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 o...

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 e...

 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...

 Hanoi -  Breakfast was surprising good with an ala carte buffet and I had a hearty and satisfying breakfast.  We had eggs, pancakes, noodles and there were so many breakfast items to order on the menu.  The Hotel was quaint and had a beautifully decorated dinning area with an open-air area through the balcony door.   The food was good with freshly squeezed mango drink.  

 Hanoi - I searched the internet for Hanoi unique food and came across Bun dau mam tom - so we went to have our dinner.   The original restaurant was closing so I was disappointed but across the road was another restaurant with the same 'Bun dau mam tom' on their store front.  So, we went in and there were many locals sitting down on small stools.  They were very helpful as the menu were in Vietnamese and we do not know which to choose. Bun Dau Mam Tom was the perfect combination of fermented shrimp paste, rice vermicelli, protein ingredients and local fresh herbs.  I love anything fermented and the smell was like belachan - super yummy. Bun dau mam tom is one of the most well-known dishes in Vietnamese cuisine in general and Hanoi cuisine in particular. As the name suggests, this dish consists of vermicelli, deep-fried tofu, and fermented shrimp paste. Traditionally, this dish features clumps of soft tangled rice vermicelli and the tofu. I learnt that...

 Sapa - After a hearty breakfast, we hike up Ham Rong Mountain in Sapa with our tour guide (Chai) was a truly invigorating experience, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and a sense of adventure as I ascended the rugged terrain. Entrance to Ham Rong mountain Starting our hike at around 9 am., I could feel the cool mountain breeze as I made my way through the neatly paved paths at the base of the mountain. Ham Rong Mountain, located right in the heart of Sapa, is easily accessible from the town center, and it is well-known for its beautiful gardens, impressive rock formations, and panoramic views of the region.  This hike is not particularly difficult but provides a good balance between physical activity and scenic enjoyment. my dragon The trail winds through beautiful orchid gardens, where vibrant flowers in full bloom greeted me along the way. These gardens are a testament to the diversity of flora that thrives in the cool climate of Sapa, with a wide va...