Friday, July 15, 2022
Balinese Fish Sambal/Sambal Ikan Bali
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Turkish Carrot Yogurt Salad/Yogurtlu Havuc Salatasi
Hi Darlings,
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
Plant Based Spinach Turmeric Stir Fry (Vegetarian)
Friday, February 11, 2022
Turkish Cucumber Yogurt Salad (Cacik)
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
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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.
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...
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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...