Discovering Pad Thai, the national dish of Thailand
Although one expects a national dish to have roots far back in time, the Pad Thai was invented in the 1930s on request of the Prime Minister. Find out more from Wendy, The Nomadic Vegan.
Abby
East Indian Black Currant Wine recipe
The East Indians of Mumbai make a traditional currant wine for Christmas, Easter and other festivities. Here’s how to make this homemade currant wine.
Easy Boiled Egg Salad Recipe
Mom’s easy egg salad recipe uses just a few gluten free ingredients; mayonnaise, boiled eggs, spring onions, cucumbers, green peppers, salt, pepper.
Top Must-visit Latin American Churches
Latin American churches are truly in a league all their own. Whether you visit South or Central America, you’ll find some of the most beautiful churches in Latin America in many villages or towns. Who built the churches in colonial South America and Central America? Most of the catholic churches in South America and Central … Read more Top Must-visit Latin American Churches
How to make Reusable Ginger Garlic Paste?
Most Indian recipes include large amounts of ginger, garlic and chillies. So it’s easier to make lots of ginger garlic paste and store in the refrigerator for use.
Recipe for how to make the Indian Green Chutney?
The spicy and tangy Indian green chutney is an easy to make in 15-minutes spread or dip that goes well with snacks or sandwiches.
East Indian Mutton Paya Khudi Or Goat Trotters Curry
How to make mutton paya curry? How to make goat trotter khudi curry? What is the recipe for the East Indian paya curry? Those are the questions that brought you here, aren’t they? My mom uses the same recipe that she uses for the East Indian goat tripe curry to make a gluten free paya … Read more East Indian Mutton Paya Khudi Or Goat Trotters Curry
Famous Chapels and Churches in Asia
A home to Eastern religions, Asia is the land of temples! But it’s also home to some of the most stunning and beautiful churches in the world; some even more awe-inspiring that the churches in Europe. If you’re traveling through Asia, you obviously have these questions. Which are the top famous churches in Asia that … Read more Famous Chapels and Churches in Asia
Easy Cabbage and Corn Vegetable Recipe
Remember the easy fried purple cabbage vegetable we made last week? Well, this week was pretty busy too. So mom made her easy cabbage and corn stir fry; another one of those quick and easy vegetarian dishes to cook when you’re in a hurry. Just chop, fry and eat! The traditional cabbage vegetable dish is … Read more Easy Cabbage and Corn Vegetable Recipe
Quick and Easy Fried Purple Cabbage Recipe
Some days you’re so busy that all you want is a quick and easy vegetarian meal that you can eat with bread or puris. That’s when this purple cabbage recipe my mom makes comes in quite handy. If you like a tongue twister, we call it baigani patta gobhi cha sabzi in Hindi. Or for … Read more Quick and Easy Fried Purple Cabbage Recipe
Easy Pineapple Wine Recipe
Pineapple wine is an easy-to-make-at-home fruity wine that gets served for Christmas, Easter or other family gatherings. Here’s how we do it here in Bombay. Ingredients for the Pineapple Wine But first, the list of ingredients we use. 800 grams pineapple2 litres water750 grams sugar20 grams yeast – we use active dry yeast1 tablespoon sugar50 … Read more Easy Pineapple Wine Recipe
Gluten Free Vegetarian Strawberry Bread Recipe
Saw some yummy strawberries in the market and decided it was time to make some tasty strawberry bread or strawberry loaf. Since the recipe uses the same basic ingredients, we also made some strawberry muffins at the same time. I’ll post the muffin recipe soon. Anyways, back to the strawberry bread recipe. We made it … Read more Gluten Free Vegetarian Strawberry Bread Recipe
Tasty Naralchi Wadi or Kopra Pak Recipe
One of my favorite easy to make at home sweets is the traditional Maharashtrian Naralchi Wadi or Kopra Pak. It hardly takes an hour to put together, and you could also prepare the kopra pak after your visitors have landed. Maybe show off some of your Indian cooking skills while entertaining them in the kitchen, … Read more Tasty Naralchi Wadi or Kopra Pak Recipe
Gluten Free Strawberry Muffins Recipe
Remember the strawberry bread that we made recently? Well, on the same day we made these yummy vegetarian strawberry muffins. Why? Because both the recipes include the same basic ingredients. So it’s easier to make the gluten-free strawberry muffins as well when you make the bread. Plus, we’ve used mostly healthy ingredients, so you don’t … Read more Gluten Free Strawberry Muffins Recipe
Mom’s Green Pista Chutney recipe
We love chutney. Of course, we have to! We’re Indians. It’s one of the must-have vegetarian food items that we grew up with. And there are so many forms of chutney, red, green, yellow, white, brown! And chutneys made of tomato, coriander, garlic, coconut, dates, and so much more. One of the staple vegetarian chutneys … Read more Mom’s Green Pista Chutney recipe
Glutenfree Jackfruit Flour Cookies Recipe
So we had some leftover glutenfree jackfruit flour from the many packets I’d purchased for a friend in France. So we experimented with making glutenfree jackfruit flour cookies. We ended up making over a kg and a half the first time. But the times after that we did a little better, just making half a … Read more Glutenfree Jackfruit Flour Cookies Recipe
East Indian Corned tongue or Salted Ox Tongue Recipe
So the East Indians of Bombay in Indian or should I say Mumbai eat tongue as a delicacy for parties and events and birthdays and weddings. Anyways, apart from the regular East Indian beef tongue roast recipe, there’s also the East Indian corned tongue or East Indian salted tongue that everyone loves. So here’s how … Read more East Indian Corned tongue or Salted Ox Tongue Recipe
East Indian Beef Tongue Roast Recipe
One of my favorite East Indian foods at any time of the year is tongue. Tongue roast, salted tongue, tongue moile, pickled tongue, tongue this and tongue that. Now many people in other cultures consider tongue offal and discard it. But in my culture, beef tongue is relished and served at family gatherings or parties. … Read more East Indian Beef Tongue Roast Recipe
Simple Buttery Oyster Mushroom Recipe
Oyster mushrooms taste delicious. But if you ask me, they’re just too pretty to eat! You could spend quite some time just admiring their beauty. The stemmed caps with thick meaty flesh in shades of beautiful pink look absolutely lush. (We get more of the pink one in the store over here, so we haven’t … Read more Simple Buttery Oyster Mushroom Recipe
Things to Do on Holiday in Mallorca, Spain
It was time to visit the brother and his wife again. So we packed our bags and off we went to Mallorca, Spain for a month. The days passed so swiftly before we had to return home that there was hardly enough time to cross places of our things to do in Mallorca list. But … Read more Things to Do on Holiday in Mallorca, Spain
Sweet Beetroot Puris Recipe
Puris or pooris always taste yummy! Give someone a choice between bread and puris, and most Indians will any-day pick puris. What are puris you ask? Puris are deep-fried Indian bread that are made using whole wheat flour without any leavening agent such as baking powder or yeast. Puris can be eaten for breakfast, or … Read more Sweet Beetroot Puris Recipe
Christmas Cookies Recipe (Vegetarian)
So this Christmas we were looking at the list of Christmas dishes made across the world, but we just wanted to make some simple cookies that tasted like shortbread and were yummy too! Keeping our vegetarian friends in mind, we decided to make eggless Christmas cookies. And of course, to keep the processed sugar at … Read more Christmas Cookies Recipe (Vegetarian)
How to make East Indian Date Rolls?
What’s your favorite not-too-sweet Christmas dessert? Mine are date rolls. What are these East Indian date rolls? Date rolls are simple and easy to make bites that are similar to buttery shortbread cookies but are stuffed with walnuts and dates. And they taste as heavenly as vanilla cream or marzipan. Well, almost! Nothing will ever … Read more How to make East Indian Date Rolls?
East Indian Walnut Fudge Recipe
Ever wondered why the traditional walnut fudge made by East Indians can be moulded? Me too! I haven’t found any real answer to this other than ‘It’s because we dry the milk a different way!’ or ‘It’s because we use the vanilla cream recipe!’ Anyways, if you’re wondering how to make the East Indian Walnut … Read more East Indian Walnut Fudge Recipe
Traditional East Indian Vanilla Cream recipe
Recipe for how to make Gluten-Free Milk Cream? Little drops of heaven that melt in your mouth, that’s what we think they are. But some people just call this the East Indian milk cream or traditional vanilla cream, one of the many delicious East Indian sweets. Little melt in your mouth pieces made of milk … Read more Traditional East Indian Vanilla Cream recipe
Homemade Beetroot Hummus Recipe
If you’re looking for a gluten free homemade hummus recipe that also includes sweet beets, this one is perfect!
Best Street Food in Asia to Eat
Living in Asia has its perks; warm weather, friendly locals, and most of all the best street food in Asia, or maybe even the best street food in the world. So if you’re traveling across Asia and wondering what best Asian street food you must try; here’s the list of the top Asian food to … Read more Best Street Food in Asia to Eat
Spicy East Indian Pork Vindaloo Recipe
The traditional East Indian Port Vindaloo tastes as glorious as the East Indian pork sorpotel, or even more so! The blend of chillies and other East Indian masalas makes your mouth water, literally! And it is served with as much pomp as the corned tongue or any other precious East Indian dish. Want to try … Read more Spicy East Indian Pork Vindaloo Recipe
Easy Indian Custard Powder Halwa Recipe
You know it’s nearing Diwali, when your family starts making many many sweets; and among them the traditional wheat halwas or Karachi Halwa or Cornflour Halwa or Custard Powder Halwas, or whatever your family calls them. This custard powder halwa uses a base or gluten-free custard powder or cornflour, and so is considered gluten free. … Read more Easy Indian Custard Powder Halwa Recipe
Best Dessert and Dinner Recipes with Dates
I love eating dates! A handful of the sweet luscious fruit is more than enough to satisfy my sugar cravings after each meal. I sometimes eat them as snacks too. Don’t you? I mean what’s better than eating a natural guilt-free energizing gift from God that’s full of all the right vitamins and minerals to … Read more Best Dessert and Dinner Recipes with Dates
Recipe for Dairy free Gluten free Khajur Dry Fruit Barfi
So last week we made the sugar free gluten free anjeer barfi or fig barfi for dad that’s really yummy to taste. But this week we figured we’d show you how we do it when we want just dry fruit energy bars. No dairy, no gluten, no sugar! Sugar-free is good for diabetics like my … Read more Recipe for Dairy free Gluten free Khajur Dry Fruit Barfi
Sugar Free Gluten Free Anjeer Barfi Recipe
How to make Anjeer Dry Fruit Barfi at home I love sweets, just like my dad. But dad is diabetic, so we try to keep his sugar intake under control. That doesn’t stop him from finding something or the other in the fridge to eat though. Even on the days we skip sweets, we’ll find … Read more Sugar Free Gluten Free Anjeer Barfi Recipe
50+ Must Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia
We were having a chat about the number of UNESCO sites in Asia that we’ve visited. And it seems my percentage of World Heritage Sites is really really small. So I asked my friends who have visited more places than me, ‘Which are some of the most amazing must-visit World Heritage Sites in Asia?’ And … Read more 50+ Must Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia
Spicy Brain Masala Recipe
Brain Masala, a mouth-watering dish among Indian non-veg enthusiasts can be made in different ways. As East Indians, we also have our own method of preparing the traditional East Indian Brain Masala. And this too differs from home to home! Here’s my mom’s version of the spicy brain masala recipe! The difference from the regular … Read more Spicy Brain Masala Recipe
30+ Weird Foods of the World to Taste
We were having a chat about the unusual food people eat in different cultures, and Laura said, “You know some people eat every part of the fish”. I said “Yeah, we do too! The fins, the eyes, everything.” And that started a long conversation abut how my culture eats goat trotters and tripe, ox tails, … Read more 30+ Weird Foods of the World to Taste
Gluten Free Meaty Spicy Corn Muffins
I’ve always loved eating sweet corn muffins. They’re delicious and have a grainy but smooth texture all in one. So one day back in July 2014 I figured why not make savory corn muffins? I mean, since dad has diabetes, it’s better to make savory than sweet, right? Because there’s really no keeping him away … Read more Gluten Free Meaty Spicy Corn Muffins
Gluten Free Sand Cake or Rice Cake Recipe
I love sand cake. The soft grains melting in your mouth, the strong taste of butter… It tastes yummier than regular cake. And it’s so light and airy that you can’t stop at just one piece. What is sand cake? Well, it’s definitely not cake made of sand. Sand cake is the traditional East Indian … Read more Gluten Free Sand Cake or Rice Cake Recipe
Breadfruit Chips or Nachos Recipe
We love breadfruit! It’s sometimes crispy and sometimes mulchy snack, depending on how you cook it. It’s also really a perfect family member of the jackfruit, although like every cousin, it’s really different. We only get breadfruit in India during Feb or March. It’s locally called नीरफणस or nir phanas in Marathi. It’s also called … Read more Breadfruit Chips or Nachos Recipe
Gluten Free Chitaps or Rice Crepes
I love chitaps, always have, always will. They’re sweet and light to eat and look like handkerchiefs. So instead of getting them from our local East Indian auntie like we do almost every Sunday, I figured why not make them myself. You know, then I can have them whenever I want. Anyways, mom and dad … Read more Gluten Free Chitaps or Rice Crepes
Traditional East Indian Kimad Recipe : Sukhala!
So some nights it’s really cold outside and you need a liquid to warm your bones. That’s when the East Indian kimad makes a warm entrance into the hearth and home. Quite similar to mulled wine or brandy, the traditional East Indian kimad is a mix that keeps you warm on those cold nights. This … Read more Traditional East Indian Kimad Recipe : Sukhala!
50+ Popular Drinks you must try in cities Worldwide
Ever had this happen? Travelled on holiday to a new city and after a fun day sightseeing, dropped into that famous café or bar and got stumped looking at the bar drinks list. Yep, that’s happened to me. What should I drink? What drink is famous in this city? What’s on the list of top … Read more 50+ Popular Drinks you must try in cities Worldwide
East Indian Tomato Kusondi Recipe
The East Indian Tomato Kusondi is a much lovelier version of the regular Maharastrian tamtar kusandi; using almost the same ingredients, but with a lot more zing. It’s the perfect accompaniment for lunch or dinner, and can also go well with just bread, chappatis or toast. Mom’s version of the tomato kusondi has found it’s … Read more East Indian Tomato Kusondi Recipe
Mom’s Easy Chicken Soup Recipe (Gluten Free)
The monsoon and winter come around and it’s time for flus and colds. But it’s also time for some chicken soup for the soul. Or that’s what we call it. Why chicken soup? Mom’s easy homemade chicken soup provides that instant relief from the weather’s vagaries. Mom’s creamy yet healthy chicken soup gets us bouncing … Read more Mom’s Easy Chicken Soup Recipe (Gluten Free)
Traditional East Indian Pancake Recipe
Pancake Tuesday is just around the corner, and my friends have already called dibs on my mom’s pancake recipe. It’s the recipe she got from granny but tweaked a bit, and it’s perfect! Anyways, East Indians celebrate pancake Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras with pancakes. They’re a bit different from chocolate pancakes which … Read more Traditional East Indian Pancake Recipe
Global Mardi Gras Celebrations and Food
What is Mardi Gras? Or what is Fat Tuesday? The Roman pagan festivals of times long past were integrated into Christian traditions by the Roman Catholic Church and are now part of the festival that is called Mardi Gras. When is Mardi Gras? Or When is Fat Tuesday? Well, depending on the culture celebrating it, … Read more Global Mardi Gras Celebrations and Food
Trick to make puris or pooris quicker
Puris are literally one of the oiliest Indian flatbreads around, and tasty too! They’re well worth the time it takes to roll them out for your dinner. But if you’re looking for an easy trick to get them done sooner, here’s what we do! Step 1 – Make the puri dough. Simply take these ingredients … Read more Trick to make puris or pooris quicker
Top Water Sports Destinations Around The World
It’s summer somewhere in the world right now! We’re lucky we live on a blue dot that has summer in some place no matter the time of the year; and there are always some nice holiday destinations that are perfect for water sports. My friends and I have put together a list of the best … Read more Top Water Sports Destinations Around The World
Unusual things to do in Goa, India
OFF THE BEATEN PATH ATTRACTIONS IN GOAUsgalimal Rock CarvingsGalgibaga beachTalpona BeachSan Jacinto IslandKerim BeachMorjim BeachCabo De Rama FortPalolem BeachSt. Augustine’s Tower Ruins Rita’s Gourment Cooking Class Butterfly Conservatory GoaKakolem BeachButterfly Beach POPULAR BEACHES AND DESTINATIONS IN GOACalangute BeachCotigao Wildlife SanctuaryCumbarjua CanalMapusa MarketNetravali Bubbling LakeArvalem CavesBaga BeachImmaculate Conception Church, PanjimPonda Street MarketCandolim Beach WHERE IS GOA?WHEN … Read more Unusual things to do in Goa, India
Christmas Dishes and Sweets from across the World
Traditional Christmas food and Christmas desserts for that special Christmas Eve Dinner or Christmas Day Lunch Gifts and stockings, and desserts and treats, and Santa and snow, and so much more. Wishes coming true and hope in the air. Love and laughter and everything good. Christmas is on it’s way. It’s almost time to prepare … Read more Christmas Dishes and Sweets from across the World
East Indian Coconut Cordial Recipe (Gluten Free)
Coconut Cordial is one of the easiest East Indian Christmas sweets to make. And it tastes yummy too! Granny has always made the coconut version of cordial. Some people use almonds or cashewnuts instead of coconut. We’ve never tried that recipe for “Cordial No 1” as it’s called in the East Indian Recipe book. We’re … Read more East Indian Coconut Cordial Recipe (Gluten Free)
Mass Pav or (Moulded) Marzipan: East Indian Series
Growing up, the house started smelling of Christmas from early December. Literally! You could smell marzipan, vanilla cream, thali sweet, cordial, Christmas cake and so much more. The best part of being East Indian though, was tasting the smells. Or rather eating the Christmas sweets that weren’t good enough to give to relatives and were … Read more Mass Pav or (Moulded) Marzipan: East Indian Series
Kaka Baptista East Indian Museum, Manori Mumbai
How to get to the East Indian Museum in Manori? The East Indian Museum is in Manori. So we need to cross the Marve Creek by ferry to get to Manori Jetty. (Marve Creek is also called Manori Creek or Malad Creek.) It’s 10 am and there’s a boatload of people already coming off it from … Read more Kaka Baptista East Indian Museum, Manori Mumbai
Spicy Love Apple Pickle
Who cares if the love apples aren’t originally from India? We love them anyway, in any form. Most of us have grown up with love apple trees nearby. Me and my siblings; we used to climb the tree at our grandparents place and get the juicy and crisp fresh ones to eat. They’re always the … Read more Spicy Love Apple Pickle
50+ Best Street Food in Europe you must eat
Food makes the world go round. Doesn’t it? Okay, maybe my world and that of my fellow foodie friends. We’ve found that some of the best street foods in the world are European dishes. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, here are some amazing European street foods and local foods that you must try. … Read more 50+ Best Street Food in Europe you must eat
East Indian Bombil Pickle (Sukha Bomblache Lonche)
The house stinks! That’s what my sister says every time mom makes a bombil pickle. And it actually does. The East Indian Lonchey or East Indian Dry Bombil Pickle stinks when you put it together, but it tastes amazing! What’s a Bombay Duck? By the way, did you know that the Bombil fish in English … Read more East Indian Bombil Pickle (Sukha Bomblache Lonche)
Best Indian Street Food You must Taste
Street Food and Local Restaurants in India that you must visit to try or eat at least once Indian food is most delicious food in the world! Okay, maybe not the sole winner among food around the world, but Indian dishes are definitely some of the most loved snacks and dinners in the world. Street … Read more Best Indian Street Food You must Taste
What’s for dessert in different countries and cultures?
What’s for dessert? I love dessert! Don’t you? So I’ve asked a few friends of mine to list the best desserts in their cultures. So here we have it – yummy desserts, Italian desserts, simple desserts, quick easy desserts, chocolate desserts, tasty desserts, light desserts, french desserts, fun desserts, summer desserts. Everything from great desserts to amazing desserts in different countries … Read more What’s for dessert in different countries and cultures?
East Indian Mango Chutney Recipe
Being brought up in India, we’ve grown up on lush sweet mango chutney every summer. Sometimes, although rarely, the traditional East Indian mango chutney lasts through the monsoon and into a bit of winter. It’s a version of the Gujarati murabba and chunda, but not exactly. Or the Russian and Eastern European varenye. What is … Read more East Indian Mango Chutney Recipe
Mumbai City Guide: Bombay, India City of Dreams
Bombay, the city of dreams, that’s where I live. My Bombay. Or should I say my Mumbai? Bombay from the Portuguese meaning ‘good bay’ or Mumbai from the Goddess ‘Mumba’. Of course we’ve had a lot of names over the centuries – Boon Bay, Bombain, Mombayn, Bombaym, Monbaym, Mombaym, Bombay, Mombaim, Bambaye, Bombeye, Bombaiim, and … Read more Mumbai City Guide: Bombay, India City of Dreams
What’s for dinner in different countries and cultures?
What’s for dinner? A question as important as asking about breakfast. What’s for dinner tonight? Is there any dinner? What’s easy to cook for dinner tonight? What can we make for dinner? Supper? Wat eten we vanavond? Vad blir det till middag? You cooking up a feast there? Beth sydd i swper? Kin Khao? Kas Vakarienei? We couldn’t … Read more What’s for dinner in different countries and cultures?
What’s for breakfast in different countries and cultures?
What’s for breakfast in different cultures and countries across the world? What’s for breakfast mom? What’s for breakfast darling? What’s for breakfast nan? What’s for breakfast at the cafe? What’s for breakfast honey? I’m hungry. What’s for breakfast? Is there any breakfast? Ever wondered what to have for breakfast? Some of these may be healthy breakfast … Read more What’s for breakfast in different countries and cultures?
Honey Balls or Snow Balls: East Indian Series
Brown balls and white balls. Those are our punny names for gulab jamuns or rosgullas. But I’ve not heard any jokes about honey balls or snow balls yet. Is it because East Indian honey balls or snow balls are lesser known and only belong to a small part of society? Honey balls or snow balls are … Read more Honey Balls or Snow Balls: East Indian Series
Indian hill stations you must visit at least once
India, the land of dreams and legends, the land that has everything to offer – from scorching deserts to frozen mountains, from flowing rivers to blooming valleys – everything you want to see, you can find it in this beautiful land we call home. But if you’re like me – a city dweller – you want to … Read more Indian hill stations you must visit at least once
Amazing Churches In America and Canada
Ever wondered about the most amazing churches in the world? The ones that you have to visit at least once. Here’s a list of the most magnificent, amazing and beautiful churches in the US and Canada from your favorite travel bloggers. 1. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC By Allison from Eternal Arrival St. Patrick’s Cathedral in … Read more Amazing Churches In America and Canada
Top 72 Most Beautiful Churches in Europe
Churches, known as places of fellowship and amazing grace. Even if churches are no longer visited for their religious significance; they are still visited for their splendour and beauty, their majesty and magnificence. There are so many beautiful churches around the world that showcase amazing architecture and exquisite ornate work that are a simply must … Read more Top 72 Most Beautiful Churches in Europe
East Indian Kadmat or Cuchumber Salad Recipe
Summers comes around and you know it’s time for Kadmat or Cuchumber. Nope not cucumber, Cuchumber! It’s the traditional East Indian salad that dad makes as soon as the raw mangoes start coming around in April. And we can’t get enough of it. I mean who wouldn’t? Every East Indian makes Cuchumber as often as … Read more East Indian Kadmat or Cuchumber Salad Recipe
Pench Jungle Camp : A night in the forest
Tigers! The majesty, the magnificence, the sheer presence of wild nature. One of the reasons people from across the world visit India. And the reason so many of us visit National Parks. The last time we saw tigers was at Ranthambore National Park in February. So this May we went to Pench National Park in … Read more Pench Jungle Camp : A night in the forest
Celebrating Ramzan or Ramadan at Mohammed Ali Road in Bombay
Ramadan or Ramzan is a Muslim celebration of when the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad. Fasting is necessary for Muslims who aren’t sick, elderly, menstruating, breastfeeding, pregnant or travelling. It’s one of the famous Five Pillars of Islam. My Muslim friends fast from dawn till dusk, and don’t have sex, eat, drink, or smoke. … Read more Celebrating Ramzan or Ramadan at Mohammed Ali Road in Bombay
Of bras and things – Travel Stories by women
You’ve already read the blog about how I found it difficult to get back into a Kayak because my boobs kept getting in the way. But that’s not the only problem I’ve had with having big boobs. My country wants me to go braless Take for instance the fact that bras my size are not … Read more Of bras and things – Travel Stories by women
Best local Ice Creams in the World
Bells ringing, childhood memories. The ice cream cart comes to our neighborhood, but here in Bombay it’s kulfi. Sometimes it’s the kulfi man with the basket on his head announcing his arrival. ‘Kulfi-eaah’. As kids we used to run happily for ice cream or kulfi. That instant brain freeze when you bite, the cool feeling … Read more Best local Ice Creams in the World
Goat Tripe – Vajri Khudi Curry : East Indian Series
So next up is the East Indian Vajri Khudi or Vajadi khudi. What is Vajri in English? Tripe? What is tripe? The stomach of ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, deer, giraffe and more. We usually use goat tripe. Why not cow tripe? Well, because it’s banned in Maharashtra. A lot of the younger … Read more Goat Tripe – Vajri Khudi Curry : East Indian Series
Bryant Park in Kodaikanal, India
When you’re looking for places to visit in Kodaikanal, Bryant Park shows up in the top 10. Bryant Park is a nature park in Kodaikanal hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu, South India that was set up in 1908 by H.D.Bryant. This famous park occupies over 20 acres in Palani Hills right opposite … Read more Bryant Park in Kodaikanal, India
Easter Eggs, Bonnets & Chicken : East Indian Series
Easter! Spring and redemption and everything anew. New life in Jesus and new life on earth. A celebration of hope! And sweets! Or eggs rather? Legend tells that quite like Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus, the Easter bunny called ‘Easter’ along with the spring bunny come with egg filled baskets to the homes of children. They … Read more Easter Eggs, Bonnets & Chicken : East Indian Series
Palolem in South Goa, India : Why visit Goa?
Why do people go to Palolem, Goa? There are a lot of beaches in Goa that are perfect for getting some sun. Goa is a beach destination, so unlike the rest of India. It’s famous for beaches like Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Majorda, Colva, Vagator and many more. But Palolem tops the list. Perfect for budget … Read more Palolem in South Goa, India : Why visit Goa?
Lebua Luxury near Amer Fort Wall, Jaipur, India
UPDATE: As of September 2018, the Lodge at Amer is no longer under the flagship of Lebua. “Lebua ae Lebua. Lebua ae Lebua.” I won’t tell you which family member was singing that song as we drove up the dusty path to the Lebua Lodge at Amer. I’ll just tell you that this family member … Read more Lebua Luxury near Amer Fort Wall, Jaipur, India
Manali trails : Snow, Igloos and Winter Fun
Igloo? In India? Really? Normal questions that my friend Tejashree gets when talking about her trips to Manali in Himachal Pradesh. But yes, igloo stays are now economical and I’m so glad I got this off my bucket list. I want to one day stay in igloos in Abisko like my friend Michelle did, or the … Read more Manali trails : Snow, Igloos and Winter Fun
Backwoods Mountain Camp in Hamta, Manali, India
On our way to the Igloo Camp near Hamta Pass, Manali, which is a well known destination for skiing in Himachal Pradesh, India, we stopped for a bit somewhere near Curve 24 to look at the Backwoods Mountain Camp in Hamta Village that we plan on staying in once it opens again in April. The … Read more Backwoods Mountain Camp in Hamta, Manali, India
How to build an igloo: Lessons in the Manali snow
I’ve dreamt of staying in a glass igloo in Kakslauttanen one day; and waking up to see the Northern Lights from the warm interiors of the igloo. I’ve also dreamt of being seated around a fire outside an igloo and traipsing through inches of snow in Iceland or Sweden to see the Aurora and capture its … Read more How to build an igloo: Lessons in the Manali snow
13 things you must do in Graz, Austria
I loved my stay in beautiful Graz. It’s the second largest city in Austria, with a population that’s ten times that of another beautiful Austrian city, Feldkirch that my sis and I visited last October. It used to be a centre of commerce in the Middle Ages, with architecture still reminiscent of times past, and is a UNESCO … Read more 13 things you must do in Graz, Austria
Traditional East Indian Christmas Sweets
Two East Indian aunties meet on the street. “Hello Lucy, how are you re?” “I’m good men, how are you and the babas?” “We’re all good men. Where you went?” “To the bakery on the corner to bring pav men. That pav is better than Bertrand’s pav men. So nice and soft-soft. My dokra Aggie … Read more Traditional East Indian Christmas Sweets
Offbeat Occitanie towns in Aveyron and Lozère
SMALL TOWNS IN LOZÈRE, OCCITANIE Saint Énimie Quezac Ispagnac SLOW TRAVEL AVEYRON, OCCITANIE Eglise Russe & Sylvanes Abbey Château de Montaigut Le Village de Salmonac Viaduc de Millau Yeah, like I’ve said in so many posts, France has so much to see, for the tourist that wants to go beyond Paris and the regular touristic … Read more Offbeat Occitanie towns in Aveyron and Lozère
Visiting L’Eglise Russe in Aveyron, France
There is a church, almost in the middle of nowhere. I didn’t know about it till he showed me. Never knew it existed, but then most people don’t, I guess. We went there one gloomy day when the clouds loomed large overhead like they were about to spill burdensome showers on us. Maybe we needed … Read more Visiting L’Eglise Russe in Aveyron, France
Dinner at K + K am Waagplatz in Salzburg, Austria
It was pretty late by the time we got into Salzburg on the Eurail and checked into our hotel, Der Salzburger Hof. It was hardly a 10-minute walk from the Salzburg train station aka Salzburg Hauptbahnhof; and thankfully we were in the main part of the hotel and not the annex. So smile 🙂 Anyway, … Read more Dinner at K + K am Waagplatz in Salzburg, Austria
Reasons to visit Feldkirch, and things to do
Feldkirch is a medieval town in the mountainous state of Voralberg in Austria. It was the last stop of our journey through Austria. The reason we chose to stay in Feldkirch? We wanted to see Liechtenstein. Yeah, we wanted to get that 2 Euro stamp on our passport saying we had visited the 6th smallest … Read more Reasons to visit Feldkirch, and things to do
Goose : A golden egg in Rome
‘When in Rome, do the Romans’, a friend of mine once told me. Well, we were talking about a totally different ‘when in Rome’ topic at the time. But on my recent trip to Rome, I did make time to do as Romans do with respect to food. Rome has turned into a very busy … Read more Goose : A golden egg in Rome
The East Indians of Mumbai and their Food Culture
This post researches the indigenous East Indian community of Mumbai, India and their rich food culture.
7 facts about the Colosseum to know before visiting
Strangest question to hear at the Colosseum ‘What’s a gladiator?’ the lady asked her daughter as she sat to take a break. We watched stunned as the daughter replied that a gladiator may have been a warrior. She then read a display nearby and elaborated that a gladiator was a captured warrior in ancient Rome … Read more 7 facts about the Colosseum to know before visiting
I lost my apple twice: Misadventures in a Kayak
My first kayak experience turned out to be truly eventful. By that evening I’d developed purple bruises all over my hands and legs. It was amazing! Ah, but let’s get back to the beginning. Kayaking is something I’ve always wanted to do, well along with so many other things. And when I finally got to … Read more I lost my apple twice: Misadventures in a Kayak
2 things I didn’t like about Mount Vesuvius
So I finally visited Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. My siblings and I had wanted to go since we were kids, ever since we had seen all those movies and read all those books about the place. All those books about the volcanic explosion at 1 pm on 24th August, 79 AD, and the legends and myths … Read more 2 things I didn’t like about Mount Vesuvius
Majorcan Paella Mixtas: A lazy Sunday lunch with a traditional feast
A lunch invitation We’re renting James and Antonia’s place in Inca in Mallorca aka Majorca for a few weeks this summer. It’s lovely, the rustic and the modern merging into a beautiful new character. I love the feel of being so far away from the town of Inca, even though it’s just on the other side of the … Read more Majorcan Paella Mixtas: A lazy Sunday lunch with a traditional feast
Autumn stay at the Austria Trend Europa Wien
So my sister and I are spending a few days in Vienna. We get there on my birthday, a beautiful autumn evening in October, and stayed at the Austria Trend Europa Wien on Kartner Strasse. Formerly known as the Meissl & Schaden Hotel, this hotel has been serving a range is clients since 1896. The … Read more Autumn stay at the Austria Trend Europa Wien
A lovely stay in Rome at B&B RomaInterrazza
My sis and I spent a few days in Rome on the way back from Spain because it was the cheapest route back. We took the opportunity to see Rome, the ancient and beautiful city (although somewhat crowded too). And we were glad we stayed at this lovely B&B (bed and breakfast) outside the city, … Read more A lovely stay in Rome at B&B RomaInterrazza
Puy Pariou, Un Puy D’Auvergne
It’s New Years Eve. We’re en France at your neighbour’s place for dinner. The wine flows freely. How can it not? We’re in Cannes. I’m sitting there thinking, when a pleasant elderly gentleman offers to fill my wine glass, but I decline saying you’ll fill my drink for me. He then offers to keep me … Read more Puy Pariou, Un Puy D’Auvergne
5 hours at the Rude Lounge
So we finally ended up at the Rude Lounge for dinner, instead of our regular haunt the Irish House. After waiting downstairs for more than half an hour for the sleepy friend that’s always running a bit late, we went up to the 6th floor of Link House that holds the Rude Lounge at Malad. … Read more 5 hours at the Rude Lounge
A mid week retreat at The Retreat
So the gang of cousins decided we needed a mid week retreat at The Retreat Hotel in Madh Island. Mid week since one cousin works on weekends, and there’s less of a crowd holidaying. Anyway we got there on the 8th of March at around 11 am, and were greeted with welcome drinks of either … Read more A mid week retreat at The Retreat
Love you more than cake
‘Malaysia, let’s go to Malaysia.’ ‘What, why?’ ‘Because I want Kek Lapis Sarawak.’ ‘Have it imported.’ ‘But I want to learn how to make it too. Let’s go, pleeease…’ But we didn’t go. Malaysia beckons from a distance, but for now we pretend our ears are closed. Well, the boss wouldn’t give us leave anyway. … Read more Love you more than cake
Chandoli National Park with Jungle Lore
A much deserved break in the Indian rains at Chandoli National Park “There’s a long weekend coming up. Let’s do a short trip together”, says my friend and boss. Happy me starts dreaming of exotic locations that I cannot afford. Of course smart boss-friend is also on a budget like me and decides that an … Read more Chandoli National Park with Jungle Lore
Seegrotte’s underground Blue Lake, and the tale to go with it. Gluck Auf!
So as I was saying last week, it turned out to be a bargain. For around 49 Euros each we got to see Heiligenkreuz Abbey, Karmel Mayerling and Seegrotte Hinterbrühl, and didn’t have to shell out anything for transport or entrances. If you missed last week’s blog, my sis and I were boarded at the … Read more Seegrotte’s underground Blue Lake, and the tale to go with it. Gluck Auf!
Vienna Woods, Heiligenkreuz, Mayerling and scary voices
Being woken up in Graz by a scary voice Where? Grat-zuh? Where? Grat-zuh? Where? Grat-zuh? Where? Grat-zuh? Where? Grat-zuh? Where? Grat-zuh? Where? Grat-zuh? I was woken up in the middle of the night by a low repetitive voice that almost scared me witless. After turning on the night lamp in our hotel room in Graz, … Read more Vienna Woods, Heiligenkreuz, Mayerling and scary voices
How do you add balloons to a heart cake?
The balloon question How do you add balloons to a heart cake? That was the question my sister was just thrown. She had just received an order for a surprise cake for a first wedding anniversary. Her client Karishma wanted to surprise her brother Bhavin and sister-in-law Esha with an eggless cake that had hearts … Read more How do you add balloons to a heart cake?