Saturday, June 29, 2024

Best Things to Do in Bergen, Norway

Indian lady in grey winter coat standing on Mount Fløyen, 320 meter high up, Bergen, Norway.
When planning your trip, it often makes sense to start with places outside Bergen town, especially those that are farther away or take longer to reach. After that, return to Bergen town and spend a day or two visiting other sightseeing spots or simply relaxing before leaving (ULTIMATE BERGEN NORWAY TRAVEL GUIDE).

Staying in Bergen town before your flight makes it easier to get to Bergen Airport. It’s also convenient for those travelling on to other Scandinavian countries like Finland or Sweden. For travellers transiting through Amsterdam, spending time in Bergen town is a practical and stress-free option, with easy access to tourist destinations in Bergen. (BEST THINGS TO DO IN KRABI & PHUKET).

Friday, June 28, 2024

Mee Siam Kuah/Gravy (Vegetarian)

Mee Siam Gravy, made with rice noodles, chili and herbs spice-mix, topped with boiled eggs, red chilies, beansprouts, spring onions, tofu pok, and calamansi lime.
Mee Siam is a classic Penang Nyonya (Peranakan) noodle dish in Malaysia. It comes in two styles: dry and gravy (kuah), but both use the same rice vermicelli, also known as mee hoon or bee hoon. The dry version is simple, with just a few ingredients, while the Mee Siam Kuah requires a spice paste as the base of the thick, aromatic gravy.

 

This recipe features the vegetarian gravy version(MEE REBUS VEGETARIAN). A spicy, fragrant kuah,  poured over blanched rice vermicelli, topped with a variety of garnishes. For a hint of sourness, calamansi lime is paired together. Vegetarians who avoid eggs can simply omit them (MEE GORENG/FRIED MEE).

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Sardine Varuval (Dry Style)

Canned sardines stir fried with turmeric powder, chili powder, shallots, ginger, curry leaves and spring onions.
Among canned sardine recipes, sardine varuval or dry-style sardines is a top pick. Flaky, spicy, tangy, with the aroma of curry leaves and spring onions, it’s quick, versatile, and a favorite at home (SOUTH INDIAN CHICKEN CURRY).

Canned sardines are a pantry-friendly ingredient for fast, easy meals. This Indian sardine recipe uses simple spices to make a homemade sardine varuval in minutes. Serve with rice, as a side, or in bread for a sardine sandwich.

 

Simple, aromatic, and a hit on the dining table (COCONUT MILK TOM YUM SOUP).

Monday, June 24, 2024

Karaikudi Kozhi Kuzhumbu/Chicken Curry

Indian chicken curry, made with blended spice paste, shallot, chicken,  yogurt and water.
Rich dark brown with a warm reddish glow, this Karaikudi Chicken Curry is made from a homemade spice paste, with tender chicken pieces and aromatic curry leaves. Mouthwatering and simply irresistible, it’s one of the most flavoursome South Indian chicken curries.

Karaikudi is a town in the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, South India, famous for dishes loaded with spices (LAMB SOUP INDIAN STYLE).

 

This curry is also known as Chettinad Chicken Curry. It connects to the Chettinad community in Malacca, Malaysia, which continues to preserve traditional cooking and spice heritage (CHICKEN RENDANG/RENDANG AYAM).

Sunday, June 23, 2024

Lamb Soup Recipe: Indian Style

A small silver container with soup made with lamb, garlic, ginger, tomato, spices, carrot, potato, cauliflower, chili powder, coconut oil, shallot, coriander leaves, water and salt.
Whether you prefer lamb or mutton, both can work for a flavorful Indian-style soup. But lamb is ideal for tender meat that cooks faster. Making this Indian lamb soup recipe is easy. Once the ingredients are ready, slow simmering brings out the layered Indian flavors (COCONUT MILK CHICKEN CURRY).

This spiced lamb soup is all about layering flavors. The ingredients are tempered separately - coconut oil, shallots, spices and coriander leaves, before tipping into the soup. This gives the soup a deep, vibrant flavor that is classic to Indian cuisine.

The Ultimate Bergen Norway Travel Guide

Statue in a nature setting, surrounded with trees, in Bergen City, Norway.
Bergen is a city on the southwest coast of Norway. It’s the country’s second-largest city, surrounded by mountains and the sea. Often called the “Gateway to the Fjords,” Bergen reflects the calm beauty and character of the Nordic region (BEST THINGS TO DO IN NORWAY). It’s also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage City. Once the capital of Norway, Bergen is located just over 450 km from Oslo. Today, it plays a key role in shipping, education, and the seafood industry.

Things To Know About Bergen
Bergen is one of the rainiest cities in Europe, with over 200 rainy days a year. This is due to its location on the west coast, where moist sea air meets the surrounding mountains. If you’re planning to explore the city, a proper raincoat and waterproof shoes are a must. On colder days, a warm jacket will help keep you comfortable (WHAT TO DO IN FLORENCE ITALY).

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Masi Magam Thiruvizha/Festival, Pulau Pangkor


I am definitely not the most devout person. I certainly don’t look like one, alright? But I believe deeply in my religion, Hinduism. You won't find me in the temple, fervently praying and performing rituals, because my philosophy towards Hinduism is that being a good human is what being religious truly means. Are you a good human (CHANDIGARH INDIA TEMPLES)

When I was invited to attend the Pulau Pangkor Masi Magam Thiruvizha, or festival, I thought, why not? It would be my first experience, and I was eager to see what it was all about. My friend took care of all the arrangements, including transport. On Sunday, we departed from Klang Sentral Bus Terminal and arrived in Lumut by late afternoon for the ferry ride to Pulau Pangkor (CHENNAI TEMPLES & NEW DELHI TEMPLES).

Chickpea Curry Recipe

Indian curry made with chickpeas and spinach, spices, tomato,  and coconut milk.

Not just chickpeas, this spiced Indian curry with spinach, is simply delicious. Indeed, a healthy recipe with no magic. Just simple ingredients and aromatic spices. Instead of using ready-made fish or meat curry powders, this curry is made with a combination of spice powders, creating a full, well-rounded taste beyond a plain curry (VEGETARIAN POTATO CURRY).

 

Chickpeas for this curry are the canned version. Whether you prefer to boil your own or use canned, chickpeas are packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are a great source for supporting heart health and sustained energy, for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.


Even nibbling on a few chickpeas gives health benefits.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Indian Fish Curry with Coconut Milk

Atop banana leaf, some steamed edamame beans, half boiled salted egg, a scoop of rice and a small silver bowl with spicy Indian fish curry.
An Indian Fish Curry, South Indian style, striking in spices with a reddish dark brown hue. A dish that instantly captures your food love - simple, nothing complicated, yet so satisfying. Coconut milk adds a creamy, mildly sweet flavor that softens the spiciness, while a touch of sourness rounds everything off for a perfectly balanced profile (SRI LANKAN FISH CURRY). 

In a Malaysian kitchen, though, a South Indian Fish Curry often takes on a local twist (SOUTH AFRICAN FISH CURRY). Vegetables are added, something not typically done in South India. For this version, eggplant joins the curry. The rest of the ingredients are a mix of common kitchen staples and fresh finds.

Best Things to Do in Norway

Indian lady posing in a dance pose, standing close to the two kids sculpture, Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo, Norway.
Planning a trip to Norway from Asia usually requires at least four full days for sightseeing, especially with a packed itinerary. Most Asian travelers, from countries like Singapore, Malaysia, India, Japan, and China, arrive via transit through hubs like Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, or major European airports.

Overnight flights to Oslo, Norway’s main international airport, are common, with many beginning their sightseeing right after arrival. Depending on the itinerary, some continue to Bergen or Tromsø via domestic flights. Norway offers plenty to see, but most visitors focus on key highlights across the country, not just Oslo, since it’s impossible to cover everything (NORWAY TRAVEL GUIDE).

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Norway Travel Guide

Indian lady in winter attire posing against the backdrop of nature in Norway.
Norway is a country of natural wonders, tall mountains, deep valleys, lush forests, and clean, crisp air. It’s perfect for nature lovers and anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. With its long coastline, scenic fjords, and many islands, Norway offers stunning views at every turn. Because of its northern location, you’ll find cold winters, cool summers, and rare sights like the midnight sun and northern lights.

Norway sits in Northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula, sharing borders with Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Some visitors include Norway in a wider Northern Europe trip, visiting nearby countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.

Monday, June 10, 2024

Keema Recipe

Grounded lamb cooked with spices, curry powder, potato, tomato, coriander leaves and dried fenugreek leaves, dry style.
Mince meat cooked in a spicy, dry-style curry, that’s keema. This popular South Asian dish is loved in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and even Malaysia. You can make keema with lamb, mutton (MUTTON RENDANG), beef, or chicken. Use home-ground meat or store-bought minced meat for convenience.

Keema is versatile. Add green peas, potatoes, or sliced button mushrooms, or keep it simple with just meat. Pantry-friendly ingredients are enough. No need for fancy extras. This recipe uses lamb, but you can easily swap in other meats or even make a vegetarian version called Vegetable Keema (VEGETABLE KURMA).

Top 5 Things to Do in Copenhagen, Denmark

Indian lady posing in front of ancient castle, in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Copenhagen offers plenty to explore, from historic landmarks to iconic tourist attractions. Whether you're on a free and easy sightseeing trip or part of a guided tour, the city has something for everyone. If you're touring without a fixed itinerary, take your time to discover hidden gems, wander the charming streets, and indulge in Copenhagen’s growing wine and dine scene, including organic wines and local dishes like roasted pork (flæskesteg).

For travelers on a fixed tour schedule, especially those combining their trip with Norway, you’ll likely spend around three days in Copenhagen, which usually includes Amalienborg Palace. You can also opt for a city tour, the best way to cover other significant landmarks. To visit castles outside the city center, such as Frederiksborg Castle or Kronborg Castle (Hamlet’s Castle), allow at least an hour of travel time, depending on your starting point in Copenhagen (COPENHAGEN TRAVEL GUIDE).

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Tom Yum Soup: Coconut Milk Thai Style

Close view of Thai soup, made with Thai herbs, coconut milk, fish, mushrooms and kaffir lime leaves.
Whether it a plain simple Thai soup, or Tom Yum style, it all comes back to the Southeast Asian Herbs. Galangal and lemongrass the common cooking with herbs, and for aroma the famed kaffir lime leaves, or even coriander leaves (STEAMED FISH THAI STYLE). 

Whether it’s a homemade paste, or store bought Tom Yum Paste, or without a paste, yet with the beloved Thai deliciousness.

 

Apart from the common fiery red tom yum, there is also there white tom yum (Tom Yum Nam Sai) and this tom yum soup with coconut milk (Tom Yum Nam Khon).

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Copenhagen, Denmark Travel Guide

Statue of two sisters, together in garden setting, known as Norway Thanks Denmark, Copenhagen.
Denmark, a Nordic country in Northern Europe, is made up of a mainland and several islands. With strong Viking roots and one of the world’s oldest monarchies, Denmark has played a key role in European history. Today, it ranks as one of the happiest and safest countries in the world.

Mention Denmark, and what comes to mind is clean air, peaceful countryside, and a deep connection to nature, especially beyond the busy cities. These are just some of the reasons why travelers choose Denmark as a destination (SHIMLA INDIA TRAVEL GUIDE).

5 Top Mindfulness Tips

In the 21st century, mindfulness has become more than just a buzzword. It’s a popular concept, possibly even ranking among the most searche...