Saturday, January 22, 2022
Turkish Saffron Rice (Safranli Pilav)
Friday, January 21, 2022
Kota Kinabalu, North Borneo: Unmasking Food and Business
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Ranau, Sabah: Eco-Tourism Gems
In Kota Kinabalu, the next day after visiting Kota Belud (KOTA BELUD UNTAMED BEAUTY) I set out to view two sights. The information needed for these visits was still fluid, but it took about two hours before a decision was made to head to Ranau. This serene district, approximately two and a half hours from Kota Kinabalu, is steeped in historical and cultural significance. Established in the late 19th century, Ranau's history is deeply intertwined with the colonial era and World War II.
The Kundasang War Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, honoring the thousands of Australian and British prisoners of war who perished. Culturally, Ranau is a melting pot of indigenous groups, including the Dusun and Kadazan people, whose traditions, languages, and customs enrich the region's cultural tapestry.
Monday, January 17, 2022
Kota Belud: Untamed Beauty, Sun Watching & Fireflies
Between the 1st and 3rd day, I met up with several people in Kota Kinabalu, which served as my base. What and what not, I will let you know after the finale of my so-called looking for new ventures in Sabah. On the 4th day, I decided to include some sightseeing. I arranged and paid for a drive to Kota Belud. This trip was also to explore this part of Sabah and assess its potential for future ventures, which I can't disclose more about (KUALA PENYU TRANQUIL NATURE).
The drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kota Belud takes about 1 ½ hours, and I requested stops along the way for some discoveries. We stopped at Gerai Kelapa Bakar Kak Tini (Lokan Bakar & Puding Kelapa) on Jalan Sulaman Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu. It's famous for Kelapa Bakar, where whole coconuts are roasted to perfection, resulting in tender, smoky coconut flesh and uniquely flavored coconut water. The coconuts, with their hard outer shells, are roasted over charcoal, and once done, the shells are peeled off before serving.
Saturday, January 15, 2022
Sabah: Kuala Penyu’s Tranquil Nature
A few months ago, I took a trip to Sabah with the goal of meeting new people and exploring fresh opportunities, as promised by an expert who claimed to know the area inside and out. I boarded an early morning flight to Kota Kinabalu and, driven by hunger, made a beeline for the McDonald’s at the airport. Sometimes convenience trumps local flavor when you’re starving. The place was crowded, but I managed to squeeze in and eat to my heart's content.
With my hunger addressed, I took a cab to the Hotel KK Waterfront in Warisan Square, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu. While the hotel itself was nothing remarkable - though clean - the windows provided a crucial connection to the outside world, which is essential for someone like me who prefers not to feel trapped in a room. The main draw for choosing this hotel was its prime location: directly across from the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront and surrounded by various eateries and convenience stores, making it an ideal spot for my needs.
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Malaysian Cumin Rice
Monday, November 8, 2021
South African Fish Curry
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Plant Based Breakfast Platters
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Wbs0ZmoeMzJZZA29mJDydPAQaKpFRaid5acXUEkGyKsB4r6NEn3Lk_KeQBTLNhLrFMZQidvagbgG5tdlTCnQi1t77MIGld95S5MQtmlgCkMO2-7bH-M_m-gFOdIczwRTeRcozjq9xgQ/w400-h400-rw/F994C6D0-5FA2-462D-B551-D7D12664AFB7.jpg)
Looks
like I'm back in action! After a little break from this cozy corner of mine,
I'm feeling refreshed and ready to sprinkle some culinary magic today. That's
right - it's time to share some zen cooking tales with you all. Ta-da!
Alright, let's get real for a moment. While the URL (nava-k) remains the same (because who needs the hassle of buying a new one, am I right?), this space is now officially known as Nava’s Zen. Why the change, you ask? Well, it's all part of my new journey as I dive into starting my own business. Currently, it's undergoing some renovation and sprucing up, all while expanding my urban gardening efforts under the Nava’s Zen banner. But don't worry, my dear friends, I'm still here to spill the beans on all my culinary secrets.
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Vegetarian/Plant Based Bak Kut Teh: Veggie Bliss Feast
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdBUS0DJiMJBjfVOQa3mPb3-SULZyedWzvm4IqWsRn1w5RmcG2rR9UtfRlHFT9q60G8KEKSKokEu3VdANSTotOVyVY-N4jWwepGhn8WbTY0d4Yz5tGeDrBM_OVBFqx5SJv7_VxVli7l0bAHdnmyNjZmciv6TM3PzmacspKw_83gKPfHh6ZjyE1O8ZcrE/w480-h640-rw/Vegetarian%20Bak%20Kut%20Teh.webp)
Those whispers? They came from everywhere - from my mum, my aunts, my in-laws, and even from random encounters. It seemed like everyone had the same script: an Indian woman's destiny is to be married off and become a selfless servant to her husband and kids. But you know what? Over the years, I've learned that I don't have to conform to those outdated notions. I'm breaking free and forging my own path.
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Indonesian Potato Taucu/Kentang Tauchu Indonesia (Vegetarian)
Keeping your culinary journey vibrant and exciting
is key to discovering new flavors that delight your taste buds. While comfort
food holds a special place in our hearts, embracing the diversity of global
cuisines can open up a world of gastronomic pleasure. For me, Indonesian
cuisine (URAP KANGKUNG) stands out as a personal favorite, rich with bold flavors and aromatic
spices that always leave me craving more.
Indonesian cuisine isn't just about meat dishes; it offers a plethora of vegetarian options that are equally satisfying. Take, for instance, Indonesian Potato Tauhu (Kentang Tauchu), a dish that exemplifies this culinary versatility. It's a creation born out of my perpetual quest to innovate in the kitchen, blending potatoes with chili tauhu (fermented soybean paste) to create a dish that's hearty and full of savory goodness.
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Urap Kangkung (Water Spinach Salad) - Vegetarian
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HFV0SbTj9Qh7jEuV7BjsZlGtMYTqp3elwUqTy-mz-Z7SVu8Phdy0olU43eLPUhnpVEMu81G_CQp0c4S1gbyYN5oSohuYjxvoNwU8Nk4YsJrRLRQm_dr1DisNaCavYZ8PcbdNi_CfuhE/w480-h640-rw/1.Urap+Kangkung.png)
In both Malaysia and Indonesia, kangkung is enjoyed as a raw salad, boiled and paired with sambal belacan. During my time in Indonesia, I discovered Urap Kangkung and brought the idea back to Malaysia, creating my own vegetarian version. This will be the highlight of today's recipe. But don't worry, I'll also share my tried-and-true Kangkung Belacan recipe. Let's kick things off with Urap Kangkung, the vegetarian version (VEGETARIAN BAYAM MASAK LEMAK).
Monday, February 15, 2021
Nava K's Palak Paneer (Spinach Indian Cottage Cheese)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XP-VB7U3BuwGreKWcCwm1paExFqkFWiV35dW3iLQNtldllLViW7cYYUd0isajZx67CpS6BVI2kehBTLwoVVhJ0jbi_xOm2qIA9AciPvGojkN9-p2Qv-ts1yHP0Xv7cRldbmo7s8UWLR0yGTXiZPggyuULDWxH2wpdbM7rkP2t5WdetgeV7GKepu4wq8/w502-h640-rw/Palak%20Paneer.png)
Thanks to global trade, Indian stores around the world offer a variety of paneer options, including those imported from India to places like Malaysia (MUGHAI VEGETARIAN KORMA). This accessibility ensures that no matter where you are, you can still savor the authentic flavors of Palak Paneer with quality ingredients.
Monday, January 25, 2021
Chilli Cashew Stir Fried Veggies
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal (Sessile Joyweed/Dwarf Copperleaf Stir-Fry)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfeBidJnvP8OzbGIhQaDsI-o1WBEn80-6wTk944IkvAfp34SeAEmcfiui4eND200coFkfUTQofULWUtJKFJdKaBbsQqW9hB8y2UwSLAyzvfETL0RPmfusyvChMY2-aViWpYZlFsIsPJbHtZEWdUudQ_GcVP0K3Xn54yoXtw0Fseek4BPMZN2tZcRy1e8/w480-h640-rw/Ponnanganni%20Keerai%20Poriyal.png)
If you're not familiar with Ponnanganni Keerai, you can see it in the attached video. This green is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent addition to your diet. It has a mild, earthy taste that doesn't require elaborate cooking methods (MUGHAI VEGETARIAN KORMA). In fact, the simpler, the better, to preserve its natural flavors.
Monday, December 14, 2020
Mughlai Style Vegetarian Korma
Korma, or Kurma, is a beloved dish in the Indian community and has gained popularity far beyond the Indian subcontinent. It's also a favorite in Malaysia, even among the Malay community. Let me not even mention how much Indians love Kurma, whether it's chicken, mutton, or the vegetarian version. Typically, Kurma makes its appearance during festival seasons and wedding functions, rather than as a daily meal, though it does show up occasionally.
Chameleon Restaurant, Kota Kemuning: A Taste of the Hype
Whenever a new restaurant opens in Kota Kemuning, it generates significant excitement among local food enthusiasts. Chameleon Restaurant (No...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavzWa3TJvWOFOZqUdP9Ge1f8X0F1xsYCKU8o3mKUgSpNonSSx7nNgSddOSRRHJ8yfSlaQcVr-FP6zTU3kDmRxYdVNt1zB1xXfyBbvYUsGt1F_sucD4qIWdXyBrgX4cPyU54awNwme71fPVLHgLxzxqD3wWQZQphScU79kdrvv2_SvqVncD-SHNQLcWvg/w470-h640/Chameleon%20Restaurant%20Japanese%20Western%20Fusion.jpg)
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Let's talk Sodhi - a flavorful Indian coconut stew that's a hit in many households ( RASAM ), including ours! It's like a cousin...
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Growing up in the government quarters of Sungei Besi , just across from the army camp, I've always felt a deep connection to Malay c...
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As I peer into the earthen pot , brimming with the flavorful Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu, my appetite awakens. I must admit, I have a so...