Ipoh, Perak - Nava K Discovery (Day 2)

More than looked forward to, most promising, Ipoh Discovery on the first day (Day 1 Ipoh). One of those, one of the best things I suppose when you are on the go, unlike a structured itinerary in a tour, this kinda easy and free to go road trip within your country (Fraser's Hill, Pahang)? No limits or bounds? At your leisure pleasure, and we basically driving and going with the flow. Furthermore, for a fact, we actually discovering places as and when we went along. Of course, Nava K. Honestly everyone, as a hardcore avid traveller, yes I am, lemme profess, me embracing every moment of it. After all, wouldn't you agree, travelling is about capturing, seeing and appreciating places you have never been to before? Whether for the best or not so best (Betong,Thailand)? Instead of selectively picking places base on hearsay or allowing social media sharing in influencing us? Not me. Nope. Not at all. Because not necessarily other people's experiences will be the meaningful opening doors for our own travelling. Don't we all, pretty much travel for our own valid reasoning and our differential reasons most probably not applicable to others? Ditto.

Saag Aloo (Spinach And Potatoes)

Saag (Chloe Palak) Aloo or Aloo (Sukhi Aloo Sabzi) Saag. I actually called this dish as aloo saag in my YouTube video. Then again? Due to the majority calling it saag aloo? Let is be saag aloo. Having said that or whatever or however you like to address Saag Aloo or Aloo Saag, it all boils down to the combination of two central ingredients. Spinach (Spinach Lamb Spaghetti) and potatoes. Furthermore, if I am not mistaken, saag aloo (Tari Wale Aloo, Aloo Gobi & Vegetarian Potato Sambal) is definitely a popularity amongst the Indians. Whichever part of the world they are? Even the Westerners? Oh-my! They sure have fast caught up in the count of cooking such an Indian dish. In fact, Westerners showcasing saag aloo recipes? The number of recipes popping up in case you are more inclined to a Westerner's saag aloo? How about this Saag Aloo cooking style of mine? No, no. Not a totality to a different kinda. Pretty much a familiarity. But, a sincere home style, non-spicy kid friendly version (Tomato Spinach Soup) without compromising on the core quintessential, appreciated delightful tastes. And for which you don't need aplenty ingredients. Indeed, healthiness as well (Spinach Tofu Stir Fry & Spinach Sambar/Dhal Curry). A side dish for rice or for sandwiching between toast.

Ipoh, Perak - Nava K Discovery (Day 1)

Ipoh. Mum's motherland. Mum “Made In Ipoh” and at 14, yep, I said it loud and clear, at 14 years old, mum married to dad, before making Kuala Lumpur as her next hometown. 3 years later, Nava K  “Made In Sungei Besi”. In one of the government houses across the army camp which don't exist anymore. Of course, obviously, nine months later? Aha! Nava K crawling out of mum's worm in Kuala Lumpur General Hospital and Ipoh, mum’s heritage? Part and parcel of my life as well. Mostly visiting grandparents during school holidays until Ipoh becoming a permanent full-stop. Due to grandparents themselves uprooting their Ipoh roots from Kampung Paloh for joining us in Kuala Lumpur. Whatever it may have been, Ipoh in tandem to mum's and my background? Those teen years of mine specifically in Ipoh? Walking to the river side for idling my time away, staying in the traditional wooden long house and making it a point in regularly slurping into "Ice Bola” and “Bread Ice-Cream”. Those good old memories? Unforgettable and still, mind you, glued on my mind till this day.   

Pachai Sundakkai Kulambu (Fresh Turkey Berry Curry)

Not only fish curry (South Indian Style Fish Curry). In fact, any curry for the matter in my house? A must. Yes. Without a doubt. Not for me though. I am okay in exploring various types of dishes, but for my Indian other half-half I have been faithfully married for the last 17 years? Curry, curry and curry (Mushroom/Kaalan Sour Curry) for every other meal (Spinach Chickpea Curry, Brinjal Curry & Vegetable Kadhi). Basically, no curry, no food hunger or food happiness for him. Perhaps, if I am not mistaken, can I take it as, its the same curry cooking story in your house as well if you are married to a typical Indian man (Navratan Korma & Pavakkai/Bitter Gourd Puli Kuzhambu)? Unless, of course, your husband don't mind cooking his own curries (Okra Curry & Drumstick Sambar/Dhal Curry) and he also lovingly cooking meals for you too. Anyhow, whether you are the chef at home or its your spouse, this pot of Nava K invented Pachai Sundakkai Kulambu/ Fresh Turkey Berry Curry. A power house, spicy, tangy vegetarian authentic Indian style curry. Sincerely worth being made in your kitchen too. Trust me, won't let down your and your loved ones tastebuds.

South Indian Style Fish Curry

Fish curry in my house (Thai Green Fish Curry, Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal & Malaysian Fish Head Curry)? What can or should I possibly say? If not once a week, at least every fortnight. Even if it’s not fish curry, there must be some sort of fried fish various types (Fried Fish Soy Sauce, Ikan Goreng Asam & Thai Crispy Fish). Obviously for the matter every few days once due to? Fish being the brain food for my other half-half. Mmmm? Cooking for our loved or loving ones? You tell me please. I am sure you know what I am talking about? Easier said than done I suppose and we women mostly, in fact, all the time making it a point in cooking what our loved ones will pleasure into. Furthermore, over the years, honestly, though I did try, I have given up on trying to coax my other half-half in trying chicken (Karaikudi Chicken Curry) or pork (Pork Bulgogi). Not worth because trust me, food can actually rock the marriage boat. Especially when age has caught up and you realize that you don't have anymore energy in trying to change your husband's food likes or dislikes. Instead, better to leave them alone and just go with the flow by cooking the food they will pleasure into. 

Fraser's Hill - Pahang

From Bentong to Frasers Hill. At our own speed. No, no. Please don't get me wrong. We weren't like strolling or nuisance driving. Basically, we didn't see a need for rushing or bulldozing our way through. After all, like I have told you before or maybe I didn't, inbound country road trips or even those across the continent. For a matter of fact. Wouldn't you agree should be easy going instead of wanting to prove a point to others we super heroes who are conquering one place after the other for the sake of showing off? Or, you might as well tell me as well. What is the point of travelling if we return home feeling bashed up, trashed out or worn out? Instead, shouldn't we hail or appreciate travelling as a relaxing frame of mind? As it is, like, we don't have enough of our day in day out daily grin I am sure you agreeing is already killing us softly? Must we also load up more stress by getting all worked up or paranoia in the name of travelling? Think about it, while I slowly take you through my travelling story. Out of Bentong, somehow, along the way, don't ask me why and what not, we somehow ending up Teras. 

Nyonya Okra Sambal

Nyonya me (Vegetarian Nyonya Laksa). Nyonya you (Stir Fried Jicama). Right. Me the home chef who can share my expertise on Nyonya cuisine (Mee Siam Kuah Vegetarian). Willingly of course. As an add-value for my professional as a life coach. Why can't I not or why  shouldn't I by the way? My Nyonya recipes (Ayam Masak Keluak) speaking for themselves and me having belted quite a good number of years to Nyonya cuisine cooking in my kitchen (Nyonya Acar Fish). Obviously, there are no short. No short? That's right. No short of Nyonya recipes (Nyonya Hot and Sour Fish Noodles) in this precious space of mine which, again said, is like a bonus for my clients and anyone for the matter.