My Post-Convocation Lunch Introduced Me to Miao Cuisine

A few days after my convocation, I wanted to celebrate with lunch somewhere different. That search led my sister and I to MIAO at IOI Puchong Mall, a restaurant serving Miao cuisine from Guizhou China. I have heard of Sichuan, Hunan, Cantonese, and Yunnan cuisine, but Miao cuisine was completely new to me.

What Is Miao Cuisine?

I did some Googling and learned that Miao cuisine comes from Guizhou Province in southwest China and is closely associated with the Miao ethnic minority.

One of the defining characteristics of Guizhou cuisine is its use of sour flavours, often created from using fresh herbs, chillies and preserved ingredients, creating dishes that are flavourful without necessarily being overwhelmingly spicy.

Sour Fish Mini Hot Pot

The restaurant's signature dish is its Guizhou Sour Soup Fish Hot Pot, so naturally, that became the centrepiece of our meal.

The soup had a pleasant sourness that was quite different from the tom yum soups or assam-based broths that many Malaysians are familiar with. The flavour was lighter than I expected and became more enjoyable after a few mouthfuls.

The hot pot came with one whole freshwater fish, tofu skin, enoki mushrooms, and Chinese cabbage. Cooking everything at the table made the meal feel more festive, and the ingredients absorbed the flavour of the soup very nicely.

Stir-Fried Deer Mushrooms

Alongside the hot pot, we also ordered the Stir-Fried Deer Mushrooms. Despite the name, this dish contains mushrooms rather than deer meat. Apparently deer mushrooms are named after their appearance and are commonly used in Chinese cooking.

The mushrooms were stir-fried with garlic, leeks, and red and green chillies, giving the dish a savoury flavour with just enough heat. The texture was slightly chewy, making it a nice contrast to the softer ingredients in the hot pot.

The Drinks

We also ordered the Guizhou Specialty Tamarind Juice and the Signature Passion Fruit Drink. The tamarind juice had a pleasant balance of sweetness and tanginess, and the passion fruit drink was equally enjoyable and offered a lighter, fruitier option. But perhaps next time, I will opt for normal sweetness instead of the less sweet version.

Build Your Own Guizhou Ice Jelly Bowl

One of my favourite moments at the restaurant was the complimentary Guizhou Ice Jelly station.

You get to build your own jelly bowl by choosing from a selection of toppings. There were grass jelly, colourful jelly cubes, popping boba, red beans, mung beans, peanuts, crunchy toppings and various sweet syrups.

This was the highlight of the meal as I filled my bowl with a little bit of almost everything. The combination of chilled jelly, beans, crunchy toppings and syrup made for a refreshing dessert after the hot pot.

I thought this was a nice touch because it made the dining experience a little more interesting. Rather than serving everyone the same dessert, each person could customise their own bowl according to their preferences.

If you're feeling adventurous and would like to explore a different side of Chinese cuisine, MIAO is certainly worth considering.

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First Impressions of GloLab+ Dazzle Bloom and Dazzle Dew: A Malaysian Brand That Caught My Attention

Over the past few weeks, I've somehow fallen into a Korean skincare rabbit hole. It started with writing about my surprisingly simple midlife skincare routine. That led me to researching trending Korean skincare ingredients such as niacinamide, ceramides, peptides, PDRN, EGF, NAD+, and skin longevity.

So when I came across GloLab+, a Malaysian skincare brand founded by three friends, I became curious. Not just because they are my friends, but because I wanted to know whether their formulation philosophy would align with everything I'm currently using.

A Quick Disclosure

Let me begin by saying that I know the founders of GloLab+ personally. However, this is not a paid collaboration. I bought the products on my own and no one asked me to write this article.

If anything, knowing them made me more hesitant to write about the products because I wanted to judge them on their own merits rather than on friendship.

Fortunately, after looking through the formulations and trying both products, I found myself evaluating them the same way I would evaluate any other skincare product that I own.

What Caught My Attention

One thing I've realised recently is that my interest in skincare has changed. These days, when I want to purchase any skincare product, I ask a few crucial questions, which were also the questions I had in mind when I looked at GloLab+.

• Does it support the skin barrier?
• Will I actually enjoy using it every day?
• Does the formulation make sense?
• Is it trying to improve skin health rather than simply promising perfect skin?

Dazzle Bloom All-in-One Skin Solution

Dazzle Bloom All-in-One Skin Solution is the first product launched by GloLab+. On paper, it combines several things that already appeal to me:

• SPF50 PA++++ mineral sun protection
• Ceramides (Ceramide AP, Ceramide AS, Ceramide EOP)
• Hyaluronic acid
• A lightweight, less greasy texture designed for daily wear

I'm a big believer in sunscreen, and I've become very convinced that sunscreen is still the single most important skincare product we use every day. Everything else is secondary.

What I appreciate about Dazzle Bloom is that it doesn't treat sunscreen as a separate afterthought. Instead, it incorporates barrier-supporting ingredients into a product that is already doing the most important job of protecting the skin from UVA and UVB damage.

The use of zinc oxide (a filter used widely in mineral sunscreen) also stood out to me. Usually, mineral sunscreens are often criticised for leaving a white cast or feeling heavy on the face, which is why I only use Korean sunscreens with chemical filters.

But Dazzle Bloom's formula manages to change my perception of mineral sunscreen. It remains comfortable enough for everyday use, without the feeling of excessive greasiness in Malaysia's hot and humid climate. See my testimonial below.

In summary, Dazzle Bloom simplifies your mornings by being a moisturiser + mineral sunscreen + glow primer.

Dazzle Dew Peptide Recovery Cream

The second product, Dazzle Dew Peptide Recovery Cream, interested me for a different reason. Rather than trying to be another "miracle anti-ageing cream", the formulation focuses on recovery, hydration, and skin resilience, which you could describe as 'recovery' instead of 'overcorrection'.

Looking at the ingredient philosophy, several familiar names immediately stood out.

• Copper Tripeptide-1 – the star ingredient that seals the deal for me to use Dazzle Dew. Copper Tripeptide-1 is a widely respected peptide known for skin repair, collagen signalling, and wound healing.
• Panthenol for soothing and hydration.
• Niacinamide for barrier support and uneven skin tone.
• Sodium hyaluronate and multiple humectants for lasting hydration.

Copper Tripeptide-1

Copper Tripeptide-1 is a peptide that has gained attention for its role in supporting skin repair and collagen production. It is often used in skincare products designed to improve skin firmness, elasticity, and overall resilience.

While it's not a miracle ingredient, I like that it aligns with the growing focus on helping the skin recover and function well over time rather than simply masking the visible signs of ageing.

As someone navigating midlife skin, that makes far more sense to me than chasing dramatic overnight transformations.

What I Appreciated Most

Interestingly, it wasn't any single ingredient that impressed me the most; it was the overall formulation philosophy. Neither product tries to overwhelm the user with every trending skincare buzzword. Instead, both products seem to prioritise skin barrier health, hydration, protection, and recovery.

That might not sound particularly exciting compared to products marketed around the latest viral ingredient. But after spending weeks reading about skin longevity, I've come to appreciate that healthy skin is often built on consistently doing the basics well.

The current skincare trend is becoming less about chasing flawless "glass skin" and more about maintaining healthy, resilient skin that functions well over time.

Perhaps that's why GloLab+ caught my attention. Although it is a Malaysian brand, the underlying philosophy feels surprisingly familiar: barrier support, hydration, protection, recovery. These are exactly the principles that have quietly reshaped the way I now think about skincare.

That's ultimately what I found most interesting about GloLab+, not because it's a Malaysian brand or because I know the founders. But because after weeks of exploring Korean skincare philosophies, I discovered something unexpectedly familiar a little closer to home.

GloLab+ Dazzle Bloom & Dazzle Dew Travel Kit

For those who travel frequently, GloLab+ has also put together a Dazzle Travel Kit containing miniature versions of Dazzle Bloom and Dazzle Dew. It follows the same uncomplicated approach that I appreciate: protect your skin during the day, support recovery at night, and keep your routine simple enough that you won't be tempted to skip it just because you're away from home.

Where to Buy Dazzle Bloom and Dazzle Dew

GloLab+ Official Store

GloLab+ Shopee

GloLab+ TikTok Shop

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Exploring Medovik, Russian and Uzbek Food at Torte by Linda

I first came across Torte by Linda because of its Medovik (Russian honey cake). If I remember correctly, I might have come across postings of beautiful Medoviks on social media. Instead of thick layers of sponge cake and cream, Medovik is made up of multiple thin honey cake layers held together with frosting.

Eventually, what started as a visit for cake eventually became an opportunity to explore other items on the menu. Over several visits, I found myself trying not only different Medovik flavours but also a selection of Russian and Uzbek dishes that are not commonly found in Kuala Lumpur.

More Than Just a Medovik Cake Shop

While Torte by Linda is best known for its Medovik cakes, the menu extends beyond desserts.

The restaurant serves a variety of Russian and Uzbek dishes, making it possible to enjoy a full meal before moving on to dessert. For those unfamiliar with these cuisines, like me, it offers an accessible introduction without feeling intimidating.

The Savoury Dishes I Tried

Plov (Beef)

One of the dishes I tried was the Plov (Beef). Plov is a traditional Uzbek rice dish. Also known as Uzbek Plov or palov, the version served at Torte by Linda consisted of rice cooked in oil together with beef, julienned carrots, onions, garlic, and cumin powder.

The rice was flavourful without being overly heavy, and the beef was tender and paired well with the rice. It is the type of satisfying meal that works well if you are looking for something filling without being overly rich.

Lamb Dumplings (Kurze)

Next, I tried the Kurze, braided lamb dumplings originating from the Republic of Dagestan in Russia.

At first glance, they may resemble dumplings that many Malaysians are already familiar with, but the flavour profile is quite different. The lamb filling gives them a richer and more distinctive taste.

The dumpling skin has a nice, slightly chewy but soft texture and holds the filling well without becoming overly thick. They were served with sour cream and chilli flakes, which complemented the richness of the lamb nicely.

The Russian Treats That Accompanied My Coffee

Blini

Another item I tried was the Blini. Blini are often described as Russian pancakes, although they are not quite the same as the pancakes many of us grew up eating.

The Blini at Torte by Linda is filled with homemade tvarog (cottage cheese) and served with berries and honey. It was a pleasant snack alongside coffee – simple, comforting and easy to enjoy.

Oreshki

I was also curious enough to try the Oreshki. These are walnut-shaped cookies filled with dulce de leche and chopped walnuts. Their appearance immediately stood out because they look unlike most cookies commonly found in local bakeries. They look really adorable too!

The cookie shells had a pleasant texture while the filling added sweetness without making them overly rich. They are small enough to enjoy in a few bites, making them ideal as an accompaniment to tea or coffee.

The Medovik that I Have Tried at Torte by Linda

Of course, no visit to Torte by Linda would feel complete without Medovik. In fact, over time, I managed to try four different flavours.

Raspberry Pistachio Medovik

This is Raspberry Pistachio Medovik. The slight tartness from the raspberry helped balance the sweetness of the cake, while the pistachio added a subtle nuttiness. The combination worked surprisingly well and gave the cake a lighter overall profile.

Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Medovik

This Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Medovik was probably the most contemporary interpretation of the traditional Medovik. The chocolate added richness while the kunafa element introduced additional texture. It felt like a fusion dessert that combined influences from different regions into a single cake.

Check out my IG reel of this Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Medovik to see what the insides of the cake looked like.

Honeymisu Medovik

The Honeymisu was perhaps the most memorable flavour I tried because I love the traditional tiramisu.

According to the menu description, it combines baked honey cake layers with infused espresso coffee, light mascarpone frosting and cocoa powder.

Those familiar with tiramisu will immediately recognise the inspiration behind the flavour profile. The coffee notes paired well with the honey cake layers, creating a dessert that felt familiar while still remaining distinctly Medovik.

Check out my IG reel of this Honeymisu Medovik to see what the insides of the cake looked like.

Chocolate Honey Medovik

The Chocolate Honey Medovik offered a more straightforward combination of chocolate and honey flavours. Compared to the Raspberry Pistachio and Honeymisu variations, this version leaned more towards richness. It would likely appeal to those who generally prefer chocolate-based desserts.

Would I Return to Torte by Linda?

Absolutely, without a doubt! The restaurant's ambience is soothing and perfect for coffee and dessert, especially for anyone curious about trying Russian and Uzbek food. Torte by Linda offers an approachable place to start. And if you only have room for one dessert, my recommendation would be any of the Medovik cakes.

Address: Lot No B-G-06, Eight Kinrara, Jalan BK 5A/1, Bandar Kinrara, 47180 Puchong.

Check out their social media links via their Linktree.

Note: This is not a paid collaboration or advertorial. All opinions expressed are my own, based on my personal dining experience at Torte by Linda.

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How I Bought My Crystal Infusion Memory Foam Pillow from Harvey Norman

I've been wanting to upgrade my pillow for a while now. Between juggling work, studies, and sleep deprivation, a comfortable pillow suddenly felt like a very urgent form of self-care.

But the moment I stepped into Harvey Norman's bedding section, I realised choosing a pillow is not as simple as "soft or firm".

My goodness! There were Microgel, Microfibre, Feather, Memory Foam, AIR Memory, Silk Cotton, Natural Latex. Each promised support, cooling, breathability, posture alignment, or some kind of sleep magic.

And then there's me: A confused shopper who just wants a pillow that won't give me neck and shoulder pain and will let me fall asleep faster.

How the Bedding Manager at Harvey Norman Helped Me Make Sense of Everything Pillows

Honestly, I would never have chosen the right pillow on my own. Karen Ng, the Bedding Section Manager (bless her!) at Harvey Norman's Kiara Bay outlet took one look at my overwhelmed face and came over.

The first thing she asked me (which I didn't expect) was: "What bed are you sleeping on?"

I told her my hubby purchased a Van Vorst Backpedic Care from Havey Norman, a bed designed for firm, orthopaedic-style support.

And that changed everything.

She explained that the type of bed you sleep on influences what kind of pillow you should use. A firmer mattress, like my Backpedic Care, raises your body slightly, so your pillow height and firmness need to complement that. If not, your neck ends up tilting at an awkward angle.

So, instead of something soft and sink-in, she recommended a Memory Foam pillow with better contouring and structural support. She insisted that I test the pillow by lying on the same bed model in the outlet. And honestly, this is truly customer service at its best.

That's how I ended up looking at the Crystal Infusion Memory Foam Pillow, something I probably would have dismissed earlier because the name sounded a little too mystical for my practical brain.

Why I Picked the Crystal Infusion Memory Foam Pillow

Once she explained the support and alignment benefits, I started paying attention to the details.

Here's what made me choose it:

Memory Foam that Actually Supports the Neck

This isn't the super-hard, old-school memory foam. The pillow has a smooth contour that fits the neck and shoulders, especially for side and back sleepers.

It's Infused with Natural Crystals (Yes, Really)

The "crystal" part caught my eye mostly because it sounded unusual. The pillow contains a Biocrystal® mixture like amethyst, quartz, fluorite, rose quartz, red jasper, and more embedded inside the foam.

Does it magically heal your chakras? I don’t know. But what convinced me was actually the research charts on the box showing reduced muscle tension, calmer heart rate, and improved relaxation.

Even if you don't fully buy into the crystal-wellness aspect, the idea of a pillow designed to promote relaxation didn't sound like a bad thing.

Cooling and Breathable Cover

Malaysia is hot. Memory foam can get warm. So the air-flow friendly cover and breathable construction felt like a must.

It Pairs Well with My Firm Backpedic Care Mattress

This was the ultimate deciding factor. The bedding manager recommended this specific pillow because the structure complements the firmness and height profile of my Van Vorst Backpedic Care bed.

It's like matching shoes to an outfit. The wrong pair can ruin the whole look (or in this case, your spine).

How Well Did I Sleep One Week Later?

So far? It's supportive without feeling like I'm sleeping on a brick. The contour helps my neck settle into a neutral position, and I don't toss around trying to find the "right angle" anymore.

And whether it's the foam, the crystals, or simply the fact that I finally invested in the right pillow, I do fall asleep faster.

What I Learned from this Whole Pillow Shopping Experience

If you're thinking of getting a new pillow too, here are three things I wish I knew earlier:

1. Your pillow must match your mattress.

Soft bed: Firmer pillow

Firm bed: Slightly softer or contour-support pillow

Neutral bed: Depends on your sleeping position

2. Your sleeping position matters.

Side sleeper: You need height and support

Back sleeper: Medium firmness and contouring

Stomach sleeper: Something flatter

3. Don't choose based on feel alone. Get expert help.

The bedding manager immediately narrowed down the options once she knew my mattress brand. It saved me time, confusion, and a potential wrong purchase.

Would I Recommend the Crystal Infusion Pillow?

Yes, if you're a side or back sleeper, prefer structured support, and sleep on a firmer mattress.

If you like soft, sink-in pillows, or if you're a stomach sleeper, this might be too high or too firm for you.

But for me? It's the right balance of comfort, support, and a touch of wellness (crystals and all!).

Thanks Karen Ng from Harvey Norman Kiara Bay!

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Spice Up Your Noodle Game with Jinjja Ramyun Today!

 

Hey there, fellow noodle aficionados! If you're like me and constantly on the lookout for the next big thing to tantalize your taste buds, you're in for a treat today. I recently had the pleasure of diving into not just one, but three piping hot bowls of Jinjja Ramyun, and let me tell you, I think it's a game-changer!

JINJJA Has COME! Discover Real Korean Taste

 

First things first, let's talk about the brand. Jinjja is a Korean word which means real in English. Jinjja Ramyun is a Korean instant noodles brand brought into Malaysia by KMT Food, a Korean food expert company that has been focusing on introducing Korean food culture in Malaysia for the past 30 years.

Flavors: Spicy Mushroom, Spicy Chicken, Kimchi

 

Now, let's talk flavor. Jinjja Ramyun packs a punch with its bold and spicy profile that's sure to wake up your senses. The combination of savory broth and chewy noodles creates a symphony of taste that's downright addictive. And for those who like it extra fiery, fear not - Jinjja Ramyun brings the heat in all the right ways. 

There are three flavors: Kimchi, Spicy Mushroom, and Spicy Chicken. Oh, let me highlight to you that Jinjja Ramyun is halal certified.

Let's watch these "un-packet-ing" (sort of like unboxing 🤣) videos.

Jinjja Ramyun Spicy Mushroom (Soup)

Jinjja Ramyun Spicy Chicken (Dried)

Jinjja Ramyun Kimchi (Soup)

Let's get cooking!

 

Now, let's get down to business with the cooking process. With Jinjja Ramyun, convenience is key. The noodle's round shape makes it so convenient to cook when placed in the famous golden pot.

 

Just boil some water, pop in the noodles and seasoning, and voila! You've got yourself a gourmet meal in minutes. It's perfect for those busy days when you need a quick and satisfying fix without compromising on flavor.

 

But wait, there's more! What truly sets Jinjja Ramyun apart is its versatility. While it's delicious on its own, don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings. From luncheon meat to shredded cheese to a perfectly cooked egg, the possibilities are endless.

 

Trust me, you'll be amazed at how easily you can elevate this already amazing dish to new heights. The portion is quite generous at 120g per pack, guaranteeing a satisfying meal once you add all the ingredients to make it a wholesome dish.

 

Check out what I have cooked and my verdict for each flavor.

 

 

For the Spicy Mushroom flavor, I added luncheon meat cubes, shredded cheese, and an egg.

 

Verdict: 😋 I must say, the taste experience with Jinjja Ramyun’s Spicy Mushroom is delightful! However, it's important to note that the spice level might lean towards the higher end of the spectrum, which could pose a challenge for those who prefer milder flavors in their instant noodles.

 

If you're not particularly fond of spicy dishes, you might find the heat level for Spicy Mushroom to be a tad intense. Nonetheless, for those who enjoy a bit of heat, this noodle certainly delivers on flavor and satisfaction!

For the Kimchi flavor, I added luncheon meat cubes and an egg. If I had kimchi in my fridge, I would have added that too.
 

Verdict: 😋 Jinjja Ramyun’s Kimchi noodles bring a burst of flavor that's uniquely tangy and spicy, with a hint of sweetness from the kimchi seasoning. The broth is rich, tangy, and savory that ends with a satisfying heat.

 

 For the Spicy Chicken flavor (dried noodles), I added a fried egg.
 

Verdict: 🤯 Now, this Spicy Chicken flavor is truly, and I mean truly, spicy. For those of you who adore god-level spiciness, this flavor will steal your heart.

 

Where to Buy Jinjja Ramyun?

Happy slurping, folks!

In conclusion, Jinjja Ramyun is a must-have addition to any noodle lover's repertoire. With its bold flavor, easy preparation, and endless customization options, it's a culinary adventure waiting to happen. So go ahead, grab yourself a pack (or two) of Jinjja Ramyun, and get ready to spice up your noodle game like never before!

You can order online for doorstep delivery. Don't miss out on the chance to spice up your noodle game – grab your pack of Jinjja Ramyun today from Shopee and Lazada.

Wanna know more about Jinjja Ramyun? Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
 

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