All posts filed under: Asian Delights

Happy Diwali: Sweet Treats With A Healthier Twist

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Diwali: The festival of lights is a five day celebration amongst Indians and also marks the onset of a New year in accordance with the Hindu calender. It is celebrated with much gaiety and grandeur.It is aptly called so, as celebrations are marked with fireworks and lighting of lamps called “Diyas”, signifying the triumph of good over evil and ushering prosperity, success and good cheer into one’s homes. Worship ceremonies include that of praying to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, making of sweets and savories, visiting family and friends with gifts and partaking in indulgent feasts.These can be quite extravagant, with the table filled with special dishes and  desserts.A true celebration of fun, frolic and sweet treats. “May the divine light of Diwali fill your life with happiness, peace, and good health. Happy Diwali!” Some key traditions during Diwali include: Lighting of clay oil lamps that represent light and enlightenment. Homes are decorated fresh marigold flowers. Fireworks add to the sparkle of the festivities. Traditional sweets and treats of course are an integral part of the celebrations …

Harvesting Happiness: Microgreens & Culinary Inspiration

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Microgreens are young, edible greens harvested at a seedling stage stage of growth, typically before the onset of the first true leaves. These tiny greens are packed with nutrients and flavor, making them a favorite addition to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. I had been contemplating growing microgreens for awhile now, as they often come in handy for plating and garnishes. The best part of growing microgreens is that you may use some of your pantry staples such as mustard, fenugreek, coriander or sunflowers seeds. I like to grow them in some organic potting soil that I use growing my herbs. However you may try growing them hydroponically too. Here are some handy tips in growing Microgreens: Selecting the Seeds: Some popular choices include arugula, mustard, cilantro, kale broccoli and sunflower. Ensure the seeds are of a good quality. You may include kale and radish seeds too. Method of Growing: Microgreens can either be grown in soil or can be grown hydroponically. Containers: I generally use small herb containers with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Along …

Vietnamese Chicken Pho

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Pho is a popular street food and perhaps the simplest of soups and an utterly flavorful dish served commonly in all households in Vietnam. Vietnamese Chicken Pho ( to be pronounced as Fuh), essentially called Pho Ga translates into rice noodles with chicken in a fragrant and delicious broth. Pho literally means Rice noodles and Ga is for chicken. This aromatic noodle soup originated in Hanoi and is a milder form of the traditional beef Pho. Quite easily the epitome of Vietnamese cuisine and named the national dish of the country, this aromatic soup originated in Hanoi and is a milder form of the traditional beef Pho. Traditionally Pho Bo, is where the broth is made with beef with an addition of bean sprouts, rice noodles, mixed herbs and lemon juice. The broth is prepared separately and includes whole spices such as star anise, fennel and ginger as flavourings. This makes up for a hearty and healthy one bowl meal that is bursting with flavours. I recently sampled a delectable Pho, here in Toronto at …

Eating My Way Through Toronto: Pan Asian Flavors & Hidden Gems Around the City

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Toronto has a plethora of Pan asian joints ranging from Chinese takeouts, street foods, Ramen bars,Thai bistros, food trucks and fine dining fare serving up some great exotic cuisine.It has now become a serious foodie destination. Looking for quality asian restaurants could turn into quite a daunting task as each neighbourhood focuses on specific cuisine, given the multi cultural diversity. The Chinatown neighbourhood around the city does offer a spectacular fare spanning across Vietnamese, Dim sum, Japanese and Cantonese. While the mid town and places up north too quite easily match upto some great dining experiences. Each year the food scene in Toronto seems to be getting increasingly interesting with new eateries opening up and lending a vibrant and eclectic vibe around the city. Whilst some focus  on the classic traditional menus ,others twist it around to cater to the modern new age or Asian fusion cuisine, alluring younger un-conventional palettes.Either ways there is a lot of extraordinary cuisine on offer and to fit every budget. I’m a glutton for good food, and it goes …

Travel Diaries:Bangkok Revisited & A Thai Recipe Too

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For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return… Leonardo da Vinci   Our vacations most often are pre planned with a lot of thought into the destination,food,sight-seeing etc.However, I love it when a travel plan happens just out of the blue,spontaneously,sort of an impromptu one so to speak.Well the dear husband had work related travels to Singapore and suggested that my son and I come along and we could club it with a short trip to Bangkok too he said. It’s always fun travelling to the Far East,for one the travel time is fairly short, and of course the food,night life and shopping,admittedly make it an alluring proposition,albeit revisited.We have travelled to  both cities a couple of times, Bangkok several years ago.The city has changed and modernised is what I heard from friends who travelled there recently.So yes of course, I jumped at the idea of a quick family vacay. Our time in Singapore was …