Shrimp Pad Thai Salad

Honestly guys, I don't know what else should I say when Thai cuisine is our food card. I think much we have already spoken about before? In my previous recipes (Thai Vegetable Curry)? I sincerely believe so because I have been taking you back and forth, to and fro, from Thailand and back to our mother land (Thai Carrot Soup & Seafood Tom Yum Soup). Today, lemme share with you this Shrimp Pad Thai Salad (Shrimp Pho). Obviously a noodle dish and one which I made due to I still had some spaghetti in hand after making Lamb Spaghetti. Of course, you can use, please go ahead and use other type of noodles. As you wish, as for your pleasure or as what's already available at home (Tom Yam Fried Mee Hoon, Spicy Thai Noodles & Thai Fish Noodle Soup). In fact, when we speak about home cooked meals, there is no right and wrong. Its you basically and you don't even have to replicate recipes as they are. That's how it is for me personally. Shrimp Pad Thai Salad? So easy. In fact, just a tiny fraction of cooking. Simmering the prawns in water just for a minute or two, and then, toss all the ingredients together. In a jiffy meal and trust me, Shrimp Pad Thai Salad  (Thai Mee Hoon Salad) will not let you down. I sincerely reckon each and everyone of you will joyously tuck in. Succulent prawns, spiciness from green chillies, aroma of kaffir lime leaves, fresh burst from ginger and tat tinge of saltiness and tanginess from fish sauce and lime juice.

Phuket, Thailand (Super Star Libra Cruise) - My Solo Cruising

Disappointing. Disappointed. Disappointment. Phuket shore excursion (Super Star Libra Cruise Solo Cruising) didn’t take off until after 1.00pm. Due to magic show at the poolside. Actually, magic action was inside the pool itself. All locked key locked up magician eventually emerging from water for proving his critical success factors. How did it go with me? Dang! Neh! I basically out of no choice was amongst the hundreds who seemingly were all excited, trilled and frilled. I, in fact wasn’t even aware that magic show is gonna be part and parcel of this cruise holiday. Honestly, such a waste of my time. I would have actually appreciated Phuket sightseeing. Then again? Lunch too by 12.00pm didn’t go down with me. Just two hours ago, I had tucked into breakfast, and food again? Of course, without a doubt, there were still aplenty takers for the buffet lunch. I on the other hand just nibbled some side dishes. Thank god, an hour later, the moment I have been patiently waiting arrived. Phuket sightseeing. The same procedure, the same way out of ship and the same coach driven journey (Krabi Shore Excursion).  

Krabi, Thailand (Super Star Libra Cruise) - My Solo Cruising

Thank god I slept well. I actually managed, can you believe it? Regardless of sea water rocking and shaking and me actually a person who have a problem sleeping in a new place. Thanks to my lucky stars as well I didn't throw up due ship moving left and right throughout the night. Up from bed in the morning, I showered, I tucked into breakfast and just at this juncture broadcast news (Super Star Libra - My Solo Cruising) came flashing. For informing us that we must gather at the specific section and in our respective groups for our different shore excursions we have opted for. Mine was Krabi sightseeing. Heading over to that particular section and standing alongside the rest, we were briefed on the do’s and don’ts. Particularly we must carry our passport and we must return to ship,  by hook or crook, 9.00pm. For me, I don't think the time part of it will matter because I'll just stick with whatever is scheduled for my Krabi tour and I will return with the rest. After all, what am I going to do alone in Krabi? I wouldn't dare anyway (Halong Bay Cruising). 

Super Star Libra Cruise - My Solo Cruising

Remember, I told you (Perth Australia Part 1)? The unexpected, least I expected trip to Perth (Perth Australia Part 2)? Actually, the main reason being knowledge thirsting. Of course, why shouldn't I miss out on sightseeing if I can? Sure. And after returning from Perth within a month, I took off again. Again? Yep. Me embarking on a cruise trip and one which in fact I had already booked and paired for even before heading to Perth. Guess then? Another travelling story of mine and another solo mine. Solo Nava on her own again (Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City) and my first ever full blown cruise. Three nights of sleeping on board and sightseeing during the day. Cruise by itself? Done it before, but this will be, lemme repeat myself again. A complete package instead of like those cruises included as a small fraction of the itinerary (Bangkok Thailand).   

Sambal Ayam Serai (Chicken In Lemongrass Sauce)

I love my serai, aka, lemongrass. In fact, I must proudly profess that serai one of my favourite local herbs. I think I told you before? Unless and until, I want to spend on imported ingredients which by far is only seldom or every now and then (Baked Lemon Chicken). Otherwise, its all about our easily grown, even in our small plot of land or in pots local herbs. The easiest, shall I say is lemongrass?  Most probably. So, for this sambal dish, yep, me and my sambal, do I have to say, its serai again (Sambal Udang Petai, Curry Chicken Noodles, Laksam Kelantan & Easy Chicken Kebab). Crushed or smashed serai cooked alongside a chilli based gravy and in which you will find juicy and succulent chicken pieces (Ayam Goreng Berempah, Rendang Ayam & Asam Pedas Ikan). Mouthwatering and such a pride to our eyes right? You tell me.

Vegetable Biryani

Rice? Yes rice (Baked Rice Pudding). What's with rice (Anchovies Long Beans Fried Rice) Remember, I have already told you (Turmeric Rice)? This Vegetable Biryani, I won't say will be a struggle, but as you would have noted and you will later, you need quite a list of ingredients. Nothing not within your reach or you will have a hard time buying, except maybe for the saffron strands. Otherwise, I think it will be sweep through for you. Getting the ingredients and the cooking aspect of it (Jeera/Cumin Rice, Coriander Rice, Lemon Cashew Rice & Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang). The vegetarian version. Why vegetarian or only vegetables? Personally, we don't fancy those meaty biryani. Unless maybe when we dine out. Nothing really personal as well if you are asking me. Just that, our preference. By itself a wholesome and filling meal (Tomato Rice & Dhal Rice), of course the pairing for Vegetable Biryani, can I say is endless or alongside certain types of sides? Its really up to you (Spicy Fried Wings, Lamb Rogan Josh, Vegetarian Mutton Stir Fry & Vegetable Raita). But you must believe me when I say that my style to cooking this Vegetable Biryani can be regardless as simplicity or even effortless. Rice cooker simplifying it and the aroma of Vegetable Biryani waffling in the air (Ghee Rice) when rice cooker is dong the cooking. My-my! May be a vegetarian version, but I can assure you that its rice exciting and trilling to our palates. Dang!

Devil's Curry

Another devil listing? Another devil dish? Obviously. Can you still recall my previous two devils (Chicken Devil Curry & Devilled Prawns)? I hope you can still remember. Otherwise, flip over to the recipes. I think you should before you jump the gun, thinking that this Devil's Curry is gonna be the same. No. It is not I must assure you. But still, from the same Eurasian and Portuguese family. Sort of similar (Mee Siam, Egg Vindaloo, Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang & Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal). For this round of Devil's Curry, I opted for mutton (Easy Mutton Curry). Of course, the choice is yours. Between lamb (Lamb Kofta Curry), between pork, chicken, beef and prawns. Not sure if we can use fish unless you have tried or you are willing to try (Belacan Fish Sambal)? What else should I say? Pretty much chilli based (Chilli Lime Fish, Sambal Sotong, Spicy Noodles & Grilled Spicy Prawns) and a combination of spices and herbs and vinegar, as well as dark soy sauce and black pepper (Black Pepper Crab) for the lovable and finger licking goodness of this Devil's Curry (Curry Chicken Noodle). 

Simmered Daikon

Salmon, tofu, mushrooms, eggs and daikon, or radish (Malaysian Indian Fish Curry). Don't you think these are some of the favorite ingredients for Japanese cooking (Egg Fish Roll, Grilled Salmon, Mushroom Veggie Burger & Chinese Tofu Soup). If you are asking me, its a big yes from me to you. These ingredients are generally showcased in various ways in Japanese cuisine. Either by themselves or a combo alongside other ingredients (Yong Tau Foo, Spinach Tofu Stir Fry & Winter Melon Soup) and of course, when Japanese food is a concern, we need those Japanese ingredients like dashi stock, Japanese soy sauce, mirin and sake, well, not a must if you don't fancy, but for the rest of of us who enjoy alcohol, I don't think we will have any qualms? Not me though. I love alcohol, though I find that sake is somewhat quite strong for me. Yet, I wouldn't mind a few sips and of course, why should I not add sake when its a Japanese dish in my house? For this Simmered Daikon? Oh yes. Quite a thing actually getting the Japanese ingredients which are rather pricey, but I guess if its once a while, we won't mind spending. Especially for a hardcore Malaysian who only believe in our local ingredients? Having said that, for the sake of Simmered Daikon? Soft, tender daikon in  tadbit of sauce made from the customary Japanese ingredients (Teppanyaki Salmon).

Perth, Australia (My Knowledge Travel Venture) Part 2

Three full days of training? Ohhhhh! Brains fried up. By the time we returned to the hotel (Perth Part 1), nothing much expected. Except picking up dinner and back to the room. Of course, in between the training, a trip by ourselves to Fremantle was thrown in (Fremantle Perth). Not a bonus, remember I have already told you? We paying for ourselves? However, the least I expected was sightseeing on this Saturday at the courtesy of our Perth University counter parts. Wow! Would you say no? I of course was trilled and excited. All arrangements like on a silver platter, plus all paid for. We being fetched from the hotel and to Mandurah for Dolphin Lunch Cruise. Cruising (Venice, Malacca, Ayutthaya & Halong Bay Vietnam). Not new for me. Of course, each cruise to its own? A different package supposedly? Meanwhile, whist awaiting for the rest to arrive and to kill time, we checked out the surrounding area within where cruise will be taking off. Eateries and some retails and some arts designs. 

Fremantle - Perth (Australia)

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Not a bonus. No. Of course not. Not like the unexpected bonus for me being in Perth for training (Perth My Knowledge Travel Venture Part 1). This my one day trip to Fremantle alongside the rest of the counterparts from other parts of the world? We paying. Each paying for themselves. Basically going Dutch. How, where and what to the start to Fremantle? We walking from Miss Maud Hotel to Perth station, followed by machine supported buying our tickets and prior to getting into the train. Nice view from atop. Especially when train started getting closer and closer into Fremantle and we later stepping foot out of Fremantle station. Fremantle! The port city in Western Australia. Also, part of Perth's metropolitan area. Known for its maritime history, Victorian architecture and remnants from Australia's days as a British penal colony. Furthermore, history has it. Fremantle and its prison for convicts from 1850s to 1991. What can you expect in Fremantle? Quite a good bit actually. In fact, you can spent a whole day eating, sightseeing and idling your time away at the sea and wherever conducive for you.   

Perth, Australia - My Knowledge Travel Venture (Part 1)

An unexpected bonus. In fact, not in my slightest moment would I have thought I will flying to Perth. Just within a month after returning from my tour to Vietnam & Cambodia (Ho Chi Minh City & Hanoi). And remember, before that, my first ever solo me alone (Chonburi & Bangkok Part 2). ravel ( (Bangkok Thailand Through My Lens). Me flying to Perth thereafter? Gods must be loving me. They must be knowing this lady should continue travelling. Actually, me heading to Perth for one particular reason. Knowledge gaining for the program I have been teaching for the last 12 years or so. Curtin University Degree Twinning Program. 

Vegetarian Fried Bee Hoon

Walla! Don't you seriously think this version, my version of Vegetarian Fried Bee Hoon is a revelation of red hue and a huge package to how a Chinese style fried bee hoon should potentially be? I don't know about you, I personally think this Vegetarian Fried Mee Hoon is an impact. Impact to my cooking invention and impact to utilising the quintessential and customary Chinese ingredients. Shouldn't I then be proud? Invention from nava-k's kitchen, of course we have already tried, tested and devoured into, furthermore, Vegetarian Fried Bee Hoon is now listed amongst the rest of the vegetarian noodle dishes I have already showcased to you (Mee Rebus Vegetarian, Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup, Mee Rojak Vegetarian & Curry Mee Vegetarian). Vegetarian Fried Bee Hoon - black bean paste, mushroom, cabbage, dried chilli paste, garlic and spring onion. In case you feel its a bit too much to handle, your other option can be the other Vegetarian Mee Hoon. Bye foodies, see you next time!

Halong Bay (Vietnam) - Nature Wonder Of The World

Really. Really really early morning jump start. By 7.00am if I am not mistaken and the earliest so far for a matter of fact. Breakfast in hotel before the long drive to Halong Bay (Siam Reap Cambodia). Of course, in between we taking a couple of comfort breaks and lunch as well, but basically, putting our butts in the coach throughout the day (Angkor Wat & Ho Chi Minh City). I guess then, best will be catching up on our sleep for ditching aside tiredness which trust me has already accumulated. Tiredness due to action packed sightseeing for the last few days. Did I sleep? I sure did. Me catching up on my sleep or sleep catching up on me, whichever, and while on our way to Halong Bay, rain shelling heavily. Thus, driver slowly down his speed to driving and prior to us arriving in the hotel by 9.00pm, followed by dinner immediately and heading to our respective rooms.   

Nandu Rasam (Crab Legs Pepper Soup)

Old habits die hard, don't you think so? Even our cooking habits embossed and embedded in us by. Who else will drill cooking in our head, but our grandmothers and mothers? Girls must learn to cook their philosophy. Yes. Trust me. If you don't start cooking as young as you are, simultaneously you don't pick up the cooking tips from them, all hell would have broken loose those days. Sometimes they themselves can be the hell monsters. Literally pushing you, no matter what, you must cook. I know. I didn't have it all easier either. Knocks on the head and being pinched. Duh! Perhaps maybe, for the better? I really don't know what to say. Regardless, this habit of whenever its a crab dish at home (Malaysian Chilli Crab & Crab Curry), it must be in tandem with the claws or legs kept for Nandu Rasam until I am still till this day doing the same and of course, no complains from my Indian other half-half. And so, the story goes as well for this another version compared to the previous (Indian Crab Soup). Indian Pepper Soup (Mor Rasam) and crab legs in one. A tweeted and modernised version because I used store bought spice powder and of course, as usual, how can our Indian soup be perfected without turmeric powder (Turmeric Tomato Soup) and for Nandu Rasam, pepper is quintessential (Mixed Vegetable Soup). Nandu Rasam (Crab Legs Pepper Soup). Go ahead slurp in or like us Indian, banjir/flooded over rice. 

Mee Rebus (Vegetarian)

Vegetarianism? Should we, must we go over it, over and over, again and again (Cucumber Yogurt Salad)? I doubt we should. We shouldn't talk about matters which are not close to our heart? Unless you are a hard-core, do or die, vegetarian? I definitely am not. So, why bother? Let's just ditch vegetarianism (Vegetable Kurma, Mor Rasam & Creamy Coconut Lentil Soup) aside & also, supposedly if you kick your bucket whilst you are vegetarian, you will be floating in cloud nine in heaven alongside god. Whereas the rest of us of who are carnivores, oppps, actually we who are meat eaters, we will be burning in hell alongside satan. Duh! Honestly, I have nothing further to say except that we do hail in vegetarian dishes (Lemon Cashew Rice & Chloe Masala) at our whims and fancy whenever we long for. Mee Rebus Vegetarian? Sure? Who said Mee Rebus Vegetarian is impossible or out of our reach? Not me (Mee Rebus). I am the living example. I made. For further contributing towards the rest of the vegetarian noodle dishes I have already shared with all of you (Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup, Mee Rojak Vegetarian, Curry Mee Vegetarian, Mee Rojak Vegetarian & Vegetarian Mee Hoon)? Thick, smooth, packing a punch gravy, ladled over yellow noodles, assembled alongside boiled eggs, green chillies, fried shallots, other bitsy ingredients and yeessss, the must have crispy fritters.  

Egg Vindaloo

If you think only potatoes are far out the popularity in, if not all, in some households (Potato Gratin), how about eggs being the other favourite? In my house, goodness me, speak about eggs? We love eggs crazily. Eggs are never forgotten and they, mind you, will somehow head into dishes (Char Kway Teow). Either as one of the supporting ingredients or as the core ingredient (Egg Rasam & Egg Curry Masala).Today, obviously, I am featuring eggs again. The main highlight in fact for this Portuguese cuisine (Chicken Devil Curry, Devilled Prawns & Pada Salt Fish Pickle) Egg Vindaloo. Boiled eggs in a spicy,  thick and curry leaves scented gravy.  

Vegetarian Mutton Curry

Vegetarian Mutton. We have spoke about before (Vegetarian Mutton Varuval)? Yes we did.  Can you recall (Vegetarian Mutton Peratal)? Today, its the same vegetarian mutton. Which vegetarian mutton? Vegetarian mutton made from mushroom stalks. In fact, I was told that this is the best amongst the rest. The rest of the mock vegetarian mutton. Careful. Mock meat on the whole is about artificial coloring and flavoring. Maybe soy meal maker is a better option and of course, I can include mushroom stalks vegetarian mutton. Vegetarian Mutton Curry. A no sweat dish. Meaning, a curry anyone who is just starting to cook can cook effortlessly without compromising on deliciousness. Prior fried vegetarian mutton tipped into a creamy and spicy curry (Masala Mutton Curry).   

Vegetarian Mutton Varuval

The one packet of vegetarian mutton? I am regretting why I bought such a big packet. I should have by right settled for the smaller packet. Then again? You have already bought and you might as well use it up. The next dish after Vegetarian Mutton Peratal? Obviously. This Vegetarian Mutton Varuval. Varuval. The dry and almost flaky style. Another simplicity in the simply form. Vegetarian mutton stir-fried with chillies, spices and curry leaves. Anything else I should say? Nope. I've zipped up my mouth already. 

Vegetarian Mutton Peratal

The demand for vegetarian food? I really don't know what to say. The blind leading the blind, or the world is spinning upside down, inside out (Yam Basket Vegetarian)? I really don't know why such a major hype of late, and if you are a vegetarian amongst the Indians, millions of ups for you. Somehow this thing to vegetarianism amongst Indians. As if you are the holiest grain or for reasons only Indians know best. What about me? I like to eat and live according to my wish, and I really don't care what others think about me. Like I care? Nothing is assured or guaranteed anyway. Whether vegetarians kick their buckets earlier or myself. What's with Vegetarian Mutton Peratal then? Simply. Me wanting to test out and me wanting to test my cooking skills. I did very well fine. A simple style to cooking which is applicable to real mutton as well (Mutton Parathal) and of course, where are you vegetarians?