Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe - Malaysian Style

Plate of Malaysian vegetarian spaghetti, with tofu, red chillies, cheese and crispy coriander in a spicy, creamy sauce.
This spicy, creamy Malaysian-style vegetarian spaghetti is a flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite. Have you tried making vegetarian spaghetti (VEGETARIAN NOODLE SOUP) before? Whether you're a pro or a first-timer, this Malaysian-style vegetarian spaghetti recipe is a must-try! It's spicy, creamy, tangy, and aromatic - a flavor explosion you won’t find anywhere else (MEE GORENG/FRIED MEE).

This special recipe is created by Ms. Nava, founder of Nava’s Zen, blending Malaysian flavors with a pasta favorite. The ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly - except for the cheese, which can be a splurge. But don’t worry, the flavors hold up even without it.

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Beginner’s Guide to 5 Easy Herbs for Urban Gardening

A woman holding a packet of fertilizer and applying it to big trees.
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.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Homemade Easy Mango Chutney Recipe

Indian mango chutney displayed on banana leaves atop a round dish.

Is mango chutney a favorite? This spicy, tangy, and sweet delight often makes its way onto Indian vegetarian meal spreads or appears during special religious and cultural festivals. Traditionally, it's made with chili powder, giving it a deep reddish hue. (BEST MANGO CURRY RECIPE).

 

But this version? It’s truly unique and outstanding - a bright, vibrant yellow mango chutney made with simple kitchen staples. Our chilies and curry leaves come straight from Nava's Zen garden, and the mango? A kind gift from our neighbor (MANGO PICKLES & MANGO SALAD RECIPES).

 

Let’s cook, foodies!

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 | Flavorful & Quick to Make

Lamb cooked in soy sauce with lemongrass, bird’s eye chilies and turmeric leaves in a thick sauce.
Mutton is usually the go-to in my household (MUTTON & LAMB RENDANG RECIPES), but every now and then, lamb takes the spotlight. Wondering what sets them apart? Lamb comes from young sheep, making it tender and mild, while mutton, from older sheep, has a richer, gamier taste and requires longer cooking. That said, I prefer pressure-cooking lamb - it speeds up the process while ensuring soft, succulent meat (SIMPLE & HEARTY LAMB SOUP RECIPE).

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.
Back in the day, I loved baking and making all sorts of desserts. But over the years, I’ve come to appreciate simplicity - desserts that don’t take hours to prepare (DURIAN SWEET PORRIDGE). More importantly, I want something that can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days, ready whenever I crave a little sweetness.

It’s hard to resist desserts (CHINESE EASY DESSERT - LENG CHEE KANG), but making them yourself means you control the sugar - whether you prefer a little, none at all, or just the natural sweetness from ingredients like pumpkin. Pumpkin Barley Dessert, or Barley Pumpkin (EASY PUMPKIN SOUP), is all about simplicity. With just a few budget-friendly ingredients and a gentle simmer, you’ll have a comforting, effortless treat.

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 ...