Tuesday, 16 July 2019

6 unique street foods in Jerusalem

6 unique street foods in Jerusalem
Photo Orly@yumivore
A city in rich history and home to a medley of culinary traditions, Jerusalem is second to none when it comes to delicious street food. A unique balance between Eastern and Western influences, these dishes have become synonymous with the city and with Israeli culture.

Hummus

Hummus
You can buy hummus in refrigerator sections across the universe, but none will compare to the kind you can find in spots like the open-air Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem. This street-side version is loads creamier than the pre-packaged variety, with an extra dose of oil and fresh herbs.

Shawarma and schnitzel

Shawarma and schnitzel
If you love grilled or fried meat, seek out the shawarma and schnitzel that are often served side by side in Jerusalem eateries. Israeli street food par excellence, shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish commonly made from chicken, lamb or turkey grilled on a spit that is then stuffed into a pitta with salads and sauces such as tahini or hummus.

Served in a similar way to shawarma, Israeli schnitzel is a dish of European heritage that is typically a fried and breaded chicken breast or veal cutlet. Wherever you walk in the city, you are never far away from a good shawarma or schnitzel.

Falafel

Falafel
Crispy, fried and deliciously simple, falafel are traditionally made of ground chickpeas combined with a blend of herbs and spices. Commonly paired with a plate of hummus or stuffed into a pitta with salad and a side of chips, falafel are a versatile food that can be eaten as a snack or an inexpensive meal.

Originating in Egypt, falafel quickly became an Israeli go-to, thanks in part to Yemenite Jews who began serving them in a pitta sandwich when they arrived at the country in the 1950s. Countless stalls, kiosks and family-run establishments serve falafel in the Holy City, but it is Shalom Falafel, Falafel Brothers Levy and Mercaz Hafalafel Hatemani that are the local favourites.

Muttabaq

Muttabaq
Muttabaq, translated from the Arabic term for "folded", is a savory, stuffed, and pan-fried bread, commonly found all across the Middle East and even in parts of Asia.

Knafeh

Knafeh
Once all of the delicious street foods Jerusalem has to offer have been tried and enjoyed, it’s time to wash everything down with some knafeh. A traditional Arab dessert made with shredded pastry noodles covered with sweetened sheep or goat’s cheese, knafeh is seared on both sides and served topped with spiced syrup and crushed pistachios.

The final product is warm, bursting with exquisitely rich flavours, and unlike any other dessert you have ever tried before. Knafeh can be found in most Arab bakeries or sweet shops in the Old City and East Jerusalem, with one of the most popular vendors being Jaffar and Sons Pastry Cafe.

Bourekas

Bourekas
Eating a boureka is like indulging in a little taste of heaven. These baked pastries come with a variety of savoury fillings, most commonly cheese, spinach or potatoes. Brought to Israel in the 19th century by Jewish immigrants from Turkey and Balkan countries such as Bulgaria and Slovenia, they are available at most bakeries and supermarkets across Jerusalem and are one of the most common snack foods in Israel. Eaten alone or together with a hard-boiled egg and pickles, these pastries are best eaten hot and fresh out of the oven.

See more: Must-try Palestinian street foods for first-time travelers

Source Internet

Top activities to do in Boracay, Philippines

Top activities to do in Boracay, Philippines
One of the most popular beach destinations in the Philippines, Boracay Island is famous for its fine white sands and lush tropic scenery. Tourists from all over the world have found solace in this tiny piece of paradise, making it a place people come back to again and again.

Enjoy the beach

Enjoy the beach
Boracay’s powdery white sand never fails to captivate. But while you should definitely enjoy the beautiful one-kilometer stretch of White Beach on your visit, you’ll be missing a lot if you don’t explore Boracay’s other beaches. At Puka Beach, colorful puka shells mix with the sand to create a gorgeous natural blanket. Visit Bulabog Beach and find out why it’s the country’s top kitesurfing destination. Then, find your way to the quaint little beach of Ilig Iligan, which offers adventure seekers a treasure trove of coves, caves and patches of jungle to explore.

Go on a food trip

Go on a food trip
Boracay is not only a natural beauty, it also offers a wide selection of gastronomic delights to suit every taste and budget. You can opt to go local and try traditional home-cooked Filipino food or splurge on the must-eat foreign dishes on the island. Whichever you prefer, don’t leave Boracay without trying the boodle fight — where people share a giant banana leaf loaded with food and use their bare hands to go at it! This also gives you a glimpse into why Filipinos see kamayan as the best way to enjoy a meal.

See Boracay differently

See Boracay differently
The island’s not only a trip about beaches and water sports. In fact, there’s so much to see and discover within the island. Take Boracay’s two-hour inland tour that goes through the 220-hectare Mangrove park. Visit the local Ati Community, which have lived on the island for decades (long before tourism emerged), and at the end of the tour enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the island from Mt. Luho. If you hire a local guide, you might have the chance to hear interesting stories and secrets about Boracay too.

Visit Boracay’s neighboring islands

Visit Boracay’s neighboring islands
To get the most out of your stay, step away from White Beach for a half-day and go island hopping. Boracay’s neighboring islands are beautiful natural gems well worth exploring. You’ll get the chance to set foot upon unspoiled beaches, see breathtaking seascapes and snorkel in between your beach stops. Find your way to Crocodile Island (where there are no crocodiles in sight), trek Crystal Cove Island and jump off a cliff from Magic Island.

Take the reverse bungee ride

Take the reverse bungee ride
Challenge yourself by taking the G-Max reverse bungee experience on Boracay. Originally from New Zealand, this thrilling ride is the first attraction of its kind in the country. Experience what it feels like to be shot up into the sky as the capsule reaches up to 60 feet above. While the entire ride only takes less than 10 minutes, this adrenaline-pumping activity will definitely be one of the main highlights of your trip.

Experience nightlife on the island

Experience nightlife on the island
One of the many reasons why tourists keep coming back to Boracay is because it’s often dubbed as ‘the island that never sleeps’. After the sun goes down, the beach becomes a giant outdoor club where you’ll witness fire dancing, loud parties and drinking until the wee hours of morning. While it may not have the same ambiance (as the government plans to ban smoking/drinking on the beach), restaurant and club owners might have something under their sleeves as a different gimmick for night owls.

Get a massage on the beach

Get a massage on the beach
After a long day of island hopping and water sports, a massage might be the cheapest and most relaxing way to reward yourself. While there are a number of spas and wellness centers where you can splurge on massage treatments, you can opt for a beachside version under the coconut trees. It’s a unique and refreshing experience while feeling the sea breeze. But, if the passers-by are distractions to your relaxation, find one of the island’s many nipa rooms instead.

See more: Best destinations to visit in Visayas, Philippines
Source: Internet

Monday, 15 July 2019

Top water activites to do in Jeju in the summer

Home to the breathtaking Hallasan mountain, the awe-inspiring haenyo or powerful sea women, and historically-infused harubangs or grandfather statues at Jeju Stone Park, Jeju Island is also renowned for its picturesque beaches. For all water sports enthusiasts, add Jeju to your bucket list! It is a paradise filled with crystal turquoise waters perfect for you to spend your summer.

Top water activites to do in Jeju in the summer

Kayaking

Top water activites to do in Jeju in the summer
What’s more fun than kayaking? Kayaking in a transparent boat! Kayak in the emerald ocean of Jeju at Woljeongri Beach, also known as the “place where the moon rests”. The beach boasts silvery white sand complemented by flaring hues of the sun. Breathe in the ocean air and repose while  the see-through kayak brings you even closer to the marine life and ocean floors. This activity is suitable for all ages. Bask in the summer heat and kayak on.

Stand-up paddleboarding

Top water activites to do in Jeju in the summer
Originating from Hawaii, stand-up paddleboarding is a relatively new sport that has just been introduced to the island in recent years. This activity is also beginner-friendly as lessons are provided. All you have to pay for is the board rental! Not to worry, the instructors are equipped with the ISA SUP instructor certification and can communicate in English. Opt for the Jeju SUP Surfing Club guided tour to learn the basics of paddleboarding and embark on a unique tour of Jeju Island’s caves.

Submarine tour

Top water activites to do in Jeju in the summer
When else will you get a chance to get on board a submarine? The Seogwipo Submarine conducts safe undersea tours along the 40-metre deep sea bed which allows you to observe the brightly-colored fish and beautiful coral reefs. A passenger ferry at Seogwipo Port will take you to Munseom to board the submarine. After the deep sea tour, there will also be a tour of Munseom Island itself. This activity is perfect for families with children and those who still wish to get up close and personal with Jeju marine life without having to get their feet wet.

Scuba diving

Top water activites to do in Jeju in the summer
The deeper you go, the cooler it gets. Try scuba diving at the Southern coast of Jeju and revel in the vibrant marine life! The Jeju Island Diving Service conducts their dives at small rocky outlets off Sogwipo city. Opt for a dive at Supseom Island to witness the large schools of squid and you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins if you’re lucky.

Read more: Experience 4 routes for hiking in South Korea

Snorkeling

Top water activites to do in Jeju in the summer
Located 14 kilometres east of Jeju, Hamdeok Beach is a tropical gem that boasts clean and shallow waters perfect for snorkeling. The marine life of Hamdeok Beach is sure to entrance you with colorful glimpses of yellow-striped butterfly fish, triggerfish and little schooling fish, amongst others.

Source Internet