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Asian Tofu: Discover the Best, Make Your Own, and Cook It at Home




Amazon.com Books: asian food cooking





Asian Tofu: Discover the Best, Make Your Own, and Cook It at Home



Asian Tofu: Discover the Best, Make Your Own, and Cook It at Home

From sleek, silken tofu with delicate toppings to piping-hot fried satchels in a robust sauce, tofu provides a versatile canvas for the intricate flavors and textures that Asian and vegetarian cooks have long enjoyed. America has embraced tofu as a healthy, affordable ingredient. And while it has been welcomed into sophisticated mainstream dining, tofu is often hidden in Western guises and in limited applications. In her third intrepid cookbook, celebrated food writer and teacher ANDREA NGUYEN aims to elevate this time-honored staple to a new place of prominence on every table.

Asian Tofu’s nearly 100 recipes explore authentic,ancient fare and modern twists that capture the culinary spirit of East, Southeast, and South Asia. There are spectacular favorites from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and India, as well as delicious dishes from Taipei, San Francisco, Santa Monica, and New York. Andrea demystifies tofu and interprets traditional Asian cuisine for cooks, sharing compelling personal stories and dispatches from some of the world’s best tofu artisans along the way.

For those who want to take their skills to the next level, the tofu tutorial clearly outlines tofu-making technique, encouraging readers to experiment with the unparalleled flavors of homemade varieties. But time-pressed cooks needn’t fear: while a few recipes, such as Silken Tofu and Seasoned Soy Milk Hot Pot, are truly best with homemade tofu, most are terrific with store-bought products. Some traditional dishes combine tofu with meat in brilliant partnerships, such as Spicy Tofu with Beef and Sichuan Peppercorn and Tofu with Kimchi and Pork Belly, but this collection is predominantly vegetarian and vegan, including the pristinely flavored Spiced Tofu and Coconut in Banana Leaf and vibrant Spicy Lemongrass Tofu Salad. And innovations such as Okara Doughnuts reveal tofu’s more playful side.

For health- and eco-conscious eaters and home chefs who are inspired to make the journey from bean to curd, Asian Tofu is the perfect guide.





Author: Andrea Nguyen


Hardcover:
240 pages



Company: Ten Speed Press
(2012-02-28)

(2012-02-28)




ISBN: 1607740257


List Price: $30.00

Amazon Price: $17.70








Amazon.com Books: retire in the philippines





Empowering Migrant Women (Gender in a Global/Local World)



Empowering Migrant Women (Gender in a Global/Local World)
Based on insights from Filipina experiences of domestic work in Paris and Hong Kong, this volume breaks through the polarized thinking and migration-centric policy action on the protection of migrant women domestic workers from abuse to link migrants' rights and victimization with livelihood, migration and development. The book contextualizes agency and rights in the workers' capability to secure a livelihood in the global political economy and is instrumental in making the problem of migrant women workers' empowerment both a migration and development agenda. The volume is essential reading for social scientists, bureaucrats and non-governmental political activists interested in the protection of the rights and livelihoods of migrants. It will also appeal to migration and feminist scholars who have yet to adopt the contribution of critical development studies in the analysis of low-skilled female labor migration.



Author: Leah Briones


Hardcover:
238 pages



Company: Ashgate
(2009-03-01)




ISBN: 0754675327


List Price: $114.95

Amazon Price: $71.40


Used Price: $91.13







The Encyclopedia of Asian Food and Cooking




Amazon.com Books: asian food





The Encyclopedia of Asian Food and Cooking



Author: Jacki Passmore


Hardcover:



Company: William Morrow & Co
(1991-05)




ISBN: 0688104487


List Price: $25.00

Amazon Price: $6.95


Used Price: $0.37








Amazon.com Books: retire in the philippines





Living in The Philippines



Living in The Philippines
Important information for those who are considering living or moving to the beautiful Philippine Islands. Aside from the abundant leisure activities, you will learn about the local transportation, finance, medical preparations and services, insurance, where to live, what to bring (clothes, furniture, vehicles), the friendliest people and more on what you'll experience and can enjoy. The book is an easy read and filled with information that you must know before you make the leap. I hope to see you on the talcum white sands... Mabuhay!



Author: Philip Eano


Paperback:
198 pages



Company: CreateSpace
(2009-04-20)




ISBN: 1442151765


List Price: $14.87

Amazon Price: $14.87


Used Price: $999.99








Amazon.com Books: travel to myanmar





Burma/Myanmar: What Everyone Needs to Know



Burma/Myanmar: What Everyone Needs to Know
In the past two decades, Burma/Myanmar has become a front-page topic in newspapers across the world. This former British colony has one of the most secretive, corrupt, and repressive regimes on the planet, yet it houses a Nobel Peace Prize winner who is and in and out of house arrest. It has an ancient civilization that is mostly unknown to Westerners, yet it was an important--and legendary--theater in World War II. A picturesque land with mountain jungles and monsoon plains, it is one of the world's largest producers of heroin. It has a restive Buddhist monk population that has captured the attention of the west when it faced off against the regime. And it recently experienced one of the worst natural disasters in modern times, one effect of which was to lay bare the manifold injustices and cruelties of the regime. Burma/Myanmar: What Everyone Needs to Know offers a concise synthesis of this forbidding yet fascinating country. David Steinberg, one of the world's eminent authorities on the region, explains the current situation in detail yet contextualizes it in a wide-ranging survey of Burmese history and culture. Authoritative and balanced, it will be standard work on Burma for the general reading public.



Author: David I. Steinberg


Paperback:
256 pages



Company: Oxford University Press, USA
(2009-11-05)




ISBN: 0195390687


List Price: $16.95

Amazon Price: $9.62


Used Price: $4.86







Thai Cooking: From the Siam Cuisine Restaurant




Amazon.com Books: thai food





Thai Cooking: From the Siam Cuisine Restaurant



Thai Cooking: From the Siam Cuisine Restaurant
Siam Cuisine is a unique restaurant in Berkeley, California, which has been acclaimed since the early eighties for serving authentic Thai food rivaling that in Bangkok restaurants. Gathered here are more than 100 recipes for their superbly cooked dishes—chicken simmered in red curry with coconut and bamboo shoots...prawns and calamari with sweet basil and chilies...coconut soup with pickled garlic and red preserved bean curd.



Author: Kwanruan Aksomboon, Diana Hiranaga, Somchai Aksomboon


Paperback:
200 pages



Company: North Atlantic Books
(1993-01-07)

(1993-01-07)




ISBN: 1556430744


List Price: $16.95

Amazon Price: $8.50


Used Price: $0.10








Amazon.com Books: travel to myanmar





The Weeping Goldsmith: Discoveries in the Secret Land of Myanmar



The Weeping Goldsmith: Discoveries in the Secret Land of Myanmar
"The Weeping Goldsmith: Discoveries in the Secret Land of Myanmar" relates how W. John Kress came to appreciate the people and culture of Myanmar through an understanding of their plants, natural habitats, and human-dominated environments. Intertwined with descriptions of the author's personal experiences and observations are notes on the history, culture, and modern society in Burma. Included are excerpts from his journals written while in the field, which serve as counterpoints to the accounts of earlier plant explorers who visited these places a century ago. "The Weeping Goldsmith" is a delicate white and yellow-gold flower that defied replication even by an experienced goldsmith, according to legend. By the end of his journey the author grew to understand how politics could interfere with scientific research, leading the author to empathize with the sorrowful goldsmith.



Author: W. John Kress


Hardcover:
204 pages



Company: Abbeville Press
(2009-09-29)




ISBN: 0789210320


List Price: $45.00

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Amazon.com Books: travel to asia





Travel Beijing, China 2012 - Illustrated Guide, Phrasebook and Maps. (Mobi Travel)



Travel Beijing, China 2012 - Illustrated Guide, Phrasebook and Maps. (Mobi Travel)
This guide is designed for optimal navigation on eReaders, smartphones, and other mobile electronic devices. It is indexed alphabetically and by category, making it easier to access individual articles. Articles feature information about attractions, landmarks, districts, transportation, cultural venues, dining, history and much more. Addresses, telephones, hours of operation and admissions information are included. The guide is complimented by clearly marked maps that are linked to city attractions. An interlinked phrasebook as well as a pronunciation guide are included.

This travel guide also features an itinerary with our suggestions for your travel route. Itineraries include links to individual attraction articles.

NEW FEATURE: The attraction articles now include links to Google Maps. On a dedicated electronic reader with a slow connection and a primitive browser, Google Maps will display the attraction on the map along with metro stations, roads, and nearby attractions. On an internet-enabled device such as the iPhone and the iPad, Google Maps will even show you the route from your current location to the attraction you want to go to.

With this travel guide you can turn some eReaders into audio guides. For example, on the Kindle, just open an article and click Shift+SYM to activate text-to-speech. Put the speaker on the back of the Kindle against your ear and enjoy your virtual travel companion. Press Spacebar to pause/resume text-to-speech.

All travel guides in the Mobi Travel series are only $4.99 or less. Search for any title: enter mobi (short for MobileReference) and a keyword; for example: mobi Paris.

Table of Contents:

Essentials: Mandarin Phrasebook | Cantonese Phrasebook | Eat | Drink | Sleep | Stay Safe | Cope | Units Conversion

1. General: History | Politics | Economy | Demographics | Climate

2. Maps: China | Central Beijing | Districts | Forbidden City | Subway | Fortifications | Great Wall

3. Transport: Get in | Get around | Roads | Railway | Subway

4. By Area: Geography | Districts | Streets & Squares | Get out

5. Attractions: Top 10 | Itinerary | Do | Buy | Amusement parks

6. Culture: Architecture | Music Venues | Education

7. Landmarks: Museums | Buildings & Structures | Parks & Gardens | Forbidden City | Great Wall

Essentials: Mandarin Phrasebook | Cantonese Phrasebook | Eat | Drink | Sleep | Respect | Cope | Stay healthy | Stay Safe | Units Conversion

1. General: History | Politics | Economy | Demographics | Climate

2. Maps: Central Beijing | Districts | Forbidden City | Subway | Fortifications | Great Wall | China

3. Transport: Get in | Get around | Roads | Railway | Subway

4. By Area: Geography | Districts | Streets & Squares | Get out

5. Attractions: Top 10 | Itinerary | Do | Buy | Museums | Buildings & Structures | Parks & Gardens | Forbidden City | Great Wall

6. Culture: Architecture | Music Venues | Education

7. China: Do & See | Buy | Contact



Author: MobileReference


Kindle Edition:
240 pages
Kindle eBook


Company: MobileReference
(2011-02-20)

(2008-03-14)




List Price: $4.99

Amazon Price:







Asian American Experiences in the United States: Oral Histories of First to Fourth Generation Americans from China, the Philippines, Japan, Asian in




Amazon.com Books: retire in the philippines





Asian American Experiences in the United States: Oral Histories of First to Fourth Generation Americans from China, the Philippines, Japan, Asian in



Asian American Experiences in the United States: Oral Histories of First to Fourth Generation Americans from China, the Philippines, Japan, Asian in
Many Americans lump all Asians together, ignoring distinctive ethnic and cultural differences, but the reality is otherwise. The interviews in this book are divided into three parts: "Profiles" (culture, economic life styles, family and relationships); "Aspects of Americanization" (immigration, resettlement and religion); and "Reflections on Interracial Marriage."



Author: Joann Faung Jean Lee


Hardcover:
240 pages



Company: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub
(1991-04)




ISBN: 0899505856


List Price: $39.95

Amazon Price: $68.64


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Amazon.com Books: asian food cooking





Indian Cuisine Recipes : Easy Indian Food Recipes



Indian Cuisine Recipes : Easy Indian Food Recipes
Indian food is familiar to most Americans, but how often do you make it at home? Most Indian dishes are not hard to make, and they are full of flavor. So try one of these Indian dishes today.

Here are some of the recipes that you will learn how to make:

* Black Lentil Soup
* Shrimp Curry
* Indian-Spiced Stuffed Eggplant
* Tandoori-Style Lamb
* Indian-Spiced Shrimp
* Chicken Tikka Masala
* Fresh Vegetable Curry
* Indian Chicken Bake
* Rice Pilaf with Lime & Cashews
* Indian Spiced Shrimp
* Vegetable Curry
* Aloo Ghobi
* Indian Vegetable Stew
* Easy Mulligatawny Soup
* Chicken Curry
* Indian-Spiced Kale & Chickpeas
* Mixed Vegetable Masala
* Easy Indian Stew
* Saag Tofu
* Quick Tandoori Chicken Thighs
* Jamaican Pork Kabobs
* Ginger-Coconut Chicken
* Date-Mint Chutney
* Tandoori Chicken

and much more! Over 80 Easy Indian Food Recipes!



Author: PK Cooking Collection


Kindle Edition:
Kindle eBook


Company:
(2012-01-14)

(2012-01-14)




List Price:

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Letts Companion to Asian Food and Cooking




Amazon.com Books: asian food cooking





Letts Companion to Asian Food and Cooking



Author: Jacki Passmore


Hardcover:
320 pages



Company: Letts of London
(1990-01-01)




ISBN: 1852381515


List Price:

Amazon Price: $49.50


Used Price: $0.34








Amazon.com Books: filipino food





Joys Amazing Filipino Desserts



Joys Amazing Filipino Desserts
Joys Amazing Filipino Desserts 2011 Version. Delicious dessert recipes from Ube Ice Cream, Halo-Halo, Cebu Chocolate Chip Cookies, Biscocho, Turon and so much more yummy desserts!!! Get it now!

Also be sure to get "Aunty Bebe's Filipino Recipes" as well for great recipes like Chicken Adobo, Singang, Rellenong Manok, Longganisa, Sisig and so much more recipes!!!




Author: Allan Ramos


Kindle Edition:
68 pages
Kindle eBook


Company: Setting Sun Club
(2011-08-18)

(2011-08-18)




List Price: $2.99

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American War Plans, 1890-1939




Amazon.com Books: retire in the philippines





American War Plans, 1890-1939



American War Plans, 1890-1939
By the close of the 19th century, the United States was no longer a continental power, but had become a nation with interests that spanned the globe from the Caribbean to China. Consequently, the country faced a new set of strategic concerns, ranging from enforcing the Monroe Doctrine to defending the Philippines.
As a result of the United States' new geostrategic environment, the armed services had to establish a system for the creation of war plans to defend the country's interests against possible foreign aggression. A Joint Army and Navy Board, established in 1903, ordered the creation of war plans to deal with real and potential threats to American security. Each major country was assigned a colour: Germany was Black, Great Britain Red, Japan Orange, Mexico Green and China Yellow. War plans were then devised in case Washington decided to use force against these or other powers.




Author: Steven T. Ross


Paperback:
220 pages



Company: Routledge
(2004-05-12)




ISBN: 0714682705


List Price: $51.95

Amazon Price: $45.80


Used Price: $72.33







Best Florida Trips (Regional Travel Guide)




Amazon.com Books: lonely planet





Best Florida Trips (Regional Travel Guide)



Best Florida Trips (Regional Travel Guide)
‘Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other’. New York Times8 of Florida’s Best TripsWhether you’re a local looking for a long weekend escape, or a visitor looking to explore, Lonely Planet’s Trips series offers the best itineraries – and makes it easy to plan the perfect trip time and again.Everyone knows road-tripping is the ultimate way to experience the USA. You can drive up, down, across, around or straight through every state on the continental map. We’re here to help you narrow down the options. Whether you’re on a quest for that perfect Pacific Northwest microbrewery pint, fresh lobster right off the boat in Maine or the coolest classic all-night diners in New Jersey, we’ve got you covered. Our authors drove, paddled, walked, cycled, rode the rails and hopped buses all across the country to bring you their 99 favorite trips across the US.This eBook-only offering is an excerpt of Lonely Planet’s USA’s Best Trips, which includes 99 themed itineraries across America. The 8 trips chosen for this eBook include:• 48 Hours in Miami• Cruisin’ Florida’s East Coast• Doing Disney & More• Overseas Highway to Key West• Go Wild in the Everglades• High Life Down on the Gulf Coast• Freaky Florida• North Florida Backwaters & BywaysFeatures• Easy-to-use maps for every trip, plus driving times and directions• Theme icons make finding the perfect trip simple – no matter what your interest• Local experts share their favorite trip ideasLonely Planet’s USA’s Best Trips is written and researched by Sara Benson, Amy Balfour, Alison Bing, Becca Blond, Jennifer Denniston, Lisa Dunford, Alex Leviton, David Ozanich, Danny Palmerlee, Brandon Presser and Karla Zimmerman. Check out Lonely Planet’s other eBook guides including USA’s Best Trips, 48 Hours in Miami, Best Florida Trips, Florida, Miami & the Keys and more.



Author: Lonely Planet, Sara Benson


Kindle Edition:
708 pages
Kindle eBook


Company: Lonely Planet
(2011-11-24)

(2011-11-24)




List Price: $24.99

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Healthy South Indian Cooking




Amazon.com Books: asian food cooking





Healthy South Indian Cooking



Healthy South Indian Cooking
With the addition of fifty new easy-to-prepare dishes, "Healthy South Indian Cooking" is back, now totalling 250 recipes. In the famous Chettinad Healthy cooking tradition of Southern India, these foods evoke South Indian forgotten by Chicken Tikka Masala enthusiasts. Mostly vegetarian, these recipes allow home cooks to create such esoteric: dishes as Potato-flled Dosas with Coconut Chutney; Pearl Onion and Tomato Sambhar; Chickpea and Bell Pepper per Poriyal; and Eggplant Masala Curry. Rasams, breads, legumes and payasams are all featured here, as is the exceptional Chettinad Chicken Kolambu, South lndia's version of the popular vindaloo. Each of these low-fat, low-caloric recipes come with a complete nutritional analysis. Also included are sample menus and innovative suggestions for integrating South Indian dishes into traditioilal Western meals. A section on the varieties and methods of preparation for dals (a lentil dish that is a staple of this cuisine), a multilingual glossary of spices and ingredients, and 16 pages of colour photographs make this book a clear and concise introduction to the healthy, delicious cooking of South India.



Author: Alamelu Vairavan, Patricia Marquardt


Hardcover:
276 pages



Company: Hippocrene Books
(2008-09-01)




ISBN: 0781811899


List Price: $35.00

Amazon Price: $22.94


Used Price: $25.62







The Food and Cooking of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia & Philippines: Over 300 recipes shown step-by-step in 1200 beautiful photographs




Amazon.com Books: asian food cooking





The Food and Cooking of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia & Philippines: Over 300 recipes shown step-by-step in 1200 beautiful photographs



The Food and Cooking of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia & Philippines: Over 300 recipes shown step-by-step in 1200 beautiful photographs
A complete guide to these exotic cuisines - the food culture, ingredients and recipes



Author: Ghillie Basan, Terry Tan, Vilma Laus


Hardcover:
512 pages



Company: Anness
(2011-11-16)




ISBN: 075482330X


List Price: $35.00

Amazon Price: $21.55


Used Price: $19.00








Amazon.com Books: travel to asia





Lonely Planet Central Asia (Multi Country Travel Guide)



Lonely Planet Central Asia (Multi Country Travel Guide)
Central Asia is Lonely Planet’s heartland. Exploring Uzbekistan’s blue-domed medressas, sleeping in felt yurts among Kyrgyzstan’s mountains or selecting fruit in Kazakhstan’s markets: we do it all with passion and expertise. Live your own Silk Road dream with this 5th edition as your guide.

Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip.

In This Guide

Color feature on local traditions, ancient buildings & outdoor activities
Extensive regional coverage: the only guide to include Afghanistan
Bonus section on hiking, horse treks & mountaineering




Author: Bradley Mayhew, Greg Bloom, Paul Clammer, Michael Kohn, John Noble


Paperback:
556 pages
ISBN13: 9781741791488, Condition: New, Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!


Company: Lonely Planet
(2010-11-01)




ISBN: 1741791480


List Price: $32.99

Amazon Price: $20.29


Used Price: $19.16







FOOD & COOKING OF INDONESIA &




Amazon.com Books: asian food cooking





FOOD & COOKING OF INDONESIA &



FOOD & COOKING OF INDONESIA &
Discover the mouthwatering and unique flavours of two distinctive yet complementary Asian cuisines, with a collection of 80 deliciously authentic recipes.



Author: Ghillie Basan, Vilma Laus


Hardcover:
160 pages
Bargain Price


Company: Aquamarine
(2007-08-25)




List Price: $35.00

Amazon Price: $5.98


Used Price: $3.42








Amazon.com Books: thai food





The Everything Thai Cookbook: From Pad Thai to Lemongrass Chicken Skewers--300 Tasty, Tempting Thai Dishes You Can Make at Home (Everything (Cooking))



The Everything Thai Cookbook: From Pad Thai to Lemongrass Chicken Skewers--300 Tasty, Tempting Thai Dishes You Can Make at Home (Everything (Cooking))
Sumptuous Thai dishes you can make at home!

Thai cuisine creates a harmonious blend between spicy hot and comparatively bland ingredients from age-old Eastern and relatively new Western foods. Featuring both outstanding traditional recipes and cutting-edge crowd-pleasers such as Spicy Fried Rice Sticks, Salmon Toast, Chicken Satay, and Thai Crab Cakes, The Everything® Thai Cookbook guides you through preparing meals as good as you’d find in your favorite Thai restaurant.

The Everything® Thai Cookbook is perfect for both vegetarians and meat-eaters, offering an eclectic range of spices, flavors, and aromas. Whether you want to prepare a meal for one—or an entire feast—The Everything® Thai Cookbook will have you serving up tasty fare to tempt even the most critical food connoisseur.

Featuring mouthwatering recipes for:

·Banana Fritters

·Chicken-Vegetable Rice

·Coconut Curried Chicken

·Fresh Oranges in Rose Water

·Pad Thai

·Pumpkin Rice Custard

·Spicy Rice and Shrimp Salad



Author: Jennifer Malott Kotylo


Paperback:
304 pages



Company: Adams Media
(2002-11-01)




ISBN: 1580627331


List Price: $15.95

Amazon Price: $7.95


Used Price: $6.50







China (Eyewitness Travel Guides)




Amazon.com Books: travel to asia





China (Eyewitness Travel Guides)



China (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
DK Eyewitness Travel's full-color guidebooks to hundreds of destinations around the world truly show you what others only tell you. They have become renowned for their visual excellence, which includes unparalleled photography, 3-D mapping, and specially commissioned cutaway illustrations.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guides are the only guides that work equally well for inspiration, as a planning tool, a practical resource while traveling, and a keepsake following any trip.

Each guide is packed with the up-to-date, reliable destination information every traveler needs, including extensive hotel and restaurant listings, themed itineraries, lush photography, and numerous maps.



Author: Donald Bedford, Deh-Ta Hsiung, Christopher Knowles, David Leffman, Simon Lewis, Peter Neville-Hadley, Andrew Stone


Paperback:
672 pages



Company: DK Travel
(2010-03-29)




ISBN: 075666098X


List Price: $30.00

Amazon Price: $16.47


Used Price: $14.92







The Travel Book




Amazon.com Books: lonely planet





The Travel Book



The Travel Book
Celebrate the world. 229 countries & destinations to explore, 817 beautiful images to inspire. Bigger, brighter and bolder than ever, the second edition of Lonely Planet's definitive travel pictorial has been revised and updated to be even more inspiring than the last. The Travel Book captures the essence of every country on the planet through stunning photographs and atmospheric text. User-friendly A-to-Z coverage and double-page spreads of every country make this book a total delight - and an amazing gift.



Author: Lonely Planet Publications


Paperback:
448 pages



Company: Lonely Planet
(2011-10-01)




ISBN: 1742200796


List Price: $30.00

Amazon Price: $19.01


Used Price: $17.11







The Food & Cooking of Cambodia: Over 60 authentic classic recipes from an undiscovered cuisine, shown step-by-step in over 250 stunning photographs; ... using ingredients, equipment and techniques




Amazon.com Books: asian food cooking





The Food & Cooking of Cambodia: Over 60 authentic classic recipes from an undiscovered cuisine, shown step-by-step in over 250 stunning photographs; ... using ingredients, equipment and techniques



The Food & Cooking of Cambodia: Over 60 authentic classic recipes from an undiscovered cuisine, shown step-by-step in over 250 stunning photographs; ... using ingredients, equipment and techniques
Ancient Cambodia was a kingdom with an Indian culture, which then expanded into Burma and Vietnam, later becoming a territory claimed by both Vietnam and Siam. As a result, the Cambodian cuisine has Indian roots, with strong influences from both China an



Author: Ghillie Basan


Paperback:
96 pages



Company: Anness
(2008-01-31)




ISBN: 184476351X


List Price: $14.99

Amazon Price: $9.67


Used Price: $8.79








Amazon.com Books: asian food





30 Minute Asian Meals: 250 Quick, Tasty & Healthy Recipes From Around Asia



30 Minute Asian Meals: 250 Quick, Tasty & Healthy Recipes From Around Asia
This compendium of quick and easy Asian recipes is chock-full of healthy and flavorful variations on new and traditional foods. Each of the over 250 recipes included take no longer than 30 minutes to cook-the same amount of time it takes to make rice!

With chapters organized by country or region, and opening with a brief history and description of the food, 30 Minute Asian Recipes provides an accessible and enjoyable glimpse into the mysteries of Asian cuisine.




Author: Marie Wilson


Paperback:
256 pages



Company: Tuttle Publishing
(2006-10-15)




ISBN: 0804836922


List Price: $18.95

Amazon Price: $5.83


Used Price: $5.82







Williams-Sonoma: Food Made Fast Asian (Food Made Fast)




Amazon.com Books: asian food





Williams-Sonoma: Food Made Fast Asian (Food Made Fast)



Williams-Sonoma: Food Made Fast Asian (Food Made Fast)

Designed for the busy home cook, Food Made Fast is the latest collectible series from Williams-Sonoma. Using a straightforward approach to everyday cooking, Food Made Fast is about delicious food, simply prepared, with easy-to-follow recipes and tips. Each book emphasizes keeping a well-stocked pantry, planning ahead, and using fresh ingredients. Dedicated to a single subject--from Grill to Asian to Seafood--each volume makes it simple to plan, cook, and enjoy great-tasting food throughout the week.





Author: Farina Kingsley


Hardcover:
112 pages



Company: Oxmoor House
(2007-02-01)




ISBN: 0848731484


List Price: $17.95

Amazon Price: $10.98


Used Price: $4.84








Amazon.com Books: travel to asia





Lonely Planet Southeast Asia: On a Shoestring (Shoestring Travel Guide)



Lonely Planet Southeast Asia: On a Shoestring (Shoestring Travel Guide)
For 35 years Lonely Planet's Southeast Asia on a Shoestring has been the backpacker's bible. Discover Cambodia's ancient temples, Thailand's island paradises and the best pho in Vietnam. We help you stay longer and spend less.

Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip.

In This Guide:

Detailed itineraries to help you plan your perfect trip
Eat Cheap and Sleep Easy with budget beds, cheap eats and places to party
Get the low-down on history, environment, culture and current events




Author: China Williams, Celeste Brash, Andrew Burke, Shawn Low, Brandon Presser, Nick Ray, Daniel Robinson, Ryan Ver Berkmoes, Richard Waters, Greg Bloom


Paperback:
996 pages



Company: Lonely Planet
(2010-04-01)




ISBN: 1741792339


List Price: $26.99

Amazon Price: $12.00


Used Price: $12.04







World-Class Galleries and Museums in Singapore

Singapore acclaims itself as one of Asia’s cultural capitals today and it is one of the countries in Asia with many galleries and museums to visit. World class exhibition of art are displayed in various galleries and museums in Singapore with great collection that showcase Singapore’s art and cultural histories. The Singapore government aims to make their country as a cosmopolitan gateway between the East and the West. Steps taken to attain this include the promotion of their art through the Singapore Arts Festival and the opening of numerous art galleries and museums.

Singapore’s National Museums

The National Museum of Singapore is Singapore’s oldest museum built back on 1849. It merely started as a library of the Singapore Institution and eventually became the national museum of Singapore. It specializes in Singapore history and is known with its cast collection of zoological artifacts which were now transferred to the National University of Singapore. Among its precious artifacts are the Singapore Stone, Gold Ornaments of the Sacred Hill, will of Munshi Abdullah, and portrait of Frank Athelstane Swettenham among many others. One can also find one of the first photographs of Singapore, the Dagguerreotype of Singapore.

The Asian Civilisations Museum is one of the three museums of the National Museums of Singapore. It specializes in pan-Asian cultures and civilizations and showcases the significant history of China, West and South Asiam and Southeast Asia. You can trace the diverse ethnical group ancestors of Singapore here. Among the museum’s highlights are the different decorative art involving calligraphy, export porcelain, statues of Taoist and Buddhistic origins, and other porcelain figures of Chinese collection. Broad spectrums of statuary collections are also found like the Chola bronzes. Buddhist arts of India are also popular that are hailed from Mathura and Gandhara schools. They also display broad Southeast Asian collections of ethnological material.

The Peranakan Museum is another world-class museum that specializes in Peranakan culture. This is the first museum in the world that explores the Peranakan cultures and other previous Straits Settlements in Asia. Being the sister museum of the Asian Civilisations Museum it has an extended wing to its artifact collection that houses the Old Tao Nan School building. About 112,000 visitors are expected annually from the museum making it one of the most visited museums in Singapore. The museum has 10 galleries specializing on Peranakan arts and culture.

Among the highlights of the Singapore Art Museum are the national collections of arts of Taiwan, South American and Singapore. One can find about 7750 pieces of modern contemporary art of Singapore and Southeast Asia with the expansion of New Asian and International Contemporary Art collections. It is one of the museums in Singapore with the international standard for museum facilities in Southeast Asia and become a part of the growing leagues of new generation of museums throughout the world with its exhibitions of art and building different community outreach programs.

Apart from these attractions in the Singapore Art Museum its location is strategic for tourists to visit being at the center of the shopping district of Singapore just near the Waterloo Street Arts Belt and other major visual arts and performing arts institutions with accessibility to public transportation.

Where To Get Souvenirs From the Lion City

When visiting a country, tourists usually make sure that they grab souvenirs as their giveaways to friend or for keepsakes. When going to a country, you should make a little research first about the place and the country’s icon. Like when you are visiting Singapore, it is a common knowledge about the merlion icon and its national flower Vanda Miss Joaquim, a kind of orchid.

Souvenirs that you can see around can be cheap or expensive authentic choices. So decide which one you are going to get. Aside from the two prominent symbols of the country, there are other cultures that settle in the country since the population is comprised of mainly Chinese, Mayas, Indians and Eurasians.

One can get Chinese souvenirs, Paranakan, Nyoya or Indian souvenirs. If you choose Chinese, Paranakan, Nyoya souvenirs, you can conveniently get them in Chinatown while Indian souvenirs are teeming in Little India. You can buy souvenirs almost everywhere in Singapore. Tourist attractions like Singapore Flyer, Singapore Zoological Gardens, Jurong Bird Park and Sentosa are few places you can pleasurably explore at the same time get some souvenirs.

It would be great also if you spend a day to find and shop for souvenirs so that you can compare prices and do some haggling if allowed. Chinatown is a good place to find cheap Singapore souvenirs and if you are intending to buy in bulk. But this cheap option may give you items that quality is compromised. Singapore Mint is a good place to get authentic souvenir and being sure that you are not get cheated. In this place you can get orchids and merlion souvenirs which you can resell at a higher price once these souvenirs are out of production.

Singapore pressed pennies are good souvenirs also. Singapore’s first and only pressed penny machine is found in Suntec City Mall. This souvenir items are good for coin collectors and there are four different unique designs that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. You can manipulate the machine yourself and can be an exciting activity for you and your friends.

So if you are planning to go to Singapore and wondering where to get unique and exquisite souvenirs, then take time to roam around and explore different shops around the city. Other places where you can get souvenirs include major department stores, shops and hotel shopping arcades. Little India is a good place not only to get souvenirs but to have a look on the Indian culture.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens shop have commemorative gift to offer tourists like natural history books. If you are interested in Chinese opera items like bamboo flutes, opera hats, ladies’ embroidered vests are found in Eng Tiang Huat on River Valley Road. If you are looking for a wide array of fragrance oils, they are available in Aljunied Brothers along Arab Street.

There is actually a long list of souvenir items and shops that you can visit in Singapore. This place is a huge shopping area and all you need is enough energy to do the exploration and ample amount of money to pay all the items you want to grab.   

The Singapore Arts Festival

The Singapore Arts Festival is one of the most awaited annual arts festivals in the world. It started in 1977 which showcases the local arts in Singapore and for years it became to be Singapore’s iconic symbol that reflects the country’s cultural and artistic life. From a local art festivities Singapore arts festival gradually transformed the city to become one of Asia’s cultural capital today.

The National Arts Council organizes the annual art festival which is held during mid-year with month-long activities of theater arts, visual arts, musical shows, and dance festivities. The art festival used to be a local celebration by region in Singapore but as it became grown to be popular throughout the world international artists began to participate with the event. The Singapore arts festival has a touch of Asian culture with distinctive contemporary arts.

Organizers of the Singapore Arts Festival take the extra effort of planning non-stop activities to entertain people from various countries who are expected to participate and visit Singapore for their most-awaited art festival. They plan specific venues which they call the Festival Village at the Esplanade Park where wonderful artworks are showcased and different stage performances are held for quality entertainment. Spectacular shows are held in the village including stage performances, art gallery exhibits, and other striking installation of cultural and art displays. For better entertainment among the visitors the organizers usually allow guests to make their own art for souvenirs. Workshops, salon sessions, and master classes are also available.

For better convenience, the organizers of the Singapore Arts Festival also provide a one-stop shop that caters to the needs of the festival guests where they can buy tickets for their favorite shows, read about the history and other relevant information about the festival and buy limited edition of Singapore Arts Festival merchandise.

The festival also opens an avenue for children to learn different works of art and to discover their ability to become artistic. The festival is a perfect occasion to encourage young artists to develop their craft and discover their talents in art. Children as young artists are able to learn to become more creative and improve their skills as they discover their potential as artists. The Kids Arts Village is also located at the Festival Village at the Esplanade Park. What makes this undertaking more fun and interesting is that the activities are managed, curated, and performed by children themselves. There are great foods and drinks available during the festival too on top of the wonderful entertainment for all ages.

Because the Singapore Arts Festival has become an international event, the Artsfest Club was created in order to provide better services and benefits to those who intend to attend and participate to the event. Members enjoy the privilege of booking their favorite art festival shows at wonderful discounts with a seat reservation benefit. They are also updated with the latest activities during the festival through email and enjoy more discount privileges on other merchandise and festival activities. With good food, wonderful work of art, galleries, and international performances combined, the Singapore arts festival is no doubt one of the most awaited Asian cultural and art festivities by many.

The Best Culinary Pickings in Singapore

When you think and hear the country Singapore, there are lots of ideas that you associate with the place like soaring economy, a place for shopping spree, pulsating nightlife, good food and a perfect getaway. When it comes to feeding your appetite with exquisite food and exotic local cooking, Singapore is the right place to go. Sprawling almost everywhere is a place to satisfy your craving with special cuisine and local Singapore food that you should definitely try.

In order to give you idea about the top places to begin your delectable gastronomic experience, there are lots of best places to eat in Singapore. This island country is a haven for fine dining and street-side gourmet that you should definitely undergo so that your dining experience is made complete. Forlino is among the best restaurants in the city. It is synonymous to Italian fine dining and flawless service and located in One Fullerton Road. Customers enjoy the food and at the same time the best views of Marina Bay.

Bacchus Boathouse is an old yet romantic place. This place serves the sumptuous contemporary European cuisine. Equally impeccable is the panoramic view that the place offers its customers as well as a breathtaking view of the bay and the city lights. This place only seats limited guests and so if you want to savor an intimate dining with your loved one, this place is just as perfect as you want it.

Society Bar is not only good for its drinks but surprisingly it wide range of choices when it comes to food and dessert menu. It is also a place good to hang out with friends and do people-watching. Enjoy the best views of the area as the grand Fullerton Hotel is located on one side, the Marine Bay on the other and the Merlion in between.

If you want to tasteful seafood, you are all welcome at the Palm Beach Seafood located near the famous icon of Singapore Merlion and offer a great view of the Marina Bay Sands. Over-all, both the scenic view and mouth-watering seafood will surely fill your heart and stomach with unforgettable experience.

Do you want to try the exciting local Singapore food? Then you’ll never go wrong when you head to the Glutton’s Bay. It serves a collection of various local flavors of Singapore in the style of old retro street food carts. For tourists, this is one good place in order to taste and experience Singaporean culture. The mentioned restaurants are only few of the best places the country has to offer. Singapore is a haven for a comprehensive cuisine of your choice, whether it be local or international.

Among the local Singaporean food to try out are the chili crabs, Hainanese chicken rice, satay, laksa, Bak Kut the, Roti prata, rojak, char kway tow and a lot more. Their names are quite interesting and so are their tastes. Make your stay in Singapore fun and get ready to explore lots of possibilities while in this country.

Singapore As A Book Lover's Paradise

Reading books has been an old time passion and hobby for many of us. This is where we get inspirations and ideas that are practicable in life’s situations and at times be entertained. For serious booklovers and collectors, it is always their goal to find books, accumulate them and form a huge collection.

Booklovers always make it a point also to get books from their travels as a souvenir and add up to their unique collection. Coming to Singapore is an exciting experience. You get to the best places in the country as most travelers visit, spend a day or two shopping and go to quiet places to pursue your passion in reading.

Don’t forget to stop by the following bookshops where you can find lots of interesting books and just kill time. Borders Bookstore is located in Wheelock Place (Orchard Road). The other branch is located in Parkway Parade. One good thing about this place is its location where it is surrounded by classy coffee shops. Once you have already bought your favorite book, you can grab a seat and start reading. Borders Bookstore is a good place for casual reader who likes fiction. The store has also a good selection of professional books and literary texts.

Kinokuniya is a good place to visit. It holds an interesting collection of manga, graphic novels, Chinese, Japanese and English magazines. And with this collection, no bookstore can match in the entire Singapore. Aside from its main branch in Ngee Ann City Takashimaya Shopping Centre in Orchard Road, the two other branches as in Bugis Junction and Liang Court. Finding the book is easy, you can ask assistance from the staff or do it yourself by typing the book on the finder machine. The machine can even print a map for you on a piece of paper.  

Page One is a great place to browse books and read as the store provides few choice seats with spectacular view. One can also sit on the floor in the quiet corners of the area. The store has a good collection of coffee table books and reference books. A great feature of this bookshop is their children and young adults book section which provides a wide range options and with large area for it. They also provide a small play area for children to read books. So if you are bringing your children along with you, this place is a good one.

The Book Café is a unique place where you can actually do two of your passions, your passion for reading and a tasteful treat for your palate. This place is a euro-styled bistro with an independent bookstore and you can also dine outside in the shaded walkway or just sit comfortably on their overstuffed couches while you scan the pages of your favorite book.

San Bookshop is a good place for those who like to read books but on a tight budget. There are many cheap options on this bookshop and books that are sold here are either brand new of second hand. Another interesting about this bookstore is that readers have the option of returning the book after they are done with it and get partial refund of their money.

Shopping Destinations During the Great Singapore Sale

Great Singapore Sale has been existent for over a decade today. It has been supported by many sponsors and this event is an important landmark on the Singapore calendar. The country has emerged as one of the best shopping destinations in Asia considering that neighboring countries like Hong Kong and Thailand are huge shopping places as well.    This annual shopping festival happens in the month of June and July.

When this grand sale happens, you are sure to buy quality products and gadgets for less. Aside from shopping which you can also do even late night, there are lots of attractions, partying and numerous performances to let you fully enjoy your stay in the country. Make sure to ring along with you lots of money and your credit cards for surely you will be tempted and all you can do is to indulge.

Shopping in Singapore during the great sale is a better choice because you are assured that you are getting the best quality of products and other stuff that you intend to buy. The country itself follows strict rules to make every customer get the high quality of goods and services. You don’t need to go further if all you need are right here. Many of the shoppers find their great Singapore sale experience superb as they avail of 20-30% up to 70% slashes on prices.

Tourist shoppers are overwhelmed by the shopping madness as you rush into the central shopping belt of downtown Orchard Road and Marina Bay, bordering centers like Marine Parade and Toa Payoh up to the Changi Airport area. Singapore is a huge shopping destination, so prepare you pocket and gear your feet with sturdy shoes to begin your shopping marathon.

If your intention in going to this island country is to shop, it is better that you stay in the hotel closer to the shopping centers. Book your hotel accommodation near Marina Square and the Suntec city mall. There are street-side shops where you can grab some souvenir items that you can bring home. Across the island is the 12 air-conditioned shopping malls that take turns in extending the shopping hours up to 12 midnight and even beyond.

Aside from the great shopping experience, you can take a break and enjoy the city’s attraction. You can walk through the underwater tunnel aquarium or take a trip on the night-safari at the Singapore Zoo. The scenery in the city is also breathtaking as you look up the tall and gleaming skyscrapers of Singapore cosmopolitan or be refreshed at the Sentosa Island. 

So the next time you take a trip and enjoy shopping spree, make Singapore on top of your list. Plan your trip ahead and make sure to take part on their great sale so that you’ll get more out of your budget. The place is also a good venue to feed your cravings with delicious local and international cuisine. Fun and partying is never ending as the country takes pride on their lively nightly entertainment and international performances or concerts.     

Nightlife Scenes and Activities in Singapore

Singapore transforms itself from a bustling business center in the morning to a vibrant nightlife filled with fun and exciting activities that anyone can enjoy when night comes. The cosmopolitan has a small but well-developed clubbing scene, theater performances, arts scene and more. Tourists and residents are able to experience pleasure which is complete and truly amazing. Entertainment destinations include bars, discos, clubs, karaoke bars, street opera, night market, multiplex cinemas, river cruises, international shows and many others.

If you want to feed your palate with exquisite tastes of both local and international cuisines, then you can head toward Bugis Street, Changi Village and Holland Village. Changi represents the face of the old Singapore but converts to a lively nightlife destination. Enjoy looking at its elegant architecture as you dine out and have some drinks while in awe of its splendor and the view of one of the world’s most attractive and functional airports.

Holland Village is among city’s most visited nightlife venues as it is packed with restaurants, nightclubs and bars. This is the favorite place of most young crowd and travelers of the island. The place also promises to feed your appetite as it offers everyone a wide range of dining experience and almost any sort of cuisine.

The Club Street or Muhammad Sultan Road is a must-visit place in Singapore and feel liberated with the wide range of nightlife experience that pubs, nightclubs and wine bars can give you. This once old street has become upbeat and a haven for fun and bubbly events during the night.  

The two huge resorts at Marina Bay and Sentosa will bring you closer to nature. Feel the soothing Sentosa harbor front nightlife. The place is unique since it’s a blend of enjoying the nature while taking advantages of the best bars around the area. This is a great treat for friends and families including those who want to shake off stress brought by busy schedule.

Marina Bay nightlife is a must-try especially for expatriates. If you want to be refreshed and take some time to just start anew, then this is a cool place for retreat. Slow down for a while and seize that moment and explore the site. Clarke Quay and riverside is a place to be when you want to enjoy dinner with you loved one, party with your friends or to relax after a tiring day at work. You will be surprised to know that the pubs and clubs are old Chinese shop houses and godowns which were refurbished.

Orchard Road is alive and dazzles when night time comes. This road is a famous shopping belt and teeming with great clubs. For an upscale experience, you can go to Brix which is located in the luxurious Grand Hyatt Hotel. The underground place is romantic as it is lit up with candles. Feel the warmth of the place and enjoy their great wine bar.

Singapore is a great place for business and pleasure. It is a place yet to be explored by travelers like you. When you come to this place, allow it to embrace you with opens arms and let loose of yourself and experience pure fun.

Exploring Little India in Singapore

One of Singapore’s popular tourist attractions is the Little India which occupies the short stretch of Serangoon Road in the western side of the island country. This place is historic and has been preserved yet maintaining its lively and authentic spirit. Coming to this place, you can do exciting and fun activities which you will not surely forget.

One noticeable mood of this place is its lively buzz unlike other attractions in the country. If your visit is timely for the festival, you will surely feel the energy and the vibrant need of this Little India stretch. This place is colorful too. You will see this on their bright billboards, paints of the buildings without any color coordination and other obvious scenery you can see in this place is the abundance of colors.

You will also have that indicator to know that you are already in the place. There is that certain smell in the air which is a combination of perfumes, incense and spices that may seem overwhelming to the nose for most first time visitors. Another unique feature of the place is the sounds of the Bollywood tunes that resounds in the entire place since most of the time the music is played in full blast. For some it may be annoying but eventually it will add to the feel of the place that you are already in Singapore’s Little India.

Since Little India covers a few block of the Serangoon Road, it is easily explored by foot. Get ready for this walk and make sure to prepare your sturdy shoes. Make your first stop at the Little India Arcade where you can find different handicraft items. Head on to Buffalo Road if you are interested in buying traditional Indian merchandise like saris, incense and Bollywood flicks.

On this stretch, you will find spice stores. Next to these stores is a goldsmith’s store where you can buy gold jewelries which are intricately designed according to Indian tastes. This is a good souvenir that one can get when visiting Little India. One good thing also, you can haggle over the prices. There are shops that sell traditional Indian attire. If this one appeals to you, then you can buy one and become part of your collection. For more traditional shops, you can take a slight detour to the Campbell Road.

Enter the Sri Lakshmi Narayan Temple, a North Indian styled place of worship which is usually filled with bustling activities and often host Hindu weddings. It would also be nice if you happen to stop by and see the actual ceremonies and people don’t usually mind you entering the place to watch. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is an example of South Indian temple architecture and the Little India’s oldest temple.

Little India is a good shopping place and equally interesting as this place fill your appetite with good food.  If you want to have a taste of authentic Indian food, you definitely come to the right place. There are numbers of restaurants that will make your gastronomic experience truly unparalleled as you try Indian cuisine. The best time to go to Little India is early in the morning before the crowd flocks the place. Don’t go either during Sunday evenings because the place is overcrowded as well.

Dragon Boat Racing Clubs in Singapore

Dragon boat racing is a festival celebrated annually in Bedok Reservoir. This competition is participated by different dragon boat racing clubs in the country. Dragon boat racing has become one of the attractions in the country. Undeniably this water sport game is becoming popular and a major competition in countries aside from Asia.

This sport has its roots in ancient China. It embodies a mystifying heritage. A dragon boat is a painted boat with a decorative dragon’s head and tail attached to it. Each team is composed of 22 able-bodied members who will row their way to success. It is composed of 20 paddlers, 1 coxswain at the helm of the boat and 1 drummer who sit in front of the boat. The drum beat sets the pace for the team and all rowers should do their action with synchronism.

Dragon boating is a popular team sports which is recreational and competitive. And with this sport come various organizations and clubs formed in order to compete and take part in this water-based competition. Aside from the private individuals who have come together to form their own dragon boat racing clubs, there are government agencies and corporate organizations who create their own group to take part in major race events in Singapore.

Aside from the locals who have formed their group, there are currently seven Dragon Boat teams within the expatriate community in Singapore. These clubs are the AustCham, German Dragons, Canadian, Okinawa, Kowloon and the Irish Dragon Boat team. These teams are sponsored by pubs or clubs in Singapore. Aside from sharing the same sport, the members enjoy their practice session and ending it by spending some time to bond and socialize with one another.

Each club has representatives who often get together and coordinate social events, fun races and other activities in order to encourage members to meet and be acquainted with the members of the other teams. Most of them organize private parties and social gatherings throughout the year. In contrast to the common notion that this sports is more on competition and hard rowing, many of the teams members are sociable and enjoy this lifestyle.

Joining a dragon boat team will not only get you hooked to this sport but a serious way to stay fit and healthy. You are free to join a competitive group and begin your training three times a week or become a social paddler and just train on Saturdays. Joining this team entails more physical activities, so get ready for some action and exposing your body under the scorching heat of the sun. It is expected the newbie will experience muscle pains all over the body. But in the end you will realize that its all the hard work is worth it.

Many are yet unaware that dragon boat racing is a sea sport practiced all over the world. It has spread beyond Asia and popularized in places like Europe, North America, Australia, Canada, Germany and even Africa. So if you happen to go to Singapore and witnessed the Dragon boat racing festival, you will surely agree that being one of the spectators of the contest is breathtaking and truly exciting.

Celebrating Thaipusam in Singapore

Thaipusam celebration in Singapore is annually held as a Holy Hindu Festival. Participants are usually engaged in a four kilometer procession that begins at the stroke of midnight. There are expected to be about ten thousand participants as devotees to the celebration every year. The procession usually starts from the Serangoon Road Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple going to the Tank Road where the Hindu Temple is located. Devotees usually profess their vows to the Hindu God, Murugan by taking with them kavadis and milk pots.

The Thaipusam celebration usually happens every January and is most valuable Indian festival in Singapore. Many are looking forward for the Hindu festival to be celebrated annually with much enthusiasm in Singapore where the largest Indian population is located outside of India. In fact Indians rank third among the largest ethnic groups in Singapore. With this statistics there are diverse cultural practices, beliefs and religions in Singapore. Although a certain percentage of Indian population in Singapore adopts a modern culture and lifestyle, majority maintain their fidelity to the practice of Hinduism and continue to celebrate traditional festivals such as the Thaipusam.

Devotees to the Thaipusam celebrate the festival during full moon as the word Thaipusam means “when the moon is the brightest.” Thus, it is celebrated between January and February when there is full moon in these Tamil months. Among the common religious practices include body piercing and thanksgiving celebration to their Lord Subramaniam, the God who represents virtue, beauty, valor, and youthfulness. Sacrificial self-mortification is also common among the devotees who believe that their God is a universal giver of favor to those who show vows and pledge of devotion to him.

The festival celebration commemorates the victory of the Hindu God, Lord Subramaniam. According to the ancient history demonic creatures plagued the celestial beings and the God helped them by sending his son, Subramaniam to defeat these demons. There were also beliefs that Subramaniam appeared to his devotees through a vision showing him to be dressed in jewels with a golden spear on his hand and rested on a chariot. Since then the Thaipusam is celebrated in commemoration with this belief with people adoring the beautifully crafted silver chariot where the image of Subramaniam is displayed.

Devotees subject themselves to the common rituals and rites of staging a sacrificial act to thank the God for the favors they receive from him. Male devotees would carry kavadis to show gratitude during the Chetty Pusam cultural event. The kavadis are steel racks of 40 kg in weight which are decorated with fruits and flowers and are attached on the body of males through hooks and skewers which pierce through their skin. Some would pierce their tongues and cheeks using spikes and skewers with fruits hanging from the hooks. In these states they would procession through a 2 mile route until they reach the Tank Road Temple with their families waiting for them who would help them remove the heavy structures from their bodies. Throughout the procession other devotees would accompany them, chanting and giving prayers to encourage the participants.

Where to find tasty street food in Vietnam

Markets and streets give you the best insight about any place; this is especially true for Vietnam. In Vietnam, markets are the busiest place in any town big or small. In every market you will come across people selling food. Vietnam is especially known for its street food which has now become a part of its culture and it is said that a visit to Vietnam is incomplete if you haven’t tasted the tasty wares sold on streets. Street food leaves you satiated and satisfied and you get a chance to sample some best cooking without burning a hole in your pocket.

Many people are skeptical about trying street food because they are afraid of falling sick. The ingredients are fresh and often meals are prepared before you. People young and old go around selling a variety of food such as freshly sliced fruits, hot buns, popcorns and the popular spring rolls. Some vendors also carry a small kitchen with them and set up a shop wherever they fancy or see potential customers. In Vietnam, you do not need to look for food, food finds you.    

There are many food stalls where food is sold. Language is not a problem; let your senses do the talking. The tantalizing aroma often makes people stop and pull a plastic stool. After sitting down, just point at what you want to eat and within minutes it will be served to you fresh and piping hot.

There are two types of eating places in the street markets; the up market street food kitchen which sells a variety of Vietnamese food and the small stalls which basically sell the popular Vietnamese dishes Bun Cha, Bun Ga (noodles with chicken), Bun Bo (noodles with beef) and the most demanded pho noodle soup.  In fact Com and pho are the two most popular dishes in Vietnam. Com means rice and com dishes are available in every nook and corner of Vietnam. Rice is commonly served with pork sauce or beef sauce. Pho is another popular dish of Vietnam. Pho is a soup dish with noodles and local seasoning. Meat is an important ingredient of pho and if you do not eat meat, you can ask for vegetables instead.

Eating on the streets comes with its advantages; you get to know the real Vietnam, you save a considerable amount of money and in a way you help the poor locals earn s decent living. Those who have sampled food in both restaurants and on the streets can testify to the fact that there is almost no difference in taste and quality. 

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