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).

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Best Things to Do in Thailand: Krabi & Phuket

Indian lady seated on a bench, with a black small monkey seated on her lap, Monkey Show, Krabi, Thailand.
Krabi and Phuket are two of the most popular provinces in southern Thailand, known for their stunning beaches and vibrant coastal experiences. Tourists are drawn to Krabi beaches and Phuket beaches for their natural beauty, clear waters, and a wide range of water-based activities such as island hopping, snorkeling, and scuba diving. 

These southern Thailand travel destinations are also featured on cruise itineraries, offering convenient sea access. Additionally, both provinces are easily reachable by air, with international airports in Krabi and Phuket providing direct connections from major cities (BANGKOK THAILAND THINGS TO DO).

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Mee Goreng (Fried Mee)

Close view of plated fried mee, cooked with big prawns, yellow noodles, cabbage, soy sauce, eggs, spring onions, pepper, salt and oil.
Apart from rice meals, (NASI KERABU/HERBS RICE) noodle dishes are highly anticipated in Malaysia, and one of the favorites is Mee Goreng (fried mee). Though it comes in different styles, it’s still Mee Goreng at heart. The variations mostly depend on the meat, seafood, or poultry used.

The Malay-style Mee Goreng is one example, and when cooked with fresh prawns, it’s called Mee Goreng Udang (MALAY STYLE PRAWN NOODLES). Eggs can be added on top, served as a runny fried egg (Mata Kerbau), or mixed into the yellow noodles while frying.

What To Do In Pulau Ketam (Selangor, Malaysia)

Pulau Ketam/Crab Island water way with a boat docked at the pier and another in the water, Selangor, Malaysia.
Pulau Ketam, also known as Crab Island, is a small Chinese fishing village with amenities that mirror those in the cities. There’s a police station, a school, community spaces, and provision shops that double up as souvenir stores selling Pulau Ketam-made trinkets, proof that life here is simple yet complete (PULAU KETAM TRAVEL GUIDE).

Generally calm and quiet, the village comes alive during peak seasons, with tourism being the main source of income for locals. Taking the ferry (MANDURAH PERTH CRUISE) into Pulau Ketam gives your first clue, no cars are allowed. The only modes of transport are bicycles and electric motorbikes that whiz along the narrow cement lanes. So, keep an eye out, don’t get in their way, and hopefully, they won’t get in yours.

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Pada Salted Fish Pickle

A glass bottle with salted fish pickle, made with spice mix, ginger, garlic and green chilies.
Pada Salted Fish Pickle is a famous Eurasian dish unique to the Malaysian and Singaporean Eurasian community. While other fish pickles or meen achar exist worldwide, none match the aroma, tang, and sweetness of this salted fish pickle (PORTUGUESE VEGETABLE PICKLE).

Crispy fried salted fish and green chilies in a delicious spice paste make it irresistible.

 

For taste, adjust the amount of salted fish, green chilies, and spice paste to balance spiciness, tanginess, and saltiness. These are the essential cooking tips for Pada salted fish pickle.

Pandan Leaves: Screwpine Leaves

Sweet, grassy, slightly nutty with a hint of coconut, that’s the essence of pandan leaves, also known as screwpine leaves or pandanus leaves...