Monday, May 20, 2024

Things to Do in Perth, Australia

Indian lady holding with one hand a wooden entrance decor, in nature setting, Perth Zoo, Australia.
Over the years, Perth has grown into a bustling, multicultural city. Its population has expanded significantly, driven by an increased number of international residents. It’s now common to see people from various backgrounds, including Asians who have made Perth their home and work across different industries. As an educational hub, the city also attracts students from around the world who enrol in its universities. In fact, some of your friends or relatives may already be living in Perth.

Whether you're here to visit them or as a tourist, it’s worth checking out the popular sights in Perth city. One thing to note, public transport is convenient, with free CAT bus services operating within the city centre. However, be prepared for traffic congestion (TOP THINGS TO DO IN HANOI, VIETNAM), especially during peak hours, as Perth can get busy with daily commuters.

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi's busy street with motorbikes, care, people and the street view, Vietnam.
Hanoi, the second-largest city in Vietnam, still shows strong French influence, especially in its architecture and food (HA LONG BAY CRUISE). Located in northern Vietnam, Hanoi is known for its chaotic traffic, motorbikes everywhere, loud honking, and drivers moving in all directions. Noise and pollution are part of the experience, but the city is worth visiting.

Whether you’re traveling across Vietnam or just exploring Hanoi, the top tourist attractions and street food stand out. The food scene is a treat for the palate, especially the affordable street eats. Street shopping is popular too, alongside international brand stores, a mix that makes Hanoi a must-visit on any Vietnam travel journey.

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: Boat Cruise

The scenic view of Ha Long Bay, with boats in the emerald green waters, nature surrounding
A trip or tour of Vietnam (HO CHI MINH CITY THINGS TO DO) is not complete without a Ha Long Bay boat cruise. It’s one of the must-do activities in Vietnam, and truthfully, the main reason many people visit this region. There’s not much else to see or do in Ha Long Bay itself, but the cruise alone is more than worth it.


Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7 Wonders of Nature, attracts visitors from all over the world. Famous for its towering limestone formations and green waters, it’s one of Vietnam’s most well-known natural attractions. The bay is scattered with nearly 2,000 small islands and rocky outcrops that rise straight from the sea.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Nasi Kerabu Kelantan (Herbs Rice)

Bluie pea herbs scented Malaysian rice, served with condiments like half boiled salted egg, spicy fish and others, served on banana leaf
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. .

Besides the flavorful rice, the condiments served with this Malaysian dish are truly exceptional. If you're expecting the same old Nasi Kerabu Kelantan you've had before, you might be disappointed (BUNGA KANTAN/GINGER TORCH RAW SALAD). 

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Bunga Kantan/Ginger Torch Bud Pineapple Cucumber Salad

A bowl of colorful and refreshing no cook torch ginger bud salad, Consisting of pineapple pieces, cucumber, fried peanuts and mint leaves
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How about a raw salad? It's convenient and saves time (EASY VEGETARIAN SALAD RECIPES- just prepare the ingredients, then toss and stir. However, remember that raw salads should be eaten immediately. Otherwise, they lose their crunchiness and freshness, and won't look as appealing.

Siem Reap, Cambodia: Wat Thmey (Killing Fields)

An enclosed memorial with a glass case at the center displaying bones and skulls of victims from Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge era

Cambodia is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, and its crown jewel is undeniably Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat, the legendary, world-famous temple complex and a top highlight in Cambodia (ANGKOR WAT CAMBODIA). But beyond the awe-inspiring ruins, Cambodia holds a painful and unforgettable past, one you can discover at Wat Thmey, also known as the Killing Fields of Siem Reap.

 

Located along Sivatha Road, Wat Thmey may not appear on every traveler’s must-visit list, nor is it often promoted as one of the top tourist attractions in Cambodia. However, for those who wish to understand Cambodia’s tragic history, this site offers a sobering and meaningful experience (MOUNT MERAPI INDONESIA TOUR).

Monday, May 13, 2024

Malaysian Sodhi (Indian Coconut Milk Stew)

Stew made with coconut milk, turmeric powder, tomato, curry leaves, fenugreek seeds, lime juice and salt.
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Simplicity shines in Sodhi, the Indian coconut milk stew. This much-loved dish also finds a cherished place in cuisines from other parts of the world, like Sri Lanka and especially Kerala. Making Sodhi is effortless: just add all the ingredients to a pot, simmer, season with lime juice and salt, and you're done.

 

You can create various types of Sodhi, and to make it a one-pot dish, adding vegetables is a great option. I often do this to keep the dish interesting and avoid monotony. Plus, it saves me the trouble of preparing a separate vegetable dish (EASY VEGETARIAN TOFU RECIPES). 

Best Vegetarian Mutton Recipes


Ladies and gentlemen, let’s talk about vegetarian mutton. This isn’t your typical mock or meatless product; it’s made from mushrooms and mushroom stalks. It's a healthier alternative to many mock meats that often contain artificial flavoring and coloring. When purchasing vegetarian mutton, be sure to check the label for ingredients that specify it is made from mushrooms.


I find vegetarian mutton to be a delightful option, although I don't consume it regularly to avoid overindulging. Remember, moderation is key to a healthy diet. In this post, I’ll share five effortless recipes featuring vegetarian mutton, all made from pantry-friendly ingredients.

Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak (Tapioca leaf In Coconut Gravy)

A bowl of stew, made with coconut milk, fresh turmeric, lemongrass, dried shrimps and tapioca leaves.
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For an urban gardener like me, growing veggies, herbs, and fruits is incredibly fulfilling. These are for our own consumption. Amongst what I grow are tapioca, sweet potatoes, and recently, I’ve added purple yam. While I haven’t experimented with purple yam leaves yet, tapioca leaves and sweet potato leaves are absolutely wonderful when transformed into a Malay dish (NASI ULAM/HERBED RICE RECIPES) known as Masak Lemak.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

A huge stone structure of a face in Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Mention Cambodia and instantly one thing comes to mind,  Angkor Wat. Located in Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s most iconic and world-renowned landmark. Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, it was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu before gradually transforming into a Buddhist site. Angkor Wat holds the title of the largest religious monument in the world. In fact, it is Angkor Wat that has firmly placed Cambodia on the map as one of the top travel destinations and a must-see world tourist attraction (BOROBUDUR TEMPLE INDONESIA).

Rightly so, a "wonder of Southeast Asia," a "man-made wonder," and a "must-see ancient wonder." It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing thousands of visitors throughout the year.

Spicy Prawn with Beans Recipe: Sambal Petai Udang

Petai, also known as stink beans, may not be everyone’s favourite, but they are much loved in Malaysia and Indonesia. Packed with health ben...