Saturday, March 8, 2025

Food Review: CUK Bakery & Cafe (Bandar Rimbayu)

Halal bakery café with a welcoming atmosphere, rustic and white décor.
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.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Easy Lamb in Soy Sauce Recipe

Lamb cooked in soy sauce with lemongrass, bird’s eye chilies and turmeric leaves in a thick sauce.

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.

Saturday, March 1, 2025

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.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Kopitiam Number One Rimbayu: Hawker Food Worth Trying?

Partial close-up of a Chinese Coffeeshop, Kopitiam, showing a wall menu with various bread and beverage options.
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.

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Easy Pumpkin Barley Dessert Recipe

Dessert made with barley, pumpkin pieces, screwpine leaves, and rock sugar, fully cooked and ready to serve.

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.

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Cameron Highlands, Pahang

Clusters of black butterflies, flying and seated within a net area, in Butterfly Farm, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia.
There is no other mode of transport to Cameron Highlands except by driving, regardless of the departure point in Malaysia. The drive is worthwhile for those heading to one of Malaysia’s most popular hill stations, located in the central part of Peninsular Malaysia, within the state of Pahang (FRASER'S HILL THINGS TO DO), bordering Perak.

Over the years, the list of things to do in Cameron Highlands has expanded so widely that even the main tourist attractions can take at least two days to cover. They are spread beyond the main town of Tanah Rata, extending further into Brinchang and Ringlet.

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

No Cook Salad, made with steamed chicken, pineapple, tomato, spring onion, salad leaves, chillies, lime juice, salt and pepper.
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.

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.

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). 

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.

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