Thursday, 22 August 2019

5 South Korean must-try dishes in the fall

For each of Korea’s four distinct seasons, a different set of dishes takes center stage in Korea’s culinary scene. Autumn marks the season of the nation’s three most popular kinds of seafood: blue crabs, jumbo shrimp (prawns), and gizzard shad.  Foods are best in terms of taste and nutritional value when they are eaten in season. Read on to see more what’s in for this fall.


5 South Korean must-try dishes in the fall

Blue crab - Delicious and nutritious

5 South Korean must-try dishes in the fall
Blue crabs are in season during spring and autumn. The abundant, creamy roe of the pre-spawning female crabs are best enjoyed in the spring, while the flaky, plump meat of the male crabs is a delicacy best enjoyed in autumn. Crabs are prepared in a variety of ways and can be made into spicy crab soup with vegetables and other seafood, or it can also be steamed, shelled, and eaten plain. Another delicacy is gejang, or raw crab marinated in soy sauce or red chili-pepper paste sauce. Prepared in any form, freshly-caught crabs are a true seafood lover’s delight.

Not only are blue crabs tasty, but they are also packed with nutrients. The crab’s shell contains calcium and chitin and the meat has an abundance of essential amino acids and vitamins. In Korea, blue crabs are known to be effective in the prevention of geriatric diseases and aid in alcohol detoxification.

Jumbo Prawns - A feast for the eyes & palate

5 South Korean must-try dishes in the fall
Jumbo prawn is another seafood that tastes the best in autumn. Filled with sweet flesh from September to December, prawns are enjoyed in various forms, grilled on top of a bed of salts, to name one. In the port cities like Incheon and Busan, you can find the freshest prawns ready to be enjoyed. Some of the street food vendors prepare them as a whole and serve deep-fried, which is available only when fresh.

Gizzard Shad - Soft flesh and bold flavors

5 South Korean must-try dishes in the fall
In the fall, gizzard shads store up plenty of nutrients for the long, cold winter; meaning they are packed with healthy oils and plenty of flavor. The best months to eat these delicious fish are between late September and mid November. Larger gizzard shads are higher in fat, so make sure to pick a fish over 15cm to enjoy the fish’s true taste.

There are many ways to cook and eat gizzard shads. Slices of raw gizzard shads taste best when wrapped in lettuce and seasoned with chili and garlic sauce. The spicy taste of a seasoned gizzard shad platter mixed with various vegetables and condiments is also a local favorite. However, the best way to cook gizzard shad is to take a whole fish, salt it lightly, and put it on the grill. There’s no need to debone it, so it is ready to be eaten as soon as it is done.

Pine mushrooms - Small in size, big in flavor

5 South Korean must-try dishes in the fall
Pine mushrooms only thrive on live pine trees and are harvested in autumn. Pine mushrooms are referred to as diamonds in the forest for their high nutritional value and efficacy. The mushroom is great for preventing geriatric diseases and protecting the stomach. More than anything, it is known for its cancer prevention qualities.

Pine mushrooms are expensive as they cannot be grown commercially, but must be collected in their natural environment. Despite the high price tag, it is in great demand thanks to its delicate flavor and nutritional value. The mushroom can be sliced and grilled over a light fire, but it is more commonly cooked with other ingredients. When it is cooked along foods like abalone or beef, it is fortified with minerals and proteins, turning into a great stamina health food.

Persimmon - A sweet and healthy dessert

5 South Korean must-try dishes in the fall
Fall is the season when many of the fruits grow fully ripened. Among many, apple, pear, and persimmon represent autumn fruits of Korea. As Koreans enjoy fruits as a dessert, people tend to regard the sweetness as the most important thing when choosing a fruit. Fruits enjoyed in fall are not only sweet but also rich in nutrients.

Read more: 7 interesting fall festivals in Korea

Source Internet

Wednesday, 21 August 2019

A guide to visit Kaohsiung for first-time travelers

Known as a harbor city in Taiwan, Kaohsiung has the biggest port on the island. With year-round fine weather, cheap costs, convenient public transport, and gorgeous beaches, it’s no wonder this city is well-loved by many people.

A guide to visit Kaohsiung for first-time travelers

 As Taiwan’s second largest city after Taipei, Kaohsiung is the lesser known travel destination most people overlook in favor of the capital. But beneath the cover of this sleepy seaside city lies a treasure trove of undiscovered gems.

Experience the local nightlife in Taiwan's famous night market

A guide to visit Kaohsiung for first-time travelers
No trip to Kaohsiung is complete without paying the city’s night markets a visit. The heart of Kaohsiung beats in its night markets where food, shopping, and people come together on one long stretch of road. Prepare yourself for aroma bombs, long queues, awesome shopping, and unbelievable steals. Liuhe night market is the must-visit market in Kaohsiung.

Make a stop at Formosa dome of light

A guide to visit Kaohsiung for first-time travelers
Right by the Liu He Night Market is Kaohsiung’s Formosa station. At first, it may seem like any old station in the world, but there is a secret beautiful gem waiting to be discovered. The station is home to the “Dome of Light”, an impressive glass work display that is the largest in the world. Designed by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata, the colorful glasses tell the story of four elements: Water, Earth, Light, and Fire.

Explore Cijin Island

A guide to visit Kaohsiung for first-time travelers
Cijin or Qijin Island is a small, narrow strip of an island just a short ferry ride away from Kaohsiung harbor. It’s a popular day trip destination known for its black sand beach, a few historical and religious structures, and the best seafood in Kaohsiung.

Take selfies at Pier-2 Art Center

A guide to visit Kaohsiung for first-time travelers
Pier-2 Art Center is the most notable of which was a giant 20-foot robot. The creative park is spread out over several buildings and warehouses by the wharf, making for a good 1-2 hours of mural hunting and selfie-taking. You’ll find a few interesting shops and cafes here as well.

Visit the Fo Guang Shan Monastery

A guide to visit Kaohsiung for first-time travelers
Fo Guang Shan is the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. It covers an area of over 30 hectares and is comprised of university buildings, shrines, a cemetery, and a 36-meter tall statue of Amitabha Buddha. Tucked away on the top of a hill overlooking the Gaoping River Basin, this 100-hectare religious palace is the gathering ground for all who seek spiritual respite, fortune, and surprisingly, even fun-filled festivities during certain auspicious months.

Reverse your fortune at the Lotus Lake

A guide to visit Kaohsiung for first-time travelers
Some people believe that luck is something you’re born with; others use all sorts of charms and talismans in efforts to change their luck. Even if you’re not one to be taken in by such superstitions, this one ritual is a must-try for all first-time visitors to Kaohsiung. Run into the dragon’s mouth, said no one ever - save for the locals in Kaohsiung. This auspicious custom has got locals and tourists running straight into the mouth of the dragon and out from the tiger’s mouth is said to reverse one’s fortune from bad to good.

Read more: 24 hour culinary experience in Taiwan

Source Internet

Top interesting activities on rainy season in Hoi An

Top interesting activities on rainy season in Hoi An
From the end of October to February, many tourists visit Hoi An. It is the high season. However, normally, that period is rainy season. But don’t worry! Below are some recommendations of things to do in Hoi An when it rains so that you can make your holiday more interesting.

Try a Vietnamese painting or lantern-making class

Try a Vietnamese painting or lantern-making class
The majority of shops in Hoi An tend to be non-profit organizations selling souvenirs made by disadvantaged and often disabled locals, where you can also join a traditional Vietnamese painting or lantern-making class at reasonable rates.

The Lifestart Foundation Workshop in Hoi An Old Town offers a half-day class for VND 720,000, comprising two workshops, complimentary Vietnamese tea, as well as the opportunity to learn about the Lifestart Foundation’s initiative for helping people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Learn to make a Vietnamese meal

Learn to make a Vietnamese meal
The Gioan Restaurant and Cooking School not only offers great meals, but also an opportunity to learn how to replicate Vietnamese flavors when you return home. Classes at Gioan include a trip to the local market to pick up ingredients, and personalized tutoring from one of their three friendly in-house chefs. You will learn to make an entire Vietnamese meal, including dishes like pho noodles, spring rolls, banh xeo (Vietnamese crepe), and green papaya salad.

Go for a spa session

Go for a spa session
Instead of confining yourself in the comfort of your hotel room, why not indulge in a pampering facial or massage during a rainy day in Hoi An? The majority of hotels and resorts offer a wide range of spa treatments, but you might discover better pampering at a significantly lower price at one of the local day spas. There are a few to choose from, most of which are within walking distance of Hoi An Riverside, and it is also worth checking out what discounts are available as most of them offer at least 10% off during their quieter hours.

Get a tailor-made suit

Get a tailor-made suit
Hoi An used to be important to Southeast Asia’s textile trade for centuries, so it is no surprise that the city’s streets are filled with skilled tailors and leather goods workshops where you can have any item of clothing or accessory you like made to order.

Many shops have been open for generations, producing top quality garments, but recent years have seen an explosion in poorer quality workshops, make sure to take precautions against unscrupulous business practices. Always go to the tailor’s with the specific details (material, fit, stitching, etc.) of what you want, shop around for the best rates, and never depend on hotels’ or taxi drivers’ recommendations, if you want the best of Hoi An’s craftsmanship.

Visit an Art Gallery or Museum

Visit an Art Gallery or Museum
Art galleries are plentiful in Hoi An Old Town, featuring beautiful paintings and photographs by notable artists throughout Vietnam. Displayed for sale, most revolve around traditional Vietnamese life, including nature, people and costumes, as well as traditional villages and landmarks. If you are more of a history buff, then museums such as the Museum of Trade Ceramics and Hoi An Museum of History and Culture are must-visits during a rainy day in the UNESCO-listed town.

Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village, “Traditional Craft Village”

Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village, “Traditional Craft Village”
Thanh Ha Pottery Village is only around 4km away from Hoi An and easily accessible by both bicycle and scooter. Take the road that runs next to the river to experience some local living styles here.

While visiting Thanh Ha Pottery Village, you will have a chance to explore traditional potteries making by local people. Also, you can learn how to make pottery by yourself. The ceramic product made by your own hands will be the most fabulous souvenir.

See more: A journey through peaceful villages in Hoi An

Source Internet