Asia Memories with Destination Asia
A monthly newsletter documenting our resident Asia expert Sophia’s favorite things pulled from her experience living and traveling around the region.
This inaugural newsletter covers chicken rice in Singapore, shopping for woven baskets in Cambodia, a stay at Bawah Reserve in Indonesia, and tuk tuk rides in Laos. We hope that it fuels your desire to travel to this magical region when it is safe to do so.
Chicken Rice in Singapore
The beauty of chicken rice is in its flavor and I do not think I have ever tried another dish so simple yet so flavorful. Simple because the ingredients are in its name, both chicken and rice (cucumbers can also be added). What makes the dish so flavorful is the combination of the ginger, garlic, and scallions that flavor the broth that the chicken is poached in and the rice slicked with chicken fat. The dish is a common find at any Hawker centre, which are open-air complexes that house a variety of food stalls selling affordably priced food. However this dish is not limited to a Hawker center experience, it is the country’s national dish, after all, and can be found at some of the top restaurants. Personally though I think it tastes better when consumed on the street, while people-watching as local Singaporeans go about their days. You can find a recipe to make it yourself here.
Shopping for woven home goods in Cambodia
One might think the main highlight of Siem Reap would be visiting the incredible ancient temples of Angkor Wat. And truly the temples are incredible, but while on a business development trip in Cambodia with Destination Asia I was captivated by a wholly different experience. While driving back into town from a remote hike where we witnessed young monks swim in a secluded waterfall (stay tuned for that story next month!) we whizzed past a woven goods shop. My guide was delighted to stop and show us another experience of the real Cambodia. He translated the conversation with the shopkeeper as I perused an endless supply of handwoven baskets, purses, and bowls. Leaving the shop with a suitcase full of goods and a new travel friend after an already unique day is a cherished memory I think about often. Read about more unique touring in Cambodia here.
Bawah Reserve Indonesia
A few years ago I had the honor of spending a few days in utter paradise at the Bawah Reserve in Indonesia. This was the view from the breakfast table, and was only enhanced by the endless array of juices, fresh baked breads and farm fresh veggies that we consumed while taking in said view. I liken Bawah to a combination of the Maldives and Bali as you can go either/or: lounging on a beach in front of crystal clear water or hiking through the jungles (with a knowledgeable guide). I traveled with my sister who found joy in taking it easy, enjoying a movie on their pop-up beach theatre while I found joy in snorkeling with an expert. It truly is a choose your own adventure in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Tuk Tuks Around Luang Prabang
While living in Singapore I had the opportunity to take weekend trips around Asia as a sampler of places I would like to return to for longer stays. The long weekend that stands out the most was Luang Prabang in Laos, a place that is at the top of my list to return to when borders open. While normally I like to walk to experience a city, Asia has such unique modes of transportation that I thought I would mix it up a bit and explore Luang Prabang, a sleepy city, along the Mekong via tuk tuk. Walking around is easily navigable, once you wander off the beaten path through the side streets you almost start feeling like a local, the people are that welcoming. However cruising around in a tuk tuk offers an added level of excitement. The colors of the buildings blur together and the smells of the fresh veggies in the market uplift your senses while you whiz through this tranquil place. Take a virtual tour of Laos here.