Category Archives: Asia

Vegetarian Asam Laksa Recipe (also vegan!)

11th April 2020

Vegan Penang Asam laksa recipe

Since I have been blabbering about Asam laksa non-stop for about a month straight, I thought it would be appropriate to provide you with an Asam laksa recipe at long last. Asam laksa is a mix of Malay and Chinese cuisine, a noodle soup that is traditionally made with fish. It is widely available in Malaysia, Singapore and in some parts of Indonesia. I have sampled several variations on the laksa, most of them made with a creamy coconut broth, but my favourite was the sour broth variant we found on Penang Island: the Penang Asam Laksa, a unique and complex blend of spicy, sweet and sour flavours. And so the hunt for a vegetarian Asam Laksa recipe began.

What is Jamu? And a Jamu recipe

25th March 2020

jamu1

As you might have guessed from the number of blog posts that are already piled up here about Bali, I absolutely love it. A LOT. And for many reasons. The one I’ll be discussing today is Jamu, this traditional Indonesian medicinal drink that looks a bit like mango juice and that you might have seen popping up on several warung menus or in baskets on the head of the Jamu Gendong, these women roaming the streets selling their precious potions to the locals every morning. So what the hell is Jamu?

Beaches of Goa: which one to pick?

7th March 2020

beaches of Goa

The reason why I picked Patnem Beach out of the gazillion available beaches of Goa was mostly that I had been there before and was too lazy to research something else. Maybe not the wisest decision as there are so many other beaches in Goa I could have visited, but what can I say, I was flustered and wanted convenience. Goa is relatively small, so if you have a long enough holiday, you maybe be able to explore both the South Goa beaches as well as the beaches in North Goa, so a little research is definitely worth it.

A Little Guide to Patnem Beach

22nd February 2020

patnem beach

There’s very little to do in Patnem Beach aside from eating, sipping on fruity drinks, swimming in the sea, reading a book, watching the sunset, or doing yoga if that’s what you’re into. And rinse. And repeat. And that’s exactly what brought me there for the second time in a few years. Maybe I could have done a little extra research on the best beaches of Goa, but oh well. Goa is famous to some for the party scene, but you’ll find none of that in Patnem Beach. What you’ll find however is a short stretch of clean and soft sand lined with beach huts and shack restaurants that are dismantled at the end of every season. So don’t be surprised if things aren’t aligning quite right with Google Maps – a lot isn’t aligning quite right in India anyway 😉

Yoga Retreat Thailand — Where to go?

9th February 2020

The Yoga Retreat Thailand trend is here to stay. And escaping for yoga retreats in Thailand mid-Winter is the perfect solo adventure.

Dreaming of Thailand, sizzling street food and the smell of chili in the air, bustling night markets and beautiful beaches? I sure as hell am. I think it’s safe to say Thailand evokes more or less the same few idyllic things for everyone. But one thing that’s currently gaining popularity is the Yoga Retreat Thailand trend. Escaping for yoga retreats during your Thailand itinerary mid-Winter is a great solo adventure and the perfect way to experience those magical holiday vibes you’ve been craving, but with a restful and invigorating twist of a health holiday, you won’t forget.

The fruit smugglers of Kapas Island

1st February 2020

01koko-restaurant

After the disappointment of a literally fruitless Perhentian Kecil island, I set off for Kapas Island well prepared. I knew that arriving on Kapas Island on an August Friday afternoon – the peak of the holiday season – was a dangerous move, and after scouring the entire beach for the best beachfront accommodation Kapas Island could offer, I, unfortunately, ended up in the only place available: the 40 ringgit rooms in Mak Cik Gemuk’s backpacker ghetto.

Yoga Teacher Training 2020: Where to go

26th January 2020

My spiritual journey. Yoga teacher training at Smriti Yoga in Goa, India

Have you become so passionate and dedicated about yoga that you now wish to turn your passion into a career by taking a yoga teacher training? I can’t blame you, been there, done that. I did my yoga instructor training in Goa, India, back in 2015, and although I took a different path after and did not end up teaching, it was truly a transformative experience. I highly recommend anyone to take a yoga teacher training (and a silent retreat!) once in their life!

Women’s Retreat 2020: No Boys Allowed

19th January 2020

women's retreat

Screw men. Lolol, not really, but just a tiny bit, still. This 2020, all I want is to gather with soul sisters and practice mindfulness away from men in a women’s retreat where I can let my hair down and my inner Wild Woman run free. There’s something extremely empowering and magical with letting your barriers down with other women in a safe space and explore your true potential. Naturally, the most fitting place to do this is in the safe confine of a women’s retreat. So today I wanted to present to you the best women’s retreats in time for 2020.

The Best India Yoga Retreats This Winter

16th January 2020

india yoga retreats

Ask any hardcore traveller what destination left a deep imprint into their heart, and India has got to be one of the most mentioned countries. Rich of vibrant traditions, India can be experienced through its festivals, talking with the locals, and eating gastronomic feast next to the cows along bustling street. But as far as I’m concerned, one of the best ways to experience the country is through one of the numerous India Yoga Retreats.

Is Indian food vegan? Bloggers answer

15th December 2019

is indian food vegan?

Is Indian food vegan aside from vegan curry? I think a lot of people believe India is super vegan-friendly. The short answer is: not always. Have you heard of ghee? The ubiquitous clarified butter that makes an appearance in so much vegan Indian food? Yeah, not vegan. Indians are also quite fond of dairy (and don’t understand that it’s not vegan!), something I find mind-boggling given how much they love their cows. I haven’t been back to India since I was in Goa in 2015, and I’m excited to be going back for a quick break from the Winter in a few weeks. I’ll be looking for the best beaches of Goa, but meanwhile, I thought now would be a good time for asking my fellow travel bloggers what surprises hide for me in vegan India outside of vegan curry.