Nasi Kerabu - Malaysian Herbs Rice

An array of herbs, including crunchy green herbs and the butterfly pea flower, make Nasi Kerabu, or Malaysian herbs rice, a healthy and colorful dish. The types of herbs are not fixed. They depend on what is available and what is preferred. Therefore, no two plates of Malaysian herbs rice may be exactly the same.

These herbs are also staples in Southeast Asian cooking, with bunga telang/ butterfly pea flower (GROWING BUTTERFLY PEA FLOWER) giving the rice its vibrant blue hue.

Pineapple Cucumber Salad with Torch Ginger

A no-cook salad is one of the easiest dishes to put together. It’s a simple recipe, all you need to do is slice the ingredients. Better still, these ingredients are easily found at Asian grocers. In Malaysia, they’re everyday staples you can pick up at markets or even supermarkets.

Budget-friendly too, and if you have extra pineapple or cucumber after making this Malaysian salad, they make a  healthy snack (NASI ULAM/HERBED RICE). Even the peanuts? Buy them roasted, no need to roast at home.

Cambodia, Siem Reap - Wat Thmey (The Killing Fields)

A top sight in Cambodia that leaves a lasting mark is Wat Thmey (Killing Fields) in Siem Reap. Wat Thmey may not be one of Cambodia’s top attractions, perhaps overlooked or unheard of, yet it is where a painful chapter in the nation’s history is remembered.

Cambodia, bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, has come a long way to where it is today. Nevertheless, it remains a nation shaped by grief. Once the heart of the mighty Khmer Empire, the country’s ancient roots still echo through its traditions, temples (ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA), and people’s resilience.

Malaysian Sodhi (Indian Coconut Milk Stew)

Simplicity shines in Sodhi, the Indian coconut milk stew. This much-loved dish also finds a cherished place in cuisines from other parts of the world, like Sri Lanka and especially Kerala. Making Sodhi is effortless: just add all the ingredients to a pot, simmer, season with lime juice and salt, and you're done.

 

You can create various types of Sodhi, and to make it a one-pot dish, adding vegetables is a great option. I often do this to keep the dish interesting and avoid monotony. Plus, it saves me the trouble of preparing a separate vegetable dish 

Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak (Tapioca leaf In Coconut Gravy)

Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak is a traditional and authentic Malay dish. Creamy, with a vibrant yellow hue (TURMERIC FISH PAN GRILLED), tender tapioca leaves, and the salty burst of belacan (shrimp paste) and dried shrimps make this tapioca leaf in coconut gravy absolutely delicious.

 

This Malay heritage recipe has been handed down through generations and remains a staple in a traditional Malay rice meal (RENDANG AYAM/CHICKEN RENDANG).

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

The pride of Cambodia is undeniably the magnificent Angkor Wat. Mention Cambodia, and literally everyone immediately pictures this historic and legendary site. Luring people from all walks of life, Angkor Wat is truly a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Angkor Wat indeed stands as Cambodia’s most iconic landmark and one of Southeast Asia’s greatest wonders (BOROBUDUR TEMPLE, JOGYAKARTA). 

 

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). 

Ikan Balado

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).