Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Indonesia Food

Varieties of Indonesian raw salad, placed in big rattan tray, Indonesia.
If not all, some common ingredients shine promisingly for Indonesian foods. These ingredients are not pricey or exclusive. Yet their presence in Indonesian cooking is simply marvellous. It’s striking how such simple ingredients make a profound impact. Nothing is over-done. Whether in Indonesia or in Indonesian eateries abroad, it all begins right at home (SURAKARTA INDONESIA TOP SITES). 

Call these foods humble and simple. They are daily meals in households of average income. Yet when served even in high-end Indonesian restaurants, they sweep the food heart without words. Street stalls reflect the same reality. Local, affordable ingredients create flavors that leave one yearning for more (WHAT TO EAT IN SOUTH AFRICA). 

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Stir-Fried Winged Beans: Kacang Botol Goreng Belacan

Stir-fried winged beans/kacang botol with pounded chillies, garlic, shallots, and shrimp paste, seasoned with lime, salt, and palm sugar.

Stir-fried in a spicy, umami belacan paste, these winged beans stay crunchy and full of taste. This dish is a classic Malay-style stir-fried vegetable (KERABU BENDI/OKRA SALAD). It is known as Kacang Botol Goreng Belacan. The key ingredient is shrimp paste (belacan), a staple in Malaysian sambals, spicy gravies, and sauces.

 

Winged beans, also called four-angled beans or kacang botol in Malaysia, are nutritious and affordable. They can be replaced with French beans or long beans. Kangkung Belacan (water spinach stir-fry) is cooked the same way but softer for easier chewing.

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Yoga for your pre-wedding planning process: Why is it a great way to manage the stress of this period and be Zen?

A wedding is among the most important days in your life, and particularly because of its significance, this event can bring considerable stress. This is why you must look for other ways that can help you alleviate some of the anxiety and stress of this period. It can be easy to get caught up in your wedding planning, but this process can also leave you feeling exhausted. This occurs because you have a long list of tasks to accomplish, and among the most important ones are finding your bride's dress, organizing the guest list, selecting the right venue, and searching for suitable vendors, among others.


So, when you want to be Zen and alleviate some of the stress, you can try yoga, which is one of the best ways to relax, spend time focusing on yourself, and also keep you in great shape. In this article, we will explore why incorporating yoga into your pre-wedding planning is a great idea. Keep reading to learn more.  

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Vietnamese Food

A whole fried fish, topped with Asian herbs and sauce, Vietnamese style.
One does not have to travel far to dive into Vietnamese food. Its influence has spread worldwide through Vietnamese migrants, restaurants, and even street stalls. In Malaysia, Vietnamese food stalls exist, but in Vietnam, it is a completely different food story (HANOI VIETNAM THINGS TO DO). 

Traditional dishes are prepared as they were decades ago, using local ingredients and time-honored methods. For first-timers, sticking to the familiar is safe, but for adventurous foodies, much more awaits. Forget the usual dishes for a moment. Vietnam is a country where creativity and inventiveness shine in every meal.

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Sun Protection: Biore UV Perfect Protect Milk Review

Outer packaging of Biore UV Perfect Protect Milk SPF50+ PA+++ sunscreen; yellow bottle, white cap, dark blue text.
How important is sun protection? In my opinion, it’s not just important, it’s non-negotiable for anyone serious about maintaining healthy skin. Regular use of sunscreen helps reduce the risk of wrinkles, pigmentation, and premature aging (PALMER'S SKIN THERAPY OIL). While the term “sunblock” still appears in casual conversations, it’s outdated in the skincare world. Sunscreens like Biore UV Perfect Protect Milk SPF50+ PA+++ offer reliable, broad-spectrum protection without claiming to block 100% of UV rays.

(A quick look at Biore UV Perfect Protect Milk SPF50+ PA+++ — lightweight texture, smooth application, and sun protection in action.)

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Indian Food Near Me: Restaurant Dhiyaz Curry House

Bright yellow and dark brown themed front counter at an Indian restaurant.
Restaurant Dhiyaz Curry House, which opened its doors in April, is one of the newer additions to the growing list of eateries in the now-popular Bandar Rimbayu area. Located at No. 20, 1/3, Persiaran Rimba, 42500 Bandar Rimbayu, Kuala Langat, Selangor, it’s a relatively short drive from our place in Kemuning Greenville, Kota Kemuning. We left at 11.00 a.m. and arrived by 11.15 a.m. on a Tuesday.

Walking in, we noticed three customers having their meals. The ambiance was welcoming - clean, brightly lit with yellow walls, and accented with a touch of Indian décor. No menu was handed out. Instead, we walked to the food counter and, from the decent spread available at that hour, we opted for two side dishes to go with our South Indian banana leaf lunch (RM11.90 each).

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Easy Rice Pudding Recipe

Rice pudding with basmati rice, coconut milk, ghee, sugar, almonds, blackcurrants, and stevia leaves.

Looking for a simple, comforting dessert? This easy homemade rice pudding recipe uses pantry staples like rice, sugar, and milk, or coconut milk. It’s similar to Indian kheer in the north and payasam in the south, loved for its creamy texture and gentle sweetness (EASY BREAD PUDDING).  

 

This recipe is flexible, affordable, and quick to make. With rice and some milk, you’re already halfway there.

 

This rice pudding can be served warm or chilled and is ideal for anyone who loves familiar, homey desserts. Whether you call it rice pudding, kheer, or payasam (PAYASAM RECIPE), the comfort is universal.

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Cambodian Food Guide

Sliced cabbage, and Asian herbs, topped with chilly flakes and roasted peanuts, seasoned with soy sauce and light dressing.
What’s not to love about Cambodian food? It’s a vibrant mix of spiciness, sourness, sweetness, and a hint of salt. While it shares some similarities with Thai, Vietnamese, or Malaysian cuisine, Cambodian dishes stand out with local, made-in-Cambodia ingredients and distinct cooking techniques.

Fresh produce is at the heart of Cambodian cuisine, especially in crisp, simple salads. The flavors are clean, often with minimal dressing, letting the ingredients shine. Beyond salads, there are unique Khmer dishes and must-try Cambodian specialties (ANGKOR WAT, SIEM REAP). 

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Top Attractions in South India

Lalbagh Botanical Garden in nature setting, with colorful potted flowers, against the fenced area, India.
Spending 7 days touring India is a choice, though some itineraries stretch to 14 or even 20 days. It really depends on preference, but longer trips can easily lead to burnout, with tourists rushing from one famous place in India to another just to “tick off” the top attractions in India (TEMPLES IN SOUTH INDIA). 

For those who prefer quality time in India, a 7-day trip is ideal, balancing both time and budget. In the vast expanse of South India, the smart choice is to focus on the top attractions in South India. After all, travelers don’t want to miss the famous top spots that are widely recommended. South India has iconic destinations that are truly worth experiencing.

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...