A Culinary Celebration: Raya Food in Southeast Asia
Hari Raya Aidilfitri, glorious month of Syawal, is a joyous occasion celebrated with family, tradition, and, most importantly, food. Across Southeast Asia, the festival is synonymous with feasting, as households prepare an array of mouth-watering delicacies, each unique to their country yet sharing common themes of festivity and gratitude. Malaysia & Singapore: A Feast of Tradition In Malaysia and Singapore, ketupat, a diamond-shaped rice dumpling wrapped in woven palm leaves, is a staple of the Hari Raya spread. It is often served with rendang, a slow-cooked, spice-infused beef or chicken dish that is rich and tender. Another must-have is lemang, glutinous rice cooked in bamboo with coconut milk, creating a…
Tourists and Locals Delight in the Fleeting Beauty of Tokyo’s Cherry Blossoms
Every spring, Tokyo transforms into a breathtaking sea of pink and white as cherry blossoms, or sakura, burst into bloom. This ephemeral spectacle draws tourists from around the world and captivates locals, who take part in time-honoured hanami (flower viewing) traditions. The cherry blossom season, lasting only a couple of weeks, is a much-anticipated event in Japan. The sight of delicate petals dancing in the breeze symbolises renewal and the fleeting nature of life, a sentiment deeply rooted in Japanese culture. In Tokyo, iconic spots such as Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and the Meguro River become prime locations for picnics, strolls, and photography, as visitors marvel at the beauty of…
