About the Yakisoba Recipe

I reached out to one of my favorite food people, Daisuke Utagawa, a partner of the Daikaya Group, one of the leading Japanese restaurant groups in Washington, DC. Inspired by the Yakisoba kits offered at one of his restaurants, Hatoba, I gave it a try at home. Based on Masaharu Morimoto’s recipe from the book “Mastering the Art of Japanese Cooking and the tips from chef Daisuke Utagawa, this Yakisoba recipe is easy to make.

Getting the Ingredients

You can probably get your Yakisoba ingredients at your local Asian supermarket. I am lucky to live in Washington, DC, since we have a big selection of Asian supermarkets in the metro area. If you’re in DC and feeling nostalgic for Japan, check out Hana Supermarket. Don’t be fooled by the size-this tiny space is filled with all sorts of Japanese ingredients to make your favorite dishes. Also, Washington, DC, Japanese restaurant Daikaya just opened a virtual Japanese mini-mart full of goodies. If you don’t live near a Japanese restaurant, no worries! You can get items like Yakisoba Sauce, Red Pickled Ginger, Bonito Flakes, Aonori, and Yakisoba noodles online.

Making Yakisoba

Making Yakisoba is pretty easy to make, especially when you buy the pre-made Yakisoba sauce. As Daisuke Utagawa, the Daikaya Group’s co-owner, mentioned in the video, you can also make your sauce at home mixing Worseschire sauce with molasses. This recipe is a go-to for me during the week when I don’t have much time to make anything else. It is also a great dish to introduce people to Japanese food.

Recipe: Making Yakisoba at Home

Print Recipe

Yakisoba is a Japanese noodle dish, traditionally made with yakisoba noodles, vegetables, and pork belly. You can also replace the protein with tofu, chicken, or beef. 

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 1

Ingredients

The recipe below serves 1:

 

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 ounces pork belly, thinly sliced, then cut into 3/4-inch pieces (in a pinch, you can also use bacon. If vegetarian, you can replace with tofu)

1/2 cup thinly sliced yellow onion

1/4 cup 2-inch-long matchsticks peeled carrot

1 cup roughly chopped (about two by 3/4-inch pieces) loosely packed white cabbage

1 (5 1/2-ounce) package yakisoba noodles 

2 tablespoons jarred yakisoba sauce, preferably the Otafuku brand

1 tablespoon shredded beni shoga (red pickled ginger)

1 heaping tablespoon bonito flakes1/2 teaspoon aonori (powdered seaweed) or finely chopped nori seaweed sheets

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Instructions

Step 1: In a wok or large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil and onions, cook for 2-3 minutes until soft

Step 2: Add pork belly and carrots to the wok and cook for 5 minutes until the pork is cooked. 

Step 3: Add the cabbage, cook 3-4 minute until wilted

Step 4: While the vegetables and pork are cooking, on another frying pan, add 1/4 a cup of water to the frying pan, then add noodles and loosen them up with tongs or chopsticks.

Step 5: Add noodles to the wok, integrate the vegetable pork mix to the noodles with tongs or chopsticks. Add sauce and cook for 3-4 minutes. Reminder: Yakisoba noodles are already pre-cooked, so there’s no need to keep them longer than a few minutes for the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Placed yakisoba on the plate. Sprinkle with aonori and top with bonito flakes. Add a small portion of pickled ginger on the side.

• Author: Adapted from Masaharu Morimoto
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Japanese Food
• Cuisine: Japanese

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Accommodations

There are dozens of companies you can cruise with on Halong Bay, but we decided to go with Bhaya, due to its stellar reviews. You can choose from a variety of different options, but we went with one cabin private boat, for three days and two nights. We had our own private deck, dining room, cabin and bathroom complete with a bathtub and our own crew. It was pretty magnificent! The food provided by the chef on board was also exceptional. For breakfast, we had a massive spread of noodles, eggs, fruit, yogurt, pastries, cheese, fresh-squeezed juice, and coffee.

The Food

At lunch, we had a three-course meal, complete with soup and dessert. Dinner was another impressive array of items like vegetables in Vietnamese curry, pho, pumpkin soup, papaya salad, fried tofu, spring rolls, fried rice, and noodles. We were never able to finish everything! In addition, our butler Michael (who was the most amazing) served fresh juice or lemonade after every activity. Drinks such as Halong beer are always available for purchase. My favorite time of day was at sunset, when we indulged in happy hour beverages and snacks while enjoying the stunning sunset from the deck after a day of activities in Halong Bay.

Activities

On our cruise of Halong Bay, we were provided with a list of optional activities. Here are my recommendations:

Kayaking: The bay is absolutely stunning, and there is nothing like being so close to the water. With Bhaya, a staff member will come with you so even if you are a novice kayaker there is nothing to worry about. We kayaked twice during our trip and it was a great way to do something active, get up close to the islands, and stop off at random small beaches for swimming and sunbathing.

Cat Ba Island: Cat Ba is famous for its rainforest and small village, so I highly recommend making a stop while you are cruising. We chose to bike through the village which was super fun. As opposed to walking, where you will get really hot, you get a nice breeze by biking. We stopped for a beer at a local shop, visited a local school, and enjoyed the scenery. We hoped to see one of their famous langurs (monkeys) but sadly their numbers have dwindled.

Boat activities: With Bhaya, you can do on-board tai chi at sunrise, a cooking class (ours was making spring rolls!) and spa treatments. We did all three, although my husband skipped out on the tai chi.

Cruising on Halong Bay: The Verdict

Experiencing Halong Bay is a dream come true! Make it your next destination.

The post Living the dream: Cruising on Halong Bay appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Where to Stay

We went to Hanoi both before and after a visit to Halong Bay, so I was lucky enough to stay in two different hotels while exploring Hanoi, Vietnam which are both lovely and offer two great options in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

O’Gallery Premier Hotel and Spa: This hotel is located close to all the sights you will want to see and shops you will want to peruse. The staff is exceptionally kind and the hotel offers great tours. We took advantage of the street food walking tour and the all-day city tour. There’s a spa on the bottom level which offers incredibly inexpensive spa services in a wonderful, zen atmosphere. Breakfast was included in our rate and featured a huge buffet with Vietnamese breakfast items as well as pastries, desserts and the most irresistible fresh juices.

Hanoi La Siesta Central Hotel and Spa: One of the more upscale hotels in town, this hotel has gorgeous, spacious rooms and bathrooms, as well as a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant. Staff is incredibly helpful and no request goes unheeded.

Where to Eat

There is literally no end to dining options in Hanoi. We simply did not have a bad meal while exploring Hanoi, Vietnam. However, the plethora of choices can be overwhelming, so here are a few of the gems we visited to get you started!

Food on Foot Tour: As soon as we arrived in Hanoi, we checked into our hotel and then embarked on this epic food tour. A food tour is one of the best ways to exploring this awesome city! We visited no less than eight venues, some small, some big but each more delicious than the last. At the first family-run food stall, we indulged in rice pancakes. These banh cuon chay were made with thin, steamed rice pancakes stuffed with mushrooms and topped with crispy fried onions. Normally eaten for breakfast, these pancakes hit the spot.

Next was a pho noodle salad at a place called Hang Chi Alley, followed by bun nem chay, a vermicelli noodle salad with fried spring rolls. Bun means rice vermicelli, we learned, and it is one of the most popular noodles in Vietnam. We then went to a venue where we made our own wraps, mine with a fried mung bean pancake called banh khoai (similar to banh xeo) and goodies like dried figs, pineapple, greens and mint.

From there, we sampled the famous Vietnamese egg coffee (yes the coffee actually has egg in it!) at Nguyen Huu Huan and then went to another spot for delicious sticky rice with green beans and dried shallot. For dessert, we hit up Hang Bac for mango with cool, sweet coconut ice cream. It was, hands down, the best food tour I have ever experienced.

Ngon Village: This charming restaurant has an unlimited menu, which is a dream when you want to sample as much as you can during the short time you are in town! We stuffed ourselves with fresh and fried spring rolls, veggies soaked in a heady coconut milk broth, fried rice, noodles and more, all washed down with a cold bottle of wine.

Cinnamon: Small and cozy, this restaurant is perfect for a cozy date night. Order a chilled bottle of white wine or a local beer and treat yourself to one of their set menus, which comes with soup, spring rolls and a platter of half a dozen classic Vietnamese dishes like tofu in a savory tomato and onion sauce, pan-fried noodles, and stir-fried vegetables.

What to Do

There is so much!

Take a City Tour

While exploring Hanoi, Vietnam, try to go on a walking tour to learn more about the history of the city. We took a full day city tour, which was a great way to see all of the highlights of the city. From the tran quoc pagoda, built in the 6th century, to the gorgeous one pillar Buddhist pagoda to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum to the awe-inspiring Temple of Literature, we were utterly charmed by all the city has to offer. A stop at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology gave us the opportunity to learn about Vietnamese history and culture; it was incredible to discover that the country has over 50 distinct ethnicities and languages.

The tour also included a sobering but educational visit to the Ho Lan prison, where Vietnamese political prisoners were kept by French colonists. The same prison later housed American prisoners of war during the Vietnam war. It was a profoundly interesting place to visit.

Stroll along Hoan Kiem Lake

Located in the center of this city, this lake is beautiful to visit both during the day and in the evening. Take a walk around the lake, sit on a bench and people watch or grab a coffee at a lakeside café.

Visit the local Night Market

A night market experience is essential while exploring Hanoi, Vietnam. The market offers anything your heart could desire: street side dumplings, electronics, socks, umbrellas, jewelry, fresh-squeezed lemonade and everything else in the world. It’s crowded and chaotic but so much fun.

Get a massage

Spa services are available at massage parlors on every street and in every hotel. For as little as $20 you can receive a relaxing, soothing Vietnamese massage or facial. Don’t hold back – I got a massage every day that I was there.

Exploring Hanoi Vietnam: The Verdict

Hanoi is everything all at once: a city of 11 million people, half of whom are zooming around on motorbikes, a culinary wonder, a shopping center, a place of noise and activity 24 hours a day, a historical wonder, a Buddhist sanctuary. Soak it all it – it’s all so amazing!

The post Escapes: Exploring Hanoi, Vietnam appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Getting There

There are several hubs from the US that allow you to travel to Taiwan nonstop: New York, Los Angeles, and Houston. Unfortunately, Washington, DC does not offer a direct flight yet, but with one connection to New York or Los Angeles, you’re on your way. Flights average at $1k. The highest fare for a plane ticket is during summer from June to late August and Christmas season, which is about $1,300-$1,600.

Otherwise, the average fare is about $750-850. While in Taiwan, you can travel easily across the island by high-speed train. In the main cities, public transportation is abundant and efficient. Tip: I highly recommend taking EVA Air Premium Economy. With its small perks such as amenity kits, slippers, and plush blankets, it’s definitely one of the best premium economy class flights I’ve ever taken.

You Should Visit Taiwan For the Culture

You should visit Taiwan if you are a lover of culture. There are so much art and history woven into this island that it would take a lifetime to learn it all. The National Palace Museum located in Taipei is a cultural treasure with centuries-old Chinese and Asian art. The arts are not only focused on Taipei! Take a train down to Tainan to the Chimei Museum. The perfectly manicured grounds reminded me of Versailles. Once you enter the museum, you’re taken into this eclectic private collection with everything from samurai armor to Rodin sculptures. It makes the perfect day trip to Taipei as it will take you several hours to explore it all.

You Should Visit Taiwan For the Festivals

I visited Taiwan last during Lunar New Year, which is an extraordinary time to visit as there are festivals throughout the country. I had the opportunity to visit three distinct ones.

Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival

This unique festival takes place in the southern town of Tianan. This town hosts the Yanshui Annual Beehive festival. As the name implies, the festival’s main attraction is an over the top display of fireworks. This event is like nothing I’ve ever experienced in my life! Visitors can wear a fire-protectant suit and get close and personal with the source of the fireworks. I, however, opted to hang out at the top of the temple and catch the views that way. Beyond the fireworks, many local merchants are offering delicious Taiwanese food such as stinky tofu, soups, and desserts.

Pingxi Lantern Festival

If you’re looking for reasons for why you should travel to Taiwan, this can be added to your list. I’m biased because this was one of the highlights of my trip. This small town located just an hour away from Taipei has a unique vibe. Pingxi is lush and green, dotted with charming small wooden homes, and a picturesque river that runs across the small town. All the little details give it a cozy feel. Take the time to visit some of the tiny tea houses and sip on the local-made tea. As the sun sets, the magic begins. I found more details on how to get to the Pingxi Lantern Festival here.

When our tour guide was telling us about the festival, I assumed the lanterns would be dainty paper lanterns like the ones I’ve seen on tv. Not in this case: lanterns are around four feet tall, and it takes a few people to send it off. Visitors are encouraged to write down their wishes on the lantern before setting it ablaze so it can fly high in the sky. It’s a truly magical sight.

Taiwan Paper Lantern Festival

Every year, the Taiwan Paper Lantern Festival takes place in a different city in Taiwan. This year, it took place in the southern city of Pingtung. This festival has a colorful display of intricately made paper lanterns. There are rows and rows of intricate designs such as colorful dragons, festive Buddhas, and of course, plenty of pigs (2019 is the year of the Pig). These designs, along with intricate lighting, goes on for almost two kilometers. I highly recommend going with an empty stomach as there are so many delicious food stands throughout the festival grounds.

You Should Visit Taiwan for the Food

Yes, you should visit Taiwan for the food! When you see Taiwan on a map, you will notice the island is located in between China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and South East Asia. Its geographic location brings many influences from the neighboring Asian countries. Head to the night markets (my favorite is Rahoe Night Market) for spicy chili crab, fresh tropical fruit smoothies, and of course, the famous Taiwanese stinky tofu. Do not be fooled by the smell-the tofu is delicious!

From the night market street food to fine dining, you will not have a bad meal in Taiwan, especially if you have an adventurous palate. Indulge in a Michelin-Starred meal in Ya-Ge at the Mandarin Oriental Taipei or Le Palais de Chine Chinese Restaurant. The later is the only three-starred Michelin restaurant in Taiwan. For a more casual affair, head to Ding Tai Fung for delicious dumplings.

You Should Visit Taiwan for the People

My first trip to Taiwan was a solo trip. Although I am open to travel alone, I usually enjoy traveling with friends or my husband. However, I felt incredibly safe and welcomed in Taiwan. I received excellent service at every restaurant and shop I visited, and people were always accommodating when I asked them to take a photo. It’s one of those places that I genuinely wish I could return to very soon.

Taiwan: The Verdict

You should visit Taiwan because it’s such a dynamic and unique place in the heart of Asia. It has its own unique culture intertwined with the many different influences that it has received during its history. I am happy that I had the opportunity not only to return to explore beyond Taiwan.

The post Why You Should Visit Taiwan appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

For both chefs: what inspired you to come to Taiwan to work?

Chef Ken Chan: A vegetarian restaurant invited me to join their team in 1987.

Chef Matt Chen: I came here with my uncle from Macau to work at a seafood restaurant in 1988. 

For Chef Chen: you’re originally from Macau. Can you tell us more about Macanese cuisine? Do you have the opportunity to introduce it to your current menu?

One of the most popular dishes in Macau is pork braised with ginger and vinegar. We eat a lot of noodles and congees with Cantonese and Portuguese influence. Most of our menu is strictly Cantonese; however, some of the dim sum has Portuguese influence.

How did Cantonese food become so popular in Taiwan? 

In 1987, Taiwan had an economic boom, and diners became more attracted to Cantonese food. Due to the political issues, the ingredients came from Hong Kong, not China (PRC). When President Chiang Ching-Kuo lifted the rules to allow chefs to come from Hong Kong, many chefs ended up in Taiwan.

For Chen Chan: you have built quite the following during your time in Taiwan. What are some menu items that your most popular guests ask for?

We catered to the former presidents of Taiwan 陳水扁Chen Shui-bian and 馬英九Ma Yingjiu and became popular that way. Cantonese homestyle cooking is very popular among local celebrities.

Can you tell us more about the menu at Le Palais Restaurant? Do you have any favorite ingredients?

Chef Chan: We’re introducing Szechuan cuisine at Le Palais Restaurant. When we design the menu, we want to introduce different flavors. 

Chef Chen: My favorite dishes are BBQ pork and dim sum.

How does it feel to be the only Three-Star Michelin Restaurant in Taiwan?

We’re feeling a bit of pressure after Michelin! Our initial reaction? Very happy but then a bit of panic!

For both chefs: Our readers love to get recommendations from local chefs. Are there any restaurants or attractions that you recommend in Taiwan?

Chef Chen: You must try the Cantonese seafood restaurant and spicy hot pot at “Dragon Master”.

Chef Chan: 天香樓Tien Hsiang Lo and 欣葉Shin Yeh 

Tip: The easiest way to find these restaurants is to cut and paste to google maps!

The post Meet the Chefs Behind One of Taipei’s Top Restaurant, Le Palais appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Note: the interview has been edited for brevity.

Q&A with Executive Chef Rolando Manesco:

Maria: What makes your restaurant successful?

Chef Manesco: In Asia, you need to follow what most of your guests like to eat and find the ingredients from the region that pair with those recipes. We need to adjust the dishes to the local culture, which inspires me to design a menu based on our client’s expectations.

Maria: Why did you choose Bangkok?

Chef Manesco: The job chose me. You need to find the right opportunity and time to be there, and sometimes it’s up to destiny with chefs. In Asia, chefs are moving all the time, so we try to change often to get more experience, learn about other ingredients and cultures. So far, I am with InterContinental Bangkok for two years. Prior to this appointment, I already experienced different Asian cuisines and worked in several countries in Europe, starting at a very young age in my native Italy followed by other countries.

Maria: Can you tell us about your favorite creation on the menu?

Chef Manesco: In our Italian restaurant “Theo Mio” we introduced truffles originating from Europe and the reception has been great. We have different restaurants with different cuisines, from curry with noodles to pasta. The most popular Italian dish is called “parppadelle al tartufo”, which is served a Theo Mio.

Maria: What would you like for your guests to remember from the dining experience?

Chef Manesco: We want guests to remember the full journey-from the moment they enter the hotel, the culture of Thailand, our restaurants at InterContinental Bangkok, the style of the restaurant, the freshness of our ingredients, and the simplicity of cooking.

Maria: Tell me about the process of pairing wine and food?

Chef Manesco: We want guests to remember the full journey-from the moment they enter the hotel, the culture of Thailand, our restaurants at InterContinental Bangkok, the style of the restaurant, the freshness of our ingredients, and the simplicity of cooking.

Maria: How do you see your chances to be awarded a Michelin Star?

Chef Manesco: We are doing very good in some of our restaurants such as Summer Palace, Fireplace Grill and Bar, and Theo Mio. We are already in the Michelin guide. We are working hard to reach that goal, especially with Fireplace Grill and Bar, where the focus on ingredients, service, and quality is very high. Our goal is to surprise our guests. We hope to get a star!

Maria: Our readers enjoy local tips from chefs. What three places do you recommend for visitors to see?

Chef Manesco: Discover Thai cuisine and taste original food and flavors. Here are some other tips:

• Enjoy the food at Chinatown Bangkok.
• Visit many of the parks and large green areas throughout the city.
• Visit the many of the beautiful monuments, recommend visiting Erawan Shrine, featuring a gilded statue of the god Brahma located just in front the hotel where many people come to pray. It’s often the site of rituals and traditional dances.

About Our Dining Experience:

We had the pleasure to enjoy and eat at three of the different restaurants at the property: Espresso, Summer Palace and Theo Mio and below you can find some of our favorites dishes and wines at Theo Mio, Italian Kitchen by renowned chef Theo Randall:

• Pulpo alla griglia.
• Gnocchi con crema al tartufo.
• Barramundi alla griglia.
• White Wine: Dipinti la Vis, Chardonnay, Trentino-Ato-Adige, Italy.
• White Wine: Bottega, Pinot Grigio, Veneto, Italy.

It was a real pleasure to meet Executive Chef Rolando Manesco, Executive Chinese Chef Han Long Hua, and rest of the diverse team at InterContinental Bangkok. The experience truly made us feel at home. Everyone we met represented the kindness that Thai culture is known for.

InterContinental Bangkok, 973 Phloen Chit Road, Lumpini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Website

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Checking In

Upon arrival we were welcomed with refreshing towels and homemade tea. Immediately at the reception while doing the check-in, our receptionist Minji welcomed us to a stunning room. The kind staff took care of our suitcases and brought us to the cliff bungalow with an amazing view over the sea. From our balcony, we could enjoy the view of the palm trees, the Gulf of Thailand and Koh Samui island. The hotel is locally owned and employs more than 170 locals.

The Location

When deciding on where to stay in Koh Phangan, look for a property with a private beach. On the Leela private beach there are 3 hotels and a floating pier on the sea that allows you to go further in the water for a swim with small fish and a fabulous place to enjoy the sunset.

There is a small town call Had Rin just a few minutes away from the hotel where you can find shops, beauty centers, and restaurants. This beach is famous for the full moon party which is celebrated several times per year, with between 10,000 to 30,000 music festival fans coming from all over the world.

The Rooms

The resort has 92 rooms, ranging from bungalows to private villas. There are 5 villas with a private pool and sea view (76 m2), pool terrace rooms (108 m2), wooden bungalows (28 m²), the Cliff bungalows (35 m2), Senior bungalows (30m2), hillside bungalows and luxury rooms. The luxury building is being updated with modern materials like glass, ceramic tiles and metal. The most amazing room #802 includes a private pool on the balcony with a sea view and swimming pool view.

The Staff

The whole staff at Cocohut Beach Resort is fabulous! From the friendly concierge to the general manager, we were spoiled during our stay. We especially appreciated the pool staff who also provide service at the beach. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the sun and the ocean view and they take care of the rest. Service is always superb in Thailand.

The Food

Breakfast here is amazing, offering a large selection from Thai to international cuisine, warm and cold buffet, with food stations including fruits, cereals, yoghurt, freshly made omelets and eggs.

Lunch and dinner can be enjoyed inside or outside. The staff will set up an area outside allowing customers to enjoy the sunset with drinks, food and lounge music. The menu includes Thai, Japanese and international cuisine and the fresh fruit juices and cocktails are not to be missed.

Coconut Beach Resort: The Verdict

The post Escapes: Where to Stay in Koh Phangan, Thailand appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Asia is for food lovers! Last year, I was in Japan for work and decided to go to Singapore and Penang, Malaysia for a foodie trip. My friend Olivia, a Indonesian who grew up in Singapore was the perfect guide. At five months pregnant, competitive eating had become my favorite activity. Singapore and Malaysia are the perfect destination for that! She suggested we take a trip to Penang, Malaysia exclusively to eat. That suggestion was music to my ears.

Stop 1: Singapore

Singapore is unique from the rest of its neighbors. I believe it’s the perfect destination for those who want an introduction to Asia. Everything is orderly, clean, and everybody speaks English. It can feel less overwhelming than let’s say, Bangkok. It’s hot and humid all year long and the city is filled with ultra luxe malls to cool off. There’s plenty to do: rooftop parties at Marina Bay Sands Hotels, wander along the Gardens by the Bay, and discover the delicious food markets.

Where to Eat in Singapore

While preparing for my trip, I started asking my friends about food in Singapore. You have so many cultures converging in this city-state and it reflects in its cuisine. If you have to have three dishes in Singapore, you must try: chicken rice, laksa, and chilli crab. Pretty much everybody told me the same thing-”there’s no such thing as a bad meal in Singapore”. They were not lying.

Some of my favorites during my trip:

Indian Food at Muthu’s Curry:

Olivia and her family have been going to Muthu’s Curry since she was a little girl. She says that she has seen the place grow from a tiny restaurant to a Singapore staple. Loved how they served the dishes in traditional Indian style. The food is presented in banana leaves. You have the option eating it traditional style with your hands (which you see a lot of diners do) or the standard fork and knife.  Muthu’s Curry, 138 Race Course Rd, #01-01, Singapore

Jumbo’s Seafood Restaurant

There are several locations Jumbo in Singapore. Olivia took me to the one on Riverside Point. Located among other fine dining establishments, Jumbo stands out. The thing to order is chilli crab: a huge crab smothered in chili sauce. It’s messy but delicious. Don’t worry, the staff provides you with bibs and gloves! Jumbo’s, 20 Upper Circular Road, #B1-48 The Riverwalk, Singapore

Kuan Food Hall

No trip to Singapore is complete without a trip to a Food Hall. There are so many stalls! Thankfully I was with a local that guided me through the process. There, I indulged in laksa, a spicy coconut noodle soup. Kuan Food Hall,122 Neil Rd, Singapore 088855

Where to Stay in Singapore

There are plenty of places to stay in Singapore. Although I stayed with a friend, I had the opportunity to visit two unique properties. The Adler Hostel is a modern luxury hostel located in Neil Road. I am not big into hostels, but I would totally make the exception for that one! On the luxury side, The Ritz Carlton Singapore. Bonus: they have one of the best buffet meals I have ever experienced. Book a dinner or brunch there even if you are not staying at The Ritz. You’ll thank me later!

Stop 2: Georgetown, Penang

Olivia and I hopped on a one hour plane ride from Singapore to the Malaysian island of Penang. Our agenda: eat, eat, eat! Olivia’s father arranged for us to have a private driver during our 2 night, three day trip to Georgetown. Given our short period of time, this was a great decision as he knew all the good places to eat!

About Penang

Penang is an island off the west coast of Malaysia. We heard good things about the beach but we decided to focus on the food for this getaway. We stayed in George Town, the main city in Penang. You can immediately tell the difference between Singapore and Penang. Penang was more chaotic, people everywhere, and a more humble vibe. It was the perfect contrast for our trip. Bonus: Penang is much more affordable than Singapore.

What We Did

There’s plenty to see and do in Penang. What makes Malaysia unique is the many religions and cultures that coexist in the country. That makes everything from the landscape to its culinary treasures so rich.  In Penang, it’s very common to see a buddhist temple, a mosque and a church closely located from one another. There are plenty of temples you can enter and tour. The ornate buddhist temples are stunning with their golden touches, colorful details, and history.

Wander

What we loved about Penang was the street art that surrounds the city. Keep your eyes open for the amazing streetart throughout the George Town. We did a lot of walking, taking in the street art and architecture. I also went to my first cat cafe! I know, it’s cheesy but I got my kitty fix at Purrfect Cat Cafe. We ended our day with a foot massage at a small spa near our hotel. The purrfect day!

Where We Ate

I wish I would’ve taken more copious notes of the exact places I ate but I failed! Too busy being a pregnant woman with an appetite. We did a lot of roadside stands and small restaurants with our driver, which was amazing. We had plenty of Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Laksa at tiny, anonymous places.

However, one of my top meals of the trip and of the year for that matter was at Wai Kee Char Siew. I think we paid the equivalent of $3 but it was epic. Caramelized pieces of pork with white rice and bok choi. It was so simple yet the flavors were so beautifully complex. True story: I will fly back to Penang just to relive that meal. If you can only have one meal in Penang, let this be it! Wai Kee Char Siew, Lebuh Chulia, George Town, 10200 George Town

Where We Stayed

We stay at Seven Terraces Hotel. This gorgeous small boutique hotel has a traditional chinese decor with modern touches. Our two-story hotel room is what I envision my Asian summer home to be! Their breakfast was fantastic. Included in our rate ($150 a night) we had the option of traditional Malaysian breakfast or a western breakfast. We tried them both. We approve.

Singapore & Penang: The Verdict

If you’ve been reading the Dining Traveler for a while, you know my love affair with Asia is real. I loved this itinerary because it was the perfect balance of luxury tied with great food and off the beaten path adventures. If you have any questions about my itinerary, don’t hesitate to comment or email me!

The Contest

Submit photos of your best travel experience via Twitter or Instagram that shows why you deserve to travel to ASEAN.

For example: Share…

– A photo of you riding a bike in your hometown

– An image of yourself sitting by the beach in Thailand

– You enjoying a morning coffee at your favorite local cafe

Include the hashtag #ASEAN50Ambassador and tag @AseanTourismOnline via Twitter or Instagram. ASEAN is looking for photos to show off your passion for traveling!

Winners will be selected based on their creativity. Winner will be required to document their travels, so the content can also later be featured on the website and social. Winner must confirm their preferred travel dates no earlier than 8 weeks in advance. Prize includes a roundtrip airfare ticket to two of the countries along with hotel covered by ASEAN. All other expenses will be on the winner. All entries must include #ASEAN50Ambassador and our respective username can be tagged as well.

The contest runs from September 15 through October 15.

Winner will be chosen on October 20th.

The post Exploring (and Eating) in Singapore and Penang appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

You Should Visit Seoul for the Shopping!

Shop! Whether you’re looking for designer goods or night markets, make sure to have space in your luggage to bring souvenirs back. Boni, a Samsung executive and good friend of mine, suggests to check out the new COEX Mall located close to the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, a modern property in the heart of Gangnam. Shopping and luxury lodging in the same place? Sign me up!

If you’re looking for traditional Korean art, I suggest heading across the river to my old neighborhood of Insa-dong. The alleys are lined with galleries that feature antiques and modern art and beautiful tea houses. During the weekend, you can experience an outdoor market with vendors and local performers.

You Should Visit Seoul for the Food!

Food! When I had my first Korean meal in Seoul, my life changed. I’ll never forget when my Korean friend took me to an anonymous place that served Samgyeopsa (Korean style pork belly). I remember the dining experience like it was yesterday: the savory scent of the sizzling meat, the groups of people gathered around their individual barbecue laughing, drinking their OB beer, the sweet scent of plum soju (a Korean spirit), and the dozen little plates filled with pickled vegetables.

Most reputable Korean restaurants have one main ingredient on the menu: it can be seafood, poultry, pork, or soups. They have a few items on the menu, but those recipes have been mastered for decades. Also, don’t miss out on eating at a street stand. They’re everywhere in Seoul. Sometimes I would have a plate of Tteokbokki (rice cake with spicy chili sauce) from a roadside stand on my way home from work for $2. Street food stands are immaculate in Seoul.

If you’re looking for an international vibe, I suggest you head to Itaewon. When I lived there, I started to witness the neighborhood transitioning from an undesirable area where only the military guys from the nearby Yongsan base hung out to an international hub with embassies, multicultural restaurants, shops, and a melting pot of expats and locals.

My friend Chris, a professional photographer who recently lived in Seoul for two years, says, “When in Itaewon, don’t miss the very popular Street Churros. If you love coffee… this is the area to get a wide variety of high quality coffee places to satisfy your fix.” Looking for an unforgettable culinary experience? If you want to splurge, Boni recommends going to Jungsik, which serves molecular Korean food. It was voted the #10 restaurant by “The World’s Ten Best” and top restaurant in Korea.

You Should Visit Seoul for Nature and Culture!

Korea has a rich culture, and you don’t have to go far from Seoul to experience it. One of my favorite places to visit was Gyeongbokgung Palace, a majestic palace located in north of the Han river in Seoul. You’ll notice not only the beauty of the architecture, but also the mountains of Bukhansan National Park. Koreans love to hike, especially on the weekends. If you want to catch a glimpse of local culture, go for a hike on the many trails that are accessible by public transportation. Here are some hiking ideas via 10 Magazine.

The Verdict: Why you should visit Seoul? Upon arrival in Seoul, it may feel quite overwhelming, but there’s something that makes it truly special: the people. I had the opportunity to work side by side with Koreans and loved their fun, outgoing personalities. Their hospitality is the main reason why you should visit Seoul!

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I have traveled to over 60 countries, and I must say Japan has been one of the most intriguing destinations I’ve experienced so far. My love affair with Nippon began over 20 years ago when I was stationed in Okinawa, an island south of the mainland island of Japan.  Given my work schedule and the high exchange rate of the Yen (Japanese currency), I did not have the opportunity to explore mainland Japan back in 2003. As of 2024, I’ve traveled to mainland Japan twice: in 2016, when I was pregnant with my daughter, and in 2022, when I participated in a culinary tour. I finally had the opportunity to fulfill my dream.  If you live in the United States or even Europe, planning a trip to Japan takes a bit of time, but a little forward planning makes it the trip of a lifetime.

Dining Traveler Tips:  Planning a Trip to Japan

Getting There

The easiest part of planning a trip to Japan is getting there.  Americans do not need a visa to enter; the entry process is quite simple, and you have 90 days to enjoy the country.  However, the flight is long and pricey. Plan between $900 – $1,300 for a plane ticket, and you’re looking at a 14 to 10-hour flight if you’re traveling from the continental USA, given you’re flying non-stop.  Flying Dulles (Washington, DC) to Tokyo takes 14+ hours.  Check out my long haul flight essentials post for tips on how to survive the journey.  Although getting there is expensive and time-consuming, don’t get discouraged!  The long trip is worth it!

Traveling within Japan

When planning a trip to Japan, I recommend taking a minimum of ten days to discover the country to be able to experience a handful of cities.  Japan has a great transportation system: the ultra-efficient Shinkansen (high speed rail) system to the abundance of low-cost Japanese carriers (check our guide here) that make it easy to travel around the country.  In our case, we flew a low-cost carrier, Skymark, to Kobe for $100 per person from Tokyo the day after our arrival in the country and worked our way back to Tokyo via Shinkansen.  As I was planning ahead, I found the train system website to be quite confusing. However, I was told by other travelers not to worry as it was quite easy to purchase tickets at the train station. 

We traveled from Kobe to Kyoto to Tokyo via high-speed train, and it was easy to book at the station.  The high-speed rail is ultra-modern, comfortable, and affordable.  It ruined me… I never want to ride on an Amtrak again! Highly recommend you buy an international data plan for your trip, as Google Maps and Translate got us to the places we needed to be much easier! I am a big fan of my T-Mobile Simple Choice Plan which allows me 5g data and free texts while I am traveling with no additional cost to my plan.

Where to Go in Japan

There are so many places to see in Japan that one trip doesn’t cut it (unless you’re lucky to stay the full 90 days!).  I recommend thinking about the theme of your trip. Is it food? Is it culture? Is it shopping? That determines which cities will suit you best.  In our case, we really wanted to experience the food and culture.  We started small at Kobe, moved to a larger city, Kyoto, and concluded our adventure in Tokyo.  Both the Dutchman and I agreed that Japan can be sensory overload: the lights, the crowds, the unknown language… We’re glad we started in a small city like Kobe and worked our way to Tokyo.

I regret not making it to Osaka, but we agreed that a three-city itinerary was perfect for a 10-day trip.  I ended up going on a solo trip to Osaka in 2022 and loved every minute of it.  People asked which was my favorite city in Japan. I  say Kobe to the surprise of others.  It’s a smaller city; we barely saw any Westerners, and it gave us a glimpse of quotidian Japanese living. Other cities/places readers recommend:  Nagoya, Nagano, Hokkaido, and of course, my beloved Okinawa. A website I found useful was Japan-Guide.com,   it has a lot of tips of what to see at each city.

Where to Stay in Japan

When I was planning my trip to Japan, we toyed with the idea of staying at a Ryokan (traditional Japanese guest house) or a hotel.  In the end, we went for hotels in all of our three stops. A Ryokan offers traditional Japanese rooms where guests have tatami mats and futons, which means you’re sleeping very close to the floor.  Also, the rooms in our price range were quite small.  During this trip, I was 4.5 months pregnant and was looking for a little more comfort and let’s not forget the Dutchman is 6’9”.  However, we did end up booking Japanese-owned hotels in each city:  Okura Kobe, Sakura Gallery Terrace in Kyoto, Park Hotel in Tokyo, and Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo.  I believe this gave us a unique glimpse of Japanese hospitality. We loved how every room had pajamas and slippers, generous amounts of toiletries, and an unlimited supply of tea!  Dining Traveler Tip:  Although my favorite booking site is Booking.com, I recommend doing a price comparison with Agoda.com, as it usually has better prices for Asian properties.

Planning a Budget for your Trip to Japan

Traveling in Japan can be pricey.  For a quality hotel, look to spend $175 a night or more in the smaller cities.  In Tokyo, $225+.  At this time (January 2024) the dollar is very strong to the Yen, so you may find some good deals. We did find the food to be not only of great quality but affordable.  One of the recommendations I got was to explore the food courts of the metro stations and department stores. These are not your typical American “food courts”. There, you can find everything from sushi to tempura to ramen, exquisitely made.  We had some great quality meals below several underground stations.  That was one of my favorite parts, especially at dinner time. Being in a crowded, anonymous Izakaya with a combination of young students, salarymen in their suits, and us, the Dutchrican couple trying to decipher the menu with Google Translate.

Impressions

Having lived in Asia (Okinawa and Seoul) for almost two years combined and traveling across the region, I find it to be a bit overwhelming sometimes, even for a seasoned traveler like me.  I attribute it mostly to the language barrier, despite the abundance of teaching English in Japan jobs now available in the country.  Although I can say  basic pleasantries in both Japanese and Korean, it can be a bit intimidating to enter a restaurant where there’s no English menu and the staff cannot communicate with you. 

The reality is that you will encounter many of these places, even in the large cities (usually those are the places with really good food!).  The beauty is that once I get over the fear, I love the exchange with a chef or a waitress, the smiles, their patience, and most importantly, how they genuinely care if you enjoyed the meal or not.  That’s the true magic of Japan: the people.  It’s not only a place where the ancient and the modern magically collide but also a place where you will experience unparalleled hospitality.  I truly hope to be able to return soon and explore other regions, especially in the north of the country.  Are you planning a trip to Japan?  Where are you headed to?

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