Alor Setar Revisited (Nava K Tripping)

Alor Setar. Yes. Nava K returned to Alor Setar again. Alor Setar. The state capital of Kedah and the second largest city after Sungei Petani. By the way, any particular reason why we made this trip to Alor Setar? Nothing really. Except maybe, instead of returning home after being in Penang, we thought it will be a great idea to catch up with our Alor Setar friends we have not seen for some time and also, some free, easy time for ourselves. Of course, ultimately, when friendship is a concern for us Malaysians? I'm sure you must be agreeing. We Malaysians no matter what, must bond friendship over food. Precisely. We arriving in Alor Setar by noon and alongside our friends, 5 of them, plus obviously at their recommendation, lunching in Numeral Eight Curry House. 

Kacang Buncis Kunyit (Beans Turmeric)

Healthy living (Murungai Keerai Poriyal, Malaysian Vegetarian Spaghetti & Cucumber Yogurt Salad). Yes. Yes. The whole world is like, won't and can't stop preaching about healthy eating, healthy ingredients and healthy cooking. Honestly, I, to a certain extent, am quite lost on what's with the obsession to healthy living. In fact, every where daily. Social media, whatsapp groups, daily conversations, etc, etc, etc. God! Like what? Am I like the only one who is missing out on healthiness? Anyway, let's now narrow down specifically on healthy cooking. Organic ingredients, or using specific ingredients for our cooking or, you tell me please? If you are asking me, there is no better healthier food on earth than our home cooked meals, cooked in a clean environment. Home food for me personally is the ultimate healthy living. Alright, in tandem to healthy cooking, here's to a healthy dish. Kacang Buncis Kunyit, aka Beans Turmeric. Turmeric powder and garlic (Garlic Tomato Rasam) as you know, or don't? Of course, health is wealth ingredients and this dish, a totality to vegetarianism or veganism, yeppie yeh to further healthiness as well (Vegan Tom Yam Soup, Mixed Vegetable Soup & Vegetable Kadhi)? Kacang Buncis Kunyit (Beans Turmeric). No hassle cooking and pantry friendly ingredients (Baingan Bharta). Except, maybe, for buying the beans or all the better, if they are from your garden (Moroccan Pea Soup).

Cameron Highlands - Pahang (Nava K Travelling Gram) Day 2

Cameron Highlands and sightseeing? Of course. Without a doubt. Pretty much, and me enthusiastically looking forward to Cameron Highlands and yes, coming with it, parcelled and packaged together sightseeing. Sightseeing. Honest to goodness everyone, I so, so love sightseeing. No matter where I travel to (Bentong Pahang, Melaka & Langkawi) and the places I have in fact travelled to so far (Osaka Japan, Surakarta & Betong Thailand). Whether in country Malaysia bound or across the sea traveling. For me personally, travelling is a not a complete platform without sightseeing. Said it all supposedly. By 11.00am next morning, we hopping into the cab. Prior arrangement made the day earlier (Cameron Highlands Part 1), also, we agreeing to pay RM40.00 per hour.

Bubur Pulut Hitam (Black Glutinous Rice Sweet Porridge)

Bubur Pulut Hitam. Black Glutinous Rice Sweet Porridge. Ohhh yeess, and yes, and yes. My favourite sugar rushing or non-rushing dessert. In fact, for a fact, this easy to put together sweet porridge (Bubur Kacang Hijau/Green Bean Sweet Porridge) has conquered the number one spot amongst the rest of our Malaysian desserts for me personally. How do we make Bubur Pulut Hitam (Black Glutinous Rice Sweet Porridge)? Very easy. Uncomplicated. Simmer and add the few ingredients as listed below and there you have - soft tender black glutinous rice, scented by pandan/screwpine leaves (Kuih Buah Melaka & Pandan Cheesecake), sweetened by white or brown sugar or Gula Melaka/palm sugar and creaminess from coconut milk. You can if you like, add sago as well (Pumpkin Sago Dessert & Malaysian Sago Pudding) and Bubur Pulut Hitam can be a choice between, either a cold or hot sweet dessert.

Cameron Highlands - Pahang (Nava K Travelling Gram)

Cameron Highlands. Let me recall. My last trip to Cameron Highlands? Oh my goodness me mamma-mia! Back then in my teens. Like, 30 over years ago. Years and years back then. Ages ago for a fact precisely (Perak Travel). To tell you the truth, I can't even remember what I did  or where I went in Cameron Highlands. Duh! Anyway, that was then and after all these years, I returned to Cameron Highlands again. Cameron Highlands, by the way, for your information, is now a travelling show stealer (Pulau Ketam Selangor). Obviously, the travelling momentum in Cameron Highlands has picked up tremendously. I was told by my friends who have already explored Cameron Highlands that, traffic jam during public holidays, school holidays and weekends is crazily massive. Until it can halt your driving throughout this hilly, mountainous, cool and fresh weather district located in Pahang. Aside to traffic, Cameron Highlands clearly had already obtained its badge, furthermore, stamped as the escape route out of our stressful city life. Stress and city life! Tell me about it (Kuantan Pahang).

Seberang Perai (Penang Mainland) Eats

Seberang Perai. Penang Mainland. Honestly everyone, as far as I have explored, not once, in fact a couple of times, not as bright and sparkly as Penang Island. Don't get me wrong please. I am in no way downgrading Seberang Perai, but comparatively or competitively to Penang Island (Attractions In Penang & Penang Food Guide), there is only so much if we are talking about sightseeing. Penang Birds Park (next door to Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple), Iskcon Sri Sri Radha Temple, Nine Emperor Gods Temple Butterworth and for me personally, nothing like the ferry ride from Perai Jetty to Penang Island (Penang Thaipusam). Always and forever. Perai ferry ride, truly our Malaysian mini water wonder world (Penang Part 1 & Penang Part 3).

Vegan Tofu Sambal

Veganism. What is veganism? Veganism (Vegan Thai Fried Rice & Vegan Pumpkin Soup), basically is, the higher leveling up to vegetarianism (Fresh Turkey Berry Curry & Malaysian Vegetarian Spaghetti). Am I a vegan? No. I am not. Will I be able to tell you why vegans don't consume not only meat, but also dairy products? To a certain extent and most probably, if I am not mistaken, due to health reasons and perhaps I should also include religionism as well. For me personally, anything goes except beef and exotic meat. What about vegan food? Actually, come to think of it, I don't mind every now and then. Nothing wrong right? Of course not. After all, food is food, and even if its vegan dish, like this Vegan Tofu (Mapo Tofu & Tofu Katsu) Sambal, trust me, we don't compromise on food deliciousness.