Top cities should be on list of food lovers

Asia is a dream destination for foodies, as each country provides its own unique dishes, culinary traditions and fresh ingredients that are hard to resist. From sushi perfection in Japan and spicy dishes Thailand to the diverse flavors in Malaysia, you’re spoiled for choice in creating the ultimate food adventure.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo not only has some of the best food in Asia, but also in the entire world with over 200 Michelin-starred restaurants. Ramen is a staple in Japanese cuisine and sampling the different varieties is all a part of the fun, where you can sit in cozy restaurants with just eight or 10 seats. Wander down alleyways to discover noodle shops, dine on fresh sushi and sample okonomiyaki savory pancakes and yakitori grilled chicken skewers.

Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand is known for its delicious street food, where every plate is bursting with flavor and a combination of spices and sauces such as ginger, lemongrass and fish sauce. Cuisines here blend sweet and spicy with ingredients such as coconut milk and kaffir lime leaves. While pad Thai is the most popular dish, you can’t go wrong with tom yum goong (a spicy hot and sour soup) and a dessert of mango sticky rice.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Food is at the very heart of the Vietnamese culture. Markets are on every corner and almost every aspect of life in Vietnam revolves around the preparation and shared experience of eating. Indulge in a banh mi sandwich, fresh spring roll or a steaming bowl of pho at any time of day, while Hanoians typically wash it down with a strong Vietnamese-style coffee that is thick and topped with condensed milk.

Seoul, South Korea

Kimchi, bibimbap and Korean barbecue are some of most iconic cuisines to sample in Seoul and definitely a must-try when there, but the city also has more to offer. Visit one of the famous markets like Gwangjang, Namdaemun and Myeong-dong and sample teokbokki rice cake rolls in chili sauce, kimbap seaweed rice rolls and dakkochi grilled chicken skewers. Korea is known for its banchan side dishes, while gogigui is all things grilled meat.

Taipei, Taiwan

Foodie heaven with delicious dishes being served around the clock, Taipei boasts a booming night market scene. Check out the trendy Ximending in search of succulent pork sandwiches and chunks of fried chicken, while milk tea and cheesy baked potatoes are just as enticing. Sample lu rou fan (minced pork rice), niu rou mian (beef noodle soup), hujiao bing pepper buns and Taiwanese-style hot pot.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

The biggest city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a foodie destination that is famous for its spicy Khao soi, which is a noodle dish that contains boiled then deep-fried egg noodles that are drenched in a thick chicken or beef coconut curry broth and then garnished with lime, roasted chili and shallots. It’s a favorite with both locals and visitors alike, while the city’s grilled chicken, papaya salad and sai oua grilled herb sausage are also worthy of sampling.

Bali, Indonesia

The only Hindu island in Indonesia, Bali has a unique cultural and food landscape that lures you in. Start with a classic Indonesian staple mie goreng, which is fried noodles served with chicken, shrimp or pork, then wash it down with pisang goreng, a dessert with fried bananas, honey and can include coconut flakes or ice cream. Nasi goreng is another favorite with fried rice, while sate is chicken with spices on a stick.

Osaka, Japan

A food lover’s paradise, Osaka has been dubbed “the country’s kitchen” due to its delicious street food an abundance of highly-rated restaurants. Born and bred, you can’t leave the city without trying the famous okonomiyaki cabbage pancakes and the takoyaki octopus balls, which are found both on the street and in restaurants. Other highlights include kitsune udon, a broth with thick noodles and deep-fried tofu, and kushi-katsu, which is meat or vegetables that are deep-fried and skewered.

Read more: Top dishes you must relish on a trip to Osaka


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A guide to shopping on Orchard Road, Singapore

For as long as anyone in Singapore can remember, Orchard Road has been a one-stop shopping destination for practically anything. So if you’re craving a spot of luxury shopping and quality finds, this is the first street to visit while in town.

Luxury and mid-range shopping at ION Orchard

ION Orchard

ION Orchard is a sprawling 66,000-square metre space filled from the underground all the way high up to the top levels (where you can gain access to catch breathtaking views at the ION Sky Observatory). Expect upscale fashion labels like Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta to everyday staples by H&M and Topshop. On top of this, there are luxury dining spaces and food halls, making this mall not just a popular shopping spot but an all-encompassing hub to satisfy your luxury shopping needs.

Affordable finds at Far East Plaza

Far East Plaza

Far East Plaza is located just slightly off the main road, and it is a place which has become ubiquitous with youth culture. It was, and still is, a popular spot to hang out and be seen in the latest fashion. Since 1982, Far East Plaza has been intertwined with trendy clothes and Singapore’s diverse subcultures. Get lost inside the 600-plus stores here, packed to the brim with cool threads and charming accoutrements at affordable prices. On top of it all, there are outlets that allow you to tailor suits and even tattoo parlours. Pro tip: a lot of the stores are haphazardly organised, packed from floor to ceiling – so this is a good mall to just get yourself lost in.

Boutique shopping finds at Orchard Central & 313@Somerset

Orchard Central

One of the more quirkily-designed malls in the district, Orchard Central offers visitors an artistic experience along with their shopping. Take one famous escalator, digital art adorning the exterior and a multitude of installations peppered inside, Orchard Central goes above and beyond to blend retail with visual statements. The lower levels of the mall offer many high-street fashion labels, while the higher levels bring you to a good number of restaurants and bars.

313@Somerset

Connected to Orchard Central is another fashion forward mall, 313@Somerset. It’s become an extremely popular mall that offers an array of big name items in streetwear, sneakers, jewellery and bags. One key reason for its popularity, especially among fashion-savvy folks, is its constant sales and deals throughout the year. So if you’re thinking of scoring a bargain, this is the spot to be at. For those looking for a bite after all that shopping, this mall is also filled with a wide variety of food options, from hipster cafes to commercial fast-food restaurants.

Read more: The most famous shopping road in Asia, explore Orchard road

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The reasons to visit Phu Quy island, Binh Thuan

Phu Quy island is about 120 km far from Phan Thiet city. Since most of visitors are impressed with the island’s wild and unharmed beauty, it is becoming a famous destination for travelers, especially young backpackers.

Friendly people

In reality, there are not many tourist destinations in which people happily welcome you as in Phu Quy Island. You will quickly realize it when entering the territory of this island. Many tourists who have visited Phu Quy island comment that local people here are very kind and enthusiastic, they can bring to you the peace of mind and lots of laughter. Thus, you should not be surprised if being invited to enter the house of locals for a drink and sharing interesting stories on the island.

Not so crowded beaches

Due to the difficulty in transportation, there are not many people visited this place. Only recently tourist has started to take an interest in this place. Usually, large crowds in the beaches kill the spirit of privacy and spoil the frolic activities. People litter around the beaches and destroy its beauty, due to the less number of people present you can enjoy the beaches peacefully without any unwanted interruption.

The chance to enjoy king crab with “dirty cheap” price

Visiting an island, you cannot miss enjoying seafood there. When it comes to Phu Quy Island, there is no other seafood surpassing this one: King crabs. Unlike other ordinary crabs, this type of crab is tremendous and plump, about 500g-1kg each one. When looking glance, it is like a giant spider, with bristling fur.

Due to the rarity and nutritional content of this crab, so since the ancient time, King crab have been chosen to offer to the king. Therefore, go to Phu Quy island, you will have an opportunity to enjoy this delicious specialty, which is still alive, at the prices ranging from 350,000-400,000 VND / 1kg.

Witness the landscape from the largest lighthouse in Vietnam

Your visit to the Phu Quy Island does not come to an end unless and until you rent a boat for visiting the islets located around the island.

On the top of the Nui Cam Mountain, located the largest lighthouse in Vietnam. You can almost see everything from the top of it, thanks to the relatively flat topography of the island.

Admire the largest whale skeleton in Vietnam

Phu Quy has nearly 30 cultural relics with various types of faiths. However, the most notable is Van An Thanh in Trieu Duong village, Tam Thanh Commune, built in 1781 and being a whale museum on the island. According to the legend of locals, the whales, also known as “Cá Ông”, had many times saved local fishermen and vessels from distress at sea.

Many fishermen here who had ever been saved by Ca Ong still alive, and most people on the island are very respectful the whale. Thus, when the whale died or pushed into seashore, people here hold a solemn funeral, and there is a festival of welcoming Ca Ong annually in Phu Quy Island. You can also visit the Ong Hai Nam gallery to see the whale skeleton of nearly 20 meters in length. This is one of the largest whale skeletons in Vietnam.

Read more: Discover the attractive destinations in Binh Thuan

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