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How is Golden Week celebrated Japan?

Image credit: Japan Rail Pass

The Golden Week is a collection of national holidays which is one of the busiest times of the year in Japan, besides the Lunar New Year and Obon week. If you're planning to travel to Japan between April 29^th - May 5^th be aware that trains, airports and sightseeing spots can get very crowded, and accommodation in tourist areas can also be booked out.

Golden Week is also planting season and this is when the first crop of green tea is harvested. Commonly known as ichibancha, the first picking of green tea is widely regarded as the tastiest of the three yearly pickings (the others which occur in July and September). Going to a traditional Japanese tea room is the only way to try some of the best green tea of the season. Learn more about this week with our information below! 

Celebrate Sikh New Year With These Vegetarian Dishes

Vaisakhi (also known as Baisakhi) is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar where thanks is given to farmers during the spring harvest festival. Offers of thanks are given to God for the abundant harvest, prayers for future prosperity are also a main priority during Vaisakhi. Dancing, singing, and enjoying home-cooked meals with family are just some of the ways the Solar New Year is celebrated in north India and by the People of Punjab.

Since there is so much importance placed on a family feast, here are just some of the most popular dishes you can expect to find during the holiday of Vaisakhi which are also all vegetarian.

Chhole Bhature

Image: Hungry Forever

This is a popular Indian dish which is a central part of Punjabi cuisine. The combination of chickpeas (chhole) are cooked in a tangy curry and wrapped in fried bread (bhature) made from refined flour dough. This dish can be eaten as breakfast, lunch or even dinner and is often served with a refreshing glass of buttermilk!

Pindi chana

Image: NDTV

Pindi chanda masala is a spicy vegetarian dish which is a favourite during the new year festivities. It's prepared by cooking chickpeas alongside spices such as peppercorn, garlic gloves, cardamom and bay leaves to give an extra burst of flavour.

 Kheer

Image: Sify Bawarchi

Kheer is a sweet rice and fruit pudding which is one of the most beloved treats in India. During Vaisakhi, this dish is served with a variety of sweet fruits such as apricots, figs, dried raisins, and peaches and cooked with cardamom and saffron.

 

Coconut ladoo

Image: Veg Recipes of India

Also known as Nariyal Ke Laddoo, these tasty coconut treats are served cold as a sweet dessert during the Vaisakhi celebrations. They are made from grated coconut, semolina, sugar and condensed milk and ghee to achieve their unique taste and texture.

If you aren't planning on celebrating Vaisakhi in India anytime soon, you can still recreate authentic Indian cuisine from your own kitchen. For a colourful explosion on your taste buds, more ideas on dishes and ingredients, check out Asian Home Gourmet's wide range of products here. 

Best cities in India for street food

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When one thinks of India, their mind might go straight to the Taj Mahal, Bollywood or a spicy curry. However, India's cuisine extends way further than just hot curries. The country is made up of thousands of diverse subcultures, each bringing their own language, religion, rituals, architecture and food. While most people are familiar with the classic Indian dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh and Butter Chicken, many are yet to uncover India's version of fast food.

Indian street food offers a wide and wonderful range of delicious dishes that are easy to carry and eat on the bustling streets. Here's our list of the best street food dishes in India's cities. 

Delhi

Image Credit: Cooktube

Delhi is India's capital territory and is a massive metropolitan area in the country's north. It is also one of the best places to find and try street food.

Although Chole Bhature is a Punjabi dish, Delhi is recognised as having the very best rendition of this popular dish. It is a combination of spicy white chickpeas and a fried bread made from maida flour, and is accompanied with green chutney or even a lassi if you choose to have the dish for breakfast.

Mumbai

 Image Credit: D for Delhi

Being India's largest city and the heart of the Bollywood film industry has exposed Mumbai to a great variety of on-the-go Indian cuisine.

Vada Pav is the perfect grab and go snack! The potato patty is mashed with garlic, chillies and coriander, dipped in chickpea flour and then fried until golden. If that isn't enough carbs, it is then laid in pav, a fluffy bread roll that's buttered and spread with coriander chutney and sprinkled with garlic and chilli powder.  

Kolkata

Image Credit: Laughing Colours

Kolkata is known for its grand colonial architecture, art galleries and cultural festivals, as well as being the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity that was founded by Mother Teresa.

Regarding food, it is known for Kathi Rolls. The flaky flour paratha is rolled up with egg, skewers of mutton or chicken, paneer and is combined with sauces, spices and veggies. The roll can be easily held in one hand and is loved by students and office workers. 

Amritsar

Image Credit: The Tiffin Box

Amritsar is the holiest city of the Sikhs. At the centre of its walled town is the gilded Golden Temple, which is the holiest religious complex of the Sikh religion.

For those seeking salvation through food, Phirni is a must have. The thickened milk, dried fruit and rice based dessert is served with almonds or pistachios and cardamom flavour. The dessert can be easily eaten on the streets but is also a must on festive occasions like Diwali. This super creamy and rich dish is the perfect way to end a day of eating hot Indian food.

If you aren't planning on hitting up the streets of India anytime soon, you can still easily enjoy the taste of India from your own kitchen. Enjoy classic Indian dishes by using Asian Home Gourmet spice paste for  Tikka Masala, Vindaloo Curry and our personal favourite, Asian Home Gourmet Butter Chicken. For a colourful explosion on your taste buds, more ideas on dishes and ingredients, check out Asian Home Gourmet's wide range of products here.