Things to do in Ha Noi during Tet Holiday

Here are the top things to do during Tet Holiday in Ha Noi. Lunar New Year is probably the most-awaited eve of the year when people in the country finally get to lay down their back after a full year of hard working.

If summer is “the time for holiday” to most people, Tet in Vietnam is just like another “party time” when people eventually find themselves good places to make a getaway. Now follow us to discover your own Tet in the capital.

Explore Ngoc Son Temple

At Hoan Kiem Lake, you can find Ha Noi’s most visited temple Ngoc Son temple, meaning “Temple of the Jade Mountain”. Ngoc Son Temple was built in the 18th century in commemoration for General Tran Hung Dao, scholar Van Xuong and Confucian master Nguyen Van Sieu. It is located on a small island on the lake, and is connected to the shore by the iconic Rising Sun Bridge. The bridge is often lit at night. Also, the pagoda has two towering posts decorated with Chinese writing.

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular place for a weekend hang out, especially at Tet. Annually, there will be big flower festival around the lake at Lunar New Year. There is also Tet Flower Market in Hang Luoc Street if you want to enjoy the beauty of peach blossoms or buy some to bring to your hometown. Tet in Ha Noi always bring home to mind, especially to Hanoians, this is the time when they can truly return to their childhood. Hoan Kiem Lake’s Flower Festival will not be a bad choice if you want to find the breath of Tet around the capital.

Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

The Tran Quoc Pagoda is a Buddhist center located on the East side of the West Lake. It has a history of more than 1500 years. Although it is definitely worth a visit, it is crowded there during Tet. It was busier at Tran Quoc Pagoda than at Ngoc Son Temple. A lot of local people went to say their prayers, which creates a walking line to get in. If you are interested in seeing the praying, it is definitely worth a visit. However, if you are a bit claustrophobic, go early and avoid the crowds.

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Started in 1973, the construction of the mausoleum was modeled on Lenin's mausoleum in Russia and was first open to the public in 1975. The granite building meant a great deal for many locals as it ensures that their beloved leader ‘lives on forever’.

Security is tight and visitors should dress with respect (no shorts, sleeveless shirts and miniskirts) and everyone has to deposit their bags and cameras before getting in. Visitors are not allowed to stop and hold the constant queue up as the place is constantly busy. Uncle Ho’s remains are sent yearly to Russia for maintenance therefore the mausoleum is closed usually from October onwards. It’s best to recheck with your hotel tour desk before visiting. Admission is free but donations are accepted.

Enjoy street food

It is one of the things Ha Noi is known for awesome street food. A good way to spot a good street food restaurant is if you see a lot of (local) people eating there. Simple as that. Also, if a lot of people are sitting there, you can also sneak peak how the food looks like.

During Tet there are still enough street food vendors open, although less than normally. However, this really was not a problem, because there were enough options.

See more: Discover Ha Noi through its famous structures

Source Chaptertravel

Top things to do in Takayama, Japan

Takayama is is filled with interesting sights. It is also the gateway to the hiking paradise of the Japan Alps and Shirakawa-go, a Unesco-listed thatch-roof village. Here is the list of attractions in and around Takayama.

Sanmachi Street

Sanmachi Street is where you will probably head first. This is the Takayama Old Town and definitely the most popular place to visit in Takayama thanks to the street being lined with Traditional Wooden Buildings that have been very well-preserved.

The best time to visit Sanmachi Street is in the morning when it is quieter, in the morning you can really take in the beauty of the buildings. With that being said, many of the shops and cafes are closed early in the morning not seeming to open until about 10:00 am and seeing these open, tasting the food they have to offer and seeing the buzz of Sanmachi Street, later on, is also very good. If you want to do some shopping in Takayama for local and traditional Japanese products, this is where to go.

Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall

Held annually in the spring on April 14 and 15 and in the autumn on October 9 and 10, the Takayama Matsuri festival is one of the great festivals of Japan. During the festival, 11 lavishly decorated floats are pulled through the town. Some of the floats have small stages on which intricate marionettes are made to dance by incredibly complicated arrangements of strings manipulated by expert puppeteers.

Of course, most people are not lucky enough to visit when the festival is being held. But, do not despair, you can check out some of the floats and see videos of the festival at the fine Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition hall. This attraction is easily paired with the nearby Sakayama Hachimangu Shrine.

Shiroyama Park

If you want to get into nature within a 5-minute walk from the busy street of Sanmachi head into Shiroyama Park.

This was perhaps my favourite part of the city. There are many Temples in the park and many footpaths to take. It was also so quiet up here in the park even on a busy Saturday in town so you can walk and hike here.

Hida no Sato (Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village)

About 2km west of Takayama Station is Hida no Sato, a collection of traditional thatch-roof houses taken from around central Japan and carefully reconstructed here. The houses are spread around park with a central pond. You can enter many of the houses and marvel at the beams and construction techniques. Hida no Sato is too far from the station to walk. A taxi from the station will cost around ¥1,100. Or, you can take the “Sarubobo” bus that leaves from in front of the station.

Street Food

The street food of Takayama is mainly along Sanmachi Street and there are quite a few things on offer from Ice Cream, Mochi, Dango, Rice Crackers to Buns, Sushi, Sushi with Hida Beef.

If you do want to go for a good meal in Takayama, Sanmachi Street is a great place to eat in Takayama as not only does it have Street Food it also has some nice Cafes and Restaurants too.

See more: Top 5 popular Christmas dishes in Japan

Source Internet

Tips to eat Balut like a real Filipino

So you’ve travelled to the Philippines and have finally been convinced to give the notorious balut a shot. Here’s a simple how-to that will allow you to stand alongside locals and look like a seasoned pro at eating this peculiar Filipino delicacy.

What is balut

Balut is a Filipino snack, best served warm, of a hard-boiled duck egg that’s about two to three weeks into development. Depending on the length of incubation, the partially developed duck embryo can have more or less discernible features, from its beak to even some feathers.

As outlandish as this sounds to the foreign traveller, there is something unavoidably tempting about it. Because for a nation to love balut, there must be something to it — right? And frankly, there’s only one way of finding out.

Where to find it

Traditionally, balut vendors are known to walk along streets with their baskets of warm balut yelling, “Baluuut!” They call loudly and allow the second half of the word ring out to attract attention. This type of peddling is more common in residential areas or in more rural provinces. But, today, it’s becoming more common, especially in bigger cities, to find vendors stationed in wet markets, on sidewalks or at parks with signs informing passersby of their product. One balut egg will typically cost around 15 PHP ($0.30).

How to eat it

Create an opening:

Tap the rounder end of the egg on a hard surface and peel just enough shell off to make a small opening. Be careful not to let any juices spill out — this is a very tasty part you’ll want to start with.

Normally, balut vendors will have salt with them for anyone who decides to consume the egg immediately after the purchase. Sprinkle a bit of this salt into the opening and slurp up all the tasty balut soup.

Peel away:

After sipping the warm broth, you can begin peeling off the shell and eating the actual balut meat. Some will say the yolk is the best part. It’s tasty, not all that different from a chicken egg, but its creamy texture is what makes it interesting. Others will say the chick is the best part — that is, if you can get past the thought of it being a partially developed duckling and all. Depending on how many days its been incubated, some balut embryos (those nearing the three-week-old mark) will have a bit more of a crunch to them due to more developed beak and bones.

The balut white, also referred to as bato (stone), can sometimes be unpleasant to chew as it tends to be tough, especially for more developed balut. So many will toss this part away. And because it isn’t too tasty anyway, when people do eat the bato, it’s likely for the sake of avoiding food wastage more than anything else.

See more: Top places to eat street foods in Manila, Philippines

Source: Internet

5 most popular dishes in Myanmar

Burmese food is not what most people think of when they think of “cuisines,” but the mix of Indian, Chinese, Thai, and original Burmese influences makes these foods unique to this region. You won’t find many of these outside of the country, so be sure to try them while you’re here.

Mohinga

This breakfast dish has become more than just a morning start. It is now served at all times of the day—some restaurants in Yangon even open late to serve the after-party crowd. Whether you find this on the street or in a fancy five-star restaurant, the essential ingredients are fish soup, rice noodles, eggs, and banana stems. There are infinite variations that include fried beans, scallions, fish cakes, chicken, and more. Try a couple and see what you like, because this dish isn’t easily found outside the country.

Shan Noodles

Shan noodles are not just found in Shan State, and the dish is a national favorite. Sticky rice noodles are dressed in a mixture of chicken or pork, tomato puree, onions, and spices, then topped off with sour or fresh vegetables. This satisfies most cravings and is a go-to snack because it can be found nearly everywhere. However, venture to Inle Lake, Pindaya, or Taunggyi for some of the best, most authentic Shan noodles of your life. You won’t regret it.

Tea Leaf Salad

Myanmar is the only country in the world that consumes tea leaves regularly. Most people just drink them. But tea leaves are combined with peanuts, broad beans, cabbage, tomatoes, sesame seeds, chilis, and more. This salad is perhaps the most iconic food, dating back centuries to tea-drinking gossip parties and hosting visitors. Since it is so popular, it can be found in most dining establishments or tea shops.

Pork Curry

Pork is a prized meat in Myanmar, as is its curry. Curries are mixed with many spices and ginger, and are neither like Indian nor Chinese curries—they are uniquely Burmese. In many tea shops and restaurants, you’ll find curry served with rice and a plate of raw vegetables that is dipped in a fish sauce accompaniment. This satisfying meal will put you back only $2-4 so I suggest you let your taste buds experience this traditional style of cooking.

Noodle (or Rice) Salad

Many Myanmar dishes are simple and inexpensive street food. If you’re an adventurous eater, these are the dishes that will most satisfy your palette. Often, wheat noodles (or rice) are s mixed with dried shrimp, shredded cabbage, dressed with fried peanut oil, fish sauce, and lime, and it makes for a very easy, quick plate of yummy goodness. You’ll find this in most street stalls with noodles under a plastic colander.

See more: Visit Inle Lake, one of the hottest destinations in Myanmar

Source: Internet

Taste the best street food in Bali

Bali is an adventurous foodie’s paradise. With vibrant dishes which have no parallels in the cuisine of any other country, the street food in Bali is a major tourist magnet. Street food in Bali and its markets are known for not only their scrumptious food but for the theatrical cooking styles which provide a feast for the eyes.

Pisang Rai

Being an equatorial paradise, tropical fruits like coconut and banana are abundant in Bali. And when you combine the two, you get pisang rai. This Balinese snack is made from boiled banana wrapped with rice flour, then rolled in grated coconut. Its soft texture is almost in contrast with the tempting sweet and savory taste from the mix. Many street food vendors will offer an additional sauce made from brown sugar and pineapple pieces, making the tropical feels even stronger.

Nasi Campur

Nasi Campur stands for mixed rice in Indonesian and true to its moniker this wildly popular street food in Bali is served as rice mixed with vegetables, meat and eggs. A staple meal of many Southeast Asian countries, Nasi Campur, is prepared differently by almost every vendor. The night market in Bali is famous for the best Nasi Campur in the city.

Sate

Sate is one of the most famous street food in Bali and in the world. Literally translating to barbequed meat on bamboo sticks, Sate can be made from chicken, pork, goat, rabbit etc. Turtle meat sate is prepared only during special ceremonies. Usually served with sweet soy sauce or peanut sauce, this dish is a perfect evening snack. Most vendors in the night markets offer a side of rice along with it.

Bakso

Bakso is an Indonesian meatball served with hot broth, often with noodles and fried dumplings. Many food street vendor sell bakso on portable carts pushed around a neighborhood or on modified motorcycles that allow the cart to be attached alongside. The warm food is not only perfect for cold days in Bali, which do not appear very often, but also makes a perfect snack between meals.

Terang Bulan

Translating to 'bright moon', Terang Bulan is a type of pancake unique to Balinese cuisine. Believed to have been invented by General Tso, a military leader of the late Qing dynasty, this delicacy has a rich past. It is made like a traditional pancake, with coconut milk and palm margarine giving it the characteristic Balinese punch. Usually sprinkled with crushed peanuts, sugar and sweetcorn kernels, this dish is as much a delight to the eyes as to the taste buds.

Sweet Corn

Sweet corn makes a wonderful companion when hanging out on Bali’s stunning beaches while watching the sunset. Tourists can compensate the chilling breeze with warm, freshly-grilled whole sweet corn from vendors on many popular beaches like Kuta or Jimbaran. Before the grilling process, the sweet corns are coated with butter and other additional sauces, like chili or barbecue sauce, making them enjoyable for all.

Read more: The most sacred destinations in Bali, Indonesia

Source Internet

Street food in Philippines and dishes you must try

Filipinos’ love for food is unparalleled. Despite three large meals comprising their day (all of which typically consist of at least a cup of rice), they still enjoy taking several snacks in between. This is where street food comes in. Filipinos like having access to a quick bite anywhere, anytime. So a great variety of street snacks have developed — some sweet, some savory, and some just outright bizarre.

Kikiam

Kikiam was originally taken from Chinese cuisine, and authentically consists of minced meat and vegetables. The kikiam used by street food vendors in the Philippines however, are a more scrimped version, sometimes containing fish meat instead and a lot of fillers. They are brown in color and about the size of a finger.

Kwek-Kwek

These brightly colored treats could be quite deceiving to the unaware foodie. They are round and a vibrant shade of orange, but they aren’t sweet, nor do they taste like the Cheetos they match in color. They are actually quail eggs, coated in an orange batter and then deep fried. Most of its goodness relies on the sauce the street food cart has to pair it with.

Balunbalunan

Not only do Filipinos skewer and grill chicken intestine, they also do the same to chicken gizzard. In Filipino cuisine, nothing goes to waste. Balunbalunan has a chewier, more rubbery texture than isaw, slightly resembling that of squid. But like isaw, it gets much of its flavor from the sauce it is brushed with during grilling, or its dipping sauce after.

Betamax

This is one that’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. Betamax, named after the black tapes of the 70’s it resembles, is grilled coagulated pork or chicken blood. Yes, you read that right. But in fact, grilled animal blood is not as repulsive as it may sound. It doesn’t possess any foul or robust taste or smell. Aside from the variety in texture, many of these grilled animal innards depend on sauces for taste.

Turon

This is a classic Filipino favorite, made by enclosing slices of saba banana and jackfruit in egg roll wrappers and deep frying them along with a generous coating of brown sugar.

Kakanin

Kakanin refers to Filipino delicacies made mainly of sticky rice. With the country’s love for rice, a long list of desserts fall under this category, and that might just need a separate article to explain it altogether. Keep an eye out for these especially during Christmas time. The best kakanin are the ones they sell outside churches after the late night masses held during the weeks approaching Christmas.

Sorbetes

Sorbetes or “dirty ice cream” (dubbed as such for being sold in the streets, and not necessarily mean a lack in cleanliness), is Filipino ice cream sold from colorful wooden carts. Though there’s still the usual chocolate, mostly Filipino flavors are available such as ube (purple yam), queso (cheese), mango, and coconut. Have it the Filipino way and opt to have it served in a burger bun instead of a regular cone or cup.

Read more: Explore typical breakfast in the Philippines

Source Internet

Things to do in Mong Kok, Hong Kong

Mong Kok, which in Cantonese means ‘crowded corner’, is true to its name – it’s one of the busiest districts in Hong Kong. From seeking out antiques to trying stinky tofu, here is list of the best things to do in Mong Kok.

Discover emerging artists at the Hong Kong Wall of Fame

Hidden in a quiet corner of Mong Kok is a wall of ever-changing street art. This stretch of wall between Argyle and Bute Street is vibrantly adorned with works by both international and local graffiti artists, with new works constantly appearing. Beginning by the Mong Kok East Rail station and extending for over two blocks, the Hong Kong Wall of Fame should be on the to-do list of any art lovers visiting Mong Kok. Be sure to take a picture of your favorite piece – they may not be there by the time you next visit.

Score a bargain at Mong Kok’s best markets

Ladies' Market

As well as being a vital part of everyday life for many Hong Kongers, markets are at the top of the list of things to do in Hong Kong. You’ve come to the right place – Mong Kok is home to many of Hong Kong’s most popular markets. If you are looking to buy some classic Hong Kong souvenirs or perhaps some designer knock offs, then the Ladies’ Market is a must-visit. Though located a little outside of Mong Kok, the Temple Street Night Market is just a short walk away and a shopping hotspot after sundown. Along with having your fortune told, here you can find authentic souvenirs: antiques, jade, clothes, tea-ware, and electronic gadgets are all up for grabs.

Sample street food

Stinky Tofu

Pineapple Bun

Trying local street food is a must on any visit to Hong Kong. In Mong Kok, you can find plenty of street-food stalls scattered on Sai Yeung Choi Street, Dundas Street, Fa Yuen Street and Soy Street. They are not limited to selling traditional Hong Kong-style snacks such as stinky tofu, fish balls, and fish siu mai. Nowadays, you will also find pizza, Thai tea, and even poutine, all at very reasonable prices. If you’re feeling intrepid, be sure to try a food trend taking Hong Kong by storm – cheese cap tea. This intriguing sweet-savoury drink sees cold tea topped with a foamy layer of milk and cream cheese, finished off with a sprinkle of salt.

Catch a glimpse of the Goldfish Market

At Tung Choi Street North, also known as the Goldfish Market, you can buy any type of fish your heart desires. Its speciality, however, is (unsurprisingly) goldfish, who stare out from the plastic pouches that hang from the many stalls and store fronts lining the street. Regular pet stores are now beginning to crowd out the goldfish stalls – bringing cats, dogs and rabbits and other pets onto the scene – so swing by and see this curious sight before it disappears.

Wander along Sai Yeung Choi Street

Sai Yeung Choi is a long, bustling pedestrian street, home to an abundance of shops, malls and restaurants. You will be able to find almost anything you want, from international cosmetics and skin care brands such as Innisfree from Korea and NYX from the USA, to high-tech electronics. Local chain stores Fortress and Broadway sell the latest gadgets, but these can also be found at a fraction of the price at the smaller shops hidden within the labyrinth of office buildings. Don’t pass up the opportunity to check out the restaurants and street stalls selling local delicacies like Taiwanese fried chicken and Hong Kong stir-fried noodles.

Read more: A day to explore amazing Hong Kong

Source The Culture Trip

5 best street food stalls in Jakarta, Indonesia

Indonesian street food is a wonderful mix of local, Chinese, Straits Chinese (Peranakan) and Dutch influences. Here are the must-try street food stalls in Jakarta, Indonesia’s lively capital.

Santiga Seafood Stall

One of the most beloved street eats in the city, Santiga is open all night long, serving fresh seafood grilled or stir fried. Diners sit at low, plastic-covered tables, and are presented with delicacies such as boiled cockles with pineapple sambal sauce, kepiting saus padang (spicy crab) and perfectly breaded fried cuttlefish. Most importantly, Santiga is unusually clean, by Jakarta street food standards, so you can enjoy your seafood without sorry,

Aneka Gorengan

This roadside cart is one of the best places for gorengan, or fritters. Nearly everything is deemed fit to be battered and deep fried here, including pineapple, tempeh (fermented beans), breadfruit, and mashed potato. Stop at Aneka Gorengan for an indulgent mid-day nibble, or for a tasty distraction while stuck in Jakarta’s notoriously bad traffic.

Sate Khas Senayan

Sate Khas Senayan is one of the many street food names in the city that have evolved into casual restaurants thanks to their enormous popularity. The speciality here is sate (or satay), meat skewers dipped in delectable peanut sauce. Other good options at Sate Khas Senayan are the Nasi Pecel Komplit set (rice, salad with peanut sauce and prawn crackers), and Tahu Telur, crispy fried tofu with peanuts, beansprouts, and spicy gravy.

Kwetiau Bagan Bandengan

Kwetiau, a type of flat rice noodle, is an example of the Chinese influence on Indonesian cuisine, and there are analogous dishes in neighboring Malaysia and Singapore that make use of the same type. At Kwetiau Bagan Bandengan in Jakarta, the noodles are stir fried in homemade chili sauce, and topped with tiny shrimp and bean sprouts. There are a number of stalls in the area selling Kwetiau Bagan, but Bandengan is arguably the most authentic and best replicates the flavors of Bagansiapiapi (a predominantly Chinese coastal town in Riau).

Gado Gado Bon Bin Cikini

Gado Gado Bon Bin Cikini has been around since the early 1960s, and has retained its old-fashioned, lovingly prepared flavors. Still run by the same elderly couple, the stall specializes in gado gado, an Indonesian salad comprising fried tofu, tempeh, crispy blanched vegetables, eggs and tapioca crackers, topped off with a sweet peanut sauce. You can choose to add lontong (banana leaf-scented rice cakes) to your salad, turning it into a substantial meal.

See more: 5 most beautiful churches in Jakarta, Indonesia

Source: Internet