Travel

Being Vegetarian in Singapore & Malaysia

Published

7 months ago

January 22, 2025

Let’s get right down to it: if you’re here, you’re probably a vegetarian wondering what the food scene will be like in Singapore or Malaysia (or both). In Singapore, finding veggie-friendly choices was not too difficult. Outside of the larger cities in Malaysia, however, being a vegetarian can be a bit challenging. This post is a summary of the vegetarian food I encountered in each country, as well as a guide to what’s available to eat in meat-heavy Malaysia.

Singapore

Letting Waitstaff Know You’re a Vegetarian:

English is the most widely spoken language in Singapore and also the first language of 32% of the population. Difficulty requesting a meal with “no meat” is basically zero. (Yay!)

Types of Food to Expect:

Emmett and I admittedly only spent a few days in Singapore, but we tried our best to have a variety of affordable vegetarian food during our visit. Here’s what we ate and enjoyed. (Spolier alert: everywhere we ate was worth a recommendation).

The Classic Singapore Brekkie

The classic Singapore breakfast consists of kaya toast with tea and soft-boiled eggs. We had two variations of the breakfast, one from Ya Kun Kaya Toast seen on the left (a Singaporean breakfast institution since the 1940s) and another from Koufu Food Court. At this point, you’re probably thinking ‘what the heck is kaya toast??’ Kaya toast is, well, toast featuring butter and kaya, a jam made from coconut. Kaya is quite sugary but is usually spread thin enough not to cause a toothache.

The Ya Kun kaya toast was on very thin slices of toast and the kaya toast at Koufu was on a toasted french bread. At Ya Kun, we paired it with their heavily promoted little breaded “cheese balls” which were more sweet than savory. (Like a danish pastry type of cream cheese). At Koufu, we had it with it’s more traditional accompaniment: runny soft-boiled eggs. The eggs were unsettling to eat alone, but pretty tasty when treated as a dip for the french toast.

Cheap Eats in Little India

Little India has a plethora of options for vegetarian travelers. There are numerous Indian restaurants with vegetarian meals available as well as restaurants whose menus are entirely vegetarian. After eating some samosas & sweets picked up from a tiny stall (lower left photo), we were hungry enough to decide to patronize one of these enticing all-veg restaurants. We spotted Ananda Bhavan, which was full of locals (always a good sign) and turned out to be the oldest Indian vegetarian restaurant in all of Singapore!

Once inside, there were almost too many options to choose from. Eventually, we figured why not go with the Special of the Day (as seen in the first photo). It was a roti (flatbread) and rice with six very zesty dipping sauces and one gulab jamun (donut in syrup). It was a bit too spicy by my very sensitive standards but very filling. We began to regret the fact that we also ordered a HUGE South Indian Cheese Pratha which arrived soon after the Special. It was delicious – India’s answer to a cheese quesadilla. But too much food, so we bagged it for later.

Street Sweets

Singapore technically doesn’t have street food. All of it’s would-be street vendors have been relocated to it’s famous Hawker Centers. That being said, there are still nameless hole-in-the-wall places on occasion as well as the odd street vendor. For instance, we bought those literal ice cream sandwiches from a man with an actual wheeled cart just near the Helix Bridge in bayfront Singapore (see above). We decided to get durian ice cream blocks in our white-bread sandwiches. I was somewhat hesitant about anything durian flavored. I’d tried the “King of Fruits” in China back in 2014 and the smell/taste/texture combo made me gag and spit it out. However, durian ice cream has a custardy, floral taste that did not make me gag at all. I would have it again.

The photo on the top right is of a few rice dumplings we picked up at an aforementioned nameless hole-in-the-wall. They were very sticky and very sweet, filled with a sugared red bean paste.

Veggie-Friendly Chains

According to Happy Cow’s Singapore page, there are tons of veg-friendly chains around the city. We were delighted to find that one such chain had a location just around the corner from our hotel in Novena. The restaurant was called Real Food, and had a mostly-vegetarian menu of Southeast Asian and Western cuisine. Emmett and I decided to get takeout to enjoy the great views from our hotel room: I got Thai-inspired tom yam noodles and he got a cheesy rice bake. Each delicious but a tad overpriced as whole food, organic types of places can be.

Malaysia

Letting Waitstaff Know You’re a Vegetarian:

The majority of places we visited had either a server who spoke English or a menu with English translations. That being said, it’s handy to know how to express your meat-free lifestyle choice to waitstaff in Malay. The best way to do so, according to Wikivoyage, is to say “Saya tidak makan daging” (SAH-yuh TEE-dah’ MAH-kahn DAH-gin) which literally translates to “I don’t eat meat.” It may also help to be more explicit, as definitions of what qualifies as “meat” can vary on a personal basis. You can expand upon it with “I don’t eat meat, chicken, or seafood” or “Saya tidak makan daging, ayam atau makanan laut” (SAH-yuh TEE-dah’ MAH-kahn DAH-ging, AH-yahm ah-tahw mah-KAH-nahn LOUT).

Types of Food to Expect:

We had a lot of repeats of the same types of food while in Malaysia, so I’ll include a few categories with photo-examples of each, so you guys get an idea of the options.

Indian Cuisine

Like Singapore, Malaysia has a large Indian immigrant population. Therefore, it seems like some towns have an Indian restaurant on every corner or Indian-inspired menus at every eatery. No complaints here, as Indian cuisine is one of our favorite types of food to grab while dining out back home. We helped ourselves to old familiar friends like veggie curries, spinach paneer, and naan. We also discovered the thosai (also spelled dosai or dosa), which is a huge flatbread made from pounded lentils either served as a side to curry or filled with curried rice and veg. It is very hearty and filling and always an enormous portion.

Roti Canai

The “number one roti” creator of Fatima Chalet on Perhentian Kecil, Malaysia! Indeed, I think his were the best we had on-island.

Roti canai is the quintessential Malaysian snack/dessert/appetizer. Thanks again to the Indian diaspora, you can’t go anywhere in Malaysia without encountering this flatbread pocket and it’s array of potential fillings. We had so many versions of roti canai in Malaysia: cheese, banana, fried egg, garlic, tomato and onion, fried egg & cheese, pineapple & cheese, cheese & onion, cheese & banana… It doesn’t always come with cheese but we may or may not be cheeseacholics. It does however, always come with a dipping sauce. Whether you got a savory or sweet filling, your roti will be plated with either a curry dip or a dal (lentil soup) dip. I preferred dal of the two dips.

Don’t miss out on roti canai while you’re in Malaysia. It’s a very cheap, (and generally tasty) quick eat.

Traditional Malaysian Food Without Meat (Rare!)

We did our fair share of eating over our 2 week trip to Malaysia, but one of the rarest items to find was a traditional Malaysian dish that did not include pork fat, or meat of any kind. Once at the food court at the top of Penang Hill, we grabbed a vegetarian mee goreng which was just… some tasty, well-fried-in-soy-sauce noodles and veg. Then in Kuala Lumpur, we visited a Malaysian restaurant with no English translations and pointed at a picture of something that looked innocent enough. It turned out to be nasi lemak telur mata. Nasi lemak is considered the national dish of Malaysia. It’s pretty simple: cocount milk and pandan boiled rice, served with curry paste and, in our case, telur mata or with egg. Oh yeah, and tiny anchovies. We picked those off and left them for some cats near the closest metro stop.

Chinese Buddhist Vegetarian Food

On the plate to the left are an assortment of mock meats: liver, pomfret, chicken nugget, duck… You name it! There is a cornucopia of mock meat textures and flavors awaiting you at Buddhist Vegetarian restaurants.

Nearly 25% of the Malaysian population is Chinese or of Chinese descent. Chinese Buddhists living in Malaysia have established all-vegetarian restaurants that are host to extensive menus featuring mock meats made from soy. This is where you can really go nuts with the variety. We tried the best (and most affordable) array of mock meats at Ee Beng Vegetarian Buffet in Georgetown, Penang – see large photo above. Equally tasty but a bit more pricey was Nature’s Vegetarian Restaurant in the Bangsar neighborhood of Kuala Lumpur.

Desserts & Sweet Drinks

Malaysians seem to LOVE sweet food – but perhaps not as much as they love sweet drinks. Whether it’s a coconut shake, bandung, or teh tarik, Malaysians must be rotting their teeth out. I know that’s how we felt by the end of our trip! Here’s a summary of popular sweet dishes and drinks to be found in Malaysia:

Ais kacang. Also known as “ABC,” ais kacang literally translates to “bean ice.” It’s a strange sundae of sorts featuring sweetly flavored shaved ice garnished with syrup-soaked corn, red beans, fresh cut fruit, and jelly noodles all topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s very yum. All of it, that is, except for the syrupy corn. I don’t like that.
Coconut shakes. Just coconut milkshakes, plain and simple. They taste less like artificial coconut and more like coconut water straight from the nut. Pefect hot afternoon refreshment.
Bandung. Bandung is a thick milkshake made with sweetened condensed milk and a rose-flavored cordial.
Kaya. See my section on Classic Singapore Brekkie. Kaya can be found for cheap in every supermarket or 7-11.
Teh Tarik / Kopi Tarik. Tea tarik and coffee tarik are simply tea and coffee Malaysian-style: sugared up by sweetened condensed milk. The teh tarik I tried at a few locations was always too sickly sweet for me. Emmett enjoyed the kopi tarik, which he said tasted like hot melted coffee ice cream.

Aaaand that’s a wrap! Have you visited either of these countries as a vegetarian? Did I miss out on anything? Let me know your experiences and ask any questions you may have in the comments below!

Destinations

From Forts to Forests: Cultural Add-ons to Your Ranthambore Tour

Published

4 days ago

August 28, 2025

Mark Rober

A Ranthambore tour is often associated with thrilling wildlife safaris and the chance to spot the majestic Bengal tiger in its natural habitat. But there’s more to Ranthambore than just its national park. Nestled in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, Ranthambore is a place where history, culture, and nature intertwine to create an enriching travel experience.

While the Ranthambore National Park remains the main attraction, the region also offers a wealth of cultural gems — from ancient forts and temples to vibrant local markets and folk traditions. For travelers who want to go beyond the jeep safari and dive deeper into Rajasthan’s heritage, there are several cultural add-ons to enhance your Ranthambore tour.

In this guide, we’ll explore the must-see cultural spots and experiences that perfectly complement your wildlife adventure.

1. Ranthambore Fort – A Walk Through History

Towering above the forests on a rocky hilltop, Ranthambore Fort is one of the most iconic cultural landmarks of the region. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fort dates back to the 10th century and is a symbol of the Rajput valour and architectural brilliance.

Why Visit:

Offers panoramic views of the surrounding national park.
Home to ancient temples, stepwells, and crumbling palaces.
An excellent spot for photography and birdwatching.

Traveler Tip: Try to visit early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the quiet serenity of the fort. It also provides a unique backdrop if you’re lucky enough to spot a tiger below in the forested plains.

2. Trinetra Ganesh Temple – A Sacred Detour

Located within the Ranthambore Fort complex, the Trinetra Ganesh Temple is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha in Rajasthan. Unlike most temples, it houses an entire family of Lord Ganesha, including his wives and sons.

Why Visit:

It’s a place of devotion for locals and a peaceful spiritual escape for visitors.
Daily mail from devotees across India arrives here seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings.

Traveler Tip: If you’re visiting during the annual Ganesh Mela (held in August/September), you’ll get to witness a colorful celebration that draws thousands of pilgrims.

3. Village Walks and Cultural Interaction

One of the most rewarding cultural add-ons to your Ranthambore tour is a guided walk through nearby villages such as Sherpur or Khilchipur. These walks give you a glimpse into the rural lifestyle of Rajasthan and allow for meaningful interaction with the local communities.

What to Expect:

Learn about traditional farming techniques and local crafts.
Visit local schools, homes, and temples.
Enjoy authentic home-cooked meals or chai with locals.

Traveler Tip: Consider buying local handicrafts or textiles directly from artisans to support community-based tourism.

4. Dastkar Ranthambhore – Artisan Empowerment

For travelers interested in sustainable shopping and women-led crafts, a visit to Dastkar Ranthambhore is a must. This non-profit organization supports local artisans, especially women, by promoting traditional Rajasthani crafts.

Why Visit:

Shop for handmade textiles, block-printed fabrics, pottery, and leather goods.
Learn about the process of crafting from local artisans.
Support a cause that empowers rural communities.

Traveler Tip: Pick up eco-friendly souvenirs like cloth bags, hand-stitched quilts, or miniature tiger paintings — perfect reminders of your trip.

5. Sawai Madhopur – The Gateway Town

The nearby town of Sawai Madhopur serves as the main entry point to Ranthambore and has its own charm. Exploring this town can be a delightful cultural experience in itself.

Highlights:

Shilpgram: A rural arts and crafts village where you can witness folk performances and buy traditional items.
Local Markets: Bustling with colorful fabrics, silver jewelry, spices, and Rajasthani snacks.
Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum of Natural History: A great place for those interested in wildlife conservation, tribal life, and regional flora and fauna.

Traveler Tip: Try some local delicacies such as dal baati churma or gatte ki sabzi at a local eatery for an authentic taste of Rajasthan.

6. Evening Folk Performances and Cultural Shows

Many lodges and resorts in the Ranthambore region host evening cultural programs, which include traditional Rajasthani folk music and dance performances. These are not only entertaining but also deeply rooted in local tradition.

What You’ll See:

Performances of Kalbeliya dance, known for its snake-like movements.
Folk instruments like sarangi, dholak, and algoza.
Puppet shows and storytelling based on Rajasthani folklore.

Traveler Tip: Engage with the performers after the show — they’re often happy to share stories about their art and culture.

7. Culinary Experiences in the Countryside

Adding a culinary tour or traditional cooking session to your Ranthambore tour can be both enjoyable and insightful. Learn how to make Rajasthani dishes with local families, using farm-fresh ingredients and age-old recipes.

Why It’s Worth It:

Deepens your cultural understanding through food.
A great way to bond with locals in a casual setting.
Learn to cook dishes like ker sangri, bajre ki roti, and lal maas.

Traveler Tip: Many homestays and boutique lodges offer cooking classes as part of the stay package.

8. Photography and Painting Workshops

For creatively inclined travelers, Ranthambore’s landscapes, forts, and wildlife provide the perfect muse. Some resorts and art centers offer photography workshops or miniature painting sessions, inspired by the famous Ranthambore School of Art — known for its paintings of tigers in local settings.

Traveler Tip: Join a morning photo walk or sketching session in the village to capture authentic moments and sceneries.

Final Thoughts

A Ranthambore tour can be so much more than just a wildlife safari. When you explore the cultural layers of this region — from majestic forts and ancient temples to traditional crafts and local cuisine — you gain a richer, more immersive experience of Rajasthan.

By combining nature and heritage, your Ranthambore journey becomes a tapestry of thrilling tiger sightings and soul-stirring cultural encounters. So next time you plan your adventure, go beyond the forest gates — there’s a whole world of stories waiting to be discovered just outside the jungle.

Destinations

Explore the Denver Gem Show with Smart Stays Near DIA

Published

1 week ago

August 24, 2025

Mark Rober

Each year, gem and mineral enthusiasts from around the world gather in Colorado for one of the most anticipated events in the industry: the Denver Gem & Mineral Show. Whether you’re a serious collector, a jewelry designer looking for unique stones, or simply fascinated by Earth’s natural treasures, this show offers an unforgettable experience. Planning your stay wisely can make your trip smoother, especially when you choose lodging with convenient access to Denver International Airport (DIA).

How to Get from Denver Airport to the Gem Show

The Denver Gem Show draws thousands of visitors, many flying in from across the country and beyond. Once you land, your first task is figuring out the easiest way to get to the show venues. While rideshare apps and taxis are an option, they can add up quickly, especially for multiple days of attendance. That’s why hotels offering Denver Colorado Airport shuttle service are a smart choice. A free shuttle eliminates the stress of arranging transportation, ensuring you get to and from DIA without added hassle.

After a long day of browsing sparkling gems, rare fossils, and high-end minerals, you’ll appreciate the convenience of being able to hop back on a shuttle and return directly to your hotel. Proximity to the airport also means you can maximize your time at the show without worrying about long commutes before your flight home.

Why Holiday Inn Express Is Ideal for Out-of-Town Attendees

For travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and value, the holiday inn denver co is an excellent choice. The property offers a blend of affordability and amenities designed to make your stay stress-free. Guests enjoy complimentary hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, and spacious rooms that provide the perfect place to recharge after a day filled with exploration.

Business travelers attending the show to source materials or connect with vendors will also appreciate the hotel’s reliable workspace options and easy access to transportation. Plus, its location near DIA makes it ideal for those with early or late flights. You can spend more time enjoying the event and less time worrying about logistics.

If you’re looking for another convenient option, consider a nearby hotel at dia like the DoubleTree. With comfortable rooms and proximity to the airport, it’s another great way to ensure your Denver Gem Show trip is efficient and enjoyable.

The Denver Gem & Mineral Show isn’t just an event—it’s an experience that combines education, art, and commerce in a way that appeals to both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers. By choosing the right lodging near DIA, you’ll set yourself up for a stress-free and memorable visit.

Plan ahead, secure your accommodations early, and let your Denver trip sparkle as much as the gems you’ll discover.

Destinations

Experience the Charm of Luxury France Vacations

Published

2 weeks ago

August 21, 2025

Mark Rober

France is a place that gives one the impression that dreamers have created it. Its history, art, and romance are in every street and landscape. France is a beautiful place, whether you are sightseeing in Paris and enjoying all the wonders it offers, indulging yourself on a wine tour in Bordeaux, or watching the rays of the bright sun at the French Riviera. To advance this experience, Luxury France vacations serve exactly what one requires: sophisticated luxury and exquisite experiences.

Why is France the Best Luxury City?

No country can compare with France in the range of variety. You can even go shopping in Paris at the haute couture boutiques, sample wine in a 200-year-old chateau, or even spend your unwinding in a middle-aged villa gazing out into the Mediterranean. Luxury involves more than just the opulence in France; it also has to do with being real, with a sense of exclusiveness of quality.

Guided tours of art with the art tutors, eating on the roof with a view of the Eiffel Tower, and staying in the luxury old hotels.

The French Riviera is glamorous in its own right. Imagine the vision of gold coastlines, the glamor of yachts in Monaco, the excitement of Monte Carlo, and nights spent enjoying gourmet food in Saint-Tropez.

Each region of France has its own history. At Luxury France Vacations, you can enjoy them all in style and comfort, without the hassle of details.

The Value of a Tailored Itinerary

France is not short of famous sights, but what creates the most lasting memories is not always found in the travel guides. An individually designed program entails not merely a visit to France but a life experience in France. You can picture a cafe-cooking lesson in Lyon, a truffle hunt in Provence, or a Champagne tasting in Reims and personally encounter the winemakers.

In contrast to regular tours, luxury travel itineraries are tailored to your interests. Tell us about your most fantastical artistic, food, hip, or history dreams, and we can design your voyage to suit them. A trip is one of the moments that make a vacation unforgettable.

Exclusive Experiences to Expect

Where luxury France vacations are concerned, the extraordinary is indeed the expectation:

Private Access: By-pass long line-ups at museums or even after-hours or special tours.

Personal Stays: Parisian Paris apartments to country estates.

Unforgettable experiences: A trip to France can be your most memorable experience. You can imagine taking a helicopter ride over the Alps, travelling by first-class rail through Burgundy, or sailing across a chocolate-constructed yacht on the Riviera.

Live the French Style: These experiences go far beyond sightseeing. They envelop you with the authentic way of life in real France, which is elegant, comfortable, and stylish.

Why Choose Luxury Travel in France?

High-end tourism deals with mental fervor. Transfers and all bookings are smoothly arranged, and you will get to take some time off to appreciate the beauty around you. You do not need to waste your time with scheduling conflicts anymore; instead, focus on the most vital, which is making memories with the people you love. Indeed, France has its rhythm.

Final Thoughts

France is a country that you have swooned over. It consists of the trendy Paris, Provence’s provincial charm, and the Riviera’s glamor. Choosing Luxury France Vacations means no compromise; every moment will have a precise aim and optimistic purpose, making your visit to France a story you will never forget.