The Gujaratis just finished their holy month of Shravan. I’m sure all of them are feeling purer, closer to God and no doubt healthier with their vegetarian diet. While I was on a vegetarian fast this month, people kept complementing me on how well I was taking it. Apparently, I hadn’t complained about my lack of meat the way some people were already not looking forward to meat-less fast of Purtassi. The reason I did so well was because I had tasty meals. I think veg meals tend to be bland and tasteless so here’s a list of meals you can make if you’re just started Purtassi or you’re planning on giving your body a break from the meat for a while.

A photo posted by McGill SHHS (@mcgillshhs) on


1. Vegetarian pizza
You can’t go wrong with a crispy pizza base. Just about any topping will taste nice. If you really need to mask your vegetables, try this for supper.

2. Vegetarian burgers
You can find way of making a vegetarian burger patty. Make it out of potatoes, lentils or even a mix of courgettes and carrots. Put it in a bun with the usual burger relishes and it’s an ideal dish for your burger fix.

3. Gram dhall and brinjal curry
I once ran out of inspiration on what to cook so I called my mother and she gave me this idea - a delicious curry that I grew up and totally forgot about. I was so focused on vegetables that I forgot all about the tasty things you can make with different types of lentils and dried beans.

4. Butter beans curry
Another favourite coming out of Durban is beans curry. The dried variety takes a long time to cook but a can of butter beans is the perfect substitute. Eat this with roti and you’ll be licking your fingers clean.

5. Dal makhani
Dal makhani is one of my go-to vegetarian meals whenever I dine at an Indian restaurant. I love the creaminess and smoky taste of this dish. I decided to perfect it at home and made some naan to go with. My guests loved it!

6. Polenta lasagne
If you’re looking for a low carb alternative to the usual lasagne sheets, try substituting the lasagne layers with polenta. I think it’s a pretty acquired taste but if you’ve got other saucy layers, this will be a hit with the family.

7. Vegetable lasagne
I think kids are the ones that miss meat the most. Why not take their favourite meals and veg it up. For my meat-free lasagne, I made a three bean ragout which was a perfect substitute for the mince layer.

8. Rice stir fry
I like stir fries. I usually add noodles to the dish but sometimes rice is a really refreshing take on it. Think egg-fried rice and add your ingredients to a wok. The wok transmits a flavour of smokiness that other pots and pans just don’t give.

9. Aloo gobi with peas
Now that my fast is over, I realised that I did really well by not relying on potatoes. After all, that is most people’s saving grace when fasting. Potatoes never taste bad. Add them to a cauliflower and peas curry and you’re got a delicious Indian curry ready in no time.

10. Bean enchiladas
Wraps are a pantry staple in our house. We use it when we run out of bread for lunch and for Mexican style dinners like this. Make a bean ragout, add it to your wraps and spoon the ragout all over the dish. Top with cheese and slices of jalapeno. Mexican supper sorted!

11. Chickpeas curry
I ate this curry at a North Indian restaurant but its super easy to make at home too especially if you’re using the canned chickpeas. It also makes a great lunch idea if you have any leftovers. Serve it on rice and pack it in a lunchbox with a spoon for a great sandwich alternative.

12. Mushroom and spinach mac and cheese
I seem to always do mac and cheese wrong. It’s either I overcook it or I just don’t like it. Maybe this version was tastier because I added in vegetables that I like. As a friend once said, when fasting, mushroom it up!

13. Baked beans pasta
A can of baked beans is a staple that I have in my pantry all the time. It’s not just a breakfast item when whipping up an English breakfast, it can also be used as a quick pasta sauce. Chuck it in the oven to heat up and dinner is served effortlessly.

14. Mushrooms on toast
I love serving creamy sautéed mushrooms on slices of toasted ciabatta as finger foods when entertaining. It doesn’t mean you can’t have that for supper. We just used ordinary whole wheat bread for the toast.

15. Melanzane alla parmigiana
The husband does not like aubergines but he could eat this dish as a main. I find the layers of aubergines and tomato sauce quite rich so I have it with a side salad when chicken is not an option.

16. Kadhi kitchri
This is a gujarati favourite. I don’t really enjoy this dish but that’s why there are fried potatoes to mask the yogurty taste. 

17. Paneer matter
Another curry. This time with peas and cubes of paneer cheese in a tomato-based gravy. It’s pretty easy to make cook up a few naans and that’s definitely what you should eat this curry with.



18. Falafels in pitas
Making falafels is a bit touch and go for my husband and I. Sometimes they are perfect and other times they crumble up. We tried a baked version that seems to have held its shape really well. At Woolworths you can pick up tsatsiki, hummus and mini pita breads. Assemble and enjoy.

19. Butternut soup topped with croutons
We usually make soup as a starter but this is a simple meal that doesn’t require much work or supervision. Pop butternut in the oven, blitz when cooked and season over a slow simmer. Serve with crunchy croutons for texture. 

20. Mushroom tart
Oh how I love puff pastry. You can do anything with it. It’s perfect for jam turnovers or a cheat pot pie. Top sautéed mushrooms, rocket and feta on this flaky pastry and you’ve got a light weekday meal.

21. Veg breyani
Durban style veg breyani is so dear to my heart. Drown it in dhall and you’ll absolutely love the creamy dish that’s healthy for you with the veggies and spices.

22. Spaghetti and quorn meatballs
I must be honest here. The quorn meatballs did not taste too good – possibly because I’m not too much of a fan soya. If you like soya, you might enjoy this. Add the meatballs to a tomato sauce and toss in some cooked spaghetti. I transformed the meatballs in tomato sauce into lunch by adding it in a French baguette. I topped it with cheese and chucked it under the grill. Take that Subway!

23. Mushroom risotto
Mushroom risotto is not as hard as it seems. Swop out the chicken stock and wine for vegetable stock and don’t forget to add in lots of parmesan. It takes about an hour to cook but tucking into a comforting bowl of mushroom risotto is so worth it.

24. Panzanella salad
This salad was a hit at the last braai we had. See…carbs are awesome in anything.

25. Dhall, rice and aloo fry
A pauper’s meal but I love it. If you are really craving meat at this stage and the food doesn’t taste too good, that’s what Indian condiments are for.

26. Quesadillas with mixed vegetables
I sometimes take quesadillas for lunch. The crunchy wrap with a delicious layer of some softened veggies is a nice change when you’re bored on the usual cheese and tomato sandwich.

27. Toasted cheese sandwich
I learnt about this little sandwich from a friend. Spread Nandos sauce on a slice of bread, add creamed style sweetcorn, cover it with cheese and top it with another slice of bread. Cook it like you would any grilled cheese sandwich and you have a delicious mess that is so fun to eat.

28. Baked beans and soya sausage
A favourite weekend breakfast is sausage and baked beans. You can serve this with soya instead and serve it any time of the day. I enjoy it with plain white bread.

29. Mugh
Another lentil based dish. This soupy meal goes really well with roti or rice. Ask for green mugh at any Indian grocery store and half of cup of this moong dhal is enough for two people.

30. Burritos
Burritos are awesome because you just need a wrap and some leftovers. I rolled my burritos in foil so the wrap didn’t fall apart while I ate it.


A photo posted by Hippie Lane (@talinegabriel) on


Good luck! I you’d like me to hit you up with a recipe for any of these, just let me know. 
Shravan started this weekend and as much as we cook at home, there are times when we just want to go out for a meal. When you’re doing a vegetarian fast, it automatically seems like your eating out options are limited. Well, fear not! I am here to share with you my favourite places to find delicious vegetarian meals.

No meat!


I know there are many definitions of vegetarian but when I say vegetarian, I am referring to the Hindu definition. After all, Hindus have been vegetarian for millennia so technically we should trust their definition of the word. Vegetarian for Hindus means not harming any animal life, therefore no meat, poultry, fish, eggs and animal products where you had to harm the animal to get it - like gelatin and lard. So milk is fine.

That’s my definition and it's ok if your definition of vegetarian is different to mine. But regardless of where you are on the scale of vegetarian, you will probably enjoy my list of places to eat at where your veg meals are tasty and not just a salad or meat dish side.

And yes, judging from the title, one of these restaurants have something tasty to give away. Can you guess which one without immediately scrolling all the way down to the bottom? 

Simply Asia
I had a moment in my life when I realised that I actually loved Thai food. I just hated the common stuff like the Thai curries that are loaded with my least favourite ingredient – coconut milk. Simply Asia was the restaurant that made me realise this. Since then, my husband has to restrain me from wanting to eat there every week. I love this restaurant when I’m fasting because their entire menu can be practically made vegetarian. Most of their dishes come standard with chicken or beef. Just ask them to replace it with tofu or soya and you’ve got yourself a meat-free dish. All the ingredients are listed so if you can watch out for dishes which contain oyster sauce or fish sauce.  Whatever you order, don’t forget to have the Chocolate Spring Rolls dessert.

You can find this Thai deliciousness at Kyalami on Main Shopping Centre.

A photo posted by Lutfiya♡ (@lutfiya_shaik) on




Nu Health Food Cafe
I wrote about Nu when they first landed in Johannesburg. They made tasty healthy food accessible. I eat here a lot – whether I’m fasting or not. Their menu caters for vegans, vegetarians and those just wanting to eat healthily. I most like that their ingredients are responsibly sourced and they make healthy eating taste nice. I definitely recommend  a multi-grain wrap called The Fixer made with broccoli, lentils, feta, flaked almonds, radish, chia seeds, pea shoots, lemon and olive oil dressing. The ingredients may not sound appetising but I assure you that it is absolutely delicious.

The only place you can find Nu Health Food Cafe in Johannesburg is the Waterfall Corner Mall.

A photo posted by nü (@nuhealthfood) on



Piza e Vino
I started my fast with the Black on White pizza from Piza eVino. From their range of vegetarian pizzas, this one is my favourite with black mushrooms, olives, garlic, feta and cheese. Then again, anything on their crispy thin wood fired oven base would taste great. 

The Piza e Vino that I frequent the most is at Carlswald Decor Centre.

A photo posted by Piza e Vino (@piza_e_vino) on



Rocomamas
Rocomamas doesn’t just make good burgers, they also have an amazing vibe making it a great place to join friends for lunch. Just because you’re going veggie, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy that vibe. All their burgers come in a vegetarian option with the same delicious toppings (minus the bacon).   

I go to all the Rocomamas but the one I prefer is at Pineslopes Boulevard.

A photo posted by RocoMamas® (@rocomamas) on



Shayona
If you’re serious about your fasting where you won’t dare step into a restaurant that serves meat, then Shayona is definitely for you. Their entire menu is pure vegetarian meaning my Hindu definition of vegetarian plus they don’t use onion or garlic in their food. The Indian buffet menu changes every day. They have an extensive a la carte menu that offers Western-style dishes but I recommend the curries and you have to order a paratha to go with it. No other restaurant makes parathas like they do. I’ve also tried and failed miserably. 

Shayona is quite a drive for most people living in the Northern suburbs but every Guji will tell you that the drive to Mayfair will be worth it. 

There you have it: some of my favourite restaurants when I’m giving meat a miss. Now some exciting news: whether you're on a vegetarian diet or not, Simply Asia in Kyalami has offered me 4 meal vouchers valued at R100 each to give away to 4 of my readers. I'll select a winner from each of my social media: Facebook, Twitter, Blog Subscription list and blog comments. Winners must be able to redeem their vouchers via the Kyalami branch of Simply Asia.

Enter via the Rafflecopter widget. Goodluck!
  
a Rafflecopter giveaway
For a women’s day event, Barclay and Clegg were offering free bra fittings. I thought this would be great to try out. With my small boobies, I’ve always worn a 32A bra. My whole life, I thought that my breasts are small, therefore I’m an A cup. Here’s a huge misconception that everyone is made to think about cup sizes.


With me getting fatter and bulging out of the A cups, I’ve resorted to a 32B which I was still sceptical of cos my 32B’s didn’t sit quite right. After I was whisked away to a private fitting room, the lovely lady who examined me claimed that I am actually a 32C. What!!! I cannot believe that it’s true that most women walk around wearing the incorrect bra size and I was one of them. She very quickly brought in a bra in my size and my God was I impressed with how well it fitted. She explained to me just what a bra should be covering, i.e. my cup size, and why I thought the B cups were too big.

This pic clearly explains why cup sizes are not independent of band sizes. The same cup can be very different boobs when you take into account different band sizes. 




After being all proud of my C cups (which I probably had all along and just squeezed them into A cups), I decided to do some bra shopping. While I was choosing the bras I wanted, I overheard a woman trying to figure out her size with her friend. Her friend’s advice was to take her pants size and then estimated that she was a D cup by looking at her. That’s how people out there are buying bras!


A photo posted by @julianalondonuk on

So my good deed for women everywhere this Women’s Month is to spread some awareness on this and some tips on how you can check whether you are indeed wearing the correct sized bra. If you don’t feel like going to a store to get fitted, check out this really good video that I found that explains how to measure yourself at home.

  

If you can't watch the video, there's a great website you can use to read more on how to measure yourself. And if you enter your measurements, the tool on the website will calculate your bra size for you. Hop on over here http://brasizecalculator.tk/.

I feel so empowered knowing and wearing my correct bra size. Not only do I feel great but my I think my clothes fit better too. Have you ever had a bra fitting? What did you think of the experience? Were you also surprised by the outcome? 
When it comes to choosing food to eat, Indian is no doubt my favourite cuisine. I just love the addition of spices prepared in so many ways to transform simple ingredients into delicious meals that you cannot get enough of. I love the deep fried snacks, the softness of rotis and other breads. It amazes me how many people share my love of Indian food and yet know so little about the etiquette that comes with eating it. Western table manners seem to be common knowledge. We all know how to set a table, which utensils to eat with what, how to pair different food items and when to eat certain foods. So here’s my guide to getting people up to speed with Indian table manners.

Everyone knows the Western formal table setting

Hows this for an Indian "table" setting

Eating with your hands
I eat almost all my food with my hands. I am met with surprise and disbelief at how I do it. It’s pretty easy when you were raised eating with the cutlery you were born with – your hands. People think that eating rice with your hands is just not possible. My response is that Indians farmed rice long before the concept of cutlery was introduced to them so they’ve mastered the art. When eating with your hands, it is restricted to your right hand only. Your left hand is kept clean so that you can dish more food from the clean spoons in the serving dishes or to grab your drink with. Indian food is soft enough to break food into small morsels and scoop it together with your fingertips only. This is super important! Even though you’re eating with your hands, only your fingertips ever get stained with food. Eating with roti or any other bread is even easier. Break off a small piece of the bread and use it to pick up some curry with your roti. You shouldn’t even get your hands messed with the curry when you eat roti.

Cleaning your hands
Because you’re eating with your hands, you want to make sure that your hands are clean. All Indian restaurants and households are very accommodating for anyone wishing to use the bathroom to wash their hands before food arrives. In some restaurants, I actually ask for a finger bowl before eat. After your meal, the Western concept of just wiping your hands on a serviette is considered unclean. And to be honest, it’s a lot more hygienic to wash your hands afterwards too.



Courses
Indians usually serve one course. It could be a variety of curries, rice and breads. Eat to your heart’s desire. Sometimes, dessert will be informally served. So all those starters you see at an Indian restaurant’s menu is more of our snack list. In an Indian household, those starter dishes will be served at tea time and not as an appetiser from the Western concept of a 3 course meal.

A photo posted by Julie Bahn (@juliefeliz) on


The only deviation to this is the Gujarati meals. I love this more so in a formal setting. My husband’s family serve a sweet appetiser to waken the taste buds. It’s then on to a roti course where whatever bread served is eaten with a curry – generally a dish that is more dry-ish than gravy-ish. On to my favourite course – the rice course served with a gravy-ish curry. To end the meal: dessert.



Some Indian households will serve a number of curry dishes. Again, it’s not really the Western concept of tasting everything that’s on the table. You’d probably be fine eating a maximum of 2 or 3 curries. Just be sure that you dish a little so that you can finish everything on your plate. If you like more food, dish a little more on to your plate. (See why you need to keep that left hand clean now.) It is rather rude to waste food. Even if you’re in a restaurant, dish from the main serving dish on to your plate. If you really can’t finish everything, DO NOT put food from your plate back into the main serving dish. That’s when jutha comes into play.



Jutha
This is the concept of touching a utensil or food to one’s mouth or saliva. It’s considering unhygienic to drink from a glass or bite into an apple and then it with someone else. So if you’re eating with your hands or even a spoon, it’s touched your mouth and putting it back into your food is contaminating your meal. This is fine if you’re the only one eating but if you can’t finish your food someone else might not be too keen on wanting to eat your contaminated remnants. Keep the food that you are not eating clean.

A photo posted by Fafa (@retro_afro_food) on


Mixing your food
There are a lot of Western meals where you would mix your food together before eating – like pasta and sauce. There’s no need to do that with Western food. Just eat from one corner mixing a little bit of curry with your rice. If you’ve got a number of curries on your plate, it’s nice to keep them separate so you can taste each one.

A photo posted by Mae RodC (@lapetitedame17) on


A predominantly vegetarian cuisine
A lot of Indians are vegetarian and the ones that aren’t restrict themselves to vegetarian meals on religious and celebratory occasions. As such, if you’re invited to an Indian household for a feast don’t be that rude ignorant person that asks for the meat and looks on disapprovingly at the delicious beans curry served. Learn from this and be an informed person and decline the invitation if you really can’t handle a meal with no meat, poultry, eggs or fish.



A guest’s respect
When visiting an Indian home, you can be guaranteed that a host will go out of their way to prepare a meal for you even if you pitch up unannounced. However, it is considered rude for a guest to just assume they will be getting a meal. So when visiting, be sure to bring something with you – even if it’s just a packet of biscuits. The host will greatly appreciate it if they don’t have something that they easily offer for welcoming snacks to go with tea.

A photo posted by ChristieSuh (@chhristiee) on


A host’s hospitality
Hosts want to have people over for a meal even if it’s modest food that is prepared. Respect that by eating enough and compliment the chef. Don’t be surprised if the host forcibly dishes more food for you or packs a container of leftover food for you to take home. The host just wants to make sure that you are well fed and enjoying yourself. If you don’t wish to eat more or take any food home, politely decline. 

A photo posted by Shwetha (@shwethashetty3) on


The social side to it
Remember that dining is a social activity. Eat slowly and savour your food. Talk to your fellow diners. And if you’re done first, don’t be in a rush to leave the table. Wait for everyone else.

I was hoping to find a video online showing how to eat with your hands but I found this instead that I thought was quite funny about why Indians eat with their hands.


And with that, I think you are sufficiently armed with enough information to enjoy an Indian meal the way it was intended. And if you’re ever invited to an Indian’s home, you’ll do great to impress and not offend them.
I had so much fun writing my last 7 Things post. My mind easily filled the post with 7 things and more that you should know when visiting Istanbul. And my thoughts wouldn’t stop there. So I started thinking about another city I visited while on holiday with my girlfriends: Phuket. Phuket is one of the cheapest destinations right now so if you haven’t been, you really should consider it as your next holiday destination. Here are 7 things I think you need to know when visiting Phuket.
Photo credit: http://www.tripadvisor.co.za/Tourism-g293920-Phuket-Vacations.html
1. The best time to visit Phuket is from December to March when it's allegedly cooler
I went in January and I melted! Literally. I know humid and hot temperatures, but as a tourist wanting to explore, be prepared to be a ball of sweat after just a 10 minute walk outside.  


2. Bargain for everything 
Phuket is a shopper’s paradise. The clothes and souvenirs are cheap and you can bargain to bring down the price making your money stretch further than you thought it could. Not only can you bargain at the markets but you can bargain just about anywhere. Unless they are in great demand (i.e. in the wee hours of the morning in Patong), you can bargain for a pretty sweet deal with cabs too. 


3. Don't book local tours in your own country
With the rand giving you so much value for money in Thailand, Phuket is a popular destination being punted by travel agencies in South Africa. They also offer to arrange local tours like day trips to Phi Phi and James Bond islands. And if you don’t take them up on that offer, Groupon also offers them at “discounted” rates. My advice: don’t take them – rather book them in Thailand. Someone will speak to you about those tours as soon as you arrive at your hotel – don’t book with them either. Everyone seems to be in the tourism industry in Phuket and on every street corner, you will find someone selling these local tours. And yet again, you can bargain. We eventually bought 3 full day tours for the original price of 1.

4. It's a pretty safe city
Many of Phuket’s citizens live in poverty – it’s hard to see this as a tourist frequenting the glamourous tourist joints and gorgeous islands but most of the locals have never even left their hometown to see the natural beauty that the whole world marvels at. Despite this, Phuket is pretty safe as the Buddhist locals believe in karma. But, the city is also filled with tourists so still keep an eye on your belongings cos those are the people that might actually jack your stuff.

A photo posted by Ferrer (@siimon_f) on

5. Temple etiquette
Whilst you might want to spend all your time snorkelling, swimming and sun bathing, Phuket boasts stunning temples (wats) that will draw you to them. It’s not only the big wats that are amazing, but on every street corner or major building there are little temples to provide the deeply religious Thai population with a place to pray and give their offerings. Whether you go to the wats for some peace and serenity during meditation, to learn more about the religion and culture, or just to marvel at the architecture, adhere to the temple etiquette: make sure you’re covered up – no bare legs, shoulders and midriff, leave your shoes outside, and be quiet - most of the wats are working temples with locals praying so try not to disturb them.


6. Toilets
It’s so easy to take everyday things like toilets for granted. In the tourist joints, at least the toilets have been upgraded from the low-pan to the seated variety. However, the toilets aren’t great at flushing away toilet paper. The toilets usually have a bin next to it which is meant for your toilet paper so you don’t clog the pipes – there’s even a sign asking you not to throw your toilet paper into the pan. But Westerners don’t like this unclean habit so most of the public toilets are clogged – like the row of toilets at Phi Phi island. My advice is to hold it but even our hotel toilets would get clogged from time to time.

7. Experience the nightlife
I don’t know many places that offer such a varied experience as Phuket does. When the sun sets, make sure you hit the streets of Bangla Road. Where else can you order a drink at one bar and walk with your drink to the next bar that happens to play music you prefer, dance the night away (sometimes on a pole) in shorts and slops, and make conversation with friendly ladies of the night. And if that’s not enough, pretty soon you might get invited to a ping pong show.

A photo posted by Carly Emmerton (@__carly___xo) on


If you’ve been to Phuket, I’d love to know if you relate to my list or whether you’d add something else you think is worth knowing. 
I really under-estimate the opportunities I am afforded with my day job. A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to go on a business trip to Turkey and I managed to find some time to explore the city, get lost in the tastes and mingle with the locals. I'm quite enjoying these 7 Things posts that I've been writing about the cities I visit so here's 7 things that made me fall in love with the European charm of Istanbul.
Photo credit: http://hayatouki.com/luxury/content/1797824-%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A6%D8%A9-%D8%B3%D9%88%D9%82-%D8%AA%D8%B1%D9%83%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%AB-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%B6%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%85%D8%AA%D8%B9#9

 1. The simplest visa process
I'm convinced that the countries with exorbitant visa fees and tedious visa processes don't actually want us in their countries *cough* Europe *cough*. It's so refreshing to know that Turkey's process for South Africans is much simpler...and free! You just get onto this website, fill in some deets and 2 seconds later...hello printed visa! No fees. No queues. No waiting period.

A photo posted by @istanbul (@istanbul) on

2. The only city in the world to straddle two continents
I know it's not new news but now that you've got your free e-visa, go to Istanbul and take a ferry to the floating island of Galatasaray. It feels pretty surreal to be on two continents at the same time.

A photo posted by @istanbul (@istanbul) on

3. Seat belts are optional
I took cabs in Istanbul mostly because we were in a large group so it was cheaper to split the bill. That's when we learnt that no one wears seat belts. Some of the cabs didn't even have seat belts! The fast drives through tight streets without seat belts is like an amusement park ride but it's a great way to see the city. Istanbul also has buses, a metro and a modern tram line so getting around the city (even as a foreigner) is easy and affordable.



 4. Let sleeping dogs lie
Istanbul is filled with stray dogs. Dogs that just seem to lie around all day. It's actually quite sad to see so many lifeless dogs lying around. Despite looking like they are starving, they seem to be pretty self sufficient and don't come up to people begging for food. I'm glad the government at least vaccinates and tags the dogs with a microchip of their medical history.
A photo posted by @istanbul (@istanbul) on


5. The home of Turkish Delight
I grew up eating Turkish Delight - it might be from the Indian love of rose water in our desserts and drinks. When I told my friends and family that I was going to Istanbul, they immediately asked for Turkish Delight. I didn't know why when they are so easily available in South Africa but when I hit the streets of Istanbul, I was surprised by the Turkish Delight experience. There are stalls with every variety possible of Turkish Delight - chocolate, coconut, pistachio. I went on a tasting spree before buying my boxes of my Turkish Delight to take home.
A photo posted by @xuqian330 on

6. A liberal Muslim city
I remember packing for my trip and my husband looked in disdain at the clothes I packed. He insisted I pack modest clothing bearing in mind that I am going to a Muslim country during Ramadaan. I landed in the midst of summer and dreaded my choice of long sleeved tops. The local women were dressed in Western clothing - some even dressed in a quite a revealing manner. So, yeah, you need to dress modestly when visiting a mosque but on the streets of Istanbul, strappy tops and shorts are perfectly fine.
A photo posted by Олександра Крихтіна. Kharkiv (@kennyliveee) on

Although 98% of the population is Muslim, I was also surprised at the popular Turkish liquor, beer and wines. And if you visit during Ramadaan like I did, fear not, you can grab a meal very easily during the day.

A photo posted by @istanbul (@istanbul) on

7. A heritage to be proud of

Istanbul's history can be traced back to 13th century BC. I absolutely love that the history of the city has been treasured. Where possible, old buildings have been maintained even after the numerous changes in political and religious power throughout time. And through all these changes, old, damaged and dilapidated buildings have been restored. Even as you travel through the city, you're bound to see many buildings undergoing restoration.
A photo posted by Asli Duran (@asdrn) on


I'd love to go back to Istanbul - this time on holiday. If there's something you think should be on this list, let me know in the comments below. 
A photo posted by @istanbul (@istanbul) on

I feel like a seasoned traveller through Africa now. I’ve lived in or visited five countries and I’m used to the peculiarities that Africa has to offer. But in my first visit to Kinshasa, I think it is the most unique from everywhere else I’ve been.

A Congolese meal of fish, vegetables, plantain...and peri-peri

1. Locals eat everything with mayonnaise
From supermarket delis to the fanciest of restaurants in Kinshasa, you are served with mayonnaise, tomato sauce and peri-peri as accompaniments to your meals. It’s not that the meal is dry, because the local Congolese food is quite moist and saucy – but it’s still quite common to mix in some mayonnaise. The peri peri sauce that you find everywhere is deliciously potent. A little goes a long way and it jazzes up a rather bland cuisine.


Bread for the table...served with mayo

2. Taking photos is illegal
I think it’s pretty normal to want to capture your travels especially when our camera phones are now in our pockets. But did you know that snapping up photos on the streets is illegal? Try it and you might find a cop stopping you and even threatening to take away your phone. People say the president feels there are spies around…

I took this pic safely on the upper floors of a building

3. Changers
Walking through the streets, it is not uncommon to spot someone waving around a wad of cash. These “changers” are there to exchange US dollars (or other major currencies) for Congolese francs. It seems pretty safe to exchange your money right there on the street corner and even though it’s illegal, it is so commonplace and so convenient.

4. Soldiers
Although Kinshasa seems pretty safe, the DRC is still a country at war. This is evidenced by the soldiers on the streets with big guns. Perhaps, it makes the streets safe but I’m still wary about someone with a gun near me. I mean, what if that guy happens to have some anger management issues?

5. Two closest capital cities in the world
Brazzaville and Kinshasa are separated by the massive Congo river. They are so close that when Brazzaville was at war, bombs could be heard going off and sometimes even fell in Kinshasa! And since the river is actually the country’s border, the river is heavily guarded by soldiers with bunkers and army tents.

The overcast view from my room. That's Brazzaville across the river!

6. Robots
One of the unique things about South Africa is that we call all traffic lights robots. The rest of the world looks at us crazy when we say, “turn right at the robot.” Well, Kinshasa actually has real robots at some of their intersections. Like robots that look like robots. They were designed by a local girl in university trying to find a way to alleviate the horrid traffic caused by a lack of decent infrastructure. How’s that for making a difference with your university project!


The robots’ chest and arms light up red and green to direct the traffic and even turns around. For the lucky ones who are used to driving through traffic lights, this doesn’t seem like such a big deal but in Kinshasa where there aren’t many traffic lights and you have to slow down at every intersection to see if it’s safe to go; this saves a huge amount of time. 

7. Eating goat at Bandal
If you want to really experience the local Congolese life, you have to try their famous street food. It is pieces of goat that is cooked over a fire and it is a meal that every local in Kinshasa is crazy about. It is cooked with onions and chillies and is delicious. You find it by walking down the roads in Bandal - you will see a stall with a grill and tables and chairs. Place your order, pull up a chair, order a beer and you might even get the royal treatment if you’re a foreigner. I must warn you, though, that it’s not for the squeamish. The stall that I went to had the carcass of a little baby goat lying on the street with a gazillion flies around. But if you can look past that, you’ll be eating the most delicious local meal Kinshasa has to offer.

Delicious!

 If you’ve been to Kinshasa and I’ve missed something that’s uniquely Congolese, I’d love to know.