Thursday, February 20, 2025

Cameron Highlands (Pahang) Ultimate Travel Guide

Indian lady seated on a stone deck, against a nature garden with plants.
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).

Saturday, February 15, 2025

No-Cook Easy Chicken Salad & Salsa: Healthy Recipes

Chicken Salsa with steamed chicken, pineapple, tomato, salad leaves, chillies, spring onions, lime juice, and salt.
Looking for a quick, healthy, and no-cook meal? We’ve got two easy chicken salad recipes for you - both perfect for repurposing leftover chicken, whether it’s roasted, steamed, or fried. You can even use chicken from a curry. Instead of letting leftovers go to waste, turn them into a delicious, protein-packed dish in minutes (NO-COOK BOILED PEANUT SALAD).

Both recipes are essentially chicken salad, but the first one, with its fresh and zesty twist, can also be considered Chicken Salsa - which is why we’ve given it a name of its own . You can check out the attached YouTube video for a step-by-step guide. The second is a classic Chicken Salad - simple, nutritious, and just as delicious (COCONUT CHICKEN CURRY)

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Cameron Highlands Trip: What to Do

Malaysian female tourist in jeans and t-shirt, lying on her back in a stylish hotel room, enjoying a moment of relaxation.
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.

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Spicy Eggs Recipe: Resepi Telur Balado Indonesia

A bowl of four boiled and fried eggs, in a red chili-based sauce, lime leaves scented.
Eggs again? Why not! This time, let’s spice things up with Telur Balado, an Indonesian-style spicy egg dish. Think of it as a sambal-infused delight - bold, fiery, and packed with flavor (EGG SAMBAL RECIPE). But of course, Ms. Nava’s twist makes it even better.

The star here is the Balado sauce, a versatile Indonesian sambal that works beyond just eggs (EASIEST EGG FRIED RICE RECIPE). Use it to stir-fry veggies, coat crispy fried fish, or even jazz up poultry. Got more ideas? Go for it (SURAKARTA - INDONESIA'S HEARBEAT TRAVEL).

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Xiang Bak Kut Teh – Kota Kemuning (Shah Alam)

Traditional Chinese food outlet with a poster showcasing the history and founder on one wall.
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.

Friday, January 31, 2025

No-Cook Boiled Peanut Salad Recipe

No-cook salad made with boiled peanuts, zucchini, tomato, shallots, coriander leaves, with a tangy, sweet dressing.
Isn’t this such a refreshing, eye-catching, and mouthwatering salad? It absolutely is! The best part? No cooking required - just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick toss, and you have a salad bursting with flavor (MANGO SALAD RECIPE). Boiled peanuts, also known as braised peanuts, add a soft, nutty bite, while fresh tomatoes, cucumber, shallots, and chilies bring in crunch and a refreshing contrast.

Monday, January 27, 2025

Durian Food Eatery - Durians Atok, Selangor, Malaysia

Two staff members at a durian outlet, facing away, breaking open durians to remove the fruits inside.
Our Sunday food adventure brought us to Durians Atok, tucked away in Kampung Jalan Kebun, Shah Alam. I stumbled upon this eatery while searching for places near Nava’s Zen (just 10 minutes away), and what a discovery it turned out to be. By 11:30 AM, this unassuming spot was already packed, but we managed to grab a table just as someone was leaving.

Friday, January 24, 2025

Salted Fish Sambal Recipe: Sambal Ikan Asin

Spicy salted fish dish made with dried chili paste, shrimp paste, shallots, garlic, and lime juice.
Sambal Ikan Asin, or salted fish sambal, is a cherished Malaysian classic. This flavorful dish is a staple for those who enjoy rice meals, with salted fish sambal serving as the ideal side or accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Simple yet incredibly rewarding, the recipe calls for just a few pantry-friendly ingredients. While there are numerous variations, the core ingredients remain unchanged (PRAWN SAMBAL RECIPE).

Restoran Kopitiam Number One (Taman Sri Muda) Shah Alam

Big red signboard with yellow lettering for a Chinese coffeeshop, mounted above the front entrance.
Recommended by a friend, we decided to visit Restoran Kopitiam Number One, a corner-lot Chinese coffee shop, on a Saturday. Parking was a bit of a challenge; it took a few rounds before we finally found a spot. Arriving around 11:30 a.m., we were greeted by an array of hawker stalls offering a modest yet varied selection of food. As expected of a traditional coffee shop, staples like bread toast with eggs and hot beverages shared the spotlight with other local favorites.

Stir-Fried Winged Beans: Kacang Botol Goreng Belacan

Winged beans - also known as four-angled beans, four-winged beans, or kacang botol in Bahasa Malaysia, are a popular vegetable in Malaysian ...