Our next day began with a return to Ipoh town (PERAK DISCOVERIES) for breakfast. With numerous eateries to choose from, we opted for Paris Restaurant, Famous Mee Hakka, a place I had previously discovered as a must-try. And indeed, it was true. The noodles, a pride of Ipoh, offered in both dry and soupy styles, paired with fish or pork, were delightful. But the highlight? The sambal/chili dip. A powerhouse of flavor, it packed a punch that elevated the entire meal. Oh, how my taste buds rejoiced with this homemade, authentic Chinese spicy dip!
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Friday, April 15, 2022
Perak Discoveries
Embarking on a road trip to Perak, my mother’s hometown, felt both sentimental and surreal. While most of my mum’s aunts and uncles are now in heaven and the rest have moved to Kuala Lumpur, I couldn't help but recall my childhood years spent in Ipoh, enjoying school holidays at my grandpa’s kampung house in Kampung Paloh. Though I can't remember my last visit to Ipoh, this trip was all about discovering Perak (KUANTAN SHIVAN TEMPLE. MALACCA TRAIL & KINABALU UNMASKING FOOD).
Our first stop was lunch at Little House Café in Tapah, an unassuming kopitiam I had already discovered online. We indulged in Black Pepper Chicken Chop and Hainanese Chicken Chop paired with fries, along with Fish Soy and Petai Squid served with rice. The home-style, delicious Halal Malaysian fusion dishes were a delight, with generous portions that left us thoroughly satisfied. Even as a small eater, I managed to finish the Hainanese Chicken Chop.
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Shivan Panching & Sri Marathandavar Temples
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Kuantan: Coastal Wonders and Tasty Eats
Visiting Kuantan (SULTAN AHMAD SHAH MOSQUE) is incomplete without exploring its stunning beaches, known for their mesmerizing natural beauty. These beaches are a favorite among Malaysians from various regions, especially during weekends, public holidays, and school breaks. They also attract tourists from around the globe.
With the beaches already on my mind, we made our way to one of these scenic spots. I can't pinpoint the exact location, as there were no signboards, but the experience was unforgettable. The blue waters were simply breathtaking, and just gazing at them felt incredibly fulfilling (KUALA PENYU TRANQUIL NATURE & CAPE TOWN NATURAL STUNNER).
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque: An Unexpected Divine Encounter
I ended up in Kuantan. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, just a drive with no plans whatsoever, going with the flow. Actually, it was to break free from the mundane life and welcome something new. Landing in Kuantan, I checked into Vistana Kuantan (now known as AC Hotel Kuantan). The room was lovely, with nothing to fault. Next, I made a call to meet up with two friends who fetched me from the hotel, and we took a drive around Kuantan town before I chanced upon the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque (Masjid Negeri, Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1).
Sunday, March 6, 2022
Vegetarian Spinach Turmeric: Vibrant & Plant-Based
Spinach: the epitome of effortless urban gardening! Why aren’t you growing it yet? It's a breeze to cultivate in pots. Simply grab a packet of seeds - costing just a few dollars - then sprinkle them on soil or in a pot, covering with a thin layer of soil. Just ensure the soil remains moist with watering. I personally grow spinach in the garden alongside amaranth, Brazilian spinach, and Surinam spinach. I also have a bay leaf plant that has grown into a medium-sized tree, with leaves naturally sun-dried at my windows.
Friday, February 11, 2022
Turkish Cucumber Yogurt Salad (Cacik) & Indian Varieties
The addition of garlic made a significant difference, introducing a robust, aromatic bite that contrasted beautifully with the cool, creamy yogurt and crisp cucumber. The garlic added a slight pungency and depth, infusing the salad with a savory, almost spicy undertone that enhanced its overall flavor profile. This subtle sharpness enlivened the dish, creating a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors. We truly loved it.
Saturday, January 22, 2022
Turkish Saffron Rice (Safranli Pilav): Golden Taste of Turkey
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
Aromatic Cumin Rice: A Vegetarian Rice Cooker Triumph
I cook all my rice dishes in a basic rice cooker that's been my trusty kitchen companion for the last 22 years. It's not the latest model, but it gets the job done. In fact, I even sautĂ© or fry ingredients in it for my rice dishes. It took some trial and error to figure out that the switch will turn off when the cooker is heated, but once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing.
To be honest, I've never quite mastered the art of cooking rice on the stove. It requires constant attention to prevent overcooking or burning. So, a heartfelt thank you to the inventor of the rice cooker – a true lifesaver for people like me!
Now, let’s dive into this delicious (SPINACH PANEER & EGG CURRY VEGGIE DELIGHTS) cumin rice recipe. Here are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly:
Monday, November 8, 2021
Cape Town Indian Fish Curry & Malaysian Recipes
During an unforgettable nine-day adventure in South
Africa, I experienced moments that felt like pure magic. Cape Town, with its
dramatic landscapes and vibrant spirit, was an absolute highlight (CAPE TOWN: THE NATURE STUNNER). One evening, while soaking up the rich cultural atmosphere of a local
show, I struck up a conversation with a South African Indian lady beside me. As
we shared stories and laughter, she unveiled her treasured recipe for South
African Fish Curry (PRETORIA MOMENTS & INSIGHTS) - a dish that beautifully echoes the flavors of Indian
cuisine (EGG CURRY TRIO).
That recipe stayed with me, and years later, as I prepared fish - one of my husband’s favorite brain foods—I decided to recreate her South African Fish Curry with my own creative twists. But that's not all! I’m also excited to share another flavor-packed treasure: Malaysian Indian Fish Curry, a recipe from Ms. Nava. Join me on this culinary journey and try these delicious recipes that bridge continents and cultures.
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Plant Based Breakfast Platters
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.
The Best Pickled Fish/Fish Pickle Recipe
(Updated Version) At first glance, the list of ingredients may seem intimidating, but let Ms. Nava assure you: take a closer look, and you’...
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(Updated Version) Ever heard of a golden-hued coconut milk stew? For the Indian community in Malaysia, it's known as sodhi, a creamy, co...
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(Updated Version) Ever wondered how many urban dwellers are secretly urban gardeners? Well, I’m proud to say I’m one of them. In our lit...
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(Updated Version) As I reflect on my cooking routine ( SOUTH INDIAN STYLE FISH CURRY ), one dish stands out time and again - Salted Fish ...