Thailand: Taan Restaurant in Bangkok

When in Bangkok, you've got to try Taan, a romantic and socially conscious place.

All the ingredients are locally sourced, cooked into a fine fusion dish. The presentation is excellent and the services are impeccable.

The view overlooks the Bangkok city and it looked exceptionally beautiful during nighttime.

The menu featuring the local farmers:

The complimentary appetizer: 

 Lobster sashimi:

Pork Satay

Tamarind fish Broth:

Pork Belly:

Wagyu Beef (this is a must try):

The main comes with rice which they will serve on your plate. 

We love the whole experience at this restaurant and would love to visit this place again. Everything is fresh, innovative, yet still hint of Thai flavour. The Wagyu beef is definitely a must order for your main as it is tender and tasty with the pineapple condiment. 

Thailand: Bangkok's Animal Cafe

Bangkok loves animal and especially those exotic type. Nowadays, these animal cafes are getting quite popular and each one offer different experience and animals.

We went to The Animal Cafe at Le Raffles Sathupradit 19, Bangkok. This cafe mainly focuses on feline animals and some few other exotic animals like fennec fox, raccoon and owl. There is no entrance fee but they do require guests to spend money on the food and drinks in order to allow you to play with the animals.

This cafe is strict on its hygiene with the animals; when you want to play with the exotic animals you have to wash your hands (they will ask you every time), take off your shoes and they will restrict the number of guests inside the room each time. The staffs are patient and helps with photo-taking poses, that is if the animal corporate. 

Food-wise they are quite good for a cafe that seems like focuses more on the animals and relatively not expensive on the whole experience we are getting. Worth spending a lunch meal here. You even get cats as your companion while having your meal as they wander around the whole cafe. 

The feature wall when you stepped into the cafe

Wild cat: Leopard Cat

Wild cat: Caracal

Cats wandering around ~ I believe this is British Shorthair breed

Fennec Fox just chilling

Next time to Bangkok, why not have a visit to these animal cafe~

Shanghai: all about food in Disneyland

First of all, this is not a review about the famous Royal Banquet Hall dining located in the Disneyland's castle. We didn't have the time to try it this time round and at that price of 3 course meal we wanted to experience it at the fullest.

Instead, we tried a lot of kiosk snacks around the park and, in a way, skipped a proper lunch meal. However, we did have dinner plus dessert at the cafe. So here are the list of food we ate and our verdict. 

Turkey Leg at Treasure Cove

As per other Disney parks tradition, there is the tasty huge turkey leg! I read they only sell 4,000 units per day. The kiosk opened around 10am on the day we went, which I am not sure is it their daily opening time (check the Shanghai Disney app for details). 

Stitch Corn Dog
We found this corn dog snack near the Tomorrowland area and you won't miss it cause they practically only sell this. The Stitch decor is edible but a bit chewy. Overall, a regular corn dog but with a cute picture on it for the gram.

Peking Duck Pizza

This was our dinner at the Pinocchio Village Kitchen in Fantasyland. The peking duck sauce could be a bit overwhelming but overall quite tasty and we managed to finish it. We even added money to exchange for a souvenir cup. 

A tip, the dining halls inside the park is very limited and some closes early. A possible solution, with more variety and halal option, is to leave the park and head to Food Republic at Disneytown. As long as you have the ticket, you can re-enter the park and continue the fun! 

Christmas tree cupcake (seasonal)
While waiting for the firework show, it was getting cold during December weather, so we headed into the Remy's Patisserie at the Mickey Avenue (aka Main street) to search for some dessert. We got this green tea Christmas tree cupcake and a regular chocolate chip cookie (nothing special so no picture).

About our Disney Shanghai experience and tips, look for my previous post or click here. 

Shanghai: China's Disneyland!

In December 2018, I was lucky enough to find a companion my wonderful boyfriend, to go to Shanghai with me and visit the newest Disneyland! This is my first time to visit the Shanghai Disneyland after waiting 2.5 years since it has opened. Since I heard quite a few comments that this park gets quite busy and waiting line is long, I did quite a bit of research on how to do this properly. In the end, we had a blast and we did majority of the key attractions in one day!

Preparation: 

We got our ticket through Klook app and, at the time we were researching ticket price, it was the cheaper option than buying through the official Disney website. One thing about buying Shanghai Disneyland Park ticket; you will need to decide on the date you are going in before purchasing the ticket and it will need government ID (i.e. passport) information. The app gave us a QR code ticket once confirmed purchase, which we just scanned it when we were at the Disney Park entrance and the staff gave us the official Disney ticket of the day in exchange. 

An added bonus, you can use the Klook promo code with HK$25 off for first time user: MDTNL

Next important thing we did was to download the Shanghai Disneyland Park App. This is a vital app to ensure you maximize your time in one day! It has the park map with GPS to show you your current position in the park, the waiting time for each attractions, the showtimes for all the shows, the current character meets, the opening/closing time for restaurants and to get your FastPass.

On the Day:

So our tactic was really to do all the major popular attractions, skip character meets for this time round, and just enjoy our time. Below are ones that was definitely our highlights (the good and bad) in our trip when in Shanghai Disney.

We also rode and saw the Peter Pan ride, Buzz Lightyear ride, and Eye of the Storm: Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular show but nothing special in particular to other Disneyland rides so not included in the below list.

Also, a note, the park allows food to be brought in as long as it is not packaged and sealed food. So if you made a fruit salad and packed into a container, you can bring it in. However, if you bought a fruit salad from convenience store and it is in sealed packaging, that is a big no-no. 

Entrance of the Park
We got our official Disney Park ticket at the entrance after scanning the Klook's QR code.

After a short walk from the entrance to the Mickey Avenue, you will see the castle from afar! We also saw the tall Christmas tree as we went during December. The night view of the castle and the decorated Christmas tree was just magical.

Soaring over the Horizon
Located at Adventure Isle, the same structural ride to the Soarin' rides in America ones (Epcot and Disney California), this ride takes you "flying" around the world in an aerial view perspective. It was beautiful and truly felt like I was flying in the air with the winds blowing at us. It ends at Shanghai city view, which is a nice touch to remind me I was in Shanghai Disney.

This was worth lining up for 30 min and sets a good tone in Disney.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure
Next up we headed to the Treasure Cove, which is right next to Adventure Isle, for the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It is quite similar to the Tokyo Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean ride but greater and better effects, visual implementation and new technology. We join the journey of Jack Sparrow's adventure to get the treasure with a epic battle between two pirate ships.

I also highly recommend this ride!

Tron
Taking the Tron movie concept of virtual concept bike, this is one of the roller coaster rides in Disney that you should not miss. We sat on the ride like we were hardcore biker; leaning forward, hands stretching out for the bar and with our knees bends neatly on the side (almost like kneeling thinking about it). I was taken by surprised when it first accelerated and thoroughly had a blast. We didn't need to wait long for this as we took the FastPass right when we entered into the park. However, by night, we realized the waiting time was actually quite short (it stated 10 min only) so keep an eye out if you want to ride again.

This is a must go ride in Disney Shanghai!

Tarzan: Call of the Jungle stage show
The live acrobat show, located at Adventure Isle (right next to Soaring over the Horizon), that is a must watch. Definitely one of our highlights in Disney Shanghai. It follows the story of Tarzan in a 30 minutes performance. People were flying around, jumping up and down from crazy heights, doing back/front flips multiple times and just all those crazy acrobat moves that I would forever in my life could not achieve (too late to train up those moves at my age). I think it is one of the best live stage show I have watched in all the Disney parks I have been too.

A note though, this gets fill up pretty fast so I highly suggest to be there at least 30 min before the show starts. There will be a mob of people rushing into the line up... so embrace the push and shovel (nothing major for us but there will always be people FOMO-ing when in China).

Mickey’s Storybook Express (aka The Parade)
Do not miss this! The parade is one of my highlights and surprise part! I did not expect some character cars will appear like Tangled, Aladdin, Frozen and Mulan.

I have read people's recommendation is to stand at Mickey's Avenue to enjoy the parade with the castle view. On the day for us, we stood on the road near the Tron ride as we were in a rush with our FastPass, which was in the end a good spot for us too as we got to see the parade up close. The only downfall would be the weather factor as it is an outdoor show after all.

Alice in Wonderland Maze
This was a delightful maze right underneath the castle at Fantasyland. You choose your own path and along the way encountering Cheshire Cat, a tea party and meeting the Red Queen (Tim Burton's style). Truly got lost in the Alice's world. A note, when we were there, there was a line up to take a picture with the Red Queen and to sit at the Queen's chair.

Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration

First of all, this is a musical show that has little action and just mainly a big screen TV playing the MV with lyrics for audience to sing-along like a karaoke. Secondly, the songs are in Mandarin version. Thirdly, the performers really just stand around, encouraging kids to sing-along, and the most interesting part is to see Olaf. The one good thing for us was that it was a cold day and we were getting tired so staying indoor with a comfy bench to sit was a bliss.

So my verdict: don't go into this show unless you really REALLY love Frozen and can sing-along to the song (in Mandarin or sing in English yourself if you remember the lyrics). 

If you have read till the end, thank you. Hope you enjoy this review post!
Shall write another one just about the food we tried when in Shanghai Disney. 

Japan: All About OKINAWA FOOD

Let's talk about a special Japanese island cuisine; the Okinawan food. 

Okinawa prefecture situates southernmost of Japan and constitutes several small islands in this area with the main island Okinawa. There is a long rich history of this region, once a kingdom of itself with close ties to China, and now the main base center for the US military in East Asia.  So, with such Chinese, Japanese and American influences, the cuisine here has just naturally evolved to incorporate a lot of these cultures and just differ greatly to the mainland Japanese food. 

I visited Okinawa back in Oct 2018 and just wanted to share foods that were interesting, Okinawa-only, and worth giving it a try! 

1) Spam and Egg Onigiri 

This is available everywhere in convenience stores and some small shops sells these as specialty. Obviously an influence from the one-and-only SPAM meat can that became popular after WWII. A tasty and feed-your-tummy food for breakfast or in between meals. 

2) Bitter Melon Egg and Spam Burger at Jef

So another food that uses Spam ingredient and this time mixed with bitter melon! This is definitely a Okinawa-only burger. Bitter melon is a famous produce in Okinawa so why not give this fusion burger a try. This is only available in Jef fast food chain store and there isn't a lot of stores around the Okinawa island so we needed to purposely drive to there one night.

3) Bitter Melon fried egg

This is not Okinawa-only food as bitter melon is a common Asian vegetable. But you must try bitter melon in Japan and you may have a whole new perspective to this vegetable (if you did not enjoy it before). I think, from now on, I will only eat bitter melon that is from Japan only. 

Anyways, bitter melon fried egg is a common dish in Okinawa cuisine. Order a plate and give it a try when you can!

4) Okinawa Taco Rice

This is one good combo of Mexican taco with Asian rice. Bottom is rice topped with salads, carne, cheese, salsa, and tomatoes. Last but not least, hard shell tacos are break into pieces and sprinkle onto the top. There is, of course, added bonus you can order for variation. I added an avocado just cause I love it.  

5) Okinawa Local Fish Sushi

When in Okinawa region, you must try the local raw fishes. Peculiar they are and definitely not the conventional Japanese sushi kind. Just be prepared some are too chewy to even swallow. It was quite an adventure for me when trying these raw fishes. 

6) Okinawa Pork - cafe CAHAYA BULAN

In general, pork is quite famous in Okinawa and worth giving a try. I want to particularly recommend Cafe CAHAYA BULAN, which is near Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. The menu focus mainly on Okinawa food with their Pork Rice Bowl being quite famous. They offer their food in different sizes at different price point so if you are feeling hungry that day, you can order a large portion. After the visit to the aquarium, you can enjoy a beautiful lunch here by the sea. 

There is parking lot right next to the cafe which is quite convenient. Based on their website, they even offer reservations now through their website.

Website: https://www.cahayabulan.com/ 

This post is solely based on my trip to Okinawa last October and I believe I have missed quite a few highlights of Okinawan food. Another excuse for me to visit Okinawa again!

Turkey: Where I went to two continents in one day

8 Days and total 24 hours on the plane for the journey to Turkey. It was was worth every penny. 

I first arrived at Istanbul and it was early in the morning. So my first stop? Of course to the famous Blue Mosque and Sophia Church. 

Top Tips for travelling to Turkey

1.  It is a land full of history, backing to B.C. centuries, which then inevitably means there are loads of World Heritage Site, scattered at the West and Middle of Turkey. So my tip? Join a tour, local or not, to visit these sites. Istanbul is beautiful but outside of the city, there are even more beautiful panoramic views.
2. I went during mid-February and it was awesome period to be there. The weather was beautiful; not too hot nor too cold. Best of all? It is not the peak tourist season there. 
3. Be aware of Islam's Ramadan month per year. Although Turkey is not as strict as other Islam country, it is still a country rich on religion. 
4. Must try Raki, an alcohol drink popular in Turkey. Although the taste might not be in everyone's taste, as it is quite bland (unsweetened) and have a taste of anise, it is still worth a try. And the coolest thing? When poured out it is clear as water but when mixed with water itself, it turns to a milky colour. Totally a chemist drink. 
5. If your daily diet consist of burger, meat and other fast foods, then Turkey is perfect for you to have a healthy lifestyle. Daily fresh and tasty salad already makes you fall in love with the idea of 'salad'. This is no joke. But my tip is, they love using yogurt, olive oil or vinegar as dressing. So, safer bet is to bring your own salad bottle (i.e. the conventional thousand island dressing), if you are not used to eating their less flamboyant taste. 
6. Read some history, Greek God, and maybe bible too before your journey to Turkey. As said, it is a land of history, therefore every preserved historical site or ruins somehow has a story that relates directly to our school history class. 

Hong Kong: The Island Behind the City ~ Cheung Chau

After living in Hong Kong for more than 15 years, I realized this is my first time to visit Cheung Chau island 長洲. So I became a tourist myself and I love this island! It is a small island but is filled with local delicacy and amazing foods. 

Took the 11:30 Deluxe Boat in Central Pier #5 to Cheung Chau and around half an hour we have arrived to this enrich island behind the city.

There are quite a few must do, must eat, and must see place. So I have compiled a list:

1. The Mega big fish ball that tastes delicious!
2. Rent a bicycle/tricycle so that you can adventure around the island easier~
3. Cheung Po Tsai Cave is a must visit place to add a bit of adventure feeling to the trip
4. Seafood splurging time as they are fresh and tasty~ yum yum!  (and hey Cheung Chau is originally a fisherman village, so the seafood should be one of the best in HK)
5. Many others to do and eat but obviously, I didn't have time to do it. Til next time then!

By the way, lately it has been beautiful weather in Hong Kong; sunny with breeze. Although, as signature as it gets, it is still sweaty hot and humid type of summer.  

Hong Kong: Frites restaurant in Quarry Bay

 Fish and Chips is really not my favourite dish in the list. It is delicious and heaven-like but the consequence of having it is huge. I am not weight watching (although I should), but it is more like the heaviness you feel after eating it and the oily discomfort. And the odd pimples that come out after eating it if really unlucky. So you can imagine how much dilemma I had when ordered this in Frites. I saw the table next to us ordered it and it did look jaw-dropping yummy-ness. 

I made a great choice in the end because it was amazing and well made battered beer fish. For lunch it may be a bit too heavy but it is worth it :)

So if you ever pop by Quarry Bay/Taikoo, should visit Frites for a taste of the Fish & Chips or other choices in the menu which I haven't tried it yet.

Japan Trip: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Destination: Nagoya -> Shirakawa-go -> Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route -> Tokyo

Date of Travel: May 18th - 22nd, 2013

I have finally went to one of my dream destinations in the world! The amazing Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a must go place in Japan. I would even say one of the top scenic routes in world. The panoramic view of the snow mountains, above sea water of around 1,900 m, with a route that  requires you to travel in 7 different transportation across the mountains. Truly amazing. 

Out of the 4 seasons, you can only visit this route in 3 only as during winter times the snow falls so heavy the mountain closes off from public. It opens every year in mid April to the public, where routes have been cleared off already which effectively created the Great Wall of Snow.  

I have heard of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route 4 years ago and since then I have always wanted to go. But timing was always wrong with the 3-11 tragic event and Yen was so high back then.  

Besides visiting the Alpine Route, there is also the Shirakawa-go village which is another must go place. It is around the same area so why not pay a visit. Shirakawa-go village has been listed as the world heritage place for the distinctive village building and the historical preservation of it. 

 Shirokawa-go's houses - the roof is built with hays which every 6 years they will change it. There is quite a few hostels within the village that operates in these houses. However, it tends to get full pretty fast so make your reservation as early as possible.

Alpine Route - the thickness of the snows fell during winter creates a huge wall tunnel during spring

Till next time Japan <3