Monthly Archives: June 2018

Singapore Food Festival 2018: A Celebration of Culinary Goodness of the Country

singapore-food-fest

When the British decided to transform Singapore into a trading post for the East India Company in 1819, they couldn’t have foreseen that they were also turning the tiny island into a hotbed of culinary miracles. With immigrants from China, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Europe, America and the Middle East flocking to the island, it wasn’t just the trade that was benefiting, the Singaporean cuisine also gained in heaps. Today, the country takes great pride in its diverse and rich food culture that finds brilliant representation at hawker stalls, open-air food courts as much as it does at the country’s very best hotels helmed in their kitchens by renowned international chefs.

Initiated in 1994, the Singapore Food Festival is not only an attempt to celebrate the country’s food history; it is also an outlet to showcase the prominent position food takes in an average Singaporean’s life. Attending the festival is the one of the best ways to figure out how food is the glue that ties the country together as well as with the rest of the world that comes knocking at its door to get a taste from its abundant cuisine.

Here are top events planned for Singapore Food Festival 2018, being held from 13th July 2018 to 29th July 2018:

STREAT

The marquee event of the festival, STREAT will feature celebrity chefs Emmanuel Stroobant from one Michelin-starred Saint Pierre, and Haikal Johari from one Michelin-starred Alma. Together the two celebrity chefs will be rolling out dishes such as beef short rib with black pepper, ginger and buah keluak and Canadian scallops with coconut, turmeric and laksa leaf oil for guests at Empress Lawn on 13 July and 14 July. Additionally, popular establishments including Old Bibik Peranakan Kitchen (halal), Gayatri Restaurant, Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang (halal), Fishball Story, CreatureS, Quarters and Xiao Ya Tou will also set up stalls at the event.

Sentosa Grillfest

The Sentosa Grillfest will return this year as well and will feature more than 30 F&B kiosks run by innovative and young hawkers. Delectable dishes from varying cultures, including BBQ items, Jumbo Hokkien Noodles, Traditional Naan Platter, old school calamasi with sour plum, will be served at the beach in the backdrop of live-music performances and other family-friendly activities. OLA Beach Club, FOC Sentosa, Wave House Sentosa, AJ Hackett Sentosa, Brewerkz & Fries and Fat Belly are some of the participating booths this year. The event is scheduled to be held every Friday-Sunday from 13th July-29th July.

Curry Day 2018

An Indian influence on the country’s cuisine means that curries are huge in Singapore. The Curry Day 2018 by Old Chang Kee to be held at Velocity@Novena Square Indoor Atrium on 27 to 28 July 2018 will see curry lovers flocking to taste delectable, spicy and comforting curries from the curry-themed menu. Curry puffs, curry buns and curry chicken will be in demand and visitors can choose from amongst a range of fun, family activities such as curry cooking demonstrations for adults and spice art lessons for children.

LoveSG at Changi Airport

The passengers arriving, departing or halting at Changi Airport can benefit from a range of activities and special promotions as part of the Singapore Food Festival 2018. Popular food stores, including Krispy Kreme, Paradise Dynasty, The World is Flat, TWG Tea boutique, Asia Favourites, Black Barista Coffee World, will come up with special menus around the time of the festival in addition to offering heavy discounts all through the festival.

The 50 Cents Fest: Colonial Singapore

Chinatown Food Street will come alive with hawker stalls offering sumptuous colonial era dishes that are hard to find in today’s time at budget prices. Kerabu beehoon (tossed rice vercimelli), fish moilee (lightly spiced fish curry) and kopi gu you (black coffee with butter) are some of the popular dishes from 1930s that you should keep a definite eye for. There will also be a performance by Taxi Girl and a traditional opera for the amusement of guests.

McDonald’s Love Local Campaign, Park Bench Deli Collaborations, A Samsui Love Story: A Food & Dance Affair and Balik Kampong Heritage Dinner x Time Out are amongst other events that are creating a buzz.

Top 6 Beaches to Visit in Dubai

Dubai, for many, is primarily a luxury destination with top resorts, exciting desert adventures, and glamorous shopping options, but this city also boasts of several pristine beaches, impressing beach lovers from all across the globe. Here’s the list of a few of them:

Kite Beach

Calling thousands of visitors each year to enjoy the best of kite surfing in Dubai, Kite Beach is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. It is situated a few steps away from Jumeirah’s main street and is an ideal place for a family beach holiday. Besides kite surfing, tourists can enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and can indulge in many non-aqua activities at its Skate Park, outdoor trampoline and toddler-friendly area. Also known as Wollongong Beach, this beach is a perfect spot for some relaxing sunbathing and it is here you can try some of the best beef sliders in the city.

Dubai Beach

Jumeirah Beach

Situated on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Jumeirah Beach is popular for its stunning white sands and for presenting stunning views of the ‘7-star’ Burj Khalifa. With a beautiful ambience wrapped with palm trees and desert gardens, and a combination of cafes, barbeques and children parks, the beach is ideal for picnics, and afternoon and evening getaways. Boat rides, sailing, wind surfing and water skiing are some of the major activities offered on the beach.

Aquaventure Beach

The only water park in Dubai with a dedicated private beach, Aquaventure Beach is the largest waterpark in the Middle East and Europe. It lies on the outer ring of the iconic Palm Islands and astonishes visitors with the 700 meter stretch of pristine beach, record-breaking water rides and slides, and several reserved seating areas in the park. With the best waterpark facilities and a lot to offer, Aquaventure is where you can experience the best of water fun! Here you can enjoy swimming with sharks and rays, take a raft and cruise through the Shark Tunnel and can spiral down the Aquaconda.

Sunset Beach

Located just north of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Sunset Beach has the picturesque Arabian Gulf in the background. It is the widest and one of the most peaceful spots of the city to relax. This place calls families, picnickers and sunbathers for a relaxing holiday. Sunset Beach is popular for beach surfing and fishing; you can also just sit back, relax and read a book while delighting in its beauty and soulful surroundings.

Umm Suqeim Beach

Lying in the shadow of a prominent Dubai landmark, the Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim Beach is a quiet and spacious relaxing spot for families, couples and solo travellers. With an eye-catching sandy expanse and a collection of shelters, changing huts and many shower facilities, it is an ideal public beach in the city. While it is a popular destination among kite surfers, you can also enjoy snorkelling here. In addition, it is the city’s first beach that allows night swimming.

Black Palace Beach

Also known as Al Sufouh Beach, Black Palace Beach is situated between the Burj Al Arab Hotel and The Palm Jumeirah. This hidden gem of the city is a beautiful bay and a natural wild beach, and makes for a private hideaway. Though it is an undeveloped plot of land, it is a perfect place to escape the city, relaxing and enjoying beach volleyball.

Get Ready To Unravel A Brazilian Adventure!

brazil

Brazil is a fabulous South American nation full of surprises for travellers. It sees tourists from across the world all the year round. Have a look at some of the interesting experiences you can enjoy here, so that you can create an interesting itinerary for yourself.

Christ the Redeemer

This magnanimous sculpture, created back in 1931 by Paul Landowski, is one of the most visited tourist places in Brazil. It is situated on the peak of the Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca Forest National Park. The structure is created with soapstone and stands 30m tall. A symbol of Christianity across the globe, Christ the Redeemer is a true masterpiece.

Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

One of the liveliest neighbourhoods in Rio, Copacabana presents an almost picture perfect diorama for people to appreciate! The sandy beaches are lined with little cafes and pubs that are all vivacious. Not surprisingly, people come to this colourful neighbourhood from different parts of the world. The military museum is among the region’s most striking tourist highlight.

Fernando De Noronha

This volcanic archipelago is situated 350kms off the northeast coast of Brazil. If you are fond of hiking and wish to visit this ecological sanctuary, you are in for a treat. You can witness sea turtles, reef sharks, dolphins etc. There are beaches where you can try several interesting adventure sports such as snorkelling and scuba diving.

Porto De Galinhas

Situated in Pernambuco, this idyllic beach is as beautiful as they get.  With its stretches of clear water beaches and natural pools, it promises a relaxing time to the travellers. This place has been voted the best Brazilian beach several times and it is definitely a place you should visit when you are around

Iguacu National Park

This splendid national park will certainly impress you with its beauty. With its terrain and landscape it creates a beautiful panorama that you will be at a loss of words to describe. People come here from different parts of the world to hike and trek.

Enjoy local delicacies

The food and drinks in Brazil are a highpoint as well. There are so many interesting dishes you should try when you are around such as Moqueca, barbequed meat, Cachaca, Pao De Quejo, Quindim and Acaraje. Besides, restaurants in most of the key Brazilian cities serve food from different parts of the world.

Shop at local markets

Street shopping in Brazil is something you have to do. Barra Shopping, Shopping Rio Sul, Passeio das Aguas, Boulevard Shopping Belem etc are some of the best places to pick up colourful souvenirs, clothes, jewellery, shoes, bags and so on.

Top Attractions and Places to Explore in Sikkim, India

Sikkim, a small state in the land of Himalayas, is lesser visited tourist destination in India but is covered by hidden valleys, snow-fed lakes, mystical monasteries and many more scenic sights. Offering a plethora of varied and unique holiday opportunities for all kinds of travellers, be it adventure enthusiasts or spiritual seekers, this beautiful Indian state is where tourists get to experience an extraordinary culture, and a new world altogether at a very high altitude!
Have a look at some of the top tourist attractions to explore in Sikkim:

Gangtok

Gangtok

The capital and the largest town of Sikkim, Gangtok lies on a cloudy ridge 5,500 feet above sea level presenting a spectacular view of the world’s third highest peak, Mountain Kangchenjunga. It is the main base for tourism in the state where tourists visit to experience the best of trekking, mountaineering and river rafting in River Teesla. Besides, visitors can enjoy good food, stay at amazing hotels and enjoy a buzzing nightlife amidst wonderful environs here in the city.

Nathula Pass

Connecting India with Tibet and lying at 4,310 metres above sea level, Nathula Pass is the best place in Sikkim for trekking. It was once a part of the historic “Silk Road’ and is counted among the world’s highest motorable passes. The border gates of India and China and the Exhibition Centre of the Indian Army are the major draws of Nathula Pass. Here, tourists get the chance to enjoy a number of waterfalls gushing along the way from Gangtok to Nathula and to witness gorgeous snow peaks encircling the area.

Tsomgo Lake

Located 38 km away from Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake is also known as Tsongmo Lake and Changu Lake. Lying at an altitude of 12310 feet, this lake is one of the most picturesque and highest lakes in India encircled by lush green landscape on all sides. This egg-shaped lake is about 1km long and 50 metres deep, and its surface reflects different colours with the change of seasons. Situated on the steep route leading all the way to Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake is mostly visited along with Nathula Pass.

Yuksom

A small historical town situated in West Sikkim, Yuksom draws visitors with its scenic landscape and snow-capped mountains. It is also known as the “gateway to Kangchendzongha” and amazes tourists with its Buddhist heritage and monasteries. The town is located at an altitude of 1780 metres and was originally the ancient capital of Sikkim. Famed as the “Meeting place of the Three Lamas”, this town is one of the most peaceful, serene and spiritual places to explore in Sikkim.

Ravangla

Sitting amidst the Maenam and Tendong Hills, Ravangla is a scenic town between Gangtok and Pelling. It captures the attention with its most famed Buddha Park where a towering 130 feet Buddha statue is situated in the lap of manicured gardens. Home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered birds, the town is renowned as a paradise for bird watchers. Besides, the town, being a starting point for the trek to Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, astonishes trekkers from all around.

7 Best Places to Explore in Maharashtra, India besides Mumbai

There is no doubt that Maharashtra is best known for its capital, Mumbai, which is often called the city of dreams and is globally famous as a business and tourist destination. However, apart from this world-renowned tourist spot, there is much more to this state of varying lifestyles and cultures, making it a delight to visit in India.

Read on to know about the best places to see and explore in Maharashtra besides Mumbai:

Mahabaleshwar

Nestled in the country’s forested Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is a hill station famed for its picturesque beauty and mesmerising strawberry farms. It is one of the best weekend getaways from Mumbai. Often referred as the queen of hill stations in Maharashtra, it is a place with a fine collection of rivers and magnificent peaks. Besides, tourists would love to explore some thrilling trekking spots and beautiful waterfalls in the town. Pratapgad, Venna Lake and Lingmala Waterfall are some of the prominent tourist attractions here.

Aurangabad

Surrounded by many historical monuments including Ellora Caves and Ajanta Caves, the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, Aurangabad is a city tempting a large number of tourists each year. It is named after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and reflects a culture influenced by Aurangabadthe Mughal and Muslim culture of Hyderabad. The major draw of the city is the 17th-century marble Bibi ka Maqbara shrine which is styled on the Taj Mahal and its nearby Shivaji Maharaj Museum which captures the attention with war weapons and a coin collection. Besides, Aurangabad caves, Chand Minar and Daulatabad Fort are some other interesting places to explore here.

Kolhapur

A historic city, Kolhapur is situated at an elevation of 559 metres above sea level. It lies on the banks of the Panchganga River and is known to be the heart of the Maratha Empire. With a pleasant climate all year round and heavy rainfalls during the monsoons, Kolhapur makes for Kolhapuran ideal tourist destination in Maharashtra. People visit the city to explore its many historical monuments and the Marathi heritage. While Mahalakshmi Temple, Rankala Lake and Jyotiba are some major tourist attractions in the city, the special Kolhapuri slippers and Kolhapur cuisines are not be missed here.

Matheran

A secluded and charming hill station near Mumbai, Matheran attracts tourists with its mild climate and well-preserved colonial architecture. Situated on the Western Ghat mountain range at a height of 2636 feet above the sea level, it is the smallest hill station in India but is quite popular for a short trip or a quick weekend getaway. The lush greenery, waterfalls and the lakes in the town are a sight to behold for nature lovers. While the entire town in itself is a delight to explore, Hart Point, Malet Spring, Mount Berry and Luisa Point are some of the most prominent tourist attractions not to be missed.

Nashik

Famed for being one of the Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, Nashik is an ancient city lying on the banks of the river Godavari. This place is quite popular for being one of the cities hosting the Kumbha Mela once every 12 years. With a wonderful collection of museums, gardens and an Nashikarray of ancient Hindu temples, Nashik is one of the world’s holiest cities. Besides, housing half of India’s vineyards and wineries, the city is also known as “the wine capital of India”. Pandavleni Caves, Muktidham, Kalaram Temple and Shri Someshwar Mahadev Temple are some of the beautiful wonders of the city.

Lonavala

Famed as the sister hill station of Khandala, Lonavala is one of the major hill stations in Maharashtra, lying at an altitude of 622 metres in the Sahyadri Ranges. The pleasant weather, scenic splendour and lush velvet meadows make it a beautiful spot for nature lovers. En route from Mumbai to Pune, Lonavala is surrounded by green valleys and attracts with its two Buddhist shines carved out of rock, namely, the Karla Caves and the Bhaja Caves. The major draw of the town is a type of candy which is called “Chikki” and is loved by tourists. Besides, Tiger’s Leap, Bushi Dam, Lonavala Lake and Imagica Adlabs are some of the must-visits of the town.

Solapur

Situated on the south east edge of Maharashtra, Solapur is one of the top monsoon destinations in the state. The city lies at the Deccan plateau, on the Karnataka state border. Home to a significant number of monasteries, Solapur used to be the spiritual centre in the ancient India for the followers of Jainism. With its beautiful collection of the ancient temples and lakes, the city is an ideal holiday destination for families and makes for a perfect weekend getaway for the residents of Bangalore and Maharashtra. Solapur Bhuikot Fort, Killa Bag and Siddheshwar temple are the city’s prominent places to explore.

Unravelling Pakistan – Top Things to See In the Country

One of the most beautiful countries in Asia, Pakistan is famous for its several historical monuments and architectural wonders. Though not as popular a tourist destination as it should be, travellers from across the world visit here and are left awestruck by the expanse of natural and man-made beauty that has history dating back to centuries. Have a look at some amazing places to visit and things to do in Pakistan.

Lake Saiful Muluk

Lake-Saiful-Muluk

It is surprising how under-rated the natural beauty of Pakistan is on the world tourism scene. People have the least idea about how extremely aesthetically appealing this country is, with its lakes, mountains and meadows. Lake Saiful Muluk is one such beautiful spot. Situated in Saiful Muluk National Park, this lake is the perfect place for picnics and boating and hikes in the surrounding areas. Overlooking snow-capped mountains, for the greater part of the year, the view is nothing short of a fairytale!

Sheesh Mahal

Literally known as the palace of mirrors, Sheesh Mahal is a fine example of sublime architectural finesse. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been preserved over the years whilst visitors from different parts of the world visit it to admire its beauty. The use of white marble and fine mirror-work put into creating the piers and minarets of this glorious place are breath-taking.

Mohenjo-Daro

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient city of Mohenjo Daro is one of the largest settlements in the Indus Valley Civilization. There have been revolutionarily astonishing excavations made here, which have revealed how foresighted and intelligent the residents of the Civilization were. Clothing, jewellery, pieces of art, ancient coins and manuscripts has been found here besides other things.

Derawar Fort

A huge Fortress situated in Punjab, Pakistan, Derawar Fort is a historical monument you must see. Built under the guidance of Rai Jajja Bhatti, a Rajput Ruler, this place used to be home to the then royals. Visit to witness the vast expanse of this structure and how it has still been preserved.

Wazir Khan Mosque

Located in Lahore, Pakistan, Wazir Khan Mosque is one of the most spectacular places to visit. Built during the rule of Emperor Shah Jahan, it is one of the primary places for worship in the country. The embellishment done on the walls, the ceiling and the pillars of the mosque are extremely beautiful. The tomb of the Sufi saint Syed Mohammad Ishaq Gazruni is situated in the mosque and people visit here from different parts of the country as well from the rest of the world.

Shalimar Gardens Lahore

This is a Mughal Garden complex situated in Lahore. The gardens consist of several water bodies, artistically designed marble sections and beautiful flora. There is also the Hamam or the royal bath situated here. It is definitely one place you should visit when in Pakistan.