The Bird's Nest Drink.

Call it culture shock!

Today while we were having our small talks, Leelin happened to mention something about Birds nest drink. At that moment I thought my ears were playing tricks again as they always do.Maybe it was a brand name of some drink. And then when I heard the description I was wide-eyed and open- mouthed!

The Chinese believe in herbal medicines too ( just like ayurveda in India). Yet I wonder why they call it herbal when they have medicines like dried seahorse.

The birds nest drink is not like what it sounds.Don't be fooled by the name. Its not birds nest in water. Its in fact the birds saliva!! Now thats a shocker, isn't it!! I dont known how I come across such fun facts! Thanks Leelin!

Birds make their nests out of twigs by sticking them together by their saliva or -Spit! These nests are soaked in water for 2 days till all the mixture becomes jelly like. It looks like coconut water with pieces of gummy jelly in it.The Chinese drink it for long life, healthy heart &  eyes . Also for men who have stamina problems.

The Bird's Nest drink
Originally uploaded by the fallen angel

This birds Spit is not cheap . The rich can afford to drink it everyday.Leelins first  question to me was," Can you drink it? You are a vegetarian!" After a few seconds I replied " Why not?? I drink Cows milk , don't I?"

While we are still little kids thats when the adults start imbibing values and culture into us until it sets deep in our minds.To the extent where anything contradicting our thoughts become strange and alien. We are told that certain things are disgusting and forbidden but sometimes by broadening the horizons not only do we become wiser but also come to face the reality that those values imbibed were not true at all!

all kind of herbs -
Originally uploaded by the fallen angel

Chinese herbal medicine
Originally uploaded by the fallen angel

Curiosity got the better of me. And so I went after work to Chinese medicine shop in my office building to see the bird nest drink for real! Also managed to take a few pics after talking to the Shop Uncle. You must visit a chinese herbal shop, its so fascinating.

At times like these I wish I could carry my Cam everywhere. Let's make do with the pictures for now.

P.S: Leelin also mentioned about Rhino horns being used for medicinal purposes, and Hashima ( dried fallopian tubes of frogs! ) consumed monthly by the Chinese for good complexion and to keep the kidney and the lungs healthy! More on this after I learn even more from a Chinese medicine man.

A Malay Wedding

This day was another milestone in my life – I was invited to a Malay wedding for the very  first time.A Malay wedding is a great cultural experience. It is a grand affair..I  attended the  post wedding lavish Feast called the  Makan beradab .

A Malay wedding begins with the akad nikah ceremony. The groom signs the marriage contract and agrees to provide the bride with dowry. Yes you heard me right! Gold and gifts are given to the bride!

The Bride looked radiant and stunning in the traditional attire, alongside the handsome groom.

The highlight  of a Malay traditional Wedding is the Bersanding ceremony. The Malays usually call the wedded couple as "Raja Sehari" or "Royals for the Day". During the Bersanding ceremony as is the Malay custom, the bridal couple is sprinkled  with yellow rice, fragrant potpourri, and scented water by  family members, relatives and guests, as a sign of blessing.

   A traditional Malay wedding is  pretty informal too.Guests can arrive at anytime they please given a time frame.Food is an important part of the celebration; The food is served buffet style so everyone can help themselves to what they want.The Feast Fit For a King! Different types of rice, plain, biryani, flavoured, cooked with coconut milk and spices and herbs. Variety is the spice in Malay food. Various dishes are served and cooked on the spot! Hot and fresh!

The guests and well-wishers, while feasting the special food and dishes, are treated by a live music band. They sang a  delightful number of Malay songs. After all What is a wedding without music!

You will see that guests and well-wishers come and go, bringing their gifts and presents for the bridal couple. . Relatives and friends are usually clad in colorful Malay attires, to add sparkle to the event.Women are in traditional gear whereas men are usually more casual in shirts and trousers.

The mood is simply festive. Many guests come along together to cheer and congratulate the newly wed.. Malay weddings are usually lively,  noisy and full of laughter, fun and frolic..

Wishing the happy couple many years of wedded bliss !
( Sincere thanks to the couple HANISAH & RIDZWAN and their family for giving me the opportunity to record this event)

Food, Culture, Fun!

Today was the best day ever! There are some food experiences that you will never forget and this is one of them.

An INDIAN breakfast, JAPANESE lunch, ARAB dinner, CHINESE dessert! What more can I ask for? A foodie that I 've become!

SAKAE SUSHI:   -  ★★★★✩
If you have love for Sushi then Sakae Sushi will fufil your desire. If someone is writing a review about the restaurant am sure they would write about the Sushi. Yet I write about the vegetarian meal I devoured (vegetarian that I am) . That's what makes it different!An Authentic , traditional Japanese food served in Japanese style and vegetarian!

Sakae Sushi - veg fried rice
Originally uploaded by the fallen angel

Pavin suggested the heavily seasoned Veg fried Rice which is so far the yummiest I have ever tasted! She ordered a set meal which was accompanied by soup (also consumed by me) and salad( me again!) . The rice is seriously to die for! Its the texture or taste ,I cant tell.. Simply lipsmacking! Also the food looks pretty in the traditional bowls and plates .The salad - Super tasty, saltish and dipped in vinegar. The soup had some herbs in it and smelt heavenly!

Delicious and price? Amazingly cheap!

SHEIKH AL ARAB:    -  ★★★★✩
Evening after work we made a plan impromptu ,to visit the Arab Street! We have a new Korean colleague who is new to Singapore and we wanted to play the" good hosts". And so 4 of us marched towards Arab Street to an Arab restaurant to introduce her to the food and Sheesha! A place to pig out on middle eastern cuisine.

Different cultures bring us closer
Originally uploaded by the fallen angel

 A Chinese, a Korean, a Malay and an Indian in an Arab Restaurant! I like the sound of that! SO multicultural! The Arab ambience and decor felt good after a hard days work( also felt like a weekend at the mid week!) And so we sat on floor on carpets with the interior of the restaurant just like something out of the Arabian nights stories. In the background was soft Arabic music.
We ordered a lot among which my order was the below:
Iced mint tea  - I have only one word to describe this- heavenly
Hummus - a dip accompanied by Pita bread(made of chickpeas)
Peta bread - similar to nan in India , but tastier and softer in texture
Salad ( name cannot remember now )

My meal
originally uploaded by the fallen angel

Arabian Salad
Originally uploaded by the fallen angel

Grace - our Korean colleague tryin Sheesha for the very first time
Originally uploaded by the fallen angel

Je Di Chi: -  ★★★★✩
After a heavy dinner and sheesha, we headed back home and at 10:30 pm we felt the need for dessert to complete our meal! And so we walked to a Chinese Dessert place " Je De Chi" which means Dont forget to eat in chinese .

We order somethin Singapore is (in)famous for! Durian dessert! Durian with Pomelo Sago Dessert! Well, the taste of Durian was not that strong and it was my first time. Yet I would say its not as bad as people make it sound! A wonderful experience. Atleast I had the courage to try it! Honestly , it tasted like Jackfruit to me only with a little stronger favour minus the sweetness plus the stink.

Durian dessert!
Originally uploaded by the fallen angel

And to cover up  the taste ( or shall i say foul smell and bad breath ) we ordered dessert #2! Heart Snowy ice-Green Tea Flavour with topping  of red beans, mini rice ballsand green sauce. Ooh la la! It certainly helped both, our apetite and the smell .

Heart Snowy Ice- green tea flavour
Originally uploaded by the fallen angel

Contented and happy we walked back to our long journey home promising ourselves that we will be back to revisit this day.... a lovely delicious day..

With sleepy eyes and a happy tummy I go to sleep looking forward to tomorrow..and more food..

The Food Song (Diet Song??)

i am just a little bit lost in the FOOD
and life is a cake and so are the vittles
I dont know what to eat
I can eat it alone i tried
and i dont know why

give me more.
 and even some more
or else my tummy is going to growl
Cause its too less
ya its too less
give me all the grub!!

I'm a foodie
Out of love
'Cause I just can't get enough

i am just a little bit lost in the cheese
and life is a cake , i want it please
I dont know what to eat
I can eat it alone i tried
and i dont know why


The coffee is hot
with extra cream
i'd like a giant icecream
candy , cookies,chips , popcorn
is that all i want?
It's the sugar
Nobody knows
That makes me fast from being slow..

I am just a greedy  girl lost in the sandwich
I'm so greedy but I don't share it
I can't figure it out
It's bloating me up u  know
I've got to let it go
And just sing like  a crow