Thursday, 24 October 2019

November in Sri Lanka: What to do and see

Sri Lanka is a paradise of pleasant distractions and pursuits. The country offers many things to explore and discover. Every visitor to Sri Lanka can have a taste of local experience even from the simplest wayside tea kiosk or among the green bounty of paddy fields. 
November in Sri Lanka: What to do and see
Here is a guide to five things to do while traveling to Sri Lanka on November; get a feel of local entertainment, embark on a culture-voyage to the rhythmic beat of the drum, experience a spiritual carnival of piety and a journey in indulgence with nature.

  • Get taste of Sri Lankan coffee

Get taste of Sri Lankan coffee
Colombo has been swept by a coffee culture that has a blend of Sri Lankan and international brands. Coffee is the most consumed beverage universally, it is not surprising that prime area of Colombo 3, 4, 5 and 7 are alight with many cosy coffee shops boasting international coffee blends and brands. The compulsory classics of espressos, cappuccinos and lattes are served in these coffee shops that often have separate breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and sweet dessert of brownies, tarts and cakes.

  • Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Visit Gangaramaya Temple
One of the top 10 things to do in Sri Lanka is to visit the gorgeous Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. While all the temples in the country have something unique to offer in terms of art and architecture, the Gangaramaya Temple is one step ahead of them all. An epitome of artistic brilliance that has stood the test of time, this Buddhist temple reflects a fusion of Indian, Chinese, and Thai style of architecture.

Get acquainted with Sri Lankan dance
The jingle and jangle of bells accompanied by the rhythmic and acrobatic prowess of the Sri Lankan dancers adorned with colourful costumes is another encounter with the country’s roots. The diverse dance forms of Up-country, Low-country and Sabaragamuwa have all originated from an elaborate ritualistic dance known as the ‘Kohomba Kankariya’.

Most Sri Lankans have learnt at least a few steps or dances as children and students, and the local dance traditions are very much alive as a form of leaning and entertainment, with many dance troupes and academies spread throughout the country. It is not difficult to master the movement and coordination of hands and feet in rhythm to the sound of the drum, in fact it will be another indulgence in Sri Lanka’s culture and ethos.

  • Explore the tea hills

Explore the tea hills
Sri Lanka is one of the most important tea producers in the world and its hill country is stunning.  Colonial towns dot the landscape surrounded by tea plantations. One of the best places to sip tea is in Nuwara Eliya and Kandy.

The vegetation is lush and green and the rolling hills make for an awesome site. Pretend you are in jolly old England for a few days.  Stay in old plantation homes, drink tea and eat baked goods.

Read more: Worth-trying dishes in Sri Lanka

  • Take the train

Take the train
One of the things you must things to do in Sri Lanka is to ride the trains. Sri Lanka's trains are like stepping back in time. They chug slowly along through hills and valleys. It is the slow journey that makes it special.

Looking out over the mountains and tea plantations rival any view in the world and the people that you meet on the train will be remembered forever. So if you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka make sure this makes your to do list and take the time to travel by train. It will be an experience you will remember and cherish forever.

Source Internet

Wednesday, 23 October 2019

The best foodie experiences in Asia

Asia is an expansive region packed with a diverse array of exciting food experiences. From the sultry flavors of Thailand to the exquisite creations found in Japan, you can’t miss eating adventures around Asia.
The best foodie experiences in Asia

Browse Ningxia Night Market in Taipei

The best foodie experiences in Asia
Taiwan is renowned for its snack culture, and there’s no better place to sample the full range of delicacies than at the Ningxia Night Market. Although this is not the largest night market in the city, it is one of the most popular among locals, and you can bet the flavors are true to tradition. When the sun sets, wander through the many rows of lighted stalls, and dive into specialities such as oyster omelettes, deep-fried taro balls filled with salted egg yolk, and roasted sausage stuffed inside glutinous rice.

Explore the historical morning markets of Takayama

The best foodie experiences in Asia
Takayama in Gifu prefecture is at the heart of Japanese culinary history. The region is famous for producing high-altitude vegetables, renowned sake, Hida beef, and many other delicacies. The morning markets, which open at 6 a.m., date back more than 300 years, and local farmers put out fascinating displays. Visitors will find beautiful seasonal produce, unique local pickles, bags of homemade miso wrapped in leaves, preserved fish, soy bean candies, and more.

Visit the Bibimbap Festival in Jeonju

The best foodie experiences in Asia
It’s fitting that a city considered among the best places in Korea to sample bibimbap hosts one of the biggest celebrations commemorating this simple, delicious dish. Held each year in October in Jeonju, the festivities include cultural performances, tours, and plenty of opportunities to sample the celebrated dish. The denouement is the preparation of a giant bibimbap that is large enough to serve 400.

Numb your tongue with dinner in Chengdu

The best foodie experiences in Asia
Chengdu chefs are known for creating epic dishes that use a heady mixture of various of chili peppers (dried, pickled, crushed or in paste form) plus special numbing Sichuan peppers (huajiao) that make the lips tingle and the tongue sing. Dig into delicious renditions of mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, bullfrog with chili peppers, and more.

Sample boat noodles in Ayutthaya

The best foodie experiences in Asia
Thai boat noodles are another popular dish best sampled in its city of origin. Ayutthaya was originally founded around 1350 and offers streets rich in history, as well as shops hawking this incredible specialty. Originally vendors would ride little sampans through the rivers while serving the dish, but you can still enjoy the rich pork broth, roasted meat, crackling, and rice noodles served from the comfort of dry land.

Read more: Discover Obangsaek, philosophy in Korean cuisine

Source The Culture Trip

Shopping Guide: What to buy in Osaka, Japan

Shopping Guide: What to buy in Osaka, Japan
Here are the souvenirs that people from Osaka will definitely recommend to visitors that come to Osaka, be it for pleasure or for business, who will then certainly purchase them to share with their family and friends.

Happy Turn's Snack

Happy Turn's Snack
Happy Turn snack is regarded as the premium version of the regular Happy Turn rice cracker that one might be familiar with. The regular Happy Turn is a snack made of rice crackers and have a sweet and savoury powder dusted on top. The premium version of Happy Turn comes in a variety of flavours. During the spring and summer seasons, the light-textured, crispy cracker is put on sale. During fall and winter, one gets the chance to buy the variety which melts in the mouth.

Takoyaki Calbee Jagariko

Takoyaki Calbee Jagariko
Calbee Jagariko is a popular snack across Japan, but Osaka decided to give it a twist. They added octopus ball flavouring called takoyaki to the crunchy corn sticks. Actually, the well-known delicacy takoyaki was created in Osaka, and you will find many restaurants serving them with beer.

Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake

Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake
If there is one cheesecake that you must try, then it has to be from Uncle Rikuro’s. This is one of the most famous cheesecakes, you would find in Japan and is only available in Osaka. In fact, people who love this item go an extra mile to try out this delicious cheesecake. Soft and fluffy, these cakes are made from cheese imported from Denmark. High-quality milk and butter are used from Hokkaido. Such top quality ingredients add to the creamy texture of the cake.

Kuidaore Taro Pudding

Kuidaore Taro Pudding
If you are visiting Osaka and intend to shop for something uniquely Japanese, then you should definitely buy a souvenir which is related to Osaka’s most iconic Kuidaore Taro. The Kuidaore Taro Pudding comes in a cute packaging wrapped in a small box. Each comes with three puddings in it. The pudding has a soft and gooey texture and is filled with a rich caramel Brulee sauce.

Dojima Roll

Dojima Roll
This is no ordinary rollcake. This delicious rollcake is made with a lot of care from one of Japan's famous patissiers. You will love the subtle taste and sweetness of the soft rollcake that is filled with fresh cream. This is probably the most popular souvenir among the locals and visitors. They have matcha flavored rollcake as well.

Osaka's Half-baked Soft Castelo

Osaka's Half-baked Soft Castelo
With no reservations, fresh eggs are used and these half-baked castelos are made into bite-size shapes. Castelos are originally from Portugal but they have a long history in Japan too. These castelos are half-baked, giving them a unique taste and texture.

Bâton D’or

Bâton D’or
Bâton d’or is a unique Japanese snack found in Osaka, which is part of the Pocky series. Although Pocky is a snack which is found all over the world, Bâton d’or is only found in Osaka and people often have to wait in long queues to buy this. There is also the Bâton d’or pretzel which is thicker than the normal Pocky. This is made by first kneading butter into a dough and then adding more butter in it. So, if you are a Pocky fan, then this is something you may want to buy for yourself. These Bâton d’or sticks also make good gifts to present to people.

Matcha Snacks

Matcha Snacks
It is no surprise for Japan, the land of matcha to come up with a wide variety of matcha sweets. The top popular ones are probably Kit Kat, Pocky and Chocolate Kaki no Tane's matcha versions. You can get them right before you board your plane at Kansai Airport or Itami Airport that also sells other souvenirs too. Don't be surprised to find some of these matcha sweets sold out in less than an hour because there are many foreign visitors buying these matcha sweets in bulk.

Read more: Top onsen houses to try in Osaka, Japan

Source Internet