Travelogue around Asia Pacific Part II

Jakarta - There are nights where everything seems to come together seamlessly—good company, great food, and the perfect atmosphere. My recent dinner with Mario and Harri at Munik Resto was exactly that.  Tucked in a cozy corner of the city, Munik Resto offers a dining experience that mixes the authenticity of Indonesian cuisine with the warmth of home cooking. From the moment we walked through the doors, I knew we were in for a memorable evening. As we entered Munik Resto, we were greeted by a beautifully adorned dining area. The restaurant's ambiance is a pleasant blend of modern comfort with subtle touches of traditional Indonesian decor. It’s not over-the-top; instead, it’s elegant and comfortable, making it the ideal spot for friends or family gatherings. The dim lighting combined with the warm wooden interiors instantly set the mood for a relaxed evening. We were guided to our table by the friendly staff, who ensured we were comfortable. The menu itself is a reflection of Ind

Jakarta - One of Jakarta most popular satay restaurant - Sate Senayan and was located just opposite my hotel @ Sarinah Thamrin. Mixed Lamb satay Satay Chicken Ketupat (rice cakes) Sate Kambing Buntel Sate Kambing buntel is a traditional Indonesian dish originating from Solo in Central Java. The dish consists of minced lamb that's wrapped in caul fat and placed on bamboo skewers. The caul fat keeps the meat intact while it's cooking on the grill. Once done, sate buntel is typically served with rujak-style pickles, chili peppers, shallots, onions, tomatoes, and kecap manis.  The dish was heavily influenced by the early Arab settlers of Solo. Tempeh Mendoan Tempeh Mendoan is deep fried tempeh with spiced batter.  One of my best tasting tempeh ever - I loved Tempeh and cooked it myself for lunch; but this style of tempeh is so delicious.

Jakarta - This restaurant was on my bucket list to eat and now it is checked out.  Not disappointed as the food delicious.  The surrounding is very homely and within Sarina, a mall.    This is nasi padang style with dishes displayed behind a counter and I point on the dishes I want. Jackfruit & beef rendang The beef rendang is a bit tough but the jackfruit dish is tender and has a unique taste.  Mixed with white rice, it was really delicious. Lamb brain Otak = brain, the brain tasted like cheese blended in curry.  An acquired taste and there is always a first time and this will be my last.

 Hanoi - We saw this nice cafe and went for a coffee.   Their croissant was fluffy and tasted freshly baked. cuppacino my croissant Having a good time with coffee and croissant.

 Hanoi - After visiting the Vietnam Military History Museum, Edmund and I embarked on an enriching journey to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, an experience that profoundly deepened my understanding of Vietnam's cultural diversity.  The museum showcases the rich heritage of the 54 officially recognised ethnic groups in the country, each with their own customs, traditions, and history. Our visit began with the indoor exhibits, where intricately detailed displays told the stories of these ethnic groups. From the Kinh majority to the Hmong, Tay, and Khmer minorities, each exhibit highlighted aspects of their daily lives through artifacts like clothing, tools, and musical instruments. The outdoor exhibit was another highlight, as it features life-sized traditional houses from various ethnic groups, each constructed using authentic materials. Walking through the Tay stilt house and the Ede longhouse gave us a real sense of how these communities live, work, and interact with their enviro

 Hanoi -  I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Vietnam Military History Museum in Hanoi with my friend Edmund. Located at the historic Flag Tower of Hanoi, the museum is a fascinating dive into the history of Vietnam’s military efforts, spanning from the early resistance against French colonialism to the American War and beyond. As we explored, I was particularly drawn to the vivid storytelling of Vietnam's fight for independence and sovereignty. Each section of the museum offers a different era of military history, and what struck me most was the intricate display of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s victory over French colonial forces. As we walked through the museum, the sense of resilience and national pride of the Vietnamese people was palpable, a theme echoed in nearly every room. Explosives used by the Viet Cong soldiers The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly the Flag Tower, built in 1812, which offered panoramic views of Hanoi. It was