Here are 7 types of Indian tea to enjoy that tea-lovers will love:

1. Spicy Himalayan Tea

This tea is a tea made from a mixture of black tea, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and black pepper. Of the various components, this tea has many health benefits ranging from helping the digestive process, reducing blood sugar levels, and maintaining cardiovascular fiber health.

2. Assam Tea

The Assam is black tea named after its production region, Assam, India. This tea comes from the Camelia Sinensis plant. This tea has a fresh, malt and bright color. It is a perfect replacement for coffee in the morning or for a treat in the afternoon.

3. Darjeeling Tea

Darjeeling tea is a black tea made from tea leaves from tea plantations in the Darjeeling area, West Bengal, India. This tea is high quality and so won the nickname “The Champagne of Teas”. Water steeping Darjeeling tea is bright with an aroma that is more fragrant than other types of black tea.

4. Assam Cardamom Tea

The Cardamom adds a special touch to Assam tea. Cardamom tea is also widely used in Indian food since it adds a spicy-sweet kick to any sweet or savory dish. This tea, when drank by itself, has a cool and refreshing sensation and can be drunk in weight loss diets.

5. Nilgiri Tea

This tea is known for its distinctive aroma and is ideally mixed with other tea variants. This soft Nilgiri tea is perfect to be enjoyed throughout the day. It has a smooth and mellow taste which is great to help one relax.

6. Ceylon Tea

This tea is available in many varieties such as black ceylon, white ceylon and green ceylon tea . Ceylon tea is a good source of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, flavonoids and provides a number of benefits to the body such as strengthening the immune system, good for the cardiovascular system, making skin healthy and good for patients suffering from diabetes.

It is known for having a full and bold taste.

7. Masala Tea

Masala Tea is a typical South Indian drink. This tea is a mixture of milk and spices such as cardamom, clove, cinnamon, and ginger. This tea has a sweet and thick flavor.

These are some of the tea variants that are very popular in India. Which tea have you tried? Are you looking for tips on going out in India this week? If so visit here for some tips.

Suggested next reading: 5 Best Restaurants Of Jaipur For Authentic Cuisine

The post 7 Teas In India That Every Tea Lover Must Try appeared first on Modern Trekker.

In here, I’ve gone for Tavče Gravče, Srpska Salata, Kebapci, Mămăligă, Byrek, Pleskavica, Štruklji, and Mekici. I’ll be explaining more about each one just below! But first…

What Counts As “Balkan”?

The Balkan region itself covers mainly the countries of former Yugoslavia (Serbia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Slovenia) as well as the post-communist countries of Romania, Bulgaria, and Albania. While from a geographic point of view, only parts of Romania, Croatia, or Slovenia are part of the region, many records nonetheless consider these countries as Balkan.

Some records also include Greece and the European part of Turkey (including half of Istanbul) in the Balkan region. From a gastronomic point of view though, Greece’s gastronomy is mostly related to Mediterranean food while Turkey has influences from the Middle East.

This debate of whether somewhere is Balkan or not can be infinitely discussed. For the sake of some common features though, I’ll focus on the traditional Balkan dishes that historically and genuinely represent the essence of the Balkans. This is mainly because, until two hundred years ago, most of the countries in this region were part of the Ottoman Empire. Therefore many traditional dishes in the Balkans have Ottoman influences, use similar types of ingredients, and similar recipes.

The Best Balkan Food

Here are 8 of the most popular and best Balkan foods that you will find throughout the region. Some of them can be found in a variety of forms in multiple countries, whereas some are popular only in a certain region. Make sure you’ve eaten before reading this article!

1. Tavče Gravče

Tavče gravče is oven-cooked white fresh beans, in a sauce flavored with dry red pepper and bay leaves. The dish has a special taste if cooked and served in special earthenware. It’s a classic comfort-food and simply one of the best foods in the Balkans.

Tavče gravče is a national and staple dish in Macedonian cuisine (and popular in the Northern part of Greece too), but it is also a staple of Serbian food and Bosnian cuisine as well.

2. Srpska Salata

Srpska salata is very popular in Serbia and it is made of raw peppers, onions, and tomatoes, dressed with oil, vinegar and sometimes even hot chili.

A similar, more widespread variant is the Šopska salata, which is made of tomatoes, cucumber, and onion, topped with grated or diced white brine cheese (sir or sirinje). This is the traditional Bulgarian salad and also the national Macedonian salad, so you will find it extensively in these two neighboring countries.

Šopska salata is very similar to the traditional Greek salad, but this last one is served with diced feta cheese which gives a slightly different taste.

3. Kebapci, Ćevapčići / Ćevapi

Kebapci, Ćevapčići / Ćevapi are some of the favorite foods in the Balkans. They are spicy minced meatballs of lamb, beef or pork, well grilled. Usually served in groups of five to ten pieces, they can be paired with fried potatoes or simply with bread (in some regions flatbread) and often chopped onions, kajmak (a special type of sour cream), or ajvar (a pepper-based condiment made from red bell peppers and oil).

Kebapci have their origins during the Ottoman period and this is why they are so popular in southeastern Europe (which was under the Turkish rule for quite a long time).

They are easy to find especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Macedonia, but can also be ordered on menus in Slovenia, Montenegro and Albania…not to mention this is also a Croatian food too. You can’t miss this food in the Balkans!

In Romania, mici are similar to kebapci, but they are bigger in size and the recipe and taste are slightly different, so you should try both of them to accurately experience the difference. Which one is the best Balkan food? We’ll let you decide!

4. Mămăligă Cu Brânză Şi Smântână

Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână is one of the national Romanian dishes. It is basically polenta or boiled cornmeal mush served with white sheep cheese and fresh sour cream. Polenta is usually hearty and fills your stomach, but just be on the safe side, you can also order it topped with fried eggs and paired with scallions or chopped red onion.

You can find polenta with cheese as a main dish in many restaurants throughout Romania, but simple polenta is also popular as a side dish for other courses. It is also cooked a lot in family homes and, if you hike in the mountains, stop at a sheepfold and ask for their polenta—it has a special flavor when cooked on a wood fire.

Be curious and read more about different variants of serving polenta and other Romanian foods here.

5. Burek / Byrek

Burek or byrek is a delicious filo-pastry pie stuffed with cheese, spinach, potato, minced meat or even mushrooms. Byrek is traditionally prepared in a large pan, then cut into smaller pieces after baking and served as individual pastries (usually they have the form of a triangle).

This ubiquitous snack is mostly served cold or hot with yogurt for breakfast. It’s so hearty that you can eat it for lunch too if you’re in a hurry.

Byrek is originally from Anatolia (a province in current Turkey) and it is widely found in the cuisines of the Balkan countries. In the former Yugoslavian countries, stop at the shops with pekara (this means “bakery” in Slavic languages) written on the street-front and snack cheaply on a burek or two. If you try a burek of each type, you’d have to be very hungry as they are quite filling and nourishing.

Burek can be also found in Albanian cuisine in different variants. It is usually stuffed with cheese, ground meat, spinach and eggs, as well as with tomato and onions, peppers and beans, potato or pumpkin.

6. Pleskavica

Pleskavica is spiced meat patty made of pork, beef or lamb, which is well grilled on both sides. It is a hearty main course, usually served with chopped onions, a big spoon of kajmak (a type of very tasty, clotted milk cream), French fries or simply with bread (in some regions it is popularly paired with a big flatbread, like a hamburger). When stuffed with cheese it’s called pleskavica sharri, and the melted cheese has a special taste that can’t be compared with anything else.

The origin of this Balkan food is Serbia, but this spicy hamburger is easy to find in one form or another throughout the Balkans. You can find it in all of the former Yugoslavian countries, but it’s popular mostly in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Kosovo.

It is big enough to fill your stomach for half a day, and sometimes even for a whole day. So keep that in mind when you order it and don’t choose anything for the dessert until you have eaten the big pleskavica in your plate!

7. Štruklji

Štruklji are rolled pastries that are either baked or cooked and, depending on the filling, can be sweet or savory. Particularly popular in Slovenian cuisine, it was once a Balkan food reserved for special occasions but now is one of the most featured foods in Slovenian homes.

Zagorski Štrukli is its traditional Croatian relative since Štruklji itself goes all the way back to the 16^th Century and probably beyond. However, it is in Austria that it first makes its definitive appearance in history in a recipe left behind by a chef in Graz, Austria’s second largest city, in the year 1589.

Fillings that are typical for Štruklji include tarragon (this was actually used in the aforementioned chef’s original recipe), poppy seeds, walnuts, cottage cheese, and apple.

8. Mekici

Mekici are soft, traditional Bulgarian donuts, with the kneaded dough made with deep fried yogurt. In Serbian cuisine they are called mekike. The best way to describe them is perhaps to compare them to a British Yorkshire pudding, although Mekici are usually eaten in the morning, whereas Yorkshire puddings are eaten for lunch or dinner.

The risen dough is torn into pieces, then fried in oil and, once fully fried, powdered with icing sugar. Jam is usually garnished on the top. If you’re looking for the best Balkan food for dessert or a snack, this is a great contender.

They are quite similar to lángos, which is a deep-fried dough popular in Hungarian cuisine. However, lángos are usually served with ketchup or mayonnaise, whereas mekici are not since they tend to be sweet. Despite this, sometimes mekici are garnished with sirene (brined white cheese).

 best Balkan food comes in all shapes and sizes and can be found throughout the whole region…did we miss any on our list? Comment below if you know of other authentic Balkan foods, or want to share your impression of eating these foods with us!

Suggested next reading: 6 Amazing Locations In The Balkans You Might Not Know About

The post 8 Best Balkan Foods That’ll Make Your Mouth Water appeared first on Modern Trekker.

The 5 Best Restaurants Of Jaipur Are:

1. 1135 AD
2. Peshawari
3. Marble Arch
4. Giardino
5. House of Han

Now, here is a little bit about each restaurant!

1. 1135 AD

This restaurant is quite famous for its luxury and grandeur look. Even luxury trains like Palace on Wheels, make it a point to add this restaurant to the itinerary. Located inside Amer Fort, this is the right portal to go through to travel back to a royal past.

1135 AD is the best place to eat Rajasthani food in Jaipur and the décor matches the quality of the food. If you are looking for a grand meal experience and for romantic restaurants in Jaipur, visit Amer Fort.

2. Peshawari

This is one of the restaurants of ITC groups. With this name, you can be sure about the hospitality, décor, culture and food in this restaurant. This multi-cuisine spot is actually famous for authentic Northwestern Indian cuisine. You can find all the signature Mughal dishes and the dessert section is mind-blowing.

The pots on the wall, copper platter, wood beams and log table make it one of the more unique restaurants in Jaipur and will add more value to the dining experience, without a doubt.

3. Marble Arch

Located inside the Palace Hotel of Jai Mahal, this heritage hotel has a long history to it. This tradition is expressed in the décor with stoneware, traditional ambience and authentic delicacies of the past. You can find universal cuisines too in this restaurant.

Starting from rosewater pannacotta to Murgh Tia Mirza Hassan, you can find a wide range of delicacies served with the utmost luxurious service.

4. Giardino

This open-air poolside restaurant is famous for the ‘“Taj experience” that’ll add lots more value to your vacation. This traditional fine dining Italian restaurant is complemented with chic décor, art decorations and fine wines to balance the palate.

If you are planning to spend a special mealtime in the laps of luxury, this is the right place.

5. House Of Han

How about enjoying a day with traditional Chinese dishes surrounded by authentic Chinese décor and style? Even the dishes and cooking styles are traditional.

Located inside Crowne Plaza, this restaurant provides a five-star East Asian cuisine and a fully stocked bar. Do not miss getting tea served in a large sprouted teapot.

Do you want to enjoy this type of dining throughout your whole vacation? The best way to do so is by booking Palace on Wheels. The choice of restaurants in the itinerary is luxurious and, also not to be forgotten, are the professional star-styled restaurants inside the train itself.

Suggested next reading: 5 Luxury Trains In India That Are Fit For Royalty

The post 5 Best Restaurants Of Jaipur For Authentic Cuisine appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Let’s start at the beginning. As one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, Strasbourg first hosted an event in 1570. That means they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their art and earn their nickname as “Capital of Christmas”.

With over 300 stalls across 10 locations, Strasbourg tops it all off with an enormous Christmas Tree in the central Place Kléber. Not to mention the Living Nativity and a host of cultural and musical concerts.

So, if you like a bit of history, culture and tradition mixed in with your Christmas trip, Strasbourg could be the place for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2. Vienna, Austria

If you like mulled wine, sweets and delicious Austrian sausages, then you need to pack your trousers with the elasticated waistband and head to Vienna this December.

Here you can enjoy a plethora of festive food in one of the safest destinations in Europe. This means you’ll feel totally free to wander about the city, gazing at the lights, trees and nativity scenes.

While you’re wandering can be totally random, do make sure to potter over to the City Hall Square as this area becomes “Vienna Magic of Advent” and is beautifully transformed into a fairytale style scene.

Or if you’d prefer a bit of outdoor ice skating, head on over to the Town Hall, where a large outdoor ice skating rink awaits you. But be sure to catch a ride on the reindeer first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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3. Zagreb, Croatia

Now to a city you may not necessarily associate with Christmas.

If you think of Zagreb in Croatia, you might be thinking of hot sunny days, ice creams and stunning architecture. You might not be thinking twinkling lights, hot steaming food and Christmas choirs. However, if you head there in Wintertime, that’s exactly what you’ll get.

Often at very reasonable prices, Zagreb’s Christmas markets are becoming more and more popular with festive tourists. So why not join them in a glass of mulled wine or two?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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4. Manchester, England

It would be a sin to compile a list of Christmas markets and not include the first ever UK based one. First arriving at British shores in 1999, Manchester’s Christmas markets have really set the standard for the rest of the UK. And set them high at that.

Over 300 stalls pop up around the city center offering crafts, jewelry, leather goods and, of course, food. Lots and lots of food.

Plus if you head over to Cathedral Gardens you can have a go on the massive fairground that is erected there. Nothing says festive like a go on a Waltzer.

Sure, you could go to one in London. But as it’s argued that folk are friendly up north (and it’s universally agreed that it’s cheaper), why miss the opportunity for a bit of northern Christmas cheer?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Manchester Photography Club (@manchesterphotographyclub) on Dec 16, 2017 at 11:20pm PST

5. Seville, Spain

Ok, so you’re the sort of person who loves Christmas but also loves warm weather. What on earth are you to do? We know.

You need to get on a plane this instant and fly over to Seville (assuming you’re reading this at Christmas time).

This Spanish beauty is not only full of gorgeous old buildings and happy smiling people. It also plays host to beautiful Christmas markets set under a shining sun. Delicately made crafts are a specialty here.

So really, it’s the perfect place to grab those last minute Christmas gifts. You’d be a fool not to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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6. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen may be famous for its Danish bacon but it’s not just bacon you’ll feast on if you visit Denmark’s capital at Christmas. Freshly made doughnuts dipped in hot chocolate, mulled wine, and more are all available at Tivoli Gardens. (Or, as it’s otherwise known, the city’s number one Christmas Market.)

So if you like good food, wine and company under the ethereal glean of half a million Christmas lights, then you know where to go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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7. Tallinn, Estonia

Are you someone who feels the post-Christmas blues? Wish it could go on just a little bit longer? Do you always try to eek out just a little more Christmas cheer?

Well, good news!

The Russian Orthodox Church states that January 7^th is actually Christmas day and that means that for the Estonian capital, Tallinn, Christmas markets continue well into the new year.

You can use all that extra time to enjoy some traditional Estonian Christmas classics. Such as black pudding and sour cabbage! …Or maybe just look at the enormous Christmas tree set up in Tallinn Town Square. It was the first ever to be displayed in Europe after all.

Is it any wonder that Santa Claus himself is rumored to have opened the very first Christmas market in Tallinn?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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8. Dresden, Germany

Ok let’s get properly traditional now.

Set in Altmarkt Square, the Striezelmarkt has been delighting visitors since 1434. So it would be rude not to include it on this list, especially given Germany’s stellar reputation for creating some truly amazing Christmas Markets.

Visitors here are free to enjoy an authentic glass of Gluhwein whilst listening to the concerts and choirs providing entertainment in one of the many churches. Or maybe you’d prefer to watch the boats dusted with Christmas lights, twinkling their way down the Elbe.

Ah heck, you’ve got time. Do it all. Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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9. Budapest, Hungary

Everything you normally enjoy at a Christmas Market is available in Budapest. The wine, the crafts, the lights, the slight gassiness after eating too many treats.

But what you don’t get at other Christmas markets is a 3D light show. Displayed on the side of St Stephen’s Basilica, this frankly modern twist gives a cutting-edge feel to a traditionally rustic event.

Of course, all this is to be enjoyed with a glass of wine and a slice of chimney cake or kürtőskalács, as it’s known by locals. This deliciously conical sweet is made by wrapping cake dough around a pole, baking it and then dusting in frankly obscene amounts of sugar and cinnamon.

A wonderful mixture of old and new makes for a memorable experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10. Brussels, Belgium

Finally the last on our list is a biggun.

The “Winter Fun” festival is a spectacular event spread out across the city. With over 200 chalets serving up all the traditional fayre, an ice skating rink, a ferris wheel, merry go rounds and a light and sound show. All centered around a huge Christmas tree and of course lots and lots of Christmas lights.

What more could you want? What’s that? A Christmas Parade? Oh, go on then. Of course there’s one of them too!

Is this all a little overwhelming? Don’t worry there are guided tours of the festival for daunted yet excited English speakers, so you’ll feel right at home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Suggested next reading: 6 Best Places In The World To See The Northern Lights

The post 10 Of The Very Best Christmas Markets Around The World appeared first on Modern Trekker.

A normal meal in Romania comprises two courses: a warm soup as the first dish (especially during the cold season), and then a cooked meal or a barbecue as the main course. Of course, there is also the dessert if you can eat more.

Beware that Romanian cuisine has warm and hearty dishes, meant to satisfy and fill your stomach. So don’t overate your capacity to eat three dishes for a meal.

Some of these traditional Romanian dishes have borrowed certain recipes and ingredients from neighboring or occupying cultures (such as Saxon, Slav, Hungarian, and Turkish) but most of them use pork meat in some form, paired with potatoes, polenta, or cooked vegetables.

Now that you are already hungry, let’s see what to order and what to expect from the Romanian dishes.

1. Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână

Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână is basically polenta or boiled cornmeal mush with salty sheep cheese and fresh sour cream.

This is maybe the most unusual Romanian recipe but very quick to cook. I cook it a lot because it’s hearty, easy to prepare, and also tasty if you add the right proportion of ingredients.

ÊIt can be also topped with fried eggs and paired with onion (spring onion or chopped red onion). Polenta is cooked in family homes and households as well as in inns and restaurants.

Another version of polenta with cheese is the bulz ciobănesc. Bulz is traditionally made in a sheepfold and is the everyday food of the shepherds. A medium-sized ball made of hot boiled polenta is filled with bellows cheese (one of the oldest Romanian foods), which melts inside and becomes very tasty.

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2. Sarmale or sărmăluțe (it means smaller sarmale)

Sarmale or sărmăluțe are rolled cabbage or vine leaves stuffed with spiced meat, rice, and herbs. They are usually cooked with pork meat but in different parts of Romania, you may find them filled with sheep meat, chicken, or even fish (in the region close to the Black Sea).

In order to be tasty, sarmale have to be well boiled for several hours. They are served three to four pieces per portion and traditionally paired with simple polenta (just the maize mush), sour cream on top, and maybe a red hot pepper.

This is the national Romanian dish, although the recipe was imported from the Ottomans who ruled the south and eastern part of the country for centuries. For similar reasons, you can find sarma in different sizes throughout the Balkan region, in the Slav neighboring countries.

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3. Mici or mititei cu muștar

Mici or mititei cu muștar are grilled rolls of spiced minced meat. The mixture can have pork or beef but you will also find mici made with sheep meat. They are always served with mustard or a hot horseradish cream.

You can find mici as a street-food option and in this case, they simply come with a few slices of bread and two toothpicks to grab them. Restaurants serving Romanian food always have mici on their menus and you can serve them paired with French fries or simple polenta.

This is one of the Romanian delicacies and during summer, many people go out for a picnic and make a barbecue with mici. Of course, they go very well with beer!

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4. Ciorbă de burtă

Ciorbă de burtă means tripe soup and it is a common dish throughout the Balkans.

In Romania, parts from the stomach of a cow are sliced and boiled with vegetables for almost three hours. The result is a creamy yellowish soup, which is served with a welcome dollop of sour cream and a hot pepper.

Some restaurants bring a small cup of hot garlic sauce too but this is not a rule. All Romanian restaurants have tripe soup on their menu, especially for lunch. In the evening, it is possible you won’t find it because we usually eat soup only as the first dish for a lunch meal.

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5. Salata de boeuf

Salata de boeuf is a salad made of boiled root vegetables, eggs, and finely chopped beef meat, all of them mixed with a lot of mayonnaise. The salad turns out very colorful and it is garnished with thin slices of pickled vegetables or eggs.

Even if the name seems French (boeuf is the French name for beef meat), this is actually among the traditional Romanian dishes that are perfect to eat during winter. It is usually cooked for the winter celebrations and festive meals (i.e. for Christmas and the New Year’s Eve).

You will never find it in restaurants. It is prepared only in family homes so if someone invites you to a Christmas dinner, say “yes” in order to taste this delicious salad.

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6. Papanași

Papanași are fried or boiled pastries, doughnut-shaped, topped with sour cream and different kinds of fruit jams.

The dough is prepared with flour, eggs, and sweet soft cheese (usually cow cheese or urdă—cheese made of cow, sheep, or goat milk). As additional ingredients, some women add cinnamon or vanilla powder to give a special flavor to the papanași.

Besides crepes and a wide assortment of pies, this is the most popular dessert in Romania. They are made in family homes and many households in the rural area but also in the restaurants throughout the country.

In a Romanian restaurant, a normal portion comprises two big papanași so keep this in mind when you order them at the end of your meal.

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This is just a limited number of our traditional Romanian dishes but I assure you that if you step into a Romanian restaurant, you will be overwhelmed and won’t know what to choose from because of the wide range of courses.

Many restaurants have “the special dish of the house” and this is usually a combination of many traditional Romanian dishes and will be the chef’s best invention. So it’s always good to ask what they recommend and you might have a great surprise.

Don’t forget the beer or the vine, and maybe also try small shots of țuică or palincă (flavored fruit alcoholic drink…very strong though, so be careful how much you drink!)

In 2019, the Sibiu county is going to be a European Gastronomic Region and culinary events will take place in towns and villages in Sibiu throughout the year—so it will be an ideal time to visit!

Many old recipes will be reinvented and this is a good chance for foodies to try a wide range of various traditional Romanian dishes.

Suggested next reading: 6 Amazing Locations In The Balkans You Might Not Know About

The post 6 Authentic Romanian Dishes That’ll Send Your Tastebuds Soaring appeared first on Modern Trekker.

To be honest, autumn is my favorite time of the year. As I write this piece in the comfort of my Montréal apartment, I can look out and see trees with red and orange leaves. I believe that fall is a time of reflection as most spend more and more time inside to prepare for the long winter days ahead.

Every culture celebrates autumn differently, but here are 10 fall festivals that you can’t miss around the world:

1. Diwali

Taking place on November 7^th, Diwali is one of the most well-known fall festivals in India. The festival is named after the lights that are lit to symbolically shine a light on the spiritual emptiness and darkness that one may feel. It’s an incredibly important holiday for those that practice Hinduism around the world.

It’s an interesting holiday because it is celebrated differently throughout India. In the north of the country, they believe that Diwali symbolizes the story of King Rama’s return after winning a war. The row of lights serving as his helping guide on his return home.

In the south of India, however, they believe that Diwali is the day Krishna bested the demon Narakasura. Diwali is one of those fall festivals that must be experienced in person to truly understand it.

2. Guy Fawkes Night

One of those historical fall festivals that occurs every year, Guy Fawkes night happens on November 5^th and is celebrated in the United Kingdom to honor the foiling of the plot to kill the King.

Guy Fawkes was found with an unusually large quantity of gunpowder and he had detailed plans to kill the King!

Today, you can find many in the UK celebrating with parades in the streets, drinking mulled wine, eating way too much food, and watching fireworks at night. Overall, sounds like a lot of fun and is one of those events that brings everyone together.  

3. Dia De Los Muertos

Known as “Day Of The Dead” in English, the festival takes place over two days on the first two days of November.

It’s a time for many Mexicans to honor and remember their dead loved ones. While many might think of this as a sad event, it’s actually a festive and lively event to celebrate those that have moved on into the next world and to pray for loved ones in Purgatory.

Many Mexicans go to graves and decorate them to make their dead relatives feel at home. It’s now recognized by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage event. Many come from all over the world just to partake in the festivities. If you have a chance, going to a Day Of The Dead celebration is well worth the trip to Mexico.

4. Iceland Airwaves

 

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This music festival takes place the weekend of November 7^th  to the 10^th. Originally started in 1999, Iceland Airwaves has drawn music lovers from all over. It’s put on to celebrate Iceland’s unique musical heritage, but also features musical acts from other parts.

With Iceland’s rise in popularity among travelers, so has this fall festivals attendance. 2018’s version looks like it will be the biggest…and best edition yet. Have we convinced you to hop on a flight over yet?

5. Loi Krathong

Much like Diwali, Loi Krathong is celebrated with lights. However, it is much less known than India’s version.

Held on November 23^rd throughout the Thai Kingdom, Loi Krathong is an event to celebrate all that nature has done for the Thai people and to continue to prosper as a result of its use.

On this day, Thai people float Krathong or floating structures made out of flowers, banana leaves, candles, and incense sticks. In the past some were made out of Styrofoam, but as many become more and more conscious of the harm this causes to the environment, many have switched to bread.

There are a few theories about why the holiday exists, but the most prominent one is that rivers are considered sacred by Thai people as most of the country supports itself through agriculture. To show respect and forgiveness, the Thai people created Loi Krathong. Through this, in a manner of speaking, they wash away their misdeeds and hope for good luck in the coming year.

6. Jasper Dark Sky Festival

 

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The night sky in Jasper, Alberta is always incredible, but it really shines for 10 days in October. The event offers some of the best stargazing opportunities anywhere in the world. If you want to go to space or that topic interests you, there is a whole panel of astronauts, scientists, and other experts that discuss the future of space exploration.

7. Oktoberfest

One of the most famous fall festivals, Oktoberfest takes place for two weeks in late September to early October. There are more than 6 million people that attend the event and consume over 7.7 million liters of beer. Impressive numbers from a two-week festival.

8. Paris Autumn Festival

 

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Paris is known for its vibrant arts scene so what better time to celebrate it than in fall! From dance to theatre to concerts, the festival has a bit of something for everyone.

Taking place from September to early December, the festival is celebrating its 46^th edition and has only grown in recent years. If you love the arts or want to see some of the best that Paris has to offer, this is one of those fall festivals you can’t miss!

9. Harvest On The Harbor

 

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This week-long festival was created in 2007 to showcase some of Maine’s best food (the lobster is to die for!) In its 11^th year of existence, the festival has now expanded to showcase some of the art of local artists. Of course, you’ll be able to see some beautiful fall foliage all while eating some of the best food that the New England region has to offer.

10. Chuseok

Chuseok, also known as “Autumn’s Eve” in English, is a harvest festival celebrated throughout the Korean peninsula. Its celebration is timed to match the Fall Equinox and features tons of delicious food.

During the festival, Koreans go back to where they are from and celebrate with their families. If you are invited over for a Chuseok feast, you should absolutely try it!

Suggested next reading: 14 Road Trip Ideas In The US That Are Perfect For This Fall

The post 10 Fall Festivals Around The World To See Before You Die appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Singapore Chili Crab

Created in 1956 this is a recipe that’s stood the test of time. But then why wouldn’t it? Soft yielding crab, sweet tomato sauce, a little tickle of chili heat. It’s everything you could wish for on one plate. Served from many a hawker stall, this messy treat is best eaten with your hands and accompanied by a Mantous or steamed or deep fried bun. It’s arguably Singapore’s most famous dish and if you want to visit where it all started, you can! The restaurant famed for inventing the dish, the Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant, is still serving up this delicious crab to this day.

2. Hainanese Chicken Rice

A post shared by Helen Le (@helenrecipes) on Apr 19, 2018 at 4:29pm PDT

Your first taste of Hainanese chicken rice might be on the plane over as it is one of a small number of local dishes that Singapore airline serves. It is a great example of what can be done when you try to squeeze every bit of flavor from your ingredients.

Firstly the chicken is poached and the resulting broth (including any fat) is combined with ginger, garlic and Pandan leaves to cook the rice. What results is a very flavorful and slightly greasy rice which has been dubbed “oily rice” for obvious reasons. This is served alongside the chicken and fresh cucumber, which has also been boiled in the stock. A fiery, garlicky dipping sauce finishes it all off, cutting through the grease and setting your lips tingling. If that sounds like something you’d like, you’re in luck. One of the most popular dishes to eat in Singapore, this dish can be found pretty much anywhere but for the really good stuff, head to the Chinatown district and join the exceedingly long queue extending from the Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken stand. Not only will you get a Michelin starred meal, you’ll get the cheapest Michelin starred meal in the world. And that’s worth the plane ride.

3. Oyster Omelet

It could be argued that we’re generally not big oyster eaters in the West, but maybe that’s because we’ve been missing a trick by not putting them in omelets. Oyster omelets are made with a slightly sturdier batter than your traditional omelet. One that has been thickened with tapioca or potato starch. This mixture is cooked over a high heat in pork lard, until the edges are brown and crispy and the middle is liltingly soft and yielding. It’s all presented with a scoop of spicy chilli sauce, spiked with lime and finished with fresh coriander. Of course, if you really don’t fancy oysters, you can get exactly the same dish with shrimp instead. Both options are commonly regarded by locals as being possibly the best dishes to eat in Singapore; probably on account of being shockingly delicious.

4. Char Kway Teow

Now I’m going to say two words to you and I want you to steel yourself.

Ready? Ok, here goes.

Blood Cockles.

I know, I know, on the surface it doesn’t sound great. But honestly, these tasty little clams are surprisingly fresh, succulent and well worth the effort of getting past the name. Which you’ll have to if you want to try one of the most popular dishes to eat in Singapore, Char Kway Teow. This delicious street food literally means flat rice noodles, blistered in a hot wok with dark soy sauce, chili, bean sprouts, prawns and of course, blood cockles. It’s all finished with a topping of crispy pork lard which may not add to the health content but certainly ramps up the texture.

5. Laksa

Now the chances are that you may have already heard of or even tried Laksa, but this very old dish has a lot of variants to its name. Generally speaking, Laksa consists of spicy, curry soup and noodles. Whether that’s rice noodles or vermicelli, or a coconut milk base rather than a sour asam base, depends on the region and variety you’re eating. One thing’s for certain though, they all taste very good indeed. Why not see if you can try them all and let us know your favorite?

6. Kaya Toast

Everyone loves a sweet treat with a hot beverage and the people of Singapore are no exception. That’s why they have Kaya Toast with their coffee. This morsel is very thin toast spread with a thick jam made with coconut, sugar and egg and it’s served with a little square of butter. Eaten either at breakfast, teatime or just as a snack, you’ll see this on many hawker stalls and you can even buy the jam or Kaya separately if you want to try it at home.

7. Nasi Lemak

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They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and that’s why you should have Nasi Lemak. This hearty but healthy breakfast consists of rice cooked in coconut milk, with a side of cucumber, omelet, fried anchovies with peanuts and sambal. Once again there are many variants of this dish across the region, including two in Singapore alone. But the basic structure is the same and the flavors are all delicious. If it seems too strange to be eating something spicy for breakfast, don’t worry, you can also add it to the already large repertoire of great dishes to eat in Singapore during lunch—quite versatile!

8. Sugarcane Juice

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Sugarcane juice is popular across a lot of Asia but the high temperatures of Singapore might mean you appreciate it just that little bit more here. Sweet, cool, and tangy if you ask for lemon, this refreshing drink can revitalize a weary traveler, meaning for just a small sum you are free to go forward and try even more Singaporean delights!

Well, that’s our list. Truth be told, Singapore is such a food lover’s paradise that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Fancy some authentic Japanese Ramen? Not a problem. How about a New York style bagel? Sure, sounds good. Or maybe some Korean BBQ or a delicate bowl of pasta. Yes, yes, yes. All these things are available and so much more. You certainly won’t run out of incredible dishes to eat in Singapore!

Suggested next reading: 6 Hong Kong Dishes You Simply Can’t Afford To Miss (& 1 You Probably Can)

The post 8 Authentic & Affordable Dishes In Singapore That Even Food Critics Will Love appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Stockyards

A visit to the old Stockyards is one of the top things to do in Fort Worth. Located north of downtown, the Stockyards are truly where the west begins (It’s Fort Worth’s city slogan as well.) Recognized as a National Historic District, the Stockyards made Fort Worth an important economic hub in the south during the 19^th Century. It’s where railroads transported cattle to be slaughtered, butchered, packed up, and eventually shipped off across the country. Today, the meatpacking companies are long gone, but you can still see a section of the old, abandoned Swift Armour company including their beautiful sign and gate. The area has become quite popular in recent years with visitors from around the world with its twice a day cattle drive down the main street of the Stockyards. Beyond the cattle drive, you can learn to Texas country dance at the biggest honky tonk in the world, (A honky-tonk is just Texas’ way of saying it’s a concert venue) Billy Bob’s. The venue regularly plays host to some of the biggest country music acts and is practically a country music museum. Once you’ve burned off some calories, it’s time to get some delicious barbecue at Riscky’s, a Texas institution for almost 100 years. This is just a warm-up barbecue eating session for later.

Southside

 

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Fort Worth’s Southside district has undergone a massive revitalization in the past few years. The area used to only be home to a few restaurants and bars for nearby hospital workers, but it’s main artery, Magnolia Avenue, has been turned into a foodie and drinker’s heaven. It is now one of the country’s hottest entertainment districts. Take a casual stroll on Magnolia and try the bison burger at Shaw’s. The patio is the place to be on a warm night and hosts local musicians on the weekends. For vegans, Spiral Diner is one of the best vegan restaurants in Texas. Originally opened in 2002, it now has two other locations in nearby Dallas and Denton. For dessert, head to Melt for ice cream and take a picture in front of its Instagram worthy yellow wall. If you still have a bit of a sweet tooth, walk across the street to Stir Crazy Bakery for a Nutella cupcake…or three. It’s okay no one is judging you. Finally, cap the night off with a drink at The Usual. The trendy bar bases its drinks off Prohibition-era favorites. If craft cocktails are your thing, The Usual should top your list of things to do in Fort Worth.

Sundance Square

 

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Downtown, also known as Sundance Square, used to be much like the Southside District. No one would come spend time in the district unless they absolutely needed to. That has all changed within the last decade. Named after a western outlaw that used to make its home in Fort Worth, the 35 block downtown district is now a great area to shop, eat, drink, and hang out with friends and family. On any given weekend, you’ll find locals hanging out by the water fountains watching an outdoor movie, watching their kids play, or just enjoying a beautiful night. There are quite a few places to visit. The first place you have to stop is the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Built in the 1970’s, you’ll often see locals and visitors alike walking around and enjoying the cool water. Trust me, in summer, the water gardens become one of the best things to do in Fort Worth! Next, take a walk around and you might think you are on South Beach. While there may be no ocean, you might notice the Art Deco architecture of many of the buildings. A good portion of those buildings are national landmarks since that style is no longer used in modern construction. With all of that walking around, it’s time to get something to eat. That’s a tough decision since Sundance Square is filled with incredible restaurants. From Sushi to Mexican to Korean food, the amount of diversity is pretty surprising. To end your time in Sundance Square, head to my favorite bar in the city, Thompson’s Book Store. Named after its previous tenant, you’ll need that weekend’s password to enter. You can find it either on their Facebook page or if you get a drink upstairs. With the password, you get access to Thompson’s secret downstairs bar. Besides the secret bar, Thompson’s is home to some spectacular cocktails and its bartenders are considered some of the best in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area.

Eat Barbecue

Now, if you followed my itinerary you already had your warmup portion of delicious barbecue, but it is now time for the real deal. You simply cannot come to Texas and NOT have multiple barbecue dinners. There are various restaurants to satisfy this barbecue obligation. For those that prefer a more traditional experience, I’d recommend heading to Angelo’s. One of the original barbecue joints in Fort Worth that has been opened since 1958. It’s been open so long for a reason. Its barbecue is crazy good. Be sure to try the sausages, but be careful, you may never have a better one again! If you are looking for a more modern take on barbecue, you have to try Heim’s. What started off as a small food truck serving great barbecue is now a full-blown restaurant with that same awesome food and over 150 whiskeys. People that love Heim’s swear by it and refuse to even consider another spot. For a sampling of everything, try the Tex Meat Club Plate for a sample of everything. Pair that with a whiskey and I’d say you are a true Texan now.

There are so many other things to do in Fort Worth, I could go on. But for other things to do in Fort Worth that’ll make you feel like a true Texan be sure to also check out: The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, and the Beef Jerky Outlet!

Suggested next reading: 11 Of The Absolute Best Things To Do In Austin, Texas

The post How To Experience Fort Worth Like A True Texan appeared first on Modern Trekker.

However, with that first bite ofsai ua along with my dragon fruit smoothie my life changed and now I’m addicted.

If you head to Chiang Mai, binging on street food will be a MUST for anyone who loves food. Unless you decide to stay in a hotel and eat every meal there while experiencing zero of the culture, you cannot miss Chiang Mai street food.

What’s the deal with Chiang Mai street food?

Chiang Mai street food has a unique flavor that’s not easy to come by down south. Thai food is all very regional, and the northern Lanna food has its own obsession with pork, veggies, and adding enough spice to put tears in your eyes.

So if you’ve said….“Ahhhh I loved that pad thai I had in Bangkok,” well….you’ve not experienced the best part of Thai food! Go to Chiang Mai, bring your stretchy pants, and get eating!

My top three favorite foods in Chiang Mai:

1. Pork Curry: Also known as gaeng hang lay, is my all time favorite curry. It’s a thick and soft pork that soaks in ginger, garlic and spices. Eat it at Aroon Rai over rice.

2. Khao Soi: For just over $1, you’ll be able to indulge in one of the most famous dishes of Chiang Mai. It’s a thick and spice-filled broth that typically is made with chicken. There are both fried and soft noodles within the soup. You can add lime, spices, pickled vegetables, and shallot to your meal however you feel necessary. Eat it here for just 45 baht!

3. Sai Ua: This is the best sausage I have ever had in my life. It can be found at street cart vendors all over the city. Thai people love their sausages, and no, not that frozen gross processed stuff you buy at your hometown grocery store. The sausage is unique as it is a bit drier than what you may be used to. Mixed in are different bits such as lemongrass, galangal, garlic, and chilis. While some sai ua makes my mouth turn to fire, I find that most are very tolerable for my weak spice buds.

Although that may seem pretty meat-heavy, Chiang Mai is also loaded with tons of vegetarian options and even has a slew of vegan restaurants popping all over the city.

My favorite places to go for Chiang Mai street food:

1. The Chiang Mai Gate food stalls: Every Saturday I head down to the southern part of the city for a $5 foot massage and pork noodle and wonton soup. For just about $1.50 I can slurp my soup in front of 7-Eleven while people watching and drinking a cold beer. Throughout the entire southern part of the moat are tons of street carts selling everything imaginable—meat skewers, fruit shakes, mango sticky rice, corn on the cob, bugs, durian, meatballs, spring rolls…and the list goes on. As you walk around you’ll be swarmed by loads of smells that make you drool with hunger…well, usually, unless it’s that bad sewer smell that lingers throughout southeast Asia. Regardless, you’ll be grabbing snacks for a few bucks while frolicking wide-eyed through the market.

2. The Chiang Puak Market food stalls: If you aren’t too keen on crazy crowds, the street food at the north gate offers a more laid-back vibe. Yes, it may have been made famous when Anthony Bourdain came and munched on pork and rice. Get on over to the Cowboy Hat Lady for one of the top recommendations in town. Throughout the area you can get wonderful treats without feeling too overwhelmed by the tourist crowds.

3. The Night Bazaar: During the week, you should head to Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar to binge on even more goodies. Here you will find a lot of pad see ew, assortments of noodles, different kinds of curries, and skewers a-plenty. Food stalls surround the perimeter of the location where you can listen to live music. Here you won’t find solely Thai food but loads of other mouthwatering eats as well.

4. Thanin Market: There are tons of markets around Chiang Mai where you can buy either on-the-go food or ingredients to bring back home and cook. My favorite market is just north of the old city in the neighborhood of Santitham. Thanin Market has EVERYTHING you need and is extremely local and affordable. As it doesn’t cater to tourists, you’ll be able to eat your meals for much cheaper while supporting the locals who aren’t at the busy markets in the old city. You can weave your way through multiple food stalls and snag wontons, soups, sausage, shakes, fruit, veg, dumplings, and more! These food items will be about half the price as the typical markets. So go for the local feel and head to Thanin Market to binge on more Thai snacks.

BONUS: “Tao Rai?” you ask. Thai locals will LOVE if you can ask for their treats in their language. You may even score a discount if you ask politely.

Reading about Chiang Mai street food is not as thrilling as experiencing it in person. You won’t really know what that smell is until you’ve tasted it. You’ll be drooling with no shame when you pop around the various street food markets in Chiang Mai.

Don’t know what you’re eating? Good! That’s part of the adventure. Support the local vendors who work so hard to make Chiang Mai delicious! It’s hard to miss the street food in Chiang Mai—actually, it’s quite impossible. So grab that ice cream cone from the man waiting in the heat for a sale. You’ll be doing good and eating great!

Suggested next reading: 8 Incredible Outdoor Adventures Near Chiang Mai

The post Chiang Mai Street Food: What To Eat & Where To Find It appeared first on Modern Trekker.

If you’re planning a trip to the Windy City, here are the top 5 Chicago-style foods you should absolutely try when you’re in town:

1. Deep Dish Pizza

Deep dish pizza is a Chicago classic and comes right after “gangsters” on the list of things that people I meet while traveling ask me about Chicago. There’s a major rivalry between Pizzeria Uno, Lou Malnati’s, and Giordano’s about who created the original recipe back in the 1940s. You really can’t go wrong with any of them (but Lou Malnati’s will always be my favorite—sorry, not sorry).

A piece of advice for deep dish pizza tasting: if you go in with the expectation that it will be like any regular (non-deep dish) pizza you’ve had before, you’re not going to like it. It tastes a bit more like a lasagna with crust instead of noodles—still good, but definitely different than a traditional, thin crust pizza so don’t set yourself up for disappointment.

In addition to deep dish pizza, be sure to try the square-cut thin crust pizza at Giordano’s, which is actually more popular among the locals (and my personal favorite of all the Chicago food options).

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2. Chicago-style Hot Dog

The traditional Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef hot dog on a poppyseed bun, topped with mustard, onions, relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, peppers, and celery salt. It is considered blasphemous to put ketchup on a Chicago-style dog, to the point where many Chicago hot dog vendors do not have ketchup as a condiment option.

Some great spots to grab a Chicago-style dog: Wiener Circle (Lincoln Park), Dog Haus Biergarten (Lincoln Park), Chicago’s Dog House (Fullerton), Downtown Dogs (Gold Coast), Portillo’s (everywhere), Devil Dawgs (Loop), and a zillion other delicious spots.

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3. Polish Sausage

This is along the same lines as the Chicago hot dog but is made with Kielbasa sausage and topped with grilled onions, yellow mustard, and peppers. Be sure to visit Maxwell Street Polish (one of the most famous spots and where the Chicago-style Polish allegedly originated), pick one up at Portillo’s, one of Chicago’s best restaurant chains, or, in true Chicago style, pick one up from the stands at a baseball game along with an ice cold beer.

More great spots to grab a Polish: Jim’s Original (Little Italy), Kurowski’s Sausage Shop (Avondale), and Gene’s Sausage Shop and Delicatessen (Ravenswood).

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4. Italian Beef

The name Italian beef is deceptive because this incredible sandwich was created in Chicago in the 1930s. This delicious masterpiece consists of thinly sliced roast beef served au jus on an Italian roll, which is then dipped into the au jus used to cook the beef, and finally topped with giardiniera, or grilled sweet peppers.

The best places to get one are Portillo’s (again, everywhere) or Al’s Beef (multiple locations)—both quintessential Chicago chains. Portillo’s is always my first stop on the way home from the airport when I come home to Chicago, if that gives you any indication of the role it plays in the traditional Chicago food scene. There are many other good spots throughout the city to grab a bite of heaven, so you really can’t go wrong.

Other great spots to try some Italian beef: Bari (West Town), Buona (multiple locations), Jay’s Beef (Logan Square), Luke’s Italian Beef (Loop), or Mr. Beef (River North).

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5. Garrett’s Popcorn

You can now find Garrett’s Popcorn around the world, but the chain originates from Madison Street, right in the heart of Chicago. This popcorn chain is renowned for the “Chicago Mix”, a real Chicago-style blend of cheese and caramel popcorn (now called the “Garrett Mix”, but old names die hard in Chicago—RIP Sears Tower and Comiskey Park). It sounds weird but trust me, it’s delicious. They have a decent variety of flavors so there’s something for everyone to love. They’ve even got a location in the airport, so be sure to pick some up for your friends and coworkers back home (it’s always a big hit in the office), that is, if you don’t eat it all yourself before you get home.

Fun fact: former President Barack Obama (a longtime Chicago resident) is a huge fan of Garrett’s Popcorn, and reportedly gives it as a birthday gift to former Vice President Joe Biden each year for his birthday.

A post shared by Garrett Popcorn (@garrettpopcorn) on Apr 20, 2018 at 7:56pm PDT

BONUS: Malört

Ok so this is a liquor, not a food, but it’s also an essential part of the Chicago experience. Your first shot of malört is almost a rite of passage. Malört was originally sold as a medicinal alcohol, allowing it to be consumed legally during Prohibition when it was sold door-to-door. It goes down incredibly smoothly, but the strong, herby aftertaste from the wormwood (the key ingredient) will definitely catch you by surprise and linger for a while. Wormwood is also the key ingredient in absinthe, however drinking malört doesn’t have the same trippy, mind-bending effects.

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If you’re looking for a more palatable way to imbibe like a local while in Chicago, be sure to check out any beers made by Revolution Brewing or Goose Island, local Chicago breweries (they’re all awesome). My personal favorite Chicago beer is the Revolution Anti-Hero (an IPA), although you really can’t go wrong with any of the local brews.

A post shared by Revolution Brewing (@revbrewchicago) on Jun 29, 2018 at 12:02pm PDT

Chicago has so many incredible food options beyond the classics listed here, so by no means should you treat this as an exhaustive guide to Chicago’s food scene, but it’s a great place to start.

Suggested next reading: Chicago: Amazing Things To See And Do Without Breaking The Bank

The post 5 Incredible Chicago-Style Foods You’ve Got To Try In The Windy City appeared first on Modern Trekker.