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.

Stir Fried Oyster Mushrooms

I'm not sure. In fact, I am rather confused about, what is healthy cooking for healthy living. Seriously guys,  I can't comprehend and I really don't know how should I go about explaining healthy cooking and healthy eating (Moringa/Drumstick Leaves Stir Fried). For me personally, I eat anything. Anything in other words, everything in moderation and I do, from time to time, indulge in sinful guilty food pleasures. Of course, not gawking those heavy duty rich food daily, but when the craving kicks in. I am really fine. No guilty feeling due to me not the pigging out kinda and me exercising regularly. Still, trust me, controlling my weight and also, avoiding tiredness, body pain and headache which every now and then can literally pull me down? Not an easy feat for Nava K who is 54, going 55.

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. 

Malay Style Udang Sambal

Yes. Of course. There is infinitely, as far as I know, various types of Udang Sambal or as per say, Sambal Udang (Sambal Goreng Udang Pete). Udang Sambal obviously, if you are asking me, is a popular Malaysian dish and specifically the originality of Malay cooking. And I? Do I have to repeat myself again and again? I just so love Malay food and sambal (Sardine Sambal & Sambal Tumis Telur)? Oh my sambal! Trust me, a spicy Malaysian delight, perhaps I must include Indonesian various types of sambal as well (Ikan Cabe Ijo) and Malay Style Udang Sambal? Truly, such an authentic cooking style, but somehow not the same as the Chinese style or Indian style Udang Sambal. For Indian Style Udang Sambal, its mostly curry powder and curry leaves, whereas Chinese Style Udang Sambal (Sichuan Chilli Prawns), specifically a Nyonya style, more or less, pretty much to a certain extent, can be trended somewhat to Malay Style Udang Sambal (Nyonya Okra Sambal). Still, I will vouch that nothing can out-beat or over-take a Malay Style Udang Sambal (Sambal Belimbing Ikan Bilis). Malay Style Udang Sambal! The absolute full-flavored, greatest good tempting power house. Alright foodies. Grab this recipe of Nava K.

Vegetarian Potato Sambal

Vegetarianism and Nava K. Oh pleaseeee!!! Please don't put us side by side. Honestly everyone, vegetarianism is definitely out of the question for me. Neither will I force it on me for the sake of doing it or just because others are willingly or blindly jumping into the back wagon of vegetarianism. Seemingly, I may be wrong, but obviously, people are under the impression that if you are a vegetarian, you are a symbol of healthy living. For the Hindus as well, if not all, at least the rest, they are under the impression that abstaining from meat is a sign of holiness (Mushroom Curry/Kaalan Puli Kulambu). Really? I am not going to say anything further. Hindus, believe me, they are really sensitive if you talk about their religion. Anyway, whether you are a healthy grain or holy grain or not, there is such a thing as being a part-time vegetarian right (Vegetarian Nyonya Laksa & Nasi Minyak)? Why not? Whenever we feel we should or we want to instead of allowing others in pressuring us?

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. 

Ikan Cabe Ijo

 

Cooking at home or eating out? Which is cheaper? Yes please. Would love your opinion, but for the time being, if you are asking me, I must say that its quite a confusing matter as per say. Why? Because our opinion differs. Of course. To each our own. We decide what is best for us. Still, I can or I shouldn't discount that eating out may be cheaper for a single person. Provided you not a fussy eater and you are eating for the purpose of filling up your hunger. Basically, you won’t mind any kind of food from anywhere. A basic meal from coffee shops or road side stalls most probably? No harm done. I'm not saying anything more because we eat according to what we can afford instead of burning our money bridge. How about we now address the matter to eating out for a family of four? Mum, dad and two kids. Still cheap if we are talking about a basic meal again? Minimum, we paying most to most, we can cap the amount to within RM20.00 for each meal each time?  

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.

Bentong, Pahang (Nava K's Discovery)

Bentong and not Betong. Betong (Thailand Nava K's Tripping). Yep sure. I admit. Honestly, I never knew Betong existed. Not anymore though. I can now confidently tell you the highs and lows or even spill the whole truth to Betong (Betong Episode 3). Bentong on the other hand? Of course. To a certain extent due to Bentong in Pahang is country known fact and also due to me having headed to Bentong. Lets say maybe like 4 to five times so far. However, nothing much really explored because when you head to Bentong for functions and like return home immediately. Regardless, after this weekday trip of mine towards Bentong discovery alongside my two friends. An unhurried, without putting any deadline pressure to driving for a stress relieving trip. Really, we didn't want to rush and we really yearning for, lets take our time in discovering Bentong. No itinerary whatsoever. Neither did we book our overnight stay. Basically, a going with the flow, free and easy trip and we agreeing that we shall decide on the next course of our travelling action once we arrive in Bentong.

Sardine Peratal

Sardine Peratal? Sort of the next door to Sardine Varuval. I might as well include Sardine Sambal too. Plus, if I can, I would definitely love fresh sardines which are by the way quite an affordable our local catch. Then again, on the days I really can't push myself to marketing? Canned sardines. Sure enough. They are usually included as part and parcel of my provision buying. At least two cans are bought and stored in my pantry and these are, definitely the handy ingredients when, like I have told you, I have no time for marketing. Various dishes trust me, can be converted out of canned sardines. Including this Sardine Peratal (Tempoyak Masak Lemak Sardine & Sardine Masak Lemak Cili Padi). Even  Nadan Meen Curry is the produce out of canned sardine mind you. Alright, let's get down to the business of cooking Sardine Peratal. Nothing out of this world, yet, truly satisfying to our hunger. The minimalist when we speak about the ingredients and of course, easily and effortlessly put together dish.  

Betong, Thailand (Nava K's Weekend Tripping) - Episode 3

End of Episode 2 (Betong Episode 2), followed by? Obviously must be Episode 3 right? Of course. From Betong Hot Spring to Namtok Inthason Waterfall. What’s with waterfall? Because I insisted. Me so loving water seeing and hearing, and water as my healing therapy for cleansing my body, mind and soul. Moreover, since we had to pass by the route Namtok Inthason Waterfall is located, why not? No harm done. Mountainous water cascading from a few levels higher up and flowing at its own sound of music. However, as far as I know, Namtok Inthason Waterfall is not a prominent water figure of Betong (Betong Part 1) and if I am not mistaken, have not been maintained for maybe the longest time.

Maybe that's there was no one was around except us even during this weekend. Can be quite eerie mind you. Then again, for the brave hearts, nothing can or should stop you from picnicking and water dipping. We on the other hand? 10 minutes most to most before heading to Winter Flower Garden. 

Betong, Thailand (Nava K's Weekend Tripping) - Episode 2

Did I? Did I sleep? What should I possibly? Say? Loud knocking and slamming of doors until almost 6am, and me at first like, wondering if Betong hotel devils are playing sparks. Not until later, once I put two and two together conclusively? Oh! The tale of Betong. The prominent tale to alcohol and after effects of clubbing or even maybe? Strip Shows or Tiger Shows taking a toll on human devils. Human devils not as in males only. Even the horrifying giggles of women? Remember, I told you (Betong Thailand Episode 1)? Betong is? The sex land for men. Can Betong be the sex land for women? You figure it out for yourself. Whatever! Hopping out of bed by 6.30am after like sleeping, maybe 4 hours most to most, I showered and down to the lobby. My two friends? They are always the earliest birds. They in fact had already embarked on a mini tour within the nearby area and we later, going with the flow of Betong streets for, where can breakfast be.