Vietnamese Cuisine: The Quintessential Tastes

Are you a fan of Vietnamese cuisine? I certainly am. These days, Vietnamese restaurants are not rare anymore in Malaysia (DING XIANG), and you can even find Vietnamese food stalls in Chinese coffee shops. My former neighbor, who lived just two doors down, was a Vietnamese lady married to a local Chinese man. Thanks to her, I gained valuable insights into cooking authentic Vietnamese dishes.

Furthermore, my travels in Vietnam (HANOI) provided me with the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the local cuisine. Here are some of the delightful Vietnamese dishes I had the pleasure of enjoying during my time there.

Overcoming Weight Loss Roadblocks

Admitting we're overweight is tough, right? It's a struggle to face the truth. But once we do, we can start figuring out why. Here's the raw truth - honesty hurts, and it's not popular these days. People don't like hearing the truth about their shape and size (RECOGNISING OVERWEIGHT). 

But we need to dig deep and uncover the real reasons behind our weight.

Tempe Orek (Indonesian Spicy Fermented Soy Beans)

Fermented soybeans, known as tempeh or tempe, are a fantastic meat alternative for vegetarians and vegans. Packed with health benefits, tempeh is a staple in local Malay and Indonesian dishes. I'm a huge fan of tempeh and use it all the time in my cooking, especially because I love Malay and Indonesian food. You’ll often find me at Malay stalls, loading up on their delicious offerings. During my time in Indonesia, I indulged in plenty of tempeh and was particularly fond of sambal terasi and sambal ijo. 

(SURAKARTA: HEARTBEAT OF CENTRAL JAVA)

(YOGYAKARTA TEMPLES & TASTES)

 

Today, I'm featuring a tempeh dish - an Indonesian recipe that's perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Let me share my passion for tempeh and show you how to incorporate it into your savory dishes.

Indian Desserts: Sweet Delights to Savor

Visualize this: after savoring a spicy mutton feast, picture yourself treating your taste buds to some Indian desserts, paired with either Cow's Milk Masala Chai or Cow's Milk Bru Coffee. Oh, what a delightful scene! Whenever I dine at traditional Indian restaurants, I always conclude my meal with these sweet indulgences (MALAY DESSERTS) and a comforting cup of chai or coffee. Ah, Indian desserts - brimming with sweetness, richness, and enticing flavors, just like our Indian sweets today. Some might consider them guilty pleasures or irresistible treats (KUIH KUKUS SAGO), right? Worried about the sugar overload? Well, if you're a fan of ZEN YOGA and love Indian desserts, simply keep an eye on your portions, and you're good to go.

Forget about sticking to the same old recipes step by step. 

Let's dive into Indian desserts with a dash of creativity. But hold on, we're not just sticking to the traditional playbook here. I'm all about shaking things up, mixing and matching ingredients, and discovering new flavors along the way (TAJ MAHAL LOVE & NEW DELHI SOUL).

Perth, Australia: Cruises, Parks, and Culinary Experiences

Perth (PERTH PART 1).  My journey wasn't over yet. Eager for more, I decided to explore some sights. I checked online and picked a few spots at random - no set plan, just ready for whatever came my way. Besides sightseeing, I was keen to try the food. Ah, the foodie in me couldn't wait! Let's get started.

Cruising Adventures in Mandurah

By mid-morning, I found myself in Mandurah, just an hour's drive from Perth. Getting there wasn't without its little bumps, but hey, I made it in one piece. Opting for the Dolphin Lunch Cruise turned out to be a fantastic idea. I've always had a thing for being near water, and this cruise didn't disappoint. The views were mesmerizing, and the Fish and Chips they served up were just perfect - crispy on the outside, tender inside. Dining against such a picturesque backdrop really took the whole experience up a notch.

Facing the Facts: Recognizing Overweight

The world's giving a round of applause for overweight folks, isn't it? Just take a quick scroll through social media, and you'll see what I mean. It's like being overweight is the latest trend. But for those of us who keep ourselves fit, it's like we're the odd ones out (Yoga Outfits Challenge Indian Norms). Ever noticed that?

Why am I bringing this up? Well, because if you even mention someone's weight, especially if they're carrying a bit extra, suddenly you're labeled as a body shamer. It's like walking on eggshells.

Mutton Marvels: Flavorful Recipes to Try

Is mutton a favorite in your household? It certainly is in mine (NEW DELHI REVELATIONS & MYSURU , especially for my husband, who can't get enough of it. My collection of mutton recipes has grown so extensive (Savoring Mutton: Spices And All Things Nice) that it seems to be ever-expanding. Mutton dishes are not only a staple at our home but also an essential for any gathering or special occasion. Whenever we entertain guests, mutton is always on the menu, and it's usually the first dish to disappear (MYSURU INDIA VIBES).

Cooking Mutton Ahead
Did you know you can prepare mutton a day or even two days in advance and store it in the fridge? This technique allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste. For instance, mutton curry benefits greatly from this process, becoming even more delicious over time.

Savouring Mutton: Spices and All Things Nice

I've cooked mutton countless times in all sorts of styles (KERALA KOCHI KALEISCOPE), many of which I've come up with myself. Mixing and matching ingredients keeps things interesting so we don't get bored with the same old mutton dish. Do you agree? Eating the same kind of food or the same type of mutton dish can get dull (CHENNAI INDIA AWAITS)?

Now, about cooking mutton. The ones I buy tend to be tough, making them hard to chew and eat after cooking, which hurts our gums and teeth. If you also buy tough mutton, you should start any mutton dish by pressure cooking it. If the mutton you buy is tender, you might not need to pressure cook it.

Fitness Bra Buying: Handy Tips

Let's get to the part of shopping for the appropriate fitness or sports bra (The Power of Sports Bra in Yoga) for your yoga sessions. Even if you've bought one before, there's always something new to discover. I've been there myself, so trust me, you're in good hands.

Budget

First things first, let's talk money. How much are you willing to spend? We don't want to splurge and regret it later, right? Fitness bras can range from around $15 to several hundred dollars. So, set your budget and decide how many bras you want to get within that range.

Japanese Vegetarian Cuisine: Delights from the Land of the Rising Sun

Whenever I travel, I love exploring different flavors, whether at fancy restaurants or street vendors. In Malaysia, there's no shortage of Japanese restaurants (HOKKAIDO WANTERLUST) , and you can even find Japanese food at food courts. My favorite is the raw fresh cuts, known as "Sashimi," which is best at authentic Japanese restaurants. It's pricey, but worth it - delicious slices of seafood picked up with chopsticks, dipped in Japanese soy sauce and wasabi. What a mouth-melting delight! I usually go for the seafood varieties, and they're always a treat. Are you a fan of sashimi? If you are, I bet you know exactly what I'm talking about and how delicious it is (OSAKA SUNSETS & KYOTO ZENFUL SIGHTS).

Perth, Australia: Where Culture, Wildlife, and Sky-high Views Collide

Perth, nestled in the sunny corner of Australia, wears the crown as the vibrant capital of Western Australia. It's not just a city; it's a buzzing hive of activity. Especially for students looking to spread their wings, Perth is a top-notch destination, thanks in part to Curtin University, which is like a beacon of learning excellence.

Speaking of Curtin University, it holds a special place in my heart. That's where I honed my skills through their degree twinning program, collaborating with Metropolitan College, where I had lectured for a good 15 years. It's incredible how time flies, yet memories of lecturing Small Business 200 and Entrepreneurship 300 to eager students remain vivid, even though almost a decade has passed. Notably, I also underwent a week-long training at Curtin University Australia, acquiring essential lecturing skills and earning certification.

Hanoi, Vietnam: Unveiling Urban Wonders and Timeless Culture

From HA LONG BAY to Hanoi, our journey unfolded with anticipation (HO CHI MINH CITY),  culminating in our arrival in the bustling city by 8.00 pm. Dinner was in a local fast food joint, known for its renowned Pho. However, as a vegetarian, I had to pass on the beef Pho that seemed to delight my fellow travelers. Instead, I savored a different dish, catered to meet the dietary preferences of myself and the other vegetarians in our group. The Beef Pho received widespread praise, with many enthusiastically approving of its flavor. For those Indians abstaining from beef, the Chicken Pho failed to impress. After dinner, some opted for night shopping, while I chose to unwind in my room before calling it a night (KOTA BELUD UNTAMED BEAUTY & KOTA KINABALU UNMASKING).

Fried Rice/Nasi Goreng Medley: Mouthwatering Varieties

Its fried rice, also known as Nasi Goreng for us Malaysians. Doesn't it ring a familiar bell? Of course, it does, as we Malaysians can't go wrong with our cooking, oh-well, fried rice is always our savior. It's a cooking moment where you can toss in just about anything - seriously, the possibilities are endless! 

Got some leftover cooked rice hanging around from last night? Perfect! Day-old rice is the secret ingredient that gives your fried rice that unbeatable texture and brings out the flavors of all the other goodies you toss in there. And guess what? You can stash that leftover rice in the freezer too! Just pop it into a zip-lock bag or a sealed container. As and when needed, thaw it out and give it a quick steam or a sprinkle of water before microwaving -  easy peasy.

Bra-vo! The Power of Sports Bras in Yoga

Ever wondered why sports bras are a game-changer (Two-Piece Yoga Outfits) for your yoga practice? Especially for Zen Yoga, where we offer Corporate Yoga, Yoga Dance, and Prop Yoga, among other specialties, a sports bra is essential. Whether you're into these or any other activities involving stretching and toning, the support of a good sports bra is crucial. Just like a regular bra is part of your daily outfit, a sports bra is a must for your yoga routine. 

Hey guys, listen up as well. It's important to be aware of sports bras too. While they may not be a staple in your wardrobe, understanding their significance can help you support and encourage your fellow female yoga practitioners (Zen Yoga Style)

Ha Long Bay Escapade: Nature's Splendor and Culinary Delights

The morning started with an unusually early wake-up call at 6.00am. We grabbed breakfast before embarking on the long drive to Ha Long Bay, setting off promptly at 8:00 am. Throughout the day, we made a few comfort stops and enjoyed lunch, but for the most part, we were seated on the coach, trying to shake off the fatigue that had accumulated from days of non-stop sightseeing. Did I manage to catch some shut-eye? You bet I did. Exhaustion from constant walking and exploring during this trip through Vietnam and Cambodia ( Siem Reap, Angkor Wat & HCMH) had taken its toll. 

As we journeyed towards Ha Long Bay, heavy rain slowed us down, prolonging our travel time. Finally, we arrived at our hotel around 9:00 pm, had dinner, and retreated to our rooms for some well-deserved rest. Amidst it all, some curious fellow travelers couldn't help but wonder why I was traveling alone and where my husband was, with a few even attempting to uncover my marital status. But honestly, I paid little attention to their inquiries - after all, Malaysians have a reputation for being quite inquisitive.

Nasi Kerabu Kelantan: Culinary Marvel

What makes this Nasi Kerabu Kelantan so special? Well, all the herbs used in it, which give it that distinctive Kelantanese flavor, are grown by Ms. Nava herself. And here's the kicker - they're all organic. So, this dish isn't just tasty, it's a testament to Nava's passion to her urban garden. Can you believe it? At 60 years old, while managing her Zen, being the yoga instructor as well, and not neglecting her home affairs, she's out there in the dirt, making sure her herbs are top-notch. That's why this Nasi Kerabu Kelantan is truly one-of-a-kind and deserves all the praise it gets.

Besides the flavorful rice, the condiments served with this Malaysian dish are truly exceptional, all thanks to Ms. Nava's creativity. If you're expecting the same old Nasi Kerabu Kelantan you've had before, you might be disappointed. But if you appreciate culinary innovation (Bunga Kantan Raw Salad), you'll be applauding Ms. Nava's version.