Saturday, May 4, 2024

Top Things to Do in Ayutthaya Thailand

Indian lady seating on a stone platform beside a big stone Buddha in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
When it comes to traveling in Thailand, Ayutthaya is a destination not to be missed. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1351 to 1767, Ayutthaya was among the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities at its peak in the 17th century. Now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city was destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767. Despite its fall, Ayutthaya remains a lasting symbol of Thailand’s cultural and historical identity.

Whether you choose to stay overnight in Ayutthaya or prefer a day trip from Bangkok (BANGKOK TOP ATTRACTIONS), exploring the ancient city is convenient and accessible. Most hotels in Bangkok and local tour operators offer affordable packages to Ayutthaya, with transport included. These tours typically handle all the arrangements, including pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation. If you're heading out in the morning, be ready by 7:00 AM. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. (KULLU MANALI INDIA SIGHTSEEING).

Friday, May 3, 2024

Pepper Soup: Instant Rasam

Indian Pepper Soup, made with spice mix, garlic, shallots, tomato, tamarind juice, curry leaves, water and salt.
The healthy, nutritious and oilless Pepper Soup, also called Rasam. A nourishing tasty South Indian soup with the peppery taste and the natural sourness of tomatoes, along with the aroma of curry leaves. Rasam can be made in many ways, but the main ingredients are usually kitchen staples (MORINGA LEAVES STIR-FRIED).

 

For those who want a quick option, instant Rasam is available in pre-packed rasam powder at Indian grocery stores. Over time, you will discover which brand or mix suits your taste best.

 

Some people say nothing beats homemade Rasam. Made with freshly ground spices or a paste. But this quick Rasam recipe is for anyone short on time and still wanting one of the best pepper soups.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Bangkok, Thailand - Top Attractions to Visit

Indian lady holding Julia Roberts's figurine at Madam Tussauds, Bangkok, Thailand.
Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is one of the country’s most visited destinations, drawing countless tourists from around the world. While the city’s traffic can be overwhelming, Bangkok remains the ideal entry point via Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main international hub for transiting to other parts of Thailand or abroad.

There’s plenty to experience. The best things to do in Bangkok often revolve around its legendary landmarks and classic tourist spots. No matter your travel style, the top attractions in Bangkok continue to draw visitors. These sightseeing spots are must-visits at least once, whether or not you plan to return again. 

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe

Cheesecake, bottom layer made with biscuits and butter, top layer with cheese, lemon juice and condensed milk.
This vegetarian no-bake cheesecake uses just 5 simple ingredients (excluding decoration) and is for anyone looking for a simple homemade cheesecake recipe. It features a crumbly, buttery bottom layer topped with a creamy, smooth, and slightly tangy cheese layer. A delicious easy dessert you can make at home (MOIST BANANA CHOCOLATE CAKE).

No need to spend on digestive biscuits. Cream crackers are a cheaper alternative and give a delightfully crumbly base. For a denser base, simply add more butter.

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Malay Style Prawn Noodles/Mee Udang

There is the Chinese-style prawn mee and the Malay-style prawn mee, known as Mee Udang. Both dishes use prawns and prawn broth, though the Chinese version, sometimes called Hae Mee, may also include chicken or pork bones.

Mee Udang is a traditional Malay dish. It is popular in Malacca, Klang, and coastal towns in Penang. The dish is part of Indian-Muslim (Mamak) cuisine and well-known in Malaysian street food and Malay eateries (FRIED KEMBUNG WITH ASAM SAUCE).

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Moist Banana Chocolate Cake Recipe

Loaf cake, made with cocoa powder, banana, flour, baking powder, oil, and eggs.
Moist, tender, and melting in the mouth, this Banana Chocolate Cake recipe combines two classic favorites in one delightful loaf cake. Baked as a simple chocolate banana loaf cake, the best part is that there’s no creaming or beating of eggs with a mixer.

Ideal for those who prefer straightforward baking without the need for special utensils. Everything is handmade. Just mixing and combining before it goes into the oven.

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Portuguese Vegetable Pickle/Achar

Close view of a jar of pickled green chilies, garlic and shallots,
Although time-consuming and best made in bulk, making this Portuguese Vegetable Pickle, also known as Achar, is well worth the effort. Crunchy green chilies, shallots, and garlic soak in an aromatic, zesty, and slightly tangy vinaigrette, creating an appetizing homemade spicy vinegar pickle.

This version features only chilies, shallots, and garlic, though you can add vegetables such as long beans, French beans, carrots, white radish, or cabbage, or any other firm vegetables that pickle well (NO-COOK CUCUMBER SALAD).

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Things to Do in Verona, Italy

Indian lady standing and putting her palm on Juliet's bronze statue, Juliet's House, Verona, Italy.
For those who have visited Verona, it likely feels like a city of love and romance. It’s simply the vibes. During autumn, the weather is cool, although the morning breeze can be overwhelming,  further adding to the sense of love in the air. The stone buildings, still preserved from yesteryear, enhance that feeling (WHAT TO SEE IN VENICE ITALY).

Verona is a city in northern Italy, located in the Veneto region between the larger cities of Milan and Venice. Travelling from Venice to Verona takes around two hours by coach. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Verona has existed for over 2,000 years. No wonder it stands as one of the top tourist spots in the world and a must-visit destination in Italy.

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Bread Pudding Recipe

Baked easy bread pudding with pieces of canned peaches in a small transparent Pyrex dish

Five-ingredient bread pudding, a beloved dessert. An absolutely beautiful, visually appealing result. Soft, warm, and creamy, it has a custard-like texture that melts in your mouth. This is not an ordinary recipe. It has a twist that’s probably unlike the others.

 

What makes it special? It’s made with almost expiring bread slices. A vegetarian dessert that won’t let down non-vegetarians either. Naturally sweetened with dark raisins, it’s an ultimate easy vegetarian bread pudding.

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Things to Do & See in Venice, Italy

Gondolas parked in the water of Venice, against the buildings, with people seating around on the pavement, Venice, Italy.
Mention Venice, and most visitors will picture a water world - boats, gondolas, or vaporetto boats gliding through narrow canals. This historic city in northeastern Italy is built on more than 100 small islands. There are no roads, only canals, with the Grand Canal as the city’s main waterway. If you’re heading from Pisa to Venice, the journey takes approximately 4 hours (5 TOP THINGS TO DO IN PISA).

Sadly, due to climate change, Venice is slowly but surely sinking, and in the years ahead, the outcome may not be favourable. For now, it remains a spectacular must-see city in Italy. Be prepared to be surrounded by thousands of visitors, it’s usually packed. Weekends can be even busier, with Italians from other parts of the country joining in for sightseeing. That’s exactly why Venice is one of the top sights in the world. Your time in Venice is truly priceless, a travel experience of a lifetime (SURAKARTA INDONESIA TRAVEL GUIDE).

Friday, April 5, 2024

Top 5 Things to Do in Pisa, Italy

Indian lady posing in Pisa, Italy, against the marble structure Baptistery of Pisa.
Spending a day in Pisa, Italy, offers just enough time to see its main attractions. Located about 1.5 hours from Florence by coach (WHAT TO DO IN FLORENCE), Pisa is ideal for a day trip unless you're planning to stay overnight or enjoy a local dinner. Starting in the morning, you can easily cover the top five sights by evening. All of them are located within the spacious Piazza dei Miracoli, officially known as Piazza del Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also referred to as the “Square of Miracles” for its stunning architecture.

How Does It Begin

The coach drops you off just outside Pisa’s main area. From there, you hop onto an open-air shuttle with other visitors for a short ride closer to the entrance. As you get down, non-Italian street vendors crowd around, selling everything from fake sunglasses and keychains to souvenirs you didn’t ask for. Walk ahead and you’ll find rows of permanent stalls on both sides - bags, hats, T-shirts, fridge magnets, Pisa towers in every size. Keep moving, and soon you’ll pass through an old stone gateway, and your moment of sightseeing in Pisa begins (VARANASI INDIA TOP SIGHTS).

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Fried Kembung (Mackerel) With Assam Sauce

Four pieces of fried salted mackerel fish, with sauce made with tamarind juice, ginger, onion, red chilies, palm sugar, kaffir lime leaves and salt.

Ikan kembung, sometimes spelled kembong and known as Indian mackerel, is a small, affordable local fish common in Malaysia. These fish sometimes come in slightly bigger sizes and are popular across Southeast Asia.

 

In Malaysia, this same fish is boiled in saltwater and sold as Ikan Kembung Rebus, or literally “Boiled Kembung.” This variety is aptly for an easy, no-fuss, traditional Malaysian fish recipe. 


Simple and packed with authentic flavors, it’s a staple in Malaysian street food, especially at nasi campur stalls and casual eateries.

Monday, April 1, 2024

What To Do in Florence, Italy

Florence’s Duomo and Arno River seen from above, with bridges and city buildings below.
Florence, the city of art and design, is located in central Italy in the Tuscany region. It lies along the Arno River, surrounded by hills and vineyards, and is known for its romantic dining, complete with Italian cuisine and local wine. From Rome, it takes about 4 to 4½ hours by car or bus (TOP THINGS TO DO IN ROME).

One of the best things about Florence is that vehicle traffic is limited in the city center. Thanks to traffic control zones, it’s convenient for tourists to walk from one attraction to another. Be prepared to walk a lot, and if you visit during autumn, expect chilly mornings and cold evenings. A day is usually enough to cover the main attractions in Florence, unless you plan to explore more tourist spots or discover hidden gems.

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

Indian lady posing in front of the Colosseum theater, Rome, Italy.
Italy is a land of love, where ancient history lives on and food lovers can enjoy real Italian cuisine. Despite modernization, many of Italy’s historical sites remain untouched. It’s a country that attracts thousands of tourists year-round (HOKKAIDO JAPAN BEST THINGS TO DO).

While Italy can be an expensive destination, especially for Asian travellers, that hasn’t stopped them from visiting. There are many cities in Italy, but Rome is a must. You can easily spend days in Rome going from one sightseeing spot to another, but if you're touring other parts of Italy, two or three packed days in Rome are enough to cover the top sights (CHANDIGARH INDIA TOP PLACES TO VISIT).

Monday, March 18, 2024

KKSV Restaurant: Malaysian Coffeeshop Eating Culture

Formerly recognized as Restoran Poh Yap, this establishment underwent refurbishment a few months ago and now goes by the name KKSV Restaurant. The makeover includes an expanded, air-conditioned dining area. While some familiar stalls, like the Pork Noodles, remain, new additions have also been introduced, creating an exciting blend of the traditional and the novel (Exploring A Kopitiam).

5 Top Mindfulness Tips

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