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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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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The Ultimate Legoland Malaysia Guide for Kids Aged 9 to 12

Guide to Legoland Malaysia for Children Aged 9 to 12

Travelling with kids aged 9 to 12 is a completely different kind of fun. They are old enough for real thrill rides, curious enough to enjoy learning experiences, and independent enough to explore without hand-holding. On our recent trip to Legoland Malaysia, I realised this theme park is actually perfect for this age group.

Fun fact: Legoland Malaysia is our number one pick for "Cuti-cuti Malaysia", a place we have returned to over the years without fail: April 2018, October 2019, October 2020, March 2022 (our first stay at the Legoland Hotel), and February 2023. It is more than a theme park to us now; it is a timeline of our boys' childhood.

So, in this 6th family trip to Legoland Malaysia, here's what we did, what we loved, and what I think other parents of "big kids" will appreciate too.

1. Stay at the Legoland Hotel

One of the best decisions we made was staying at the Legoland Hotel. The moment you step into the lobby, you are greeted by a giant pirate ship, a Lego castle, and piles of colourful bricks waiting to be turned into creations.

For kids aged 9 to 12, this lobby is heaven. No longer toddlers who need close supervision, they can wander between the play zones, work on their own Lego builds, and challenge themselves creatively. We spent a good chunk of time right here; just the kids building, dismantling, rebuilding, and proudly showing off their designs.

On more thing, if your kids enjoy problem-solving, don't skip the in-room treasure hunt. It adds a layer of excitement before bedtime and gives them a sense of independence while solving clues.

Check out our stay at the incredible Legoland Hotel!

2. Go for Repeated Roller-Coaster Rounds

This is the first time my youngest boy is tall and brave enough to go on every roller coaster. Both my boys absolutely made the most of it.

The Great LEGO Race, the one at the LEGO Technic area is fun, fast, and great as a warm-up before venturing to the other two classic roller coasters.

The Small Dragon (Dragon's Apprentice): This one is perfect for repeated rounds. The queue moves fast and the ride has just enough kick for kids who love the not-so-extreme roller-coaster buzz and thrills.

The Big Dragon (The Dragon Coaster): This is a classic. Dramatic castle entrance, thrilling drops, and just enough speed to get everyone (even the adults) screaming and laughing without being too overwhelming.

3. SEA LIFE is Surprisingly Engaging for Big Kids

I wasn't expecting SEA LIFE to hold the kids' attention for long, but it did. We turned it into a mini learning adventure: identifying different species, laughing at some species' names, watching animal behaviour.

Guess what's the highlight? It's that adorable baby stingray that kept "dancing" along its glass tank, flipping and wriggling like it was performing a show.

There's also an illustration station, where my eldest kiddo drew Patrick the starfish. It's surprisingly therapeutic and gives kids (and adults) a creative break between exhibits.

SEA LIFE is a must-do if your kids enjoy animals, marine life, or hands-on activities.

4. What We Missed (and What You Should Check)

We didn't make it to the Water Park this round. It was closed on Tuesdays. So if you are planning your trip, double-check the operating days and hours before you go. It's the kind of small logistical detail that can make or break your itinerary.

So, What Makes Legoland Perfect for Kids Aged 9 to 12?

Well, every parent knows that 9 to 12 is an interesting in-between stage. They are not babies, but they are also not teens yet. Legoland suits this "big kid" stage beautifully because:

• Rides are exciting, not scary.
• Activities are hands-on and stimulating.
• The hotel lobby gives them independent playtime.
• SEA LIFE appeals to their curiosity.
• They can handle a full, active day without meltdowns.
• They appreciate Lego creativity on a deeper level.

This is the age where childhood memories become core memories, and Legoland provides the perfect backdrop.

Tips for Parents Visiting Legoland Malaysia with 9- to 12-Year-Olds

Travelling with older kids is such a joy. Here's what worked for us:

✔ Spend time in the hotel lobby; it’s genuinely a big hit.

✔ Allocate at least 1-2 hours for SEA LIFE.

✔ Go early to avoid queues for the Dragon roller coasters.

✔ Let them choose which rides to repeat.

✔ Go on the rest of the rides and thematic activities (find out from Legoland's website).

✔ If the Water Park is part of your plan, avoid Tuesdays.

This trip reminded me how much magic there is in experiencing a theme park through their eyes. Legoland Malaysia is more than just a place for little ones.

For kids aged 9 to 12, it's a world of adventure, creativity, and discovery. Honestly, I think this might be the best age to visit.

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Guangzhou Trip 2025: All the Firsts (A Working Trip, But Make It Fun)

My recent Guangzhou trip was meant to be work (think: hospital facilities tour, live medical treatment sessions, doctor interviews). And of course, all that happened.

But somewhere between Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and Canton Tower, Guangzhou gave me a long list of 'firsts' that turn a work trip into something a little more memorable.

Here's everything that made this working trip fun!

First Time Flying China Southern Airlines

Just like my first time flying TransNusa to Jakarta, there's always something about boarding a new airline that makes even a routine flight feel a little special. This time, my flight experience with China Southern Airlines makes me momentarily forget I have work deliverables waiting for me on the other end.

First Time Visiting Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou

This one definitely deserves its own spotlight.

Walking into St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, I expected "hospital energy", you know, that cold, clinical, intimidating vibe. But instead, I felt warmth. The people were kind, the environment was welcoming, and the level of care and technology was honestly eye-opening.

It was my first time touring a cancer hospital overseas. Seeing how seriously they take multidisciplinary treatment, how structured their processes were, and how genuinely involved their teams are… it made my work feel even more purposeful. If I ever needed a reminder of why we do what we do, I found it there.

First Time Trying Xinjiang Cuisine

Credit to my Muslim teammates, this was a culinary experience in Guangzhou I didn't know I needed. Lamb skewers, cumin, spices that wake you up and your ancestors hahaha... Xinjiang food (yes, we had Xinjiang cuisine in Guangzhou) is bold, hearty, and full of character!

First Time Walking Along Beijing Road

And then there was Beijing Road - my first time walking through its colourful chaos. The energy was loud, bright, and overstimulating (argghh the crowd!)

But what caught my eye the most? The rows and rows of tanghulu - glossy, jewel-like skewers of candied fruit lined up in every colour possible. If Guangzhou had a dessert mascot, it would definitely be tanghulu. They are just too impossible to ignore.

First Time Taking the Pearl River Cruise at Night

If you ever want to see Guangzhou glow, take the night cruise.

The skyline, the bridges, the neon lights reflecting on the water. It was peaceful and beautiful throughout the entire 1-hour ride.

First Time Seeing Canton Tower in Both Daylight and Night Glow

Seeing Canton Tower twice, once in daylight and once glowing at night, felt like meeting two different sides of Guangzhou. By day, it's sleek and striking. By night, it transforms into a rainbow-lit showpiece that steals the skyline.

And yes, it was breathtaking… but a small part of me felt proud knowing that back home, KL Tower stands just as tall in spirit - equally impressive, if not more, in its own Malaysian way.

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Lessons from a 12-Year-Old (A Belated Birthday Post)

This post is a little late. But in my defence, so is my sense of time these days. Between school holidays, work deadlines, and the hormonal plot twists of perimenopause, the months just fly by without me realising it soon enough.

In August, we celebrated out eldest turning twelve with two celebrations: 1) Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza (with a bunch of his classmates, all 12yo tweens), and 2) #M.O.T.D Café, Bar & Dining (just four of us - calmer, low profile, and slightly more grown-up).

And somewhere in between meals and those loud and quiet moments, I realised my 12yo tween could be my accidental life coach; and that motherhood in midlife (OMG!) comes with its own lessons in balance, patience, and humour (I truly hope so).

Lesson 1: "Feedback sometimes come with extra cheese"

At Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza, we ordered about seven different types of pizzas. At one point, he took one bite of his favourite pepperoni pizza (not the one in the photo above) and said, "Not bad… but nothing too special also."

Direct. Precise. No sugar-coating. But the whole pizza was gone within minutes.

Key takeaway

Deliver feedback like pizza. Honest, but with enough warmth to make people want another round (hormones permitting).

Lesson 2: "Confidence is ordering dessert without looking at the menu"

At M.O.T.D., he didn't even glance at the list of desserts. He just said, "I want the chocolate one." Meanwhile, I was still calculating sugar levels, calorie surplus, and whether my metabolism had bail on me for the evening.

Key takeaway

Maybe sometimes clarity isn't about overthinking options; it's about knowing what you enjoy and owning it.

And maybe that's what perimenopause is teaching me too; to care less about what I should be doing and more about what actually feels right.

Lesson 3: "Growing up is learning when to roll your eyes… and when to hug instead"

He's at that age where my incessant reminders are "naggy." Yet somehow, he still leans in for a side-hug sometimes.

Key takeaway

Emotional intelligence isn't about being serious all the time; it's about knowing which moments matter enough to show up for.

Bonus Lesson: "Belated posts are still valid"

Time flies. And sometimes, catching up on memories counts more than keeping up with timelines. Cheers!

Key takeaway

Midlife isn't about being on schedule; it's about embracing the beautifully delayed.

Rosemance

And finally, I just want to leave this post with a little something beautiful - a mocktail called Rosemance, a delicate blend of cranberry juice, raspberry, lemon juice, rosewater, egg white, and rose syrup.

Pretty, soft, and just the right note to end a day that reminded me how sweet life still is; even in its changing seasons.

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Six Firsts That Made My Jakarta Trip Memorable

Jakarta wasn't meant to be a holiday. It was a typical work trip, but between the busy moments, I found myself collecting "firsts" - small, unplanned ordinary things that made this trip a little more memorable than I expected.

1. First TransNusa Flight

This was my first time flying with TransNusa. It had always been AirAsia or Batik Air, for example, during my trips to Guilin, Seoul & Macau, Taipei, and Phuket.

There's always something about boarding a new airline that makes even a routine flight feel a little special.

2. Meeting the Ondel-Ondel

At first, I thought they were part of the hotel décor: two towering, colourful figures with painted faces, one red and one white. Then I spotted them again at the airport. Curiosity got the better of me, and a quick search told me they were Ondel-Ondel, Jakarta's iconic Betawi symbol that represents protection and good fortune.

The red-faced man symbolises courage, while the white-faced woman symbolises calm. Together, they bring harmony and protection wherever they appear. Traditionally paraded through the streets to ward off bad spirits, they now stand proudly as reminders of the city's heritage.

It's strange how something I almost walked past turned out to be one of the most meaningful sights of the trip.

3. Indomaret Pop Mie Adventure

I think convenience stores like Indomaret in Jakarta is like Speedmart and KK Mart in Malaysia. I first came across the Pop Mie cup noodles brand on the TransNusa flight.

So when when I saw rows of Pop Mie of different flavours at Indomaret, I just had to buy all of them. I laughed at myself for travelling all the way to Jakarta to buy cup noodles… and then decided it was exactly what I needed.

4. Discovering Nasi Tutug Oncom

I tried Nasi Tutug Oncom for the first time. It's a humble Sundanese dish described as mixed rice with oncom fermented beans, wrapped in banana leaves, and served with assorted salted fish, dry fried chicken, tofu, tempeh, basil leaves, and raw vegetables, and special chili paste or sambal. 

It was simple, honest food - the kind that doesn't try too hard, but leaves you thinking about it hours later.

5. My First Negroni

The first time I heard of Negroni was when I watched "Drink Masters" on Netflix. I Googled, and AI Overview explained: "A Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, garnished with an orange slice or peel. It's typically stirred with ice, strained into a rocks glass with a large ice cube, and served as an apéritif due to its strong, bitter, sweet, and herbal flavour profile."

But, being a non-drinker, I've never tried one. At the hotel bar, I finally did. One sip and I understood the reputation: bitter, bold, aromatic, unapologetically grown-up. It wasn't a "relax by the pool" drink; it was more of a "pause and take it in" kind of drink.

6. Visiting Jakarta Cathedral

The Jakarta Cathedral is located right across from Istiqlal Mosque. Two places of worship standing side by side. Two buildings connected by Terowong Silaturahim.

It was beautiful - architecturally and symbolically. After days of rushing between work and rest, it was the kind of stillness that gently stays with you.

Closing Thoughts

None of these "firsts" were bucket-list material. And maybe that's exactly what made them special. Ironically, they weren't planned (which says a lot, coming from someone who usually over-plans every trip abroad).

They weren't glamorous either. Just small, human, real.

I guess, travel isn't always about how far you go or how much you see.

It's about noticing—really noticing—the little, unplanned things that quietly turn any trip into a story worth remembering. Maybe that's what matters most.

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