Where to find the most delicious dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong

If there’s one type of cuisine in Hong Kong that you’ll likely want to eat, again and again, it’s dim sum. These delicious bite-size dishes, like a Chinese version, is Hong Kong classic version. Usually served for breakfast or lunch, the difficult part is choosing where to go amid the dizzying number of options.

1. Tim Ho Wan

Ever since Tim Ho Wan was awarded a Michelin star in 2010, they’ve become known as the most affordable Michelin-starred dim-sum spot in Hong Kong. Much to the delight of local diners, they’ve kept their affordable prices (about US$1.30 to US$3 per dish) which is extremely reasonable. They are renowned for their traditional Hong Kong dumplings like siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings) and, no surprise, they are also renowned for long queues – so best to get there as early as possible.

✔ Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

2. Lin Heung Tea House

For the best traditional dim sum experience, Lin Heung Tea House ticks all the boxes. They specialize in old-fashioned dishes such as Chinese sausage rolls, pork dumplings topped with liver and even juicy chicken feet. If you want to experience a traditional Cantonese dim sum dining experience then look no further. It’s often hot, noisy, crowded and a feast for all the senses, but this is about as authentic as it gets in Hong Kong.

✔ 162 Wellington Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

3. Lock Cha Tea House

Since the majority of dim sum dishes contain meat, vegetarians often feel that they miss out. However, this is not the case at Lock Cha Tea House who is renowned for their exceedingly tasty vegetarian dim sum. The fried turnip cake and fried squash dumplings are must-try dishes. The added bonus is that Lock Cha is one of the most famous tea houses in town. For those of you looking for a good brew, or are interested to learn more about Chinese tea culture and ceremony, this is the place to come.

See more: Check out Hong Kong Michelin food guides

4. Yan Toh Heen

Eating at Hong Kong’s Intercontinental Hotel is always a classy affair and Yan Toh Heen is no exception. Nothing much else can rival these two Michelin star restaurant. The dim sum here is highly praised and recommended by many of the top concierges in town. The options are vast, but their Superior Dumpling combinations are among the most popular items on the menu. Prices are reasonable given the quality of what’s on offer here. Service is impeccable and to top it off, the restaurant also boasts spectacular view overlooking the Victoria Harbour.

✔ Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

5. Dim Sum Icon

Playful and creative dim sum is the order of the day at Dim Sum Icon. They specialize in a cheeky take on dim sum classics with dumplings decorated as popular cartoon characters and other imaginative variations. Think chocolate buns with an egg custard that oozes out when squeezed. It’s all in the name of fun. Highly Instagrammable dim sum would best describe it.

✔ L308, 3/F, The ONE 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

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The best coffee shops you should try in Pai, Thailand

The town of Pai, Thailand is famous for its coffee shops and it is easy to see why. Coffee shops line the street of this little town, all offering a different vibe and menu. Looking for epics view while sipping on coffee shops? Want to practice a little yoga before getting your morning fix? Prefer a quiet spot where nobody can find you? Below are some coffee shops for you to explore.

Ten Belles

Ten Belles was one of the city's original specialty coffee shops, it continues to turn out high quality house blends roasted by Belleville Brulerie. But due to its small square footage, this spot does brisk takeaway business. Expect regulars, coffee fanatics, and tourists on a stroll through the neighborhood.

Pai Siam Bistro

It is as though there is some kind of force from the gods that brings people to visit, and fall in love with, Pai. It may be because it is a quiet town surrounded by mountains and gorgeous rice paddy fields, or that the journey to this place, from Chiang Mai to Pai, is a treacherous drive through the mountains that makes it seem like all other forms of civilization are beyond physical reach.

Coffee in Love 

The most famous coffee shop in Pai is one actually on the outskirts of town, Coffee in Love. Every one of my Thai friends that is visited Pai has spent well over two hours here just drinking a latte and taking photographs, as it is so beautiful. Built like a Swiss chalet, it has a beautiful view looking out over a stunning valley with mountains in the distance.

Do not miss sitting out on the lovely wooden deck, where you can enjoy one of the best hot lattes. Do not forget to take pictures too, particularly next to their famous sign. Located on the main highway into town, just a couple of minutes from Pai.

Cafecito

Cafecito’s popularity for Mexican food is undeniable, and the coffee is no afterthought. In fact, Cafecito’s coffee is amongst the best rated coffee in Pai and was number 1 until The Pedlar came along.

Alongside its great coffee, Cafecito serves authentic Mexican food, with an all-day breakfast menu and a short list of well-prepared Mexican classics. The in-house baker makes all their breads and flour tortillas from scratch, with a daily selection of home-baked cakes as well.

Read more: Top things to explore in Pai, Thailand

Khaota

Khaota has a loyal following amongst local Thais in Pai, so much so that even in this small town, they have two locations.

Khaota roast their own coffee in-house using locally sourced Thai coffee beans, and though a little on the darker side, the coffee is nonetheless good. Aside from the occasional cookie, there is no food menu at Khaota, so do not plan for breakfast here.

Source Internet

9 must-eat restaurants and night markets in Taichung

Taichung is one of Taiwan’s biggest cities. In fact, it’s the second biggest by population, bigger than Taipei and second only to New Taipei City. As you’d expect from a city with over 2.7 million people, it has a dizzying number of food choices, especially in a country as food-centric as Taiwan.

1. Second Market

If you’re in the mood for traditional Taiwanese breakfast, then Second Market is the place to go to in Taichung. Open since 1917, Taichung Second Public Market is a 7,000 square meter market with over fifty shops and three hundred stalls. There you’ll find all kinds of meat, produce, and spices, as well as multiple stands selling cooked food like baozi, noodles, lu rou fan, and black tea. As you can see from the long line of people below, it’s especially popular for breakfast.

2. Chun Shui Tang (Original Shop)

If you’re a fan of boba or bubble tea, then you absolutely must have one here at the original shop of Chun Shui Tang. It’s one of two Taiwanese establishments that have a legitimate claim as being the inventor of bubble tea. The other is Hanlin Teahouse in Tainan.

If you’ve never had boba before, it’s a Taiwanese drink which at its most basic is black tea, milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls. It was invented in Taiwan but it’s become hugely popular worldwide. There are countless varieties of boba today, including here at Chun Shui Tang.

3. Fu Din Wang

Not only was it mentioned in a few blog posts, but one article described this restaurant as the place to go to in Taichung for pork knuckle. Aside from braised pork knuckle, they also specialize in lu rou fan or braised pork rice. Check out that bubbling cauldron of pork knuckle deliciousness. Taiwanese pork knuckles are slow cooked for hours until they’re fork tender and the meat is practically sliding off the bone. Fu Din Wang was packed during lunch but it looks like they do a lot of business with takeaways as well.

4. Ding Wang Hotpot (Tripodking)

Like lu rou fan and beef noodle soup, hot pot or shabu shabu is another beloved Taiwanese dish. Popular in East Asian countries like Japan and China, hot pot is a soup dish containing a variety of ingredients like seafood, thinly sliced meat, noodles, vegetables, tofu, and different types of fish and meatballs. A simmering pot of one or two kinds of soup stock is left on a burner at your table along with your ingredients. You then drop the raw ingredients into the pot yourselves to cook.

5. Smokey Joe’s

Smokey Joe’s serves mainly Tex-Mex cuisine but they do offer many global dishes as well, like burgers, pasta, and paella. Smokey Joe’s is a huge Tex-Mex restaurant with an American Vintage theme. It’s a beautifully designed restaurant with multiple dining areas and vintage memorabilia adorning every space.

6. Miyahara Ice Cream

Miyahara is the most famous place for pineapple cakes in Taichung. It’s so famous in fact, that it’s one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city. Though Miyahara is best known for its pineapple cakes, it’s beloved for its ice cream as well which you can try from their small shop at the side of the main store. As you can tell from the markings on the floor, Miyahara Ice Cream is used to serving long queues of customers.

7. Hui-Sun Coffee

Hui-Sun Coffee is a popular coffee shop in Taichung that specializes in siphon coffee, a method of preparation that produces a delicate, tea-like cup of coffee. They gave a demo of the process and it was pretty cool to see, like watching a chemistry experiment. The coffee beans produced in Huisin Forest are described as being some of the very best in Taiwan. If you’re a coffee connoisseur and are interested in trying good local coffee in Taichung, then you may want to try a cup here at Hui-Sun Coffee.

See more: 6 reasons why Taiwan should be your next adventure

8. Zhongxiao Road Night Market

Zhongxiao Road Night Market didn’t seem to have as much food variety as other night markets. But more importantly, it didn’t feel as safe. Unlike other markets that are closed to vehicular traffic, this one has stalls on either side of busy Zhongxiao Road. Zhongxiao Road Night Market was offering lu wei, a type of Taiwanese braised food which is considered a distant cousin of hot pot. Commonly eaten as a snack, it involves braising a variety of ingredients in broth, then adding spices and sauces to the cooked food.

9. Fengjia Night Market

Home to an estimated 15,000 shops, restaurants, and stalls, Fengjia Night Market is described as the biggest night market in Taiwan. It’s a popular night market with a huge selection of food choices, so if you had time to visit just one night market in Taichung, then it should be this one. You’ll find many different types of grilled seafood at Fengjia Night Market like scallops, clams, squid, oysters, sea snails, and abalone.

Source willflyforfood

The best resorts for honeymoon in Maldives

If romance is the king of emotions, then Maldives is its kingdom. Long spread of beaches covered with sparkling white sand, palm trees lined up across the shores, beautiful cottages and resorts nestled in the most secluded regions known, this island is the perfect place for love birds to rekindle the spark and fall in love. Maldives is known as honeymooner’s paradise and that is for a reason.

COMO Cocoa island

COMO Cocoa Island is a boutique resort located in the South Male Atoll with only 33 overwater suites and villas. Uniquely inspired by dhoni boats, the gently curving wooden vessels used by local fishermen, each room has its own private terrace that directs you to the watery expanse and horizon in a second. Surrounded by spectacularly clear waters, the land itself is made up of live coral reefs and sand bars, making the natural ecosystem truly distinctive.

For a private dining with your partner, the resort offers several private dining experiences across the island. Activities such as shark adventure snorkeling, catamaran snorkeling, to sunset cruise can be done near the island. For quieter moment, COMO Shambhala Retreat, offers full range of holistic Asian base therapies.

Mirihi Island Resort

Perfect for those looking for a water villa honeymoon on a modest budget, the Mihiri Island Resort offers excellent value in addition to high quality and excellent service. This is a 4-star resort with only 30 water villas and 6 island villas, and almost nothing of interest to families and no nightlife to speak of, making it very much of a romantic couples resort, which is very fitting for a lot of visitors.

The water villas are not huge, and they do not have TVs, but otherwise they are very nicely appointed, making them ideal for honeymooners. The spa features Adam and Eve treatments, but there is also great diving and snorkelling here and other water sport options. Especially in the off-season, the Mihiri Island Resort is a fantastic bargain for a honeymoon resort.

Shangri-la Villingili Resort and Spa

Number three on our list of top 10 resorts in Maldives for honeymoon is Shangri-La Villingili Resort built on one of the largest islands in the archipelago. The villas range from vast ocean retreats to tropical tree houses, and the CHI spa offers a holistic remedy. It is hands down one of the top resorts in Maldives for honeymoon.

One & Only Reethi Rah

One & Only Reethi Rah is still the king best resorts in Maldives for honeymoon. The rooms are built enormously and luxuriously with high ceilings and beautifully furnished with private pools, overlooking the sea.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

The blue relaxing waters at the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru will give you a spirit to enjoy life. The resort is surrounded with swaying coconut trees, pure white sand, coral reef and the blue clear waters. An ideal destination for couples, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is amongst the best resorts in Maldives for honeymoon.

Read more: How I Fell in Love with the Maldives

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Best traditional dishes in Cambodia

Often wrongly overshadowed by the cuisine of neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia’s cuisine takes in a range of mouth-watering dishes. With no shortage of places to eat local across Cambodia, here are a few dishes to whet the appetite.

Fish amok

Often referred to as Cambodia’s signature dish, this creamy curry can be found in abundance. Made using fillets of freshwater fish, it is diced and covered in coconut milk, eggs, fish sauce and palm sugar. Kroeung – a paste made from pounded spices and other ingredients, such as turmeric, kaffir lime, lemongrass and shallots – is common in khmer cooking, and is also added. The traditional way to cook the dish is steamed in a banana leaf shaped into a bowl, within which it is served.

Chicken and banana flower salad

The perfect remedy to a steamy day, this refreshing dish is rich in flavour. Tender chicken breast amid crunchy banana blossom flower, fried shallots, garlic, chillies and lemongrass, with fresh lime squeezed on top. Crisp, clean and fresh.

Kuy teav

Another popular street food dish to start the day with, kuy teav – or noodle soup – is also available throughout the day. Made from pork or beef bones and rice vermicelli, the flavoursome broth is topped with fried shallots and garlic, bean sprouts, green onions and aromatic herbs. Pork or fish balls are added, with some varieties featuring beef. Side portions often consist of chilli paste, half a lime and hoisin sauce.

Beef loc lac

Another dish common on restaurant menus is beef loc lac. While the addition of French fries is a relatively recent modernisation, loc lac is a salad. Here, stir-fried strips of tender beef sit atop a bed of crisp lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers and rings of raw onions. Often, it’s served with a fried egg placed on top. However, what really makes this dish special is the dipping sauce of lime juice and pepper – make it Kampot pepper to make the flavours truly pop.

Prahok

Undeniably an acquired taste when served as a main course alongside rice and a side salad, prahok is a staple to any Cambodian dish. The crushed, salted and fermented fish paste is used unsparingly as a seasoning adding a strong salty flavour. Its pungent odour has earned it the nickname of Cambodian cheese. Whether you love or hate the sound of it, there’s no avoiding it in Cambodia.

Khmer curry

While recipes can wildly vary – along with the spice rankings – a Khmer curry is generally mild and mellow, with an almost sweet aftertaste. Containing chicken; coconut cream and milk; fish sauce; herbs and diced sweet potatoes; garlic; shallots; turmeric and ginger, the thick, flavoursome and aromatic broth is served with either rice or a baguette.

Lort cha

This dish gets its name from the short fat noodles that are its main feature. They are stir-fried with beef, broccoli, beansprouts to add crunch, herbs, and lashings of fish sauce and soy sauce. A fried egg is placed on top, with an accompaniment of sweet chilli sauce. This is sold in street carts throughout the country.

Nom banh chok

Readily available across the Kingdom, the popular dish of nom banh chok is made of thin rice noodles, shredded banana leaves, beansprouts, cucumber, mint and basil, topped with green fish curry. It is often sold by woman precariously balancing a pole on her shoulders containing the ingredients on either side.

Green mango salad

Full of flavour and colour, this is another dish that packs a punch. Crunchy, zesty and super refreshing, it features fresh chilli, fish sauce, sliced green mango, sliced tomatoes and shallots, pickled cucumber, onion, peppers and fresh basil or mint. Another good lunch option when the humidity strikes.

See more: 7 reasons why you should visit Cambodia at least one time

Source: Internet

The best places to go shopping for budget travelers in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is well known as a shopping heaven for both tourists and locals. However, it can be a hassle for you if you are currently stuck in the diverse world of shopping malls. Here is a list of the top best budget shopping places which can satisfy Shopaholic’s dream at very reasonable price in Kuala Lumpur.

Berjaya Times Square

Berjaya Times Square, the biggest shopping mall in Malaysia has over 600 shops, ranges from huge stores at the lower levels to numerous small shops at the higher levels. There is even an indoor roller coaster inside this shopping, which makes it the perfect mall to visit if you are traveling with children. You can not only enjoy shopping here, but also various entertainment activities .A lovely dresses can be found here at RM 40. Amazingly, you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, an above standard movie theatre and awesomeindoor theme park all in one place.

Sungei Wang Plaza

Although this mall might not look like fancy place from the outside, it is one of the best cheap shopping places in Kuala Lumpur, especially for young Muslims looking for trendier options. You can find many shops that give discount in Kuala Lumpur’s Sungei Wang Plaza, not only for some of Malaysia’s top Muslimah fashion brands, but also for beauty and hair treatments as well. This is truly a mall for the ladies.

Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

Not exactly a shopping mall, but definitely one of most affordable shopping districts to check out for low price shopping in Kuala Lumpur. You will be able to find a variety of items and some of the best shops in Kuala Lumpur for budget fashion. Frequented by local Muslims, you can be sure to find some of the best clothes shops that give discounts in Kuala Lumpur in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman street.

Low Yat Plaza

Low Yat Plaza is Kuala Lumpur’s largest IT mall with around 500 shops spreading over 7 floors. Most of them are small stalls, only a few are large-scale stores. This mall has all things IT on offer, from mobile phones and cameras to laptops and computers. Prices are negotiable, so you can bargain hard and smart for good deals.

Lifestyle facilities are included for a more comfortable shopping experience. Guys can hunt for a good buy on latest tech items on the higher floors while ladies can indulge life in a beauty salon on upper ground floor.

The Factory Outlet Store

If you wish to find shops that give discounts in Kuala Lumpur for branded apparel, you will not find a better place than this. With brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie and Fitch, and GAP, The Factory Outlet Store offers genuine branded items that are sourced directly from the factories and inexpensive modest wear in Kuala Lumpur.

Read more: Spend the night at these 6 greatest clubs in Kuala Lumpur

Mid Valley Megamall

Mid Valley has over 430 stores spreading across its five floors, its five anchor tenants include Carrefour, Jusco, Golden Screen Cinemas, Metrojaya and Harvey Norman. In addition, Mid Valley also boasts 18-screen Golden Screen Cinema, a state-of-the-art bowling center on the fifth floor, One-Stop IT Centre for tech-savvy shoppers and a spacious MPH bookstore outlet.

Besides, a wide range of restaurants serves all kinds of food. Ladies will surely love this shopping center as there is a variety of clothing outlets available, including the big Europeans brands, Top Shop, H&M, Mango and so on.

Source Internet

Top attractions in Gangwondo, Korea

Gangwondo is known for its mostly mountainous terrain and ski resorts. Beyond the mountains and the snow, here are 5 things to check out when you’re in Gangwondo.

Take to the slopes in Pyeongchang

The sleepy Gangwon-do town of Pyeongchang shot to global stardom in 2018 as the host city for the Winter Olympics. With the global event came world-class facilities, and although there wasn’t much to speak of until a few years ago, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting the best there is to offer. Some resorts offer amenities like heated pools, floodlights and gourmet restaurants. You might not have the same experience as you would, perhaps, in Europe, but the rush is just as thrilling and you’ll leave wanting more of the slopes and the Korean hospitality.

Nami Island

Nami Island is named for the Joseon Dynasty General Nami, whose grave is said to be located on the island. It’s a short 63km drive from Seoul but still falls within the Gangwon-do province, making it a lovely day trip for families and couples who want to get out into nature and meander along the picturesque poplar tree-lined paths. Water babies are bound to enjoy themselves here, as you can partake in motorboating and waterskiing.

Get crafty in Gangneung

Drinking craft beer might not seem like a particularly Korean pastime, especially when soju and makgeolli reign supreme in these parts. The Budnamu Brewery in Gangneung, however, is definitely worth your time if only for the adventurous names like the Ojook Stout or the Daegwallyeong Pale Ale. You can make it a boozy dinner or lunch if you’re in the mood, as there’s a great variety of food options to accompany the wide range of beers.

Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan comes alive in the mid-summer months, when warmer climes make for perfect hiking conditions. Autumn, too, is absolutely stunning as the leaves change colour to deep, rich shades of orange and red. Nature enthusiasts are bound to enjoy it here as the park boasts lush, dense vegetation, magnificent waterfalls and some eye-catching rock formations.

Visit the DMZ Museum in Goseong

Although tensions between North and South Korea have dominated global headlines in the past few years, this painful conflict dates back years to 1945, when unification efforts between the two regions failed. The DMZ Museum is a hopeful reminder that the two powers can, one day, come together. The Goseong Unification Observatory is a surreal experience in itself, as it affords views of the North Korean coastline – an extremely volatile region, but one that hasn’t seen any shots fired in decades.

See more: Best mountains to go hiking in South Korea

Source: Internet