Food

CultureEvents

Local Festival Of The Nine Emperor Gods In Ipoh

Nine Emperor GodsNine Emperor Gods Festival being celebrated at a temple

The Nine Emperor Gods is a festival celebrated to signify the return of the Nine Emperor Spirits to earth after their heavenly trip. Worshipped by the locals in the form of a single deity, Mazu; the festival continues for about nine days. It starts in the month of the ninth moon according to the Chinese Lunar calendar.

Celebrations of Nine Emperor Gods

The celebrations start at the temple and advance towards the local river. All the devotees dress in white and walk with incense sticks to welcome the spirits back to earth. The religious practices during this festival occur to be a bit unusual. This, in turn, will leave you spellbound as you watch the locals celebrate this homecoming.

A unique festival like this is best experienced with a local on your side. Opt for a guided tour of Ipoh town from Locaguide. Ask your local guide on how best can you get a hands-on experience of the festivities, the local celebrations and rituals. You may not have to impale yourself with cuts and piercings but rather just be a part of the celebrations. Stay with the local devotees overnight at the temples and help them prepare meals that they eat during the festival.

A group of devotees walking over a bed of ht coals
A group of devotees walking over a bed of ht coals

The temples during these nine days remain filled with bell chimings and continuous prayer chants can be heard all day long. While you will also spot devotees walking on coals of fire and climb ladders with blades on steps. All this along with the body piercings and slashings. Meanwhile, tourists from across the world throng Malaysia during this nine-day long festival to take a glimpse of it.

From watching the procession of people with piercings all over their body to eating the specially prepared vegetarian food; experience this celebration with the locals. During your tour of Ipoh make sure that Nine Emperor Gods festival definitely remains a part your itinerary, of things to go and see.

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Locale

Take a stroll through Johor Bahru Old Town

BuildingThe Red House building

As you explore the city of Johor Bahru, make sure to keep a day alone to explore Johor Bahru’s old town. The town is well known for its famous food stalls and buildings of the past. You can spend a whole day walking and still not feel like you have seen it all at the end of the day.

Lined with several buildings that hold stories from the past, Johor Bahru’s Old Town reflects the Chinese and Indian Heritage. They seem to possess a greater influence on the town of Johor. Visited by both locals and tourists likewise for the local and authentic food options available, the town is a foodie’s paradise.

Things to do at Johor Bahru town

Meanwhile, on your stroll through the neighbourhood, find yourself paying attention to multiple things at the same. The vintage buildings, the street side souvenir shops and the food stalls selling mouthwatering dishes at every street corner.

Starting at the city square, make your way to the end. Walk through the lanes clicking pictures of the murals that decorate the city walls or the heritage buildings. These buildings still keep the rich past of the city alive. The famous Red House remains a perfect example for the people to remember the past. Thus, if lucky, you may even get to walk into the red house for an art or culture display.

 A street in Johor Bahru
A street in Johor Bahru

The best way to tour the old town of Johor Bahru is probably with a local guide. With Locaguide, you can not only build a customised itinerary, but you can also opt for a guided tour. Your guide will help you select the restaurants and bakeries to eat from and share anecdotes from the old city. Spend time with the hidden art murals on the walls and try working on your photographic skills.

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Locale

Strawberry Picking at Cameron Highlands’ Big Red Strawberry Farm

Strawberry potsStrawberry Pots

Want to spend time away from the bustling city during your trip to Malaysia? then Cameron Highlands makes up for a perfect getaway destination for a one day trip or two. While in Cameron Highlands, a visit to the local Big Red Strawberry Farm is a must. To reach the farm you can either trek or drive to follow the path uphill. A day at the Big Red Strawberry Farm remains ideal for a fun outing with the whole family.

Pick your own strawberries at the farm

Spend some time meandering along the trails of the strawberry farm and breath in some fresh air. Meanwhile, the idea of picking the juicy red strawberries is not frowned upon as a ticket for the same is available. Take a quick pause along the way to admire the gorgeous surroundings of the farm. Colourful potted plants and a little fish pond add to the extravaganza of the place. You can also pose to capture the memories of the day.

Freshly picked strawberries at the Big Red Strawberry Farm
Freshly picked strawberries

Savour at some delectable strawberry dishes

The hydroponic cultivation of leafy vegetables and lettuces alongside the strawberries is worth getting the first-hand view of. While a tour of the cultivation technology goes to show the advances and the positive impact science holds in the farming industry. Upon spending the day along the shady trails stop at the cafe to try some mouth-watering strawberry dishes. The variety of strawberry based dishes at the cafe offers something or the other to all the age groups. Especially, do not forget to try the melted chocolate with fresh strawberry.

While planning an itinerary to Cameron Highlands, make sure to add this vibrant farm for a firsthand experience of how your favourite fruits are grown. A local tour guide from Locaguide can help you plan a trip here and also help you make the most of this experience!

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FoodLocale

Explore Local Food at Gurney Drive Hawker Center

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No trip to Penang is complete without a walk through Gurney Drive Hawker Center. The place is overflowing with smells and flavours that is essentially the soul of Penang – its food! It is said to have the largest variety of local cuisine in one area. The Gurney Drive Hawker Center continues to remain the perfect place to mingle with the locals and try their dishes.

What is the Gurney Drive Hawker Center

Gurney Drive Hawker street
Gurney Drive Hawker street

The Gurney Drive hawker center serves like an open-air food mall. You pay as you order and the food is delivered to your table. Start at the juice stall and sip on the fresh juice as you pick and order from the various stalls. You’ll notice that the popular stalls usually have a wait in the queue policy while ordering. The stalls here sell everything — ranging from stir-fried noodles to assorted dumpling to desserts. Ais Kachang, a dessert made of shaved ice, red beans and a variety of toppings serves the perfect end. Perhaps a food court that leaves you sinfully full but positively satisfied without making a big hole in your wallet. 

A food lovers paradise

Delectable dishes at the stalls
Delectable local dishes

A foodie’s paradise, the hawker centre attracts even locals, not just tourists. A popular area especially during dinner time. Hence, better reach for an early dinner or you may end up hunting a seat for a long time. With at least hundreds of food stalls and numerous food options, it’s hard to run out of food options here. The clever serving size ensures you to try more than a couple of dishes. Thus, experiment with whatever catches your eye or tingles your nose, as you walk around. 

The best way to get a tour of this maze-like food market is with the help of a local travel guide. And that’s exactly where Locaguide will come to your rescue. Create an itinerary and book a guided tour of Penang with Locaguide, and get to explore places like Gurney Drive!

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Food

3 famous Nyonya dishes you must try in Malacca

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The best way to explore Malaysia and its culture flows through the various cuisines available in the country. Over the years, each cuisine has adapted to the changing times and preferences. With a perfect blend of Malaysian and Chinese cuisines, Nyonya dishes remain a mouthwatering mix of zing, spice and fragrance. Thus, if you mean to visit Malacca then do try out some of these authentic dishes.

Laksa Nyonya

Laksa Nyonga
Laksa Nyonga

This makes for a tantalising dish consisting of soupy coconut curry served with noodles or vermicelli. As you tour the city of Malacca you will notice multiple variations of Laksa Nyonya. From the prefered meat to ingredients used to the ever-changing garnishes, the dish just keeps evolving. Its hint of sweetness and heavily spiced coconut gravy, the dish serves as a perfect meal to end your day. Hence, Laksa Nyonya truly signifies a food for the soul.

Ayam Pongteh

Ayam Pongteh
Ayam Pongteh

For a more wholesome meal try Ayam Pongteh, a traditional Peranakan dish. It will help you walk throughout the day and thus lets you explore the tourist spots around Malacca. Usually, its preparations start a day prior so as to help enhance its rich taste.

Ayam Pongteh forms for a satisfying stew of chicken and potato in a thick gravy base served with rice. Undoubtedly, a perfect dish to explore the food culture of Malacca.

Nyonya Cendol

Nyonya Cendol
Nyonya Cendol

No one can end their Malaysian holiday without trying the shaved ice, a dessert favourite among the locals. It contains green jelly-like rice noodles, creamy coconut milk and palm sugar syrup topped with red beans. The dish has a subtle smoky aftertaste and does not powerfully tastes sweet. This shaved ice dessert makes the weather of Malacca bearable and gives the perfect excuse to walk around. Thus, allowing you to explore more of the city as you devour on this delicious thirst quenching dessert.

The best way to get a taste of the local food in Malacca is to take a walk with a trusted local guide. With Locaguide’s travel expert you get a chance to hog around the city. The guide will take you to the best places and help you find those hidden eateries. So, on your trip to Malacca make sure not to miss the Nyonya food tour.

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Locale

An evening at Jonker Street Night Market

Jonker Street Night Market 1

The perfect end to a day-long city tour of Malacca is shopping and dinner at Jonker Street. With the setting sun, the street starts bustling with life. The square lights up filling the air with mouthwatering smells as hawkers start shouting to sell their wares. It goes from being a quiet street in the day to resembling a party at night. 

Things to do at Jonker Street

The night market at Jonker Street on the weekend proves to be the perfect setting for the locals and tourists to mingle. So, enough varieties in the food will help you eat like a local. Sample and nibble at the multiple hawker stalls and restaurants around.

The night market at Jonker Street
The night market

The quirky presentation and aromatic smell of the food will make you want to taste everything that catches the eye. The entire street turns into a stage with live performances and music events set up. The setting seems magical and will truly make you feel like a local.

Among locals, Chicken rice balls, Satay Celup, Nyonya Laksa and Gula Melaka cendol stay on the top of the list.

Shop till you drop

On your walk along the street ensure to keep an eye out on the merchandise available for sale. You can buy anything and everything during the night market. The street is lined with antique shops, shops selling handicrafts, local art pieces, jewellery and a lot more. The night market offers a whole variety of street shopping so haggle for the best prices.

Opt for a local travel guide if the chaos and the bargaining overwhelm you. Connect with a local tour guide from Locaguide before planning a trip to Malacca. Make sure to take suggestions and tips from your guide while purchasing stuff on the Jonker street. An evening at Jonker Street takes you on a completely different note because of its infectious energy.

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Locale

Pasar Baru – Jakarta’s Oldest Pedestrian Market

post 42 passar baru img1Pasar Baru

Experience the local culture and get to haggle like an expert in the oldest street market in Jakarta — Pasar Baru. A pedestrian market, Pasar Baru must definitely feature in your places-to-visit list of central Jakarta. Get a glimpse of daily life and meanwhile also browse and eat to heart’s content at this one-stop marketplace.

Clothes on display for sale at Pasar Baru
Clothes on display for sale at Pasar Baru

History of Pesar Baru

Built in 1820, it remains one of the oldest pedestrian markets still functioning in Jakarta. Ironically, the name Pasar Baru means New Market. Often referred to as “Little India”, the market is filled to the brim with items you would end up bargaining for. Known for its massive selection of quality textile and fabric, this vibrant market will truly test your bargaining skills. If that’s not your forte then take help from your local travel guide to make purchases at a fair price. Antiques, art, footwear, spices and much more can be bought from the lanes of Pasar Baru lined with small stalls.

Take the help of your local guide to taste the soul of Jakarta’s culinary culture right at this market. Filled with hidden gems for a foodie, the market definitely classifies as food heaven for those who love exploring food. Meanwhile, the legendary noodle shops remain one of the best places to visit in Jakarta for anyone obsessed with food.

Pasar Baru shopping street
Pasar Baru shopping street

Not only a paradise for shopaholics and foodies but also for those who love to sightsee and enjoy religious history. The oldest temple in Jakarta, Sin Tek Bio temple constitutes a part of every Jakarta city tour. Located at the end of a narrow alley in Pasar Baru, the temple stands well-known for its candles lit for protection of individuals and families. Thus, the altars covered in candles placed in circles form a hidden gem of Pasar Baru.

We suggest you make up the craziest list of items you want to shop and taste beforehand. And therefore, set off to explore this buzzing market with a little help from a guide from Locaguide.

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Food

A Local Culinary Favourite – Nasi Padang

Local  dish of IndonesiaNasi Padang

Do you love experiencing the local culture when you visit a new country? If you do, then what better way to engage with the local community than through their food! Rest assured on your Indonesia tour because you get a wide variety of local food options to experience. The expansive food culture of Indonesia takes you on a gastronomic adventure. And Bintan Island stands no far behind in contributing to this experience. Ask your local guide for the meal everyone relishes and he/she remains bound to say ‘Nasi Padang’.

This Indonesian speciality is a style of steamed rice served with an array of pre-cooked dishes. True to its origin, these side dishes can vary from meat, fish, vegetables, and spicy sambals eaten with plain rice.

Experiencing Nasi Padang

A usual spread comprises of 12 dishes but you can also opt for a super lavish spread of 14 dishes. Defined through spices and a mix of local herbs, Nasi Padang remains one of the most flavourful and filling dishes. This seems as though Indonesia served to you on a plate. Most of the side dishes in Nasi Padang include curries but you get the option to add boiled dishes. The boiled dishes in a sambal base include deep fried seafood as well as grilled sides. Savour it best using hands and clean them with warm water and a slice of lime given at the end.

The sides served with Nasi Padang
The sides served with Nasi Padang

What better way to experience Indonesia than through its food along with the locals while discovering stories from the region. If you want to enjoy an authentic Nasi Padang during your stay, why not ask your local guide from Locaguide ? The guide will set it up for you. The unique flavour and assortment of dishes happen to leave you craving for more!

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Locale

A Slice of China in Kuala Lumpur’s Petaling Street

Petaling streetPetaling street Kuala Lumpur entrance

Have you ever wanted to be in two places at once? Head to Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur and you will find yourself teleported to China! Popularly known as the Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Street lies between Jalan Pudu and Jalan Sultan. It is one of the most popular shopping districts in the city. Petaling Street maintains its traditional atmosphere — more so at night when vendors display their wares along the street bringing the entire area alive.

Petaling Street

At first glance, Petaling street is an explosion of colour and noise, a street thronged by locals and tourists. The stalls that cover the main street remain filled with merchandise and you can buy everything, ranging from clothes to women’s accessories or even decorative pieces and souvenirs. If you are a seasoned shopper and know how to spot the hidden gems among the huge volume of merchandise, you should make your way to the walkways on this street. You never know where you get the best deals and bargains!

Petaling street
Petaling street

Bargaining and haggling have almost become a norm here. Thus Petaling Street is the best place to put your skills to a test and get the best rates possible for your purchase. Meanwhile, if you aren’t a skilful bargainer or feel that you may get cheated, opt for a local guide. A local travel expert from Locaguide may help you get a good deal. Perhaps, bargaining is best left to the locals, don’t you think?

The food lovers pit stop

Once done with shopping, it’s time to enjoy some delicious local street food on Petaling street. With dozens of stalls and restaurants selling a variety of food, its definite to be spoilt for choices. The hawkers here offer many of the local favourite foods as well as traditional Chinese food; one of the many reasons why this street features in every list of places to explore in Kuala Lumpur.

A street vendor selling colourful Dim sums
A street vendor selling colourful Dim sums

The energy on the street feels infectious! Upon shopping and eating to your heart’s content, take a moment to just observe the chaos of the street as it unfolds itself for miles ahead in front of you.

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Food

Take a food-walk through Jalan Alor

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If food is an integral part of your perfect holiday, if you are curious about local cuisines or if you love exploring a culture through its food, then multiple visits to Jalan Alor is what you have to include in your tour of Kuala Lumpur.

The food lovers paradise

Jalan Alor is a one of a kind food destination located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. As you step onto the busy street, you can sense the change of smell in the air. The modern shopping malls are replaced with hundreds of stalls and small food carts selling all kinds of local dishes. The splash of colors, vendors calling for your attention, music playing from buskers, light smoke and wok-clunking melody coming from stir-frying, barbecue and meat-grilling actions all create an atmosphere completely different from any other part of the city.

A street that starts off calmly during the day transforms into a bustling hub of activity as the sun goes down. It has become a food haven for tourists and locals alike. Offering some of the best culinary delights of Malaysia, the street is filled with dining tables arranged at the centre and rows of hawker stalls on either side of the road. Frequented not only by tourists but locals as well, the stalls offer unique dishes from across the country. A food walk through this vibrant street is one of the top activities in Kuala Lumpur and a travel guide from Locaguide will be a perfect company to help you swim through this sensory overload! Ask your guide for food and restaurant recommendations depending on what you like to eat and he will be able to point you in the right direction.

Bring your appetite on your visit to Jalan Alor. Be it the succulent dumplings, dozens of varieties of noodles, grilled meats or even the local favourite, chicken satay, it’s hard to run out of options at Jalan Alor! Offering not just food but the culture of Malaysia for everyone to experience, this street shows you that diversity does not exist in just the people of Malaysia but in its food culture as well.

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