Apsara: The Traditional Cambodian Dance

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Apsara: The Traditional Cambodian Dance

No trip to Cambodia is complete without a glimpse of the traditional Apsara dance performance.

Robam Tep Apsara, or the Dance of the Aspara Divinities is the name given to a classical Khmer dance recreated by the Cambodian Royal Ballet, not long after it nearly vanished during the regime of the Khmer Rouge.

This traditional dance originated from the story of the union of the hermit Kampu and Apsara Mera. In Hindu and Buddhist mythology, Apsaras are supernatural female beings of the clouds and waters. They are said to be young and beautiful, and are adept dancers with the ability to change their shapes at will. The Apsara dance is performed by women gracefully dressed in close-fitting traditional costumes known as a Sampot Sarabap, which is constructed from rich silk brocade featuring intricate yet aesthetic details, along with a golden headdress.

An Apsara dancer dressed in a Sampot Sarabap and a golden headdress

An Apsara dancer performing at dinner show

Apsara is performed by a group of young women in a flawlessly harmonized orientation. Every unhurried and deliberate movement is accentuated by a subtle bend in the knees with the heels elevated and lowered to the ground with each beat. A constant smile is attached to their faces, as they graciously flaunt their well-mastered elegance to awestruck audiences. The recurrent hand gestures throughout the performance give prominence to the dance, with each motion and shift denoting different parts of the story.

free apsara dance performance in siem reap

Apsara: The Traditional Cambodian Dance

Although there are occasional performances held in temples, a more convenient option would be to attend one of the nightly performances offered in restaurants. Pairing your dinner with this traditional dance will surely add zest to your gastronomic experience while traveling in Siem Reap. Remember to book ahead to secure the best seats!

Temple Balcony

Time: 19:30 (Daily)

Address: Street 08, Krong Siem Reap

Website | +855 12 234 565

Price: Free

Apsara Theatre

Time: 20:30 (Daily)

Address: Street 26, Krong Siem Reap

Website | +855 63 963 561

Price: $25 per adult/$12.50 per child

La Noria Hotel

Time: 19.30 (Wednesday & Sunday)

Address: River Rd, Krong Siem Reap

Website | +855 63 964 242

Price: $6 per person

Phare Cambodian Circus
Time: 20:00 (Daily)

Address: South of the intersection with Sok San Road
Website | +855 (0) 15 499 480

Apsara Terrace

Time: 19:45 (Monday, Wednesday & Friday)

Address: Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, 1 Vithei Charles De Gaulle

Website | +855 63 963 888

Price: $40 per adult/$25.50 per child

Kulen II Restaurant
Time: 19:30 (Daily)
Address: Sivatha Street, Siem Reap
Website | +855 (0) 92 630 090
Price: $12 per adult/$6 per child (free for <3 br="" buffet="" show="">

Alliance Café

Time: 20:00 (Tuesday, Thursday & Satuday)

Address: Wat Damnak, 7 Makara Street

Website | +855 63 760 169

Price: $20 per person (including set dinner)

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New Dishes & Omakase at Minori Japanese Restaurant, Royale Chulan Damansara

Saturday, April 16, 2016

best japanese restaurant in kuala lumpur

best japanese restaurant in petaling jaya

New Dishes & Omakase at Minori Japanese Restaurant, Royale Chulan Damansara

A name familiar among local socialites, Minori is a multi-award winning Japanese restaurant catering to fine dining enthusiasts and seasoned businessmen. Having numerous culinary awards under its belt, including Malaysia Tatler Best Restaurant 2014 and 2015, Minori is best known for its exotic specialties such as Fish Sperms, Foie Gras Chawanmushi, Female Koubako Zuwai Crabs and Fish Collagen Mochi.

New Dishes & Omakase at Minori Japanese Restaurant

Minori has recently introduced a range of additions to its menu for a unique Japanese gastronomic experience with a touch of modernity in flavors and presentation:

Yum Tofu & Grilled Seasoning Eggplant
with crab sauce ginger fervor & mountain caviar

Steamed Egg on Organic Wasabi Leaf & Asari Shell
"Ohitashi" Yuzu Orange Flavor

White Miso Marinated Butter Fish "Saikyo Yaki"
served with vinegar tomato, wasabi lotus root, and sweet potato

Scallop Porridge Minori Style
with fried cherry blossom prawns


Tender Steamed Beef Tongue with special sauce

Wide Variety of Sakes

Minori wows its patrons with a wide array of imported Sakes which are uniquely set apart by the aroma, taste, feel and finish. Recommendations by the restaurant include:

Kikusui Junmai Ginjo

Kikusui Funaguchi

Sakamai Kikusui Junmai Daiginjo (left)

The Saikyo Yaki (miso-marinated butter fish) is my personal favorite. Fish is cooked to perfection while maintaining its firm yet flaky tenderness, giving it a melt-in-the-mouth texture. The accompanying sides of vinegar tomato, wasabi lotus root, and sweet potato might seem meager, but every small bite is packed with surprisingly refreshing and intense tastes that go exquisitely with the fish. Each side offers a different flavor - sweet, sour, and salty - and alternating between them is truly a pleasure to the senses.

Additional Information

A VIP room which seats up to 30 people is available (no minimum spending required)
20% off Omakase & Chef’s monthly recommendation for Maybank MasterCard & Visa Card holders
50% off Omakase with a minimum spend of RM500 per pax for Maybank World MasterCard & Visa Infinite card holders

Minori Japanese Restaurant
Website | +603 7959 9099
The Royale Chulan Damansara Hotel
1st Floor, No. 2 Jalan PJU 7/3 Mutiara Damansara

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Cambodia Travel

Top 12 Temples to Visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Top 12 Temples to Visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Temples are everywhere in Siem Reap.

There are temples two streets away from where you are standing. There are temples right behind your hotel. There are temples beside the temple that you're visiting. The only difference is how new or old they are; Chances are that you are only interested in seeing the oldest ones.

The first step to your temple tour is to purchase the temple pass. Once that is settled, it's time to brace yourself for the longest, most monotonous excursion in your life. Since it is only natural for travelers to always wanting to make the most out of the limited time that they have in a country, they would then want to experience as much as they could within any given day. Surviving a day (or two, or three, even seven days) of temple tour, however, requires much more determination than you think. After the third temple, a revelation will hit you and you'll start to question yourself as to why you would spend so much time and effort walking around..... ruins and rubble.

So, I did 12 temples within 11 hours. How many can you do? Below is a list of some of the best temples to visit when you are at Siem Reap:

Read also: 10 Must-Try Cambodian Dishes

Top 12 Temples to Visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor Wat Temple

This Cambodian temple complex is the largest known religious monument in the world by land area - with a site measuring 162.6 hectares. Wake up early to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat. It is simply an experience you cannot afford to miss when traveling to Cambodia!

Sunrise at Angkot Wat at Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor Thom Temple

The majestic Angkor Thom temple is literally translated to be the "Great City". It was the last capital city of the Khmer Empire, and was established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. The scenery along this road to the temple is other-worldly, so remember to get your camera ready!

Angkor Thom temple in Cambodia

Bayon Temple

The temple of Bayon is an elaborately decorated Khmer temple located within Angkor in Cambodia. It was built in the late 12th century as the state temple for the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII. In the past, the Bayon stood at the center of the Jayavarman's capital, Angkor Thom.

Bayon is packed with tourists that come in hordes. Be patient when waiting for your turn to take a photo of the towers.

Prasat Prei Temple

Prasat Prei or "Sanctuary of the Forest" is a temple located to the south of Banteay Prei. This temple is extremely small when compared to other structures in the area, with an outer enclosure measuring only about 20x24 meters. Within the temple is a central cruciform sanctuary and a single 'library', and the entrance is through a heavily damaged gopura.

Prasat Prei Temple, Angkor, Cambodia

Prasat Bakong Temple

Bakong is the first temple mountain constructed using sandstone that was erected during the ruling of the Khmer Empire. In the late 9th century AD, it was used as the official state temple of King Indravarman I in the ancient city of Hariharalaya. Now, it is located in a village known as Roluos.

Prasat Bakong Temple, Angkor, Cambodia

Aerial view of the Prasat Bakong Temple, Angkor, Cambodia
Source: Grand Dixon Photography

Phnom Bakheng Temple

Phnom Bakheng is a Hindu and Buddhist temple that was constructed at the top of a mountain. The structure was erected during the end of the 9th century, during the reign of King Yasovarman, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Phnom Bakheng has become a popular destination to catch the sunset and gets crowded in the evening

Banteay Srei Temple

Banteay Srei or Banteay Srey is temple constructed in the 10th-century that was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It is located near the Phnom Dei Hill, which is approximately 25-kilometer north-east of the main temple complexes. The journey to Banteay Srei takes a 45-minute ride from Siem Reap.

Banteay Srei is originally known as Tribhuvanamahesvara or “citadel of the women”

Terrace of the Elephants

The Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive 350-metre-long and 2.5-metre-high ornamental wall decorated with gigantic carved elephants. It was constructed in the late 12th century as a viewing platform for King Jayavarman VII to look over his victorious returning army. In the past, the terrace was attached to the Phimeanakas Royal Palace in the heart of the ancient Khmer capital city. While most of the original structure has collapsed, the terrace remains relatively intact, along with its carvings.

Terrace of the Elephants is an UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Angkor Archaeological Park

Ta Prohm Temple

Known to foreigners as the 'Tomb Raider Temple', Ta Prohm is built in Bayon style during the late 12th century. It was originally known as Rajavihara, and was founded by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery. Unlike other Angkorian temples, Ta Prohm is left in the same condition in which it was discovered, with trees growing wildly out of the ruins. It is one of the most visited complexes in the Angkor region thanks to the unique features and untouched ruins.

Ta Prohm or the 'Tomb Raider Temple'

Rajavihara or Ta Prohm in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Baphuon Temple

Constructed in the mid-11th century, Baphuon is a grand three-tiered temple mountain built as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II, and was also dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The beautiful temple mountain with steep stairs brings visitors to a terrace that offers one of the most magnificent views of the ancient complex.

Baphuon Temple at Angkor, Cambodia

Phimeanakas Temple

Phimeanakas or also known as Vimeanakas is a Hindu temple that was erected in the Khleang style. It was built in the 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman, and was subsequently completed by Suryavarman I. The complex has a rather distinct shape of a three-tier pyramid for a Hindu temple.

Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas at Angkor, Cambodia is a Hindu temple built in Khleang style

Phnom Kulen Temples

We did not make it to the astounding Phnom Kulen, but you should! The Cambodia's most sacred mointain of Phnom Kulen is home to countless temples and residences, such as the 1000 Lingas at Kbal Spean, the Terrace of Sdach Kum Ling Temple, and Srah Damrei - a large sandstone sculpture of an elephant. Here, you can also catch the view of a cascading waterfall. Phnom Kulen is a 2-hour drive from Siem Reap, and is in an entirely different direction from the other popular temples in the region.

Travel Tips During Temple Visits in Cambodia

Always put on appropriate attire when visiting the temples in Cambodia. You are required to cover yourself with long pants (below the knees) and a shirt or blouse that cover your shoulder. Avoid skirts, shorts, singlets or other types of clothing that are revealing as these are not allowed on temple grounds. Speak softly and avoid obscene behaviors such as kissing, touching or cussing. It is important to respect others spiritual beliefs and cultural practices, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Dress appropriately, put on a good, comfy pair of shoes and you're ready for temple-hopping adventures across Siem Reap!

Happy templing, and make sure to dress appropriately!

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Food Travel

Around the World in 20 Dumplings

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Dumplings are magical.

These fulfilling bite-sized chunks can be turned into an entrée, or simply as an accompanying dish. In the form of dough pockets, they come in countless variations, have either a sweet or savory filling, and are enjoyed unconditionally across the world.

Listed below is a list of the world’s 20 most beloved dumplings, great and small.

Ravioli (Italy)

Ravioli are small pasta envelopes filled with ground meat, vegetables, or cheese. The filling varies according to the region: Ricotta cheese and spinach in Rome, fish and greens in Liguria, nettles in Tuscany, and ricotta cheese with grated lemon rind in Sardinia.

Italian Ravioli
Image source: glutenafoods.com

Shishbarak (Lebanon)

Packed with intense flavors from the Lebanese 7-Spice (mixture of paprika, black pepper, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, coriander and cumin), these meat dumplings (typically beef) are then cooked in yogurt sauce infused with subtle aromas from cilantro, garlic and mint.

Lebanese Shishbarak
Image source: heneedsfood.com

Momo (Nepal and Tibet)

The Nepalese enjoy their buffalo momos, while the neighboring Tibetans love their momos stuffed with yak meat. A substitute of beef, pork, or vegetable is possible, as long as the fillings are thoroughly spiced with standard constituents such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, garlic, and ginger. Served alongside a delicious tomato dip known as achar.

Nepali Momo
Image source: www.ekplate.com

Wonton (China)

Wontons feature a delectable combination of soft, velvety skin and delicate meat filling, served in a fragrant broth usually accompanied by thin egg noodles. The best variation, in my opinion, is the Sichuanese wontons known as Chao Shou. They are served in large bowls doused liberally in tongue-numbing chili oil that has been flavored with local peppercorn and pungent black vinegar sauce.

Sichuanese Wonton

Manti (Turkey)

These tiny dumplings are filled with equally tiny portion of minced lamb, onion and garlic, and are served coated with smoked paprika in a thick, creamy yogurt. They are heartily enjoyed throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Turkish Manti

Bryndzové Halušky (Slovakia)

Made using potatoes, this classic Slovak dish is served with a type of local sheep cheese known as Bryndza and is handsomely topped with yummy, fattilicious bacon. It is appointed as the national dish of Slovakia for obvious reasons.

Slovakian Bryndzové Halušky

Pierogi (Poland)

The crescent-shaped Pierogi has got to be the most versatile dumpling in the world – with fillings varying from anything savory (sauerkraut, cheese, potato, or meat) to anything sweet (chocolate, blueberry or plum). They are first boiled before being baked or fried.

Polish Pierogi

Komle (Norway)

Also known as klubb, coumpa, or raspeball, these savory dumplings are made using Norway’s national vegetable: potatoes, wrapped over bits of ham or bacon. They make the perfect winter dish when paired with rich, creamy buttermilk.

Norwegian Komle
Image source: smakebiten.com

Modak (India)

Presented in the shape of tear drops, these Indian dumplings are kneaded rice flour stuffed with coconut and jaggery (unrefined whole cane sugar). In Maharashtra of western India, the sweet dumplings are offered to Lord Ganesh every August during a Hindu festival known as Ganesh Chaturthi.

Indian Modak
Image source: sandhyasudhir

Pelmeni (Siberia)

Easily distinguishable through its thicker casing, Pelmeni can only be filled all things savory, such as meat, mushrooms, vegetables, or cheeses. They are boiled before being served with sour cream, melted butter, and green onions.

Siberian Pelmeni

Gyoza (Japanese)

With fillings prepared using ground pork and vegetables, these fried Japanese dumplings are made with thin wrappers. It is said that the best gyozas can be found in holes-in-the-wall outside of subway stations in Japan!

Japanese Gyoza
Image source: ichibansugarland.com

Khinkali (Georgia)

These Georgian dumplings feature a delightful combination of ground beef, pork, chili pepper, fenugreek and cilantro. Khinkali should be consumed using one’s bare hands in Georgia, as the use of utensils is considered impolite.

Georgian Khinkali
Image source: www.georgianjournal.ge

Bánh bột lọc (Vietnam)

Made from tapioca flour and filled with a shrimp and pork mixture, these delicious dumplings get much of their flavors from the addition of green onions and fish sauce seasoning. When cooked in banana leaves, the tapioca wrappers turn translucent, giving them a chewy texture – a perfect contrast to the savory filling.

Vietnamese Bánh bột lọc
Image source: nau.vn

Maultasche (Germany)

The large Schwabian dumplings are dutifully loaded with spiced meat, breadcrumbs, spinach, and a variety of herbs, and are either cooked in a broth, or pan-fried. They consist of a outer-layer of pasta dough, and is typically larger than the Italian raviolis.

German Maultasche
Image source: www.nudelheissundhos.de

Mandu (Korea)

Nothing shouts “Korean” more than Mandu – dumplings filled with minced kimchi, tofu, carrot, garlic, leeks, green onion, bean sprouts, and seasoned with garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. There are a few ways in which they are served – fried, steamed, or boiled in soup. Mandu are folded into circular shapes – a technique considered unique in Northeast Asia.

Korean Mandu

Kroppkaka (Sweden)

Filled with smoked pork, onions, and cracked pepper, these Swedish dumplings are usually served with the local lingonberry jam or cream. Other but less common stuffing includes eel, smoked goose breast, and Baltic herring.

Swedish Kroppkaka
Image source: lantmannen.se

Kreplach

A specialty of the Ashkenazi Jewish in Eastern Europe, Kreplach is a dumpling dish stuffed with ground meat and mashed potato boiled and served in chicken soup, or fried. It is said that the thinner you can roll the wrapper, the better.

Kreplach
Image source: kosherlikeme

Carimañola (Colombia)

Carimañola is a Colombian fried meat-pie in the shape of a torpedo, stuffed with cheese and seasoned ground meat. Often served as breakfast in Colombia and Panama, they are usually accompanied by suero, a local fermented milk based condiment similar to yogurt.

Colombian Carimañola
Image source: www.mycolombianrecipes.com

Buuz (Mongolia)

These steamed dumplings are typically stuffed with ground mutton, onion, and garlic, while the wrappers are made from a mixture of barley, wheat, and buckwheat. This dish is traditionally eaten at home on Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolian New Year.

Mongolian Buuz
Image source: Wikipedia

Cepelinai (Lithuania)

Heavy, gluey, and exceedingly filling, these stuffed potato dumplings hailing from Lithuania are made from riced potatoes, stuffed with ground meat, and drenched in sour cream and pork rinds. The name is derived from the word Zeppelin, due to its resemblance to the shape of the airship.

Lithuanian Cepelinai

The variation of dumpling is countless and still growing, but one thing's for sure - these little balls of dough are love at first bite, regardless of where they are made!

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New Dishes & Omakase at Minori Japanese Restaurant

Wide Variety of Sakes

Additional Information

Top 12 Temples to Visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor Wat Temple

Angkor Thom Temple

Bayon Temple

Prasat Prei Temple

Prasat Bakong Temple

Phnom Bakheng Temple

Banteay Srei Temple

Terrace of the Elephants

Ta Prohm Temple

Baphuon Temple

Phimeanakas Temple

Phnom Kulen Temples

Travel Tips During Temple Visits in Cambodia

Ravioli (Italy)

Shishbarak (Lebanon)

Momo (Nepal and Tibet)

Wonton (China)

Manti (Turkey)

Bryndzové Halušky (Slovakia)

Pierogi (Poland)

Komle (Norway)

Modak (India)

Pelmeni (Siberia)

Gyoza (Japanese)

Khinkali (Georgia)

Bánh bột lọc (Vietnam)

Maultasche (Germany)

Mandu (Korea)

Kroppkaka (Sweden)

Kreplach

Carimañola (Colombia)

Buuz (Mongolia)

Cepelinai (Lithuania)

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