your pre-wedding planning is a great idea. Keep reading to learn more.  

Vietnamese Food

One does not have to travel far to dive into Vietnamese food. Its influence has spread worldwide through Vietnamese migrants, restaurants, and even street stalls. In Malaysia, Vietnamese food stalls exist, but in Vietnam, it is a completely different food story (HANOI VIETNAM THINGS TO DO). 

Traditional dishes are prepared as they were decades ago, using local ingredients and time-honored methods. For first-timers, sticking to the familiar is safe, but for adventurous foodies, much more awaits. Forget the usual dishes for a moment. Vietnam is a country where creativity and inventiveness shine in every meal.

Sun Protection: Biore UV Perfect Protect Milk Review

How important is sun protection? In my opinion, it’s not just important, it’s non-negotiable for anyone serious about maintaining healthy skin. Regular use of sunscreen helps reduce the risk of wrinkles, pigmentation, and premature aging (PALMER'S SKIN THERAPY OIL). While the term “sunblock” still appears in casual conversations, it’s outdated in the skincare world. Sunscreens like Biore UV Perfect Protect Milk SPF50+ PA+++ offer reliable, broad-spectrum protection without claiming to block 100% of UV rays.

(A quick look at Biore UV Perfect Protect Milk SPF50+ PA+++ — lightweight texture, smooth application, and sun protection in action.)

Indian Food Near Me: Restaurant Dhiyaz Curry House

Restaurant Dhiyaz Curry House, which opened its doors in April, is one of the newer additions to the growing list of eateries in the now-popular Bandar Rimbayu area. Located at No. 20, 1/3, Persiaran Rimba, 42500 Bandar Rimbayu, Kuala Langat, Selangor, it’s a relatively short drive from our place in Kemuning Greenville, Kota Kemuning. We left at 11.00 a.m. and arrived by 11.15 a.m. on a Tuesday.

Walking in, we noticed three customers having their meals. The ambiance was welcoming - clean, brightly lit with yellow walls, and accented with a touch of Indian décor. No menu was handed out. Instead, we walked to the food counter and, from the decent spread available at that hour, we opted for two side dishes to go with our South Indian banana leaf lunch (RM11.90 each).