Vegetarian Water Spinach Salad (Urap Kangkung)

In Malaysia, water spinach, commonly known as “kangkung”, is a well-loved vegetable in Malaysian cuisine. A simple favorite is stir-fried kangkung with garlic, while Kangkung Belacan, water spinach stir-fried with shrimp paste, is another popular dish. Among the most common Malay (VEGETARIAN ASAM PEDAS/SOUR SPICY CURRY) and Indonesian dishes featuring kangkung is Urap Kangkung, a traditional vegetarian water spinach salad.

 

Urap Kangkung is a type of salad related to Kerabu Kangkung, though the ingredients can vary. In both dishes, the water spinach is softened in hot water before being tossed or mixed with other ingredients. The result is a fresh, tasty, and healthy Southeast Asian salad.

Spinach Cheese Recipe

In Malaysia, tofu is often preferred over Indian cottage cheese, but in India, paneer (homemade Indian cheese) is a staple ingredient. While tofu is made from soybeans and paneer from milk, both are protein sources for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Paneer is indeed an alternative to tofu and is now widely available in Indian grocery stores as ready-made cheese.

Feel free to substitute tofu for Indian cottage cheese. However, the classic Spinach Cheese dish, known as Palak Paneer, is a comforting home-style dish that combines paneer and spinach into a creamy, satisfying recipe (SPINACH COCONUT MILK CURRY VEGETARIAN).

Quick Chinese Vegetable Stir-Fry

A beloved Chinese dish, known for its crunchy, colorful vegetables and healthy, vegetarian-friendly appeal. This quick and easy vegetable stir-fry is so flavorful, you can enjoy it on its own without any side dishes or rice for a simple night meal.

The addition of roasted cashew nuts brings a rich, buttery crunch that complements the fresh vegetables perfectly. Soaked and softened fu chuk sheets (tofu sheets) add a delightful chewy texture and absorb the savory sauce beautifully. Meanwhile, dried chillies lend a spicy kick that balances the dish’s flavours.

Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe: Ponnanganni Keerai

Ponnanganni Keerai, also known as Sessile Joyweed, is a nutritious Indian green leafy vegetable packed with vitamins and minerals. Popular in traditional South Indian cooking (VEGETABLE KURMA CURRY), this humble green is valued not only for its mild bitterness but also for its many health benefits, from cooling the body to improving digestion.

Ponnanganni keerai is commonly found at local markets, usually sold by Indian vegetable traders, but it’s also easy to grow at home. Simply plant the stems after plucking the leaves for cooking. They’ll thrive with minimal care, for your home garden.

Vegetable Kurma Curry Recipe

Kurma curry ranges from chicken, mutton and beef to vegetable versions. The kurma mix generally consists of common ingredients (SPINACH COCONUT MILK CURRY VEGETARIAN), with variations depending on the country or specific region. The differences mainly come down to the spices used and whether it’s a homemade kurma paste or a store-bought curry mix.

Nowadays, countless brands offer a variety of curry mixes, including kurma curry. These ready-made mixes are convenient for quick recipes, catering to today’s busy lifestyle. While the essential ingredients remain in ready-made kurma powders or mixes, some differences may occur between brands.

Spinach Coconut Milk Curry Recipe (Bayam Masak Lemak)

A perfect combination: spinach and coconut milk. Both are affordable superfoods. When it comes to spinach, there are a couple of varieties, including Amaranth Spinach. It is truly affordable and can be cooked into spinach stir fry, anchovies spinach soup, lentil spinach curry, and many more spinach recipes.

Today’s recipe is also a curry style, Malay-style vegetable curry (VEGETABLE SOUR SPICY CURRY/ASAM PEDAS). It falls under vegetarian and vegan recipes. It begins with making the rempah, a homemade spice mix. Then, amaranth is added, which is mild and slightly sweet. Cooked with the spice mix and coconut milk, it becomes a thick, mildly sweet curry. The curry is a vibrant color mix of yellow, green, red, and reddish-purple, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. 

Chinese Herbal Pork Soup Recipe

Chinese herbal pork soup is one of the easiest and most nourishing dishes in Chinese home cooking. Just add all the ingredients into a pot and let it slowly simmer into an aromatic, delicious soup. If you're using a slow cooker, even better, toss everything in, switch it on, head out, and come home to a pot of herbal comfort (VEGETABLE SOUR SPICY CURRY).

Whether you prefer pork or chicken, the method is the same. It’s all about your choice of protein. And thanks to the wide availability of pre-packed Chinese herbal mixes. Found in hypermarkets, Chinese provision shops, or traditional Chinese medical halls, this soup is also super convenient to make.

Vegetable Sour Spicy Curry Recipe (Asam Pedas)

Vegetable sour spicy curry, referring to a Malaysian curry, is literally vegetable asam pedas. Asam pedas is known as kuah in Bahasa Malaysia, which means gravy or curry. The core ingredient for non-vegetarian asam pedas is fish, usually fresh local Malaysian catch. But for a vegetable or vegetarian asam pedas, it’s a mix of Malaysian vegetables - refer to the ingredients list to see what they are (TAMARIND/ASAM FRIED FISH).

 

That said, the Malaysian mix of blended local herbs, known as rempah, is what matters most. The spice mix must have the right balance of sourness, spiciness, and saltiness. While cooking the rempah, tasting as you go is key to making a delicious sour spicy curry. Still, it is a simple cooking style and budget-friendly, using Malaysian ingredients, which includes popular Asian herbs (MALAYSIAN MUTTON CURRY).

How to Make Fried Fish Tamarind (Asam) Style

Tamarind or asam as known amongst Malaysia is one of the ingredients used for Malaysian savoury dishes, particularly for curries, and gravy dishes. But for Malay cooking, as well as Nyonya food, one of the dishes which incorporates tamarind juice in a different style of cooking is Tamarind Fried Fish, or known as Ikan Goreng Asam. This fish recipe may not be a familiar one for some, including Malaysians, yet, it’s a food love for those who love sourness into fish fry (MALAYSIAN MUTTON CURRY).

 

An easy recipe as there is not much to do, except marinated fish into the tamarind juice, later frying. Paired with a no-cook dip or sauce. Generally, for a such a style fish recipe, the choice is cencaru or torpedo scud, but feel free to use other suited fish, like mackerel/ikan kembung as in the second choice of recipe attached. Also, the raw dipping sauce uses the common kitchen staples. Tamarind fish or asam fish or ikan goreng asam is about tanginess, spiciness tastes. 

Top Things to Do in Surakarta, Indonesia

Getting to Surakarta
From Yogyakarta, it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to drive to Surakarta. Travel time can vary depending on traffic. Weekdays during peak hours can be congested, and weekends may take longer as locals move between Yogyakarta and Surakarta. Driving can feel like a race, with cars moving quickly through traffic, so it’s best to sit back and stay relaxed (YOGYAKARTA THINGS TO DO). 

Riding a Bajaj
Once in Surakarta, unless traveling in a hired car or van, one must-try experience is riding a bajaj. A bajaj is a three-wheeled motorized vehicle commonly used as a taxi in Indonesia. It usually carries 2–3 passengers, is smaller and cheaper than a car, and is ideal for short rides and getting through narrow or busy streets. Bajaj drivers are skilled at manoeuvring through traffic and can reach sightseeing spots within time.

Yogyakarta, Indonesia: Top Things to Do

Culture, history, heritage, and spirituality are what Yogyakarta’s top sites are about, making it a meaningful travel experience in Indonesia. Some attractions are close together, forming clusters that can be visited on foot. Others require traveling outside the city, and traffic can slow down the journey, so it’s best to plan which sites to visit first (WHAT TO DO IN YOGYAKARTA). 

The top attractions are busy all year, with Indonesians from other parts of the country and people from around the world coming no matter the season. Even when things do not go as planned, Yogyakarta has a lively atmosphere and interactions with locals, who are often friendly and welcoming, make the trip worthwhile.

Things to Do in Jogyakarta, Indonesia

The world’s largest archipelago, made up of more than seventeen thousand islands, Indonesia, with around 280 million people, is the fourth most populated country in the world. It is a country in Southeast Asia, stretching across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and shares land borders with Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste.

Among the islands, Java is the most populated, and in the heart of Java lies Yogyakarta, often called Jogja. The common spoken language in Yogyakarta is Bahasa Indonesia, as in other parts of the country, which is not difficult to understand for Malaysians heading to Yogyakarta. In fact, language is never a barrier in communication, considering the thousands of people who are curious and keen on the best things to do in Yogyakarta (THINGS TO DO IN PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA). 

Kari Kambing Malaysia (Malaysian Mutton Curry)

Mutton curry is considered one of the top dishes worldwide. This versatile mutton dish can be prepared in different styles, depending on where it’s made, meaning which country. In Malaysia, for example, you’ll find Malay Style Mutton Curry, Chinese Style Mutton Curry, and Indian Style Mutton Curry. Indian curries are especially known for their spices and aromatic herbs like curry leaves and coriander leaves.

A standout version is Kari Kambing Malaysia, or Malaysian Mutton Curry. What makes the dish stand out is the addition of potatoes, something rarely seen in India or even other parts of the world. While the core ingredients are similar, this Malaysian-style curry also includes yogurt and dried fenugreek leaves for extra deliciousness and fragrance.

Things to Do in Pretoria, South Africa

What to Eat in South Africa

Go local when you go international, when it comes to food. Leave behind your own food culture and familiar flavors, and embark on a splendid and adventurous South African food journey. The choices are endless when it comes to South African food. Delicious local food in South Africa. But wait, there are also South African fusion food and even Western-style meals, all made with, most probably, local South African ingredients (THINGS TO DO IN PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA). 

Sometimes it’s a thing to figure out which is which, because when it comes to food, the instinct is to eat first and only later figure out the names of the dishes. Even so, it is exactly what true foodies do - try, taste, and carry those unforgettable South African food memories back home.

Best Things to Do in Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, also called Joburg, is the largest city in South Africa and an important economic center. Its history is closely connected to gold, following the 1886 gold rush, which earned it the nickname “City of Gold.” The city is also linked to the apartheid era, and its streets and landmarks reflect South Africa’s journey toward democracy and social change.

Most travellers get to Johannesburg from Cape Town by a two-hour direct flight from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Driving is also possible, taking around 14-6 hours, with potential stops along the way (TOP ATTRACTIONS IN CAPE TOWN).

Cape Town, South Africa: Best Things to Do

Cape Town is simply irresistible. Leaving the city can feel almost impossible, as even a full week may not be enough to experience all that it offers. Days can be spent by the water, wandering along beaches, or pausing atop its mountains, surrounded by a landscape that feels both vast and mesmerising. The air, the views, and the calm of Cape Town’s natural surroundings allow for simply being (THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA). 

Flora and Fauna in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is part of the Cape Floristic Region, one of the richest areas in the world for plant diversity. The region is home to thousands of species found nowhere else on Earth, including proteas, ericas, and other unique fynbos plants. This diverse flora supports a variety of wildlife, from dassies (rock hyrax) and small mammals to numerous bird species.

Things To Do in Cape Town, South Africa

While there are plenty of things to do within Cape Town itself, some must-see sites are about an hour’s drive from the city, with others slightly further along.

The drive from hilltop hotels or resorts winds along slopes with nature on both sides, offering views of deep blue oceans, rugged cliffs, hidden bays, sandy beaches, rolling hills, mountains, and valleys. Waves crash along the shore, and birds fly overhead, adding to the scene. The unspoiled natural beauty of Cape Town unfolds gradually along the route, leaving a lasting impression (TOP ATTRACTIONS IN CAPE TOWN). 

 

This connection to nature continues at the sightseeing spots, where the surroundings remain equally scenic and unspoiled.

Top Attractions in Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa, at the southern tip of Africa, is known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and long coastlines. Covering about 1.22 million square kilometers (471,000 square miles), it is the largest country in Southern Africa and home to eleven official languages. 

Travelling from Southeast Asian countries can take around 15 to 20 hours, with additional time when transiting through Dubai, Doha, Johannesburg, or Singapore Changi Airport. Touring South Africa can be expensive, but the experience is worth it.

 

Among South Africa’s top destinations, Cape Town stands out. From well-known landmarks to natural scenery, Cape Town offers a range of attractions and sightseeing opportunities. The city’s top sites (TAJ MAHAL, AGRA, INDIA) and must-visit places provide lasting experiences. Whether through sightseeing tours, exploring cultural landmarks, or discovering natural wonders, the top attractions in Cape Town are worth seeing.

Taj Mahal, Agra - India

The monument of love, known throughout the world for its stunning marble architecture, is the Taj Mahal in Agra, India (THINGS TO DO IN JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN).  It attracts thousands of people every day. Locals from across India make up a major part of the crowd, along with travelers from around the world. The Taj Mahal is a must-visit site and has stood for more than 370 years.

Situated in Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal sits on the southern bank of the Yamuna River. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for its cultural and architectural brilliance. The monument also remains one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, a title awarded in 2007 through a global poll.

Things to Do in Jaipur - Rajasthan, India

The color pink and the city of love - these are what make Jaipur unique and outstanding among Indian cities, let alone in Rajasthan as its capital. Located in northern India, Jaipur sits on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert. It is about 260 kilometers (160 miles) southwest of Delhi (VARANASI, INDIA THINGS TO DO).

Its strategic position on historic trade routes connected northern India with western regions, helping fuel its growth as a commercial and cultural hub under the Rajput rulers. 

Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City, earned its name for its pink-hued buildings and royal heritage. In 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh ordered the entire city to be painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales. This gesture of hospitality still defines the city’s old quarters today (GALLE, SRI LANKA THINGS TO DO). 

Varanasi, India: Top Things to Do

Whether it is for pilgrimage, learning about culture, or simply curiosity about history and lifestyle, North India has much to offer. The region is vast, with countless things to do in North India and must-see experiences for anyone visiting (TOP THINGS TO DO IN KERALA, INDIA). 

Varanasi can be a starting point. Historically and religiously known as Kashi (sometimes spelled Kasi), the name comes from Sanskrit, meaning “the luminous one” or “city of light.” It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and holds immense spiritual significance, especially in Hinduism, as a center for pilgrimage and rituals along the Ganges River.

Top Things to Do in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, India

Located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, India, Kochi (Cochin) has been a major hub of commerce and cultural exchange for over a millennium. Its natural harbor and strategic location on the Arabian Sea made Kochi one of the most sought-after ports in the Indian Ocean, attracting merchants from Arabia, China, and later European powers (TOP THINGS TO DO IN TRIVANDRUM, KERALA). 

Kochi became the first European colonial stronghold in India when the Portuguese arrived in the early 16th century, followed by the Dutch and the British, each leaving enduring architectural and cultural influences (THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA). 

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – Best Things To Do

Previously known as Trivandrum, a name still referred as, Thiruvananthapuram is located at the southern tip of India, along the southwestern coast facing the Arabian Sea, near the border with Tamil Nadu. It is Kerala’s political, cultural, and educational center, home to institutions like the University of Kerala and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. The city is also known for arts and culture, with museums and galleries showcasing its heritage (KERALA HOUSEBOAT CRUISE). 

Thiruvananthapuram has a history that goes back over a thousand years. In the 18th century, it became the capital of the Travancore Kingdom under Maharaja Marthanda Varma, who shaped the region’s culture and administration.

Kerala Houseboat, India

Think Kerala, and you immediately picture a Kerala houseboat. One of the best things to do in Kerala, a trip isn’t complete without experiencing a houseboat ride. It is one of India’s top nature experiences, generally affordable, and a pride of Kerala. Thousands have already cruised the backwaters, yet returning again for this natural attraction (THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA) in India is common.

Things to Know About Kerala, India

Kerala is popularly known as “God’s Own Country” because of its nature, fertile land, culture, and history. It is famous for traditions in music, dance, and food, as well as Ayurveda wellness and spirituality, which make Kerala special.

Best Things to Do in Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan

Just within 40 minutes from Sapporo is Otaru, a small port city along the Sea of Japan in Hokkaido. A trip to Hokkaido is not complete without the best things to do in Otaru. Back then, Otaru was a busy hub for trade and fishing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (THINGS TO DO IN SAPPORO JAPAN). 

As Hokkaido developed its industries, Otaru also grew. Its historic canal, stone warehouses, and preserved architecture still show its past as a thriving commercial gateway.

Today, Otaru has both its old side and modern side connected together. Winter is one of the best times to visit, as snow turns the city into a natural wonder. In summer, visitors can expect comfortable weather and seaside breezes.

What to do in Otaru is mostly about walking - for food, shopping, and sightseeing.

Things to Do in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

Within approximately 2 hours’ drive from Noboribetsu (THINGS TO DO IN NOBORIBETSU) is Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. With a population of nearly two million people, Sapporo was established in 1868 during Japan’s efforts to develop Hokkaido. The city features modern urban planning, wide streets, and a grid layout inspired by American cities.

Sapporo History
Sapporo is a major cultural, educational, and economic center in Hokkaido, hosting Hokkaido University and several research institutions that attract students and scholars from across Japan and abroad. Sapporo has a long history of brewing, with Sapporo Beer dating back to 1876. Sapporo food, including the city’s famous miso ramen and other local specialties, is another highlight.

Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan: Things to Do

Heading from Hilton Niseko Village, it takes around a 3-hour drive to reach Noboribetsu, a small city in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, within Iburi Subprefecture. Located along the Pacific Ocean and part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Noboribetsu is undoubtedly one of Hokkaido’s top destinations (THINGS TO DO IN HOKKAIDO, JAPAN).

Attracting visitors year-round, including Japanese from other regions, Noboribetsu is about 110 kilometers southwest of Sapporo and roughly 50 kilometers from New Chitose Airport.

Things To Do in Hokkaido, Japan (Winter)

Hokkaido, one of Japan’s top travel destinations, is the northernmost of the four main islands, located above Honshu and separated by the Tsugaru Strait. It sits north of the Sea of Japan, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Sea of Okhotsk to the north. Hokkaido’s location gives it a colder climate than the rest of Japan, large open landscapes, and sparsely populated regions. Its proximity to Russia’s Sakhalin Island has influenced its history, culture, and unique heritage.

Famous as a winter destination, Hokkaido attracts thousands of travelers every year, mainly from Asia, including China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, while Western tourists are fewer. Asian travelers (THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBO SRI LANKA) are drawn to Hokkaido’s heavy snowfall, winter festivals, hot springs, and snow-covered landscapes. The snow season typically lasts from late November to early April, making it one of Japan’s snowiest regions.

Things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka

The largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a bustling hub with a population of over 5 million people. While Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the official administrative capital, Colombo remains the center of trade, business, and travel in the country. Once a strategic port on the ancient East–West trade routes, its history reflects Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influence (THINGS TO DO IN GALLE, SRI LANKA). 

Situated along the Indian Ocean, Colombo is known for its coastline, colonial architecture, lively streets, and modern malls. Beyond the urban rush, parts of the city still showcase traditional villages, cottage industries, and fishing as a way of trade. There are many things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka, covering different parts of the city and its surroundings.

Things to Do in Galle, Sri Lanka

One of the next destinations in Sri Lanka from Kataragama (THINGS TO DO IN KATARAGAMA) can be Galle Along this approximately five-hour drive, there are sightseeing spots 2–3 hours before reaching the city.

Depending on time and interests, any of these spots can be included in a list of top things to do in Galle, Sri Lanka, including its beaches, historic sites, and cultural attractions. These can range from visiting a traditional village house, stopping by roadside cottage industry stalls, or even purchasing some of the handmade products.

 

Located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, Galle is a city known for its colonial heritage, bustling streets, and serene coastal vibes. It offers a blend of history, culture, and seaside relaxation. Life in Galle moves at a gentler pace, reflecting a simple and peaceful lifestyle (THINGS TO DO IN NEGAMBO, SRI LANKA). 

Things to Do in Katagarama, Sri Lanka

Heading to Kataragama from Nuwara Eliya (THINGS TO DO IN NUWARA ELIYA) takes around five hours, a popular route for Kataragama travel. The first half an hour of the journey is worth spending by looking out the window, recalling the natural beauty of Nuwara Eliya one more time. Once the road begins to cut through the winding hills, it is time to lean back or take a nap. 

About half an hour before reaching Kataragama, it is worth looking out again, as the view changes into a different setting that signals the approach to the town.

Best Things to Do in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

One of the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, is simple. Most of them are free. Nature, fresh air, sunshine, waterfalls, breathtaking hillscapes, misty forests, and valleys. This is exactly what should be expected in this part of Sri Lanka’s central highlands.

The journey from Kandy (MUST-DO THINGS IN SRI LANKA) takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. The road winds through slopes and narrow mountain paths. About an hour before reaching Nuwara Eliya, the scenery is already a preview of what awaits in this hill country town.

Must-Do Things in Sri Lanka

Landing at Bandaranaike International Airport, also known as Colombo Airport or Katunayake Airportin Katunayake, about 20 miles north of Colombo, marks the start of interesting sightseeing in Sri Lanka. The route depends on the direction taken first. One of the top spots to begin with can be Negombo, and a day in Negombo is fairly good enough before heading to other parts of Sri Lanka (TOP THINGS TO DO IN NEGAMBO, SRI LANKA). 

From there, travel in a small van amongst a small group of tourists can lead to Rambukkana, followed by Mawanella, before reaching Kandy, one of the significant destinations in Sri Lanka.

Things to Do in Negombo, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Travel
Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located just off the southern coast of India, famously known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.” Its attractions are unmatched, from unspoiled nature and pristine beaches to flavorful cuisine made with spices, coconut, and fresh seafood, key highlights when considering what to eat in Sri Lankan food. Covering about 65,610 km², Sri Lanka draws travellers not only for its natural beauty but also for its cultural and historical sites.

Sri Lanka History
Sri Lanka’s fascinating history is shaped by ancient kingdoms and colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Buddhism, practiced for over two thousand years, has left a lasting mark on the island, reflected in its temples, architecture, and traditions. These cultural and historical landmarks are among the main reasons to discover things to do in Sri Lanka.