Tuesday, May 6, 2025

What to See and Eat in Perak, Malaysia

Ipoh street with colonial buildings and cars passing by.
Ipoh Town is a heritage trail on its own. The old colonial shops say it all, reflecting how culture and legendary stories are still alive. Walking through the town along the Ipoh Heritage Trail is like stepping back in time. Whether to view the interiors or just the exteriors of the significant sites in Ipoh, every step reveals the stories of the past. Days can pass easily here, with quick stops or lingering at spots that simply draw attention (PERAK MALAYSIA ATTRACTIONS).

And it’s not just history. Perak is full of food heritage too. From unassuming local eateries to modern cafes, traditional flavours are everywhere, waiting to be tasted.

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Mutton Curry Recipe/Masala Mutton Gravy

Mutton curry made with spices, crushed black pepper, shallots, curry leaves, and potatoes.
The simply aromatic, top-notch flavor profile of Indian spices defines this Indian-style Mutton Curry. Tender mutton in a thick, spicy gravy awakens the palate instantly, while crushed black pepper adds a sharp heat and lingering spiciness (CHETTINAD MUTTON CURRY).

 

Mutton curries with black pepper are popular across regions, each with unique local names. In Kerala, it’s called Meat Pepper Curry or Irachi Milagu Curry. In Tamil Nadu, simply South Indian Mutton Curry. It is Milagu Mutton in Sri Lanka, whereas, in Bangladesh, known as Kala Bhuna, and in Durban, South Africa, as Durban Mutton Curry.

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Adolescents' Global Mental Health Crisis: Holistic Wellness Yoga

Author
Ms. Krishnan N, a Zenpreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract
The mental health crisis among adolescents has become a global concern, with rising rates of stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. While traditional approaches to mental health often focus on psychological interventions, holistic wellness through practices such as yoga has gained recognition as an effective remedy. Yoga, which integrates breathwork, physical postures, and mindfulness, offers a unique solution to promote mental health, physical wellness, and emotional resilience among adolescents. This article explores the potential of yoga, focusing on its holistic approach to well-being and its benefits in addressing mental health issues faced by adolescents.

Saturday, April 26, 2025

What to Do in Perak: Travel Guide

Center view of Victoria Bridge black iron structure, with pebbles, Malaysia.
The heart of Perak is Ipoh, reachable within 30 minutes from Batu Gajah. Ipoh itself holds significant tourist attractions, spanning historic landmarks, temples, and natural sites. Yet, a stop at Kuala Kangsar, the royal town (Bandar Diraja) of Perak, is certainly worthy. After all, Kuala Kangsar is home to legendary landmarks tied to Malaysia’s British colonial period, which began in the late 18th century and lasted until independence in 1957 (DISCOVER PERAK YEAR).
 

Landmarks in Kuala Kangsar, Perak
Victoria Bridge:  Kuala Kangsar
Within the small town of Karai lies a hidden gem from the British colonial period. Built in 1900 during the tin mining boom, Victoria Bridge stands as one of Malaysia’s oldest railway bridges and a lasting piece of colonial engineering.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Sardine Sambal/Sambal Sardin: Canned Sardine Recipe

Canned sardines with the sauce, cooked with chillies, lemongrass & turmeric leaf.

Ever classic, ever beloved, spicy sardine made with canned sardines is simply irresistible. No dried chilli paste is needed, so you don’t have to pound or blend even if using fresh chillies. For tanginess, there’s no need for tomatoes. The sauce in the canned sardines works as it is.

 

The twist for this recipe is home-grown lemongrass, turmeric leaf, and bird’s eye chillies, which add fragrance, spiciness, and the health benefits of cooking with herbs. Known as sambal sardine for Malay cooking, or sarden sambal for Indonesian food, it’s called sarden balado when made with balado sauce (SPICY EGGS/TELUR BALADO).

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Smith's Diner (Kota Kemuning): Western Food Review

White and black signboard mounted above the entrance of a Western restaurant.
The latest buzz in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, Selangor - Smith’s Diner caught our attention through a Facebook food group. Curious and ready to explore, we headed over last Sunday.To beat the weekend crowd, we arrived early at 6:30 PM and were the first two customers of the evening.

The ambiance? Nothing overly fancy, but pleasantly inviting. The interior is clean, cosy, and tastefully simple - just the right setting for a relaxed dining experience.

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Easy Indian Creamed Spinach Curry (Vegetarian)

Creamed spinach, made with coconut milk, turmeric powder, red chillies, shallots, and curry leaves.
All natural goodness and deliciousness. Healthy, nutrient-packed coconut milk creaminess, glossy spinach, golden turmeric, and aromatic curry leaves. Along with chillies and a splash of lime juice, this creamed spinach recipe brings vibrant flavor and extra nutritious value to your plate (PICKLED EGGPLANT). 

Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and wholesome plant-based goodness, it’s a budget-friendly dish that doesn’t compromise on benefits. Nothing beats home-cooked meals for wellness.

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Discover Perak: Must-See Attractions & Hidden Gems

The ancient outside stone and remnants facade of Kellie's Castle, Perak, Malaysia.
Visit Perak year should be every year. This state in Malaysia holds countless significant sites that can take a few days to cover. Perak is located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, facing the Straits of Malacca. Its capital city, Ipoh, is the heart of the state. Perak has 12 districts and three main cities - Ipoh, Taiping, and Teluk Intan, along with towns such as Sitiawan, Kampar, Kuala Kangsar, and Tanjung Malim.

As attractions are spread across the districts, sightseeing in Perak forms a steady trail of discovery. The state holds years of history, seen through its long-standing landmarks and heritage sites. Where to begin depends on which part of Malaysia one is coming from (WHAT TO DO IN BENTONG, PAHANG). 

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Raub SYC Hainan Kopitiam Review

Signboard of Chinese eatery mounted atop at the entrance with a banner below.bove
I missed the chance to dine at Raub SYC Hainan Kopitiam during my visit to Raub last year (RAUB, TRAS, PAHANG VISIT) Not a major setback, as they’ve since expanded to Kota Kemuning, Setapak, and USJ. Naturally, the Kota Kemuning outlet was the most convenient, located near Nava’s Zen in Kemuning Greenville.

I visited on a mid-week morning around 9:30 AM. The kopitiam had a spacious and clean ambiance, with about half of the seating occupied and a steady stream of customers. The menu offered a wide selection, and it took some time for the three of us to decide.

Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup Recipe

A delicious vegetarian Tom Yum soup is easy to make and brings the classic Thai taste to the tastebuds. The core is a fragrant Thai stock, m...