Best Places of Interest - Page 93 of 185 - Celebrating thought and travel

August 23, 2017Round the world, Travel

Five Ways To Have A Fun Retreat In Thailand

While traveling abroad could be fun and exciting, there are times when you will get exhausted too. During those times, you try to force yourself to go and try different extreme activities just so you can fulfill what’s written in your itinerary. You have to understand that there is no rush and that there are other alternative places to go to relax and reflect on life. Having a retreat is one of the best things you could ever do when you are in a different country.

If you are visiting Thailand, you have a handful of places to have a fun retreat as they also practice it with yoga, temple worship, and many more. See the list below to know more:

Try Yoga In The City

Yoga is widely practiced in Thailand and if you want to relax and have a soothing kind of retreat, you should try yoga. Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices and discipline. There are a lot of Yoga places to try in Thailand. Here are some of the best ones: Blooming Lotus Yoga, Samahita Retreat, Yoga Elements, Shambala Yoga, Absolute Yoga, The Yogarden, The Yoga Tree, Throughout Northern Thailand, and many more.

Here is a guide on how you can choose the best yoga mats.

Visit The Temples

If you want to walk around and reflect on life at the same time, go to the city and visit the temples. The temples in Thailand are very picturesque but be sensitive as well because you do not want to disrespect other people’s culture right? Here are the temples that you should go to Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Suthat, Wat Benchamabofit, Wat Rong Khun, Wat Saket, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ched Yot, and many more.

Do Muay Thai

Muay Thai as a form of retreat may sound odd to some people but others will surely be able to relate. Some people find comfort and time to think when they’re doing sports and since muay Thai is the number one sport in Thailand, it is a must-try. Here are the best places to try muay Thai: Lanna Muay Thai, Sitmonchai Gym, Kem Muaythai Gym, Attachai Muay Thai Gym, Santai Gym, Sitjaopho, Hongthong Gym and many more.

Eat Streetfood

Thailand is known for having lots of street food stalls in key cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. Eating has been proven to make people more relaxed and happy and it’s the kind of retreat that you will not take for granted. If you are eager to try out their local food, book those flights now. Here are the best dishes that you should try: Tom Yung Goong, Som Tum, Tom Kha Kai, Gaeng Daeng, Pad Thai, Khao Pad, Pad Krapoow Moo Saap, and many more.

Go To Beaches

Beaches in Thailand are very peaceful and you will be able to have time to think and reflect on your life. The idea of sitting by the beach and exciting so if you go to Thailand, make sure you put these places on your itinerary: Ko Tao, Ko Samet, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Samui, Ao Nang, Ko Yao Yai, and many more.

Having a fun retreat does not have to be boring. You can still do it while travelling in your favourite place just like Thailand!

Mark Aldrin Hipolito is a writer for Kims, one of Australia’s perfect beach retreat places that offers a cluster of deluxe timber bungalows and spa villas on the beach. Mark also gives out guides and tips for people regarding on how the can enjoy their vacation and trips around the world.

August 21, 2017Lifestyle

7 Glamorous and Affordable Hotels In Europe

A lot of people have this misconception that if you visit Europe, you would have to shed out a whole lot of your money just to be able to afford the costs of living there. Also, many people think that booking hotels in Europe are so pricey to the point that they will just choose to settle for cheap and not so neat ones rather than on the glamorous ones. Well, that may be a fact but there are ways in order to maximize your money in Europe.

If you are heading to Europe and you want to check in at a glamorous yet affordable hotel, you are on the right page:

Oba Hotel –

This hotel is one of the most famous cheap hotels in Europe. This may be affordable but it is still gorgeous and Instagram-worthy. If you are looking for a doll house-like hotel to check in, Oba Hotel is definitely the place to be.

Hotel Mangalemi –

Hotel Mangalemi is a hotel that will take you to a trip down memory lane as it looks old yet sophisticated. It’s not the modern type of hotel but if you are looking for a budget place to stay but still wants to feel like a king or queen, you should definitely check this place out!

Mithra Cave Hotel –

Imagine a cave that was turned into a hotel? Well, this place is not really a cave but your imaginations will totally run wild if you book in this hotel. This place is definitely one of the best hotels in Europe!

Brothers Hotel –

This place is great for those who want to isolate themselves from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Check-in here is like having your own home in Europe. This place is great for the family!

Hotel Boutique Alocaba –

This boutique hotel looks so regal and white and if you want to experience a VIP treatment on a budget, this is the place to be. You will sure experience a calm and relaxing mood when you are here. The staffs are very accommodating and you also get to have complimentary breakfast on your first stay.

Glewstone Court –

If you really want to feel like a local in Europe then the Glewstone Court is the best place to be. It is designed like the traditional houses that you would often see in Europe. You will surely get what you pay for if you book in this hotel!

Hotel Palazzo Dei Mercanti –

This hotel is like a palace and a lot of people are going here to experience its beauty. Hotel Palazzo Dei Mercanti has excellent service and great staff as well. You will surely feel at home.

Going to Europe is not that expensive if you know how to use your money well. Again, there are always cheaper and better options no matter what.

Author bio:
Mark Aldrin Hipolito is a daytime writer for Holiday Inn Parramatta Accommodation, one of Australia’s modern and luxurious hotels in the suburban district. Mark Aldrin gives hotel tips and hacks to help people make the most out of their vacation.

August 14, 2017Promotional

5 Delicious Recipes for the Festive Season

As you know, the month of August is packed with multiple festivals, and just as many long weekends. It is the right time to utilize all that free time to whip up some exceptional recipes.

One can celebrate Janmashtmi, Independence Day and Ganesh Chaturthi (and all those extra holidays!) with special recipes curated by Chef Gaurav Chadha, In-house Chef, Dr. Oetker India Pvt. Ltd. Food lovers can have a good time with the best that FunFoods by Dr. Oetker has to offer this festive season!

Some of the recommended recipes for this month that one can create at home are:
• Chocolate and Paneer Burfi
• Oats and Peanut Laddoo
• Kesar and Paneer Burfi
• Tri-colour Sandwich Bread Pakora
• Gulab Kheer

5 Delicious #Recipes this festive season

1 ) Chocolate and Paneer Burfi

Chocolate and Paneer Burfi recipe this festive season

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

50 g Cashewnuts, crushed

100 g Paneer, grated

50 ml Full Cream Milk

200 ml Condensed Milk

¼ tsp Cardamom Powder

60 g (4 tbsp) Dr. Oetker FunFoods Chocolate Spread Fudge

1 tsp Desi Ghee

3-4 nos. Almonds, chopped

Directions:

In a thick bottom pan (slow flame), add cashewnuts, paneer, milk, condensed milk and chocolate fudge. Stir and cook for 5-6 minutes or until mixture begins to thick and leaves the side of the pan.
Grease the tray with ghee and spread the burfi mixture evenly. Sprinkle almonds on top of burfi and gently press with hands.
Keep this burfi tray in fridge for 2 hours to set. Once cooled slice burfi into small squares and serve.

Level: Beginner

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

Cooking Time: 5-6 Minutes

2) Oats and Peanut Ladoo

Oats and Peanut Laddoo this festive season

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

100 g Oats

50 g Cashewnuts, chopped

50 g Almonds, crushed

50 g Jaggery Powder

75 g (5 tbsp) Dr. Oetker FunFoods Peanut Butter Crunchy

50 ml Water

1 tsp Desiccated Coconut Powder

2 tbsp Desi Ghee

Directions:

Heat non-stick pan (slow flame) and dry roast oats for 2-3 minutes. In a blender jar add oats and grind it coarsely. Keep it aside.
In a non-stick pan (medium flame), add cashewnuts, almonds, jaggery powder, peanut butter and water. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes or till jaggery melts off.
Add oats, coconut powder and 1 tbsp ghee to above mixture. Stir well and switch off the flame.
Apply remaining ghee in your palms and make small ladoo using above mix. Serve

Level: Beginner

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

Cooking Time: 15 Minutes

Note: While making Ladoo make sure that mixture is warm, if the mixture cools up it will be difficult to roll it up.

3) Kesar and Paneer Burfi

Kesar and Paneer Burfi for the festive season

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

50 g Cashewnuts, crushed

100 g Paneer, grated

50 ml Full Cream Milk

200 ml Condensed Milk

60 g (4 tbsp) Dr. Oetker FunFoods Milk Shake Mix Kesar Pista

1 tsp Desi Ghee

3-4 nos. Almonds, chopped

Directions:

In a thick bottom pan (slow flame), add cashewnuts, paneer, milk, condensed milk and kesar pista milk shake mix. Stir and cook for 5-6 minutes or until mixture begins to thick and leaves the side of the pan.
Grease the tray with ghee and spread the burfi mixture evenly. Sprinkle almonds on top of burfi and gently press with hands.
Keep this burfi tray in fridge for 2 hours to set. Once cooled slice burfi into small squares and serve.

Level: Beginner

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

Cooking Time: 5-6 Minutes

4) Tri-Colour Sandwich Bread Pakora

Tri-Colour Sandwich Bread Pakora, for the Independence Day

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

3 slices White Bread

30 g (2 tbsp) Dr. Oetker FunFoods Veg Mayonnaise Tandoori

30 g (2 tbsp) Dr. Oetker FunFoods Veg Mayonnaise Mint

30 g (2 tbsp) Dr. Oetker FunFoods Veg Mayonnaise Original

½ tsp Caraway Seeds

60 g (3 tbsp) Gram Flour

1 tsp Red Chilli Powder

½ tsp Turmeric Powder

Salt

50 ml Water

100 ml Vegetable Oil

Directions:

On a bread slice spread 2 tbsp Tandoori mayonnaise and club it with another bread slice.
Spread Mint mayonnaise on top of second layer of bread slice and club with another bread slice. Keep it aside
For Bread pakora batter– In a bowl add Veg mayonnaise, caraway seeds, gram flour, chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt and water. Mix well forming a thick batter
Apply batter on above sandwich from all sides.
Heat oil in a kadhai and deep fry bread pakora until it is cooked and crispy from all sides. Cut sandwich into 2 pieces and serve hot.

Level: Intermediate

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

Cooking Time: 5 Minutes

5) Gulab Kheer

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1 Litre, Full Cream Milk

100 g Rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes

100 g Sugar

1 tsp Green Cardamon Powder

8-10 nos. Cashewnuts, chopped

60 g (4 tbsp) Dr. Oetker FunFoods Milk Shake Mix Rose

5 nos. Almonds, chopped

Directions:

Bring milk to boil in a large saucepan.
Add rice, sugar, cardamom powder, cashewnuts and rose milk shake mix. Simmer over low heat until the mixture thickens and the rice is cooked completely.
Pour the mixture into serving bowls. Refrigerate it for 2 hours, garnish it with almonds and serve.

Level: Beginner

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

Cooking Time: 25 Minutes

Celebrate this festive season with style

Bon Appetit!

August 11, 2017Food, Recipes

Recipes for Fried Ice Cream

In my earlier post, I wrote about deep fried ice cream, here are the recipes to it

If you are used to ordering this dessert treat when eating out, be reassured that it’s easy enough to make at home too, and it’ll taste just as good.

Ingredients

1 litre (33 Oz) ice cream (any flavour).
Crushed cereal, such as corn flakes, frosted flakes, cinnamon squares, or puffed rice (it is also possible to use finely crushed sweet hard cookies/crackers or plain breadcrumbs).
Flour (a small bowl of it, approx. 1/2 cup).
Oil (use an unflavored oil that has a high heat point).
2 eggs (beaten in a bowl large enough for dipping).
Cinnamon and/or sugar (optional).

Steps

Prepare the two baking sheets by lining with a silicon liner or parchment paper.Then place the sheets in the freezer for half an hour prior to making the ice cream balls.
Scoop symmetrical balls of ice cream.Try to make each scoop about as large as your fist. Make as many scoops as will fit on the baking sheets.
Harden the scooped ice cream balls in the freezer.Place the sheets of ice cream balls into the freezer and leave them there for at least 30 minutes and up to two hours.
Set out the bowls for dipping.Place a bowl of flour, a bowl of beaten egg and a bowl of crushed cereal or fine cookie/cracker crumbs in the workspace, in a formation that makes it easy to dip in order.
Coat the ice cream.Remove the balls from the freezer, then:

Roll each ice cream ball first in the flour bowl. A little flour over each ball provides increased strength.
Roll each ice cream ball in the beaten egg.
Lastly, roll each ball around in the crushed cereal. (For a tastier treat, you can add cinnamon and sugar to the crushed cereal. Just make sure you still have enough cereal bits on the ice cream to coat the surface of the scoop.)
Alternatively, you may dip the ice cream balls in cake batter to make a thin, donut-like coating. Then either fry the balls directly or sprinkle / roll them in crushed cookie or biscuit crumbs to give a crisp shell.

Place the ice cream balls back on the baking sheets, then back in the freezer. Freeze for at least two hours before frying.

At this point, you can keep the ice cream balls frozen for up to two months if needed.

Fry the coated ice cream balls.Heat up the oil until it shimmers – approx. 185C or 364F. Fry the ice cream balls in batches two at a time to avoid reducing the temperature of the oil. A low temperature won’t fry them crisply. Fry until each ball turns a light/golden brown all over. Remove as soon as it’s done.
Serve the ice cream balls.Serve immediately after frying, with chocolate or caramel sauce or other favourite sauce.

If you’d like the dessert to be colder, place it back into the freezer for a few more minutes after its fried, then pull out and serve a little colder. This is a personal preference and isn’t essential.