Steamed Fish: Thai Style

Bold, vibrant Thai flavors. Spicy, sour, and salty, all come together in tender steamed fish. This is the ultimate Thai dish. Steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods, requiring little more than preparing fresh ingredients, including cleaning and gutting the fish.

 

Freshness is key. Choose a fish that has a subtle scent of the ocean or sea water. The eyes should be clear, and the gills bright red, indicating fresh blood and quality. Otherwise, making steamed fish is a waste of time and money (FISH CURRY WITH COCONUT MILK). 

Tempe Orek (Indonesian Spicy Fermented Soy Beans)

Tempeh, also spelled tempe, a traditional fermented soybean product from Java, Indonesia, is a nutrient superfood. Protein-rich, full of probiotics, and packed with nutrients, it is one of the healthiest plant-based foods. In Malaysia, it is mainly used for Malay food (RENDANG KAMBING/MUTTON RENDANG). Tempeh has also gained recognition worldwide, including in Western meals.

The plain, humble taste of tempeh is delicious on its own. A sprinkle of salt and a quick fry makes it crispy and appetizing, a healthy snack by itself. It can also be added to masak lemak (turmeric coconut milk stew), made as sambal tempeh, or included in other dishes.

Australia Cruise - Mandurah, Perth

What can it be in Perth (PERTH AUSTRALIA SITES) if not experiencing a cruise. Within just an hour’s drive south of the city, the best and most popular Mandurah Dolphin Cruise in Perth is none other than the Mandurah Cruise. For those not driving, reaching Mandurah is still convenient. Take the Mandurah Line from Perth Underground Station (below Perth Station), and after arriving, a 5 to 10-minute ride by shuttle bus or Uber leads straight to the foreshore and Mandurah cruise area.

Mandurah is known for its waterways, canals, and seaside nature setting. An ideal location for a relaxing Perth day trip cruise through calm waters. No wonder the Mandurah Cruise is  regarded as the best cruise experience in Perth and a must-do in Perth (VENICE ITALY GONDOLA RIDE). 

How to Book a Mandurah Cruise
Nothing complicated, as online booking for Mandurah Dolphin Cruise makes it very convenient. It is best to book in advance, especially for weekends, holidays, and peak seasons, and bookings can also be made ahead of time. Buying tickets on the spot is possible at the Mandurah Cruises booking office or jetty counter, usually about 30 minutes before departure,. An option suited during off-peak periods (KERALA HOUSEBOAT). 

As for the types of cruises, all information is also available online. Popular options include the Dolphin Cruise & Views, Murray River Lunch Cruise, the seasonal Christmas Lights Cruise, and the Wild Seafood Cruise. The choice depends on budget, available time, and the kind of Mandurah cruise experience preferred.

Dolphin Cruise & Views
The most popular cruise in Perth, also known as the Mandurah Dolphin Cruise, the Dolphin Cruise & Views, departs around 11.30 a.m. and lasts between 1 to 1.5 hours.  Also known as “Lunch and Dolphin Cruise.” The cruise begins at Dolphin Quay, located in the Mandurah Ocean Marina. Arrive about 10 minutes earlier, and once boarding is announced, get on the boat and take a seat.

 

The boat leaves the jetty and cruises along Mandurah’s calm waterways, part of the well-known Mandurah canal cruise route, passing rows of canal homes and quiet residential areas that open into the wide Peel-Harvey Estuary. With the soft breeze blowing, it is for sitting back and admiring the views. In between, fish and chips are served, while on the lookout for wild dolphins, a highlight of dolphin watching in Perth.

The dolphins may not show up immediately, as they appear naturally. But when they do, it’s a wow moment. They jump, dive, and swim. Sometimes closer, or further away, and they are such a joy to see. A closer view of the dolphins will be from the lower deck.

 

The waterways are also home to pelicans, black swans, and cormorants, seen along the edges of the wetlands. Yet, the dolphins are the show. The cruise continues past waterfront homes and private jetties lining the canals, in Mandurah’s waterway.  It then makes a turn, for returning to the pier, along the same the scenic route.  Time sure flies by, before realising its time to step out of the boat.

 

All in all, the Mandurah Dolphin Cruise & Views is about what nature brings, for putting a smile on the face and moment of fulfilment.

Things to Do in Mandurah, Perth
Though the cruise is the main highlight, there are also other things to do in Mandurah nearby. These are easy to spot and all about looking around.

Simple activities include

Walking around Mandurah Foreshore for relaxation and quiet moments.

Head closer to Dolphin Quay to watch the waters or the cruise boats going up and down , a warm-up before the cruise or a reflective moment after, appreciating what a splendid nature experience it was.

A leisure stroll along the water’s edge is about simply being, or finding a shaded spot to sit back and take in the calm coastal views.

 

Attractions in Mandurah, Perth

A day in Mandurah can also be considered, particularly for those driving, as some attractions are a little further from the cruise area.

 

Creery Wetlands Nature Reserve
About 15 minutes’ drive from the cruise, Creery Wetlands Nature Reserve is ideal for those who love nature. Walk the trails or go birdwatching in a reserve, home to pelicans, black swans, and other water birds.

 

Mandurah War Memorial
Approximately 20-30 minutes’ drive takes you to the Mandurah War Memorial. A short stop allows for honoring local soldiers in silence, followed by a view of the foreshore nearby.

 

Lake Clifton Thrombolites
A 40–50 minute drive south of Mandurah leads to Lake Clifton Thrombolites. These unique living rock-like formations are some of the oldest lifeforms on Earth. A short walk along the boardwalk provides a close view for photography and appreciating this natural wonder.

Mutton Rendang

There is chicken rendang (RENDANG AYAM/CHICKEN RENDANG), beef rendang, and of course, mutton rendang, or rendang kambing. Is the recipe very different? Not really. You can change some ingredients for a twist, but the core ingredients are a must.

Mutton is generally tougher than lamb. Cooking it until tender can take time. If overcooked, it will shrink and lose its texture. A useful tip for mutton rendang and other mutton dishes is to pressure cook the mutton with ginger paste and garlic paste. This makes cooking easier while keeping the flavor.

Perth, Australia

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is located on the country’s western coast. Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world. Perth is far from the busier east coast cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Yet, over the years, Perth has also become abuzz, especially in the city areas (HANOI VIETNAM). 

Stepping into Perth city can feel like being in an Asian country. This trend is happening globally, as people move across borders for better opportunities, work as expats, or migrate. Perth has experienced this, resulting in a diverse mix of ethnicities and cultures.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Stepping into Hanoi, the first things that stand out are the busy streets filled with motorbikes, bicycles, street stalls, and locals going about their daily routines. Amidst the bustle, travellers navigate their way to top attractions and experiences in Hanoi. It’s overwhelming at first, yet Hanoi offers one of the most memorable travel experiences (HA LONG BAY, VIETNAM). 

 

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is located in the northern part of the country on the western bank of the Red River. Amidst the city’s busyness, nothing is short-changed. Historical sites in Hanoi, formerly part of Thang Long, coexist with modernisation and the still-retained French colonial architecture (COLOMBO, SRI LANKA WHAT TO DO). 

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Located in Quảng Ninh Province in northern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is one of the most iconic natural destinations in Asia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site (ANGKOR WAT CAMBODIA) and recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, Ha Long Bay is known for its limestone islands, calm waters, and scenic views.

In fact, Ha Long Bay is truly a nature temptation, luring travellers from all over the world. When visiting Ha Long Bay, especially on its famed boat cruises, it feels as though people from all walks of life have come together for a closer look at the bay. The unspoiled and preserved pride of Vietnam gives the feeling of walking back in nature time.