All about Tempeh, Indonesia's nation food

Tempeh is a popular food in Indonesia, but do you know what exactly it is about? Take a look at this article to find out more about it.

1. What is tempeh?

Tempeh is a soy-based meat alternative. It’s made from whole soy beans which are softened by soaking. Then they’re cooked, slightly fermented and formed into a firm patty or block.

And actually, while tempeh is traditionally made with soybeans, it can actually be made with any type of bean, like black beans, black-eyed peas, and chickpeas. Some kinds of tempeh also include grains, like brown rice, barley or millet, or seeds.

2. Is tempeh the same as tofu?

No! While tempeh and tofu are both high protein meat alternatives made from soy, they’re actually totally different from one another.

The first big difference is that tempeh is minimally processed using whole soybeans, while tofu is made by coagulating soy milk, then pressing the curd into blocks. Tofu has a soft texture, and is sold in varying degrees of firmness, from silken to extra firm. Meanwhile, tempeh is hearty and firm with a varied texture from the whole soybeans.

Also, the texture and flavor of these products are nothing alike. Tempeh has a much stronger flavor than tofu. It’s savory and nutty, and many people describe it as having an earthy, mushroom-y taste. Tofu, on the other hand only has a subtle flavor and is pretty bland.

3. What does tempeh taste like?

Tempeh is firm and textured with a savory, nutty taste. If you don’t care for tofu and its soft, sometimes rubbery texture, consider trying tempeh. It has a completely different texture and taste.

4. Where to find tempeh

You can buy tempeh in any health food store, as well as most grocery stores. Look for it in the refrigerated section, near where tofu and meat alternative products are sold. You can also make your own tempeh at home!

5. How to eat tempeh

Tempeh is a super versatile food, and there’s no shortage of ways to eat it. Use tempeh the same way you would any type of meat or tofu — as a burger, in salads, stir fries, soups and stews.

Before we get to the cooking, keep in mind that since tempeh is firm, it’s best to slice it into thin slices or cubes before preparing it.

To add more flavor, consider marinating the tempeh before cooking. Tempeh is commonly sliced thin then pan-fried or grilled, until the edges are crispy. It can also be baked, steamed, crumbled into soups and stews, or added into stir-fries.

See more: 8 Indonesian snacks you must try before leaving

Source: thekitchn

Avoiding these things when traveling to Myanmar

As tourism starts to gain traction in this extraordinary but unassuming part of South East Asia, here are some essential things to know before you travel to Myanmar.

Avoid using your left hand

If you travel to Myanmar, you need to remember this rule that is always using your right hand when picking up the food, or taking the items because the left hand is a vulgar, unclean part of the body. While eating, the Burmese will always use their right hand, not their left. In their conception, the left hand is used to do the daily personal hygiene things, so it is definitely not used for eating.

Do not wear shoes in pagodas or temples

In Myanmar, when coming to temples and pagodas, visitors should leave their shoes or slippers (including socks) outside before entering. This act, first of all, is to show your respect for the spiritual destinations and is to keep the sanctuaries clean. Local people are devout Buddhists, that is why wearing shoes or slippers in the sanctuaries is considered a disrespectful act.

Do not ride a motorbike in the city center of Yangon

This is actually a law. Motorbikes are supposedly banned in the main parts of Yangon for safety reasons. This may take some getting used to since most other major hubs in the region allow the use of motorized bikes. Motorbikes and electric scooters can be ridden in townships on the outskirts of Yangon as well as in other cities.

Do not forget to bring toilet paper

Toilet paper is not always an option in public restrooms throughout Myanmar, so be sure to pack some tissues if this is a necessity. Sprayers or ‘bum guns’ are usually available to help rinse after going to the bathroom. In less populated parts of Burma, it is more common to see an area near the toilet bowl or squat toilet filled with water, and a smaller dish to help with flushing and cleansing.

Avoid expressing feelings excessively in public

As a nation with a majority of the population is Buddhist, in Myanmar, people do not accept embracing, expressing feelings excessively in public places.

Do not point someone’s foot

Similar to touching the head, the act of pointing to the foot of anyone or anything, especially the foot of the Buddha statue in Myanmar, is considered to be extremely rude. Because the feet are the most vulgar part of the body. In addition, when coming to this country, you should not put your foot on the furniture.

Do not walk before looking all ways

When crossing a road in Myanmar make sure to look both ways, even when crosswalks are present. Drivers do not necessarily yield for pedestrians, and it is not uncommon to also have to dodge bikers and trishaws while walking across busy intersections.

Likewise, as Myanmar is in the height of a rapid, exciting transformation, many parts of cities are literally construction zones. Walkways tend to be uneven or even riddled with holes. Keep an eye on the path ahead and look all ways, always.

Read more: Top things to do when traveling to Myanmar

Source Internet

Top 7 most unique buildings in Asia

When most people think about architecture in Southeast Asia, they tend to focus on ancient structures such as temples and monuments, and with good reason. The region is, after all, decorated with some of the oldest buildings the world has ever known.

However, they recently have numerous unique and beautiful buildings across Southeast Asia, buildings that glow with their very own magnificence and shine as symbols of modernization without shying away from being different. These contemporary structures are striking examples of cutting edge construction, and they represent a series of sights that you should not miss the chance to marvel at.

Art Science Museum, Singapore

One of the primary attractions of Marina Bay Sands, the Art Science Museum’s appeal comes from both its exhibits and its architecture. The building’s contemporary structure was designed to represent Singapore’s welcoming hands. It can thus be seen as a combination of ten fingers or two open hands.
The tip of each of these ten segments has a series of filters which draws in natural light and channels it into the museum, showcasing its exhibits in their best natural state. This is why the Art Science Museum continues to be a preferred gallery for exhibitions from all across the world.

Guangzhou Circle, China

The landmark building Guangzhou Circle is located in Guangzhou, China. This circular building’s central hold is hollow. It is the world’s tallest (138 meters) circular building.

Aldar Headquarters, UAE

This circular building is the first of its kind in the Middle East. It is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE and was voted the "Best Futuristic Design" by the Building Exchange Conference held is Spain.

The Lotus Building, China

The Lotus Building is located at the center of Wujin, China. It shows the three stages of lotus, from the new young bud, to the flower in full bloom. It houses the departments of city’s planning bureau.

Solar Ark, Japan

This unique structure, which was established in 2002, is located inside Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Anpachi, Gifu, Japan. It is actually a power generation facility. Solar Lab, a museum of solar energy is stationed at the center of the Sanyo Solar Ark. The facility offers activities to cultivate a better appreciation of the use of solar energy.

New Century Global Center, China

Chinese architecture is famed for its bold, powerful statements which push scale, albeit usually vertical, to the extremes. However, China now boasts the world’s largest building in terms of volume, able to hold a staggering 20 Sydney Opera houses. Inside the massive complex visitors can find a shopping center, a university complex, a Mediterranean village and an IMAX theatre. This architectural giant can be interpreted as an unsubtle statement of the country’s current economic power, as it points towards its future global position.

The Chongqing Guotai Arts Center, China

The Chongqing Guotai Arts Center has raised eyebrows due to its architectural interpretation of chopsticks and a hot pot, or a white fig tree depending on personal interpretation. The current structure is the result of countless changes which the architect has painstakingly undertaken over the past eight years. Facilitating shows, performances and other artistic events the arts center is now an important cultural hub of Chongqing.

Read more: Dubai’s Burj Khalifa: Inside the world’s tallest building

Source Tellyouall