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San Francisco
  • November 4, 2016
  • 2978
  • 8
  • 17

Brave the Stairs Up Telegraph Hill For Stunning Views of the City!

Langkawi
  • December 27, 2016
  • 3820
  • 13
  • 17

Our Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge Experience

Guangzhou
  • July 3, 2017
  • 10284
  • 4
  • 10

Huaisheng Mosque: One of the Oldest Masjid in China

Beijing
  • November 25, 2017
  • 7963
  • 12
  • 10

The Great Wall of China: An Iconic Travel Experience

Chicago

California Zephyr: The Dining Car Experience, Meals and Customer Service

  • May 25, 2016
  • 8390
  • 11
  • 4
Kuala Lumpur

Why Staying in an Airbnb Apartment in Kuala Lumpur is a Good Idea

  • March 5, 2017
  • 3066
  • 6
  • 12
Chicago

Tips for Getting Better Pictures From a Train

  • July 15, 2016
  • 7300
  • 7
  • 4
Dubai

Online Boutique for Premium Scarves

  • October 22, 2017
  • 7066
  • 5
  • 9
Reviews
Hajj & Umrah
Recipes
Travelling in train in india is safe during the pandemic
Hyderabad

Is Traveling In India Safe During the Pandemic?

It feels surreal. My first trip during Covid is the first time I leave the city since the lockdown was first announced almost one-and-a-half years…

  • February 8, 2022
  • 176
  • 4
  • 1
my covid-19 experience
#Life

My COVID-19 Experience: A Story of Recovery and Death

It all started with a mild sore throat and back pain. Masood and I have been careful ever since the pandemic was announced last year.…

  • June 4, 2021
  • 1014
  • 14
  • 4
Reviews

10 Tips to Help You Travel During Corona Outbreak

The world wakes up to the news that the new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, is declared pandemic by WHO. So what does it mean to…

  • March 13, 2020
  • 2744
  • 2
  • 5
Adoni

The Jinn That Lived Near Maasaheba Masjid

He looked and couldn’t stop staring. It was the most unusual thing to witness. He might have dismissed it as a figment of his imagination,…

  • November 4, 2019
  • 2758
  • 6
  • 4
Adoni

Shahi Jamia Masjid

A woman clad in a colourful sari sits on the roadside. Spread in front her are carefully arranged bunches of freshly-harvested coriander, mint, and fenugreek…

  • October 28, 2019
  • 2989
  • 5
  • 4
London

How to Spend the Day at Warwick Castle

I am assuming the reason for the conflicting reviews online for Warwick Castle is that it has been commercialized into some sort of a theme…

  • January 12, 2019
  • 5192
  • 1
  • 4
London

The House Where Shakespeare was Born

During the warm summer months in Karachi many years ago, my cousins and I would spend the afternoon reading. To be honest, the responsibility of…

  • November 18, 2018
  • 3921
  • 0
  • 3
London

On a Clear Day from the Top of the London Eye, You Can See Forever.

It is the fourth-largest Ferris wheel in the world at 443 feet high. On a bright, clear day from the top of the London Eye,…

  • August 5, 2018
  • 5449
  • 5
  • 3
London

Summer In London

It’s another sunny and hot afternoon. The windows are wide open, the fans are on most part of the day, and we are eating homemade…

  • July 23, 2018
  • 4548
  • 8
  • 4
Bangalore

What to Expect When Visiting Bangalore’s Famous Lal Bagh

The Mughal-inspired botanical garden is located in the midst of a bustling city. Thousands of local and foreign tourists visit Lal Bagh each year. But is…

  • May 21, 2018
  • 5634
  • 4
  • 4
Bangalore

Why You Should Visit the Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan, One of the Most Powerful Rulers of India

Tipu Sultan was the most feared Indian of his time in Britain. When he died there were jubilant celebrations in Britain, with authors, playwrights and painters creating…

  • April 21, 2018
  • 5593
  • 1
  • 5
Bangalore

Recommended Halal Restaurants in Koramangala

Luxury apartments, posh bungalows, Instagram-worthy restaurants, and commercial structures line the wide, tree-lined boulevards of Koramangala. This is one of the largest neighborhoods in Bangalore. I…

  • April 17, 2018
  • 5962
  • 2
  • 5
Surat

This Post Isn’t a Tribute to the Rickshaw

If you look closely, you’ll see a self-portrait in the picture above. Masood and I were in Surat, Gujarat, and we took the auto-rickshaw because…

  • March 7, 2018
  • 3978
  • 3
  • 5
Guangzhou

Halal Restaurants We’ve Tried in Guangzhou

Chinese food outside mainland China is usually modified to suit the palate of the people where it is served. In Pakistan and India, for example,…

  • December 7, 2017
  • 11712
  • 10
  • 7
Beijing

The Great Wall of China: An Iconic Travel Experience

“They surely have the air-conditioning on high around here,” I told Masood as we stood outside the arrivals gate at Beijing airport waiting for a…

  • November 25, 2017
  • 7963
  • 12
  • 10
Dubai

Asateer Scarves: An Online Boutique for Premium Scarves

“Don’t start a company unless it’s an obsession and something you love. If you have an exit strategy, it’s not an obsession.” –Mark Cuban, serial entrepreneur and…

  • October 22, 2017
  • 7066
  • 5
  • 9
Newport

The 124-Year-Old Summer Cottage that Took Our Breath Away

About 119 kilometres from downtown Boston stands a palatial summer cottage. When Masood and I were in US last spring, our colleague and good friend,…

  • July 31, 2017
  • 7479
  • 6
  • 9
Guangzhou

Huaisheng Mosque: One of the Oldest Masjid in China

It’s been drizzling on and off since morning. The clouds are thick and the sky overcast, the spring breeze cool. The taxi takes us to Guangta…

  • July 3, 2017
  • 10284
  • 4
  • 10
Guangzhou

A First Timer’s Guide to the Canton Fair

One of the world’s biggest import and export trade fair is held bi-annually in Guangzhou, China. It was my first time at the Canton Fair,…

  • June 4, 2017
  • 9611
  • 2
  • 11
Hong Kong

A 9-Hour Stopover in Hong Kong

Flying Cathay Pacific means stopping in Hong Kong, and we picked one that gave a 9-hour stopover. Time constraint did not allow us the chance to…

  • May 13, 2017
  • 2553
  • 5
  • 12
Dubai

Carnival by Tresind, Dubai

How often do you get welcomed in a restaurant by getting bubbles blown at you? Having had a good impression with Trèsind, I looked forward to…

  • April 15, 2017
  • 7644
  • 1
  • 9
Kuala Lumpur

Jalan Bellamy: Where the Locals Make Excellent Ikan Bakar

“Go to Jalan Bellamy and don’t forget to try the ikan bakar!” the taxi driver cheerfully suggested. He seemed pretty excited about suggesting the place, therefore…

  • March 19, 2017
  • 4273
  • 9
  • 14
Cebu

Cebu and Oslob: A Short Trip Filled With Memorable Moments

We’ve been planning to visit the Philippines for years, however, little did we know that it’s my father who will be the reason for us…

  • March 14, 2017
  • 2220
  • 10
  • 14
Airbnb Apartment in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur

Why Staying in an Airbnb Apartment in Kuala Lumpur is a Good Idea

Tourists in Kuala Lumpur would find it best to stay in the city center where famous landmarks, malls, restaurants, and hotels are nearby. The traffic…

  • March 5, 2017
  • 3066
  • 6
  • 12
#Life

On to a Lifetime Filled With Fond Memories of My Father

I wake up to the phone ringing at 3:20 am. The screen shows Abbu’s name. Just as I was about to swipe on the screen,…

  • February 28, 2017
  • 2541
  • 12
  • 15
Dubai

Bollywood Park: The First Theme Park in the World Dedicated to All Things Bollywood

Several leisure and theme parks opened in Dubai late last year, one of which is Bollywood Park. It is the smallest property within Dubai Parks and Resorts, a…

  • February 11, 2017
  • 2511
  • 14
  • 16
Ipoh

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

It was a choice between an upscale hotel in the middle of the city with a very famous infinity pool on the 57th level that one shares…

  • February 9, 2017
  • 9670
  • 6
  • 18
Langkawi

D’Grill Seafood Restaurant: Beachside Dining

The ambiance in Malaysia’s Langkawi island is laid-back, lazy, relaxed, humid, and friendly. Afternoons are mostly quiet, with people either napping, reading, or relaxing by…

  • January 2, 2017
  • 2088
  • 5
  • 16
Langkawi

Aseana Resort & Spa

Langkawi—an archipelago made up of 99 islands on Malaysia’s west coast—is surrounded by turquoise sea, while the interior of the main island is a mixture…

  • December 29, 2016
  • 6155
  • 2
  • 17
Langkawi

Tips from Our Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge Experience

“I think we’re going the wrong way.” The midday sun shines brightly on a nice and warm day. There are a few scattered clouds but,…

  • December 27, 2016
  • 3820
  • 13
  • 17
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • ...
  • 12

About

Tips, advice and inspirations to help you plan your next adventure.

Places

nadiamasood

Visual storytelling from India and beyond.
Moved to Hyderabad in 2020.
#ExpatInIndia

Nadia Masood
I’m excited to try out this organic, gluten-free I’m excited to try out this organic, gluten-free Ragi (finger millet) cookie mix by @wildberryorganics.

The jar comes with a cute pamphlet with easy-to-follow baking instructions. Plus, I love the handwritten note on the box!

It is quite unfortunate, however, to discover that I’ve run out of butter. So the baking will have to wait.

Have you ever tried ragi or finger millet? Did you know that Finger millet originated in East Africa (Ethiopian and Ugandan highlands) and came to India around the late Bronze Age?
This is a super easy way to make delicious kimchi This is a super easy way to make delicious kimchi bokkeum bap!

My current obsession is kimchi, and I just love adding it to fried nice and noodles.

For those who haven’t tried yet, kimchi is made of fermented vegetables (napa cabbage, radish, scallion, and cucumber are used) and it’s a staple in the Korean diet. It tastes spicy and sour and has a slight pungent smell.

Chopped kimchi adds a little crunch and a lot of flavour to the rice, and kimchi juice finishes off the dish for a jolt of tangy-spicy goodness!

You can add meat, fish or vegetables, like carrots. But I prefer to keep it simple.

Also, I’ve used @bazzinga_brew kimchi which already has carrots, radish and Napa cabbage so I don’t need to add additional vegetables.

For those in Hyderabad, @bazzinga_brew kimchi is honestly the best.
An old structure within Deccan Park, Hyderabad. Th An old structure within Deccan Park, Hyderabad. This park has been embroiled in controversies and legal battles for almost 15 years.

There were court cases related to the land’s ownership, there was also dispute over what the park should be named, then some argued it was too close to the historically-significant 400+ year old Qutb Shahi Tombs.

Finally in July 2017, Deccan Park was inaugurated and officially open to public. My favourite spot is the top of the hill, where you can see a section of the city in the distance, the domes of Qutb Shahi tombs, and even the Golconda Fort (used to be a trade centre of large diamonds).
What’s your go-to photo editing app for Instagra What’s your go-to photo editing app for Instagram?

Mine is Snapseed. I use it for almost all my photos. I rarely post unedited photos (because I like my feed to look pretty). For this particular image (taken using my phone camera), I first edited the colours on Snapseed so they appear more saturated.

And then I used Pixaloop to make the clouds move. So cool, right? This app has been sitting in my phone since forever, and I now wonder why I’ve never used it!

I’d love to know what you use to edit your photos!
Finger-licking good peri-peri fries. It may look Finger-licking good peri-peri fries.

It may look small in the picture, but this bowl of fries is good enough for two. These were served hot and crispy with a small container of mayo dip.

📍@feranoz_hyd
These bottles of carbonated drink were bought main These bottles of carbonated drink were bought mainly because I wanted to try the goli soda experience myself.

Not sure why I’d never seen these growing up...are they not available in Karachi? Anyway, so I’ve first heard about these drinks from Masood. Apparently, it’s pretty common here.

First of all, it’s the brilliant design of the bottle. It’s called the ‘Codd Neck Bottle’ and was invented by an Englishman named Hiram Codd in 1872.

The design of the bottle uses the effervescent pressure of the soda to force the marble against a rubber stopper in the neck of the bottle.

The pinched-neck design solves the problem of the marble getting in the way of drinking and pouring, so it never stops the drink when you pour it!

All you have to do is push the marble down with your finger or thumb. I’ve later learned that one can re-real the bottle by first shaking it vigorously and then turning it upside-down to force the marble back to its original position. I’ll have to buy some more to try this!

@thesparksoda has a few other flavours, like zeera, lemon and guava.

Have you tried these?
If you could have any breakfast tomorrow, what wou If you could have any breakfast tomorrow, what would you eat?

This is salmon and egg Benedict with capers, raspberries, slices of oranges, chives - everything coming together to make such a delicious breakfast.

I had this in San Francisco, at a restaurant that I woke up super early for (since it gets crowded real quick). I miss this every time I see this picture.

What is your dream breakfast?
Ragi cookies made with @wildberryorganics organic Ragi cookies made with @wildberryorganics organic cookie mix.

I ordered the cookie mix a few days ago, and have gotten around to baking them today.

The cookie mix comes in a glass jar, and the packaging is plastic-free. There’s a little pamphlet inside with easy-to-follow instructions.

All I needed was a bowl, 2 measuring spoons, a baking tray, and a cooling rack. How convenient is that!

The cookie mix is made up of ragi (or finger millet), cocoa, coconut, almond, and sugar. To make it vegan, chia seeds is used as a substitute for egg.

They taste really good, like chocolate cookies with a hint of coconut and almonds. I don’t think I can taste the ragi. They have a light crunch and are perfectly chewy.

This is, undoubtedly, the easiest cookies I’ve ever baked! Even if it’s your first time baking, you can’t go wrong with this.
How’s the pandemic situation like where you live How’s the pandemic situation like where you live?

While Hyderabad has been open for business and regular life (except schools and parks) since the beginning of June, it’s not entirely good news for us.

COVID-19 cases are on the rise and most people aren’t following safety measures, like wearing masks properly, physical-distancing, etc.

However, several markets have voluntarily closed in the city due to the rising cases. The Hyderabad Kirana Merchants Association decided to close the Begum Bazaar, the largest in the city, from June 28 till July 5.

I also read that a medical team sent by the central government has arrived in the city today, to access the situation here.

So yeah, we’re still far from normal. But things will get better Inshaa’Allah.
You no longer need to buy jams because it’s so e You no longer need to buy jams because it’s so easy to make them at home!

The mango season has come to an end, and I want to make something that would last a couple of months - mango jam.

You only really need 3 ingredients! It’s super easy to make but tastes so much better than store-bought ones.

It’s like having sunshine and happy memories sealed in a jar.

Swipe left for the recipe and some tips to help you make the perfect mango jam.
Heidi Klum, a German supermodel, attributes her su Heidi Klum, a German supermodel, attributes her success to sauerkraut soup. She says it helps her stay slim and trim.

Sauerkraut (SOW-uhr-krowt) is made up of the German words sauer (sour) and kraut (cabbage).

It appears that fermented cabbage actually began back in the days of the building of the Great Wall of China, when the wall builders lived on cabbage and rice. In winter, rice wine was added to preserve the vegetable.

Genghis Khan carried this “sauerkraut” (as it is now called) to the eastern edge of Europe.

This particular sauerkraut is from our favourite local brand @bazzinga_brew.

Apart from being delicious, this sauerkraut is packed with vitamins and minerals!

Swipe left for a list of some of sauerkraut’s health benefits as well as some tips on how you can enjoy eating it!

How do you like to eat sauerkraut?
This is the unfinished tomb of Mirza Nizamuddin Ah This is the unfinished tomb of Mirza Nizamuddin Ahmed, who died in 1674.

This structure stands just outside the second gate, the area that’s now a parking lot.

It stands there in it’s sad, mournful, unfinished state for 400 years now.

Mirza Nizamuddin was the second son-in-law and successor of Sultan Abdullah. The eldest son-in-law was a Mughal prince, who was probably busy with ruling his own kingdom and, therefore, didn’t need the Golconda dynasty?

I couldn’t find much information, but apparently due to the political or social situation back then, Mirza Nizamuddin couldn’t succeed to the throne after his father-in-law (the 7th ruler of the kingdom of Golconda).

After the Sultan Abdullah died, it was his youngest son-in-law who sat on the throne.

Don’t you think this was just sad?
Satisfy your sweet tooth & impress your family & f Satisfy your sweet tooth & impress your family & friends with this dessert!

I took inspiration from the traditional doodh peda (milk fudge) and added fresh mango purée and saffron for added flavour and taste.

You guys, these taste so good! Obviously, it’s rich and sweet, and that’s how most South Asian desserts are supposed to be.

It took me less than 30 minutes to make these.

Don’t forget to share or save this recipe!
Mango-banana milkshake with saffron. Yet another d Mango-banana milkshake with saffron. Yet another delicious shake by @masoodxb.

I can totally get used to this!

What are you having for Iftar tonight?
To be unveiled in it’s full glory in 2023. This To be unveiled in it’s full glory in 2023.

This archeological park includes 40 mausoleums, 23 mosques, 5 water structures, a hamam, pavilions, garden structures - all built during the reign of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty. They surely had everything planned back then!

They ruled Hyderabad for 170 years in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The restoration work that started 7 years ago had the conservation team map out every inch of this historical site.

This, along with the Golconda Fort next door, are under UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Site. I hope that happens!
Is there a dessert that you didn’t care for as a Is there a dessert that you didn’t care for as a kid but end up liking as an adult?

That’s Zarda for me. As a child, I couldn’t understand why rice must be sweet. But now I appreciate and enjoy it.

The name Zarda comes from Persian word 'zard' meaning 'yellow'. It is greatly influenced by the cuisine prepared in the royal kitchens of the Mughals.

From the North Indian cities & small towns to Deccan Hyderabad, and the neighboring Pakistan, Zarda is a popular dessert served during festivals & occasions such as marriage & birth ceremonies.

Swipe left for the recipe and tips to make this traditional dessert.
What is the traditional method of preserving meat What is the traditional method of preserving meat in your family?

One of the ways in Hyderabad, my in-laws included, is to make pickles. Red meat is used, either beef or mutton.

The story behind gosht ka achar is said to date back years ago, when Hajj pilgrims used to travel by ship and it would take them months to reach Makkah. Therefore it only made sense for them to carry food that lasted a long time.

Salt and oil both act as preservatives and are essential ingredients to keep the pickles fresh for about a month in the fridge.

Gosht ka achar tastes so good. Salty, tangy and spicy. The perfect side-dish for rice and dal!

Special thanks to the lovely @sumaiya_2110’s mom for this gosht ka achar.

NOTE: Only garlic paste was used.

...............................

For more meat recipes, check out what these talented ladies have made this Eid:

@apprentice.chef_93
@eramkitchenette
@chroniclesoffriends
This is a classic, easy, and healthy Mediterranean This is a classic, easy, and healthy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern hors d'oeuvre.

Mutabbal is a smoky, lemony eggplant dip that’s a mezze-table favorite all over the Levant and beyond.

So many call this Baba Ganoush. I did some research and discovered that while both have roasted eggplant as their base, Baba Ganoush does not have tahini. It contains chopped tomatoes and pomegranate molasses.

Mutabbal has tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin powder, red chili flakes, and even yoghurt. Extra virgin olive oil is a must.

I didn’t have parsley at home so I used cilantro instead. Plus, I didn’t want to deal with yeast to make pita so I made roti instead.

This is a delicious, healthy dip that I highly recommend. After all, there’s more to life than hummus.

Also feel free to adjust the ingredients! I may have added more lemon juice and cumin powder.

What’s your favorite dip?
Few things we added to the regular vanilla fruit c Few things we added to the regular vanilla fruit custard: fresh mango purée, thin slices of almonds, and little cubes of ruby-red raspberry jelly. Served chilled, of course.

What makes your fruit custard special?
Thai Milk Bubble Tea by @bubblerecap The chewy, Thai Milk Bubble Tea by @bubblerecap 

The chewy, addictive texture of the tapioca balls and the sweet, creaminess of the milky tea. My bubble tea cravings thoroughly satisfied! 

Did you know that bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s at a small tea stand?

What’s your favourite bubble tea flavour?
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