Travel

Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai’s fabulous Street Food Market – Ramadan Special

May 24, 2020 by manjirichitnis Leave a Comment

Streets in Mumbai are empty and Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai’s usually busy Ramadan festive street food market is shut during the lock down

Ramadan (Ramzan) this year was a very different experience for the millions worldwide observing the almost month-long fast and so will Eid. And for all the fans of the festive street food of Mohammed Ali Road, this year has been a major disappointment. For the first time in the history of its existence this bustling street lies silent and bare during Ramadan.

Mumbai’s Mohammed Ali Road, with its burgeoning street food market that is at its best during the holy month of Ramadan, is well-known for its brilliant food and desserts. Myriad food stalls serving hundreds of mouth-watering meat dishes, biryanis and a mind-boggling variety of desserts operate out of this small street every year.

Tempting desserts on display at the Street Food market at Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai during Ramadan — Desserts at a street food stall – Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai during Ramadan

This market which originated decades ago with just a handful of stalls dotting the periphery of Minara Masjid is now a popular tourist attraction. During Ramadan, it attracts a huge crowd, all eager to feast on the delicacies. Irrespective of religion, caste, or creed, this massive vibrant market embraces everyone with its offerings. Though I do not belong to the Muslim community, I have been a regular visitor at this market for the past many years and have always celebrated Eid with some of my close friends. My college buddy M and his pal A, never miss a chance to eat the special festive food during Ramadan at Mohammad Ali Road and it was with them that I went on a very enjoyable guided tour of sorts, a few years ago. The experience had me become a tourist in my own city, camera phone in hand, takes notes, reliving old memories.

Vibrant, colourful and bustling - Street Food market at Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai during Ramadan

Scores of people from neighbouring cities and eager tourists throng this street, queuing up to enjoy the food. For some tourists this is also a time for doing some celeb-spotting as many of Mumbai’s famous Bollywood stars are a huge fan of the food too.

The famous Bade Miya also has a pop-up stall at Mohammed Ali Road during Ramadan.

Khansamas specially travel from places across India, especially Lucknow and Madhya Pradesh to Mumbai – Muhammad Ali Road for this month to create their magical dishes for the hungry crowds.

Malpua and huge kadhai's for frying set up specially for the Ramadan Street Food market at Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai — Malpua – a dessert – at a street food stall – Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai during Ramadan

MUST-HAVE IFTAAR DISHES AT MOHAMMED ALI ROAD, MUMBAI

Biryani, Tandoori meat and tandoor naans, kebabs, soft rumali rotis, shawarmas, mutton and chicken curries are just some of the tempting delicacies that are on offer to satisfy any and every craving. Slow-cooked nalli nihari with a soft roomali roti is an unbeatable combination. For many of friends, Haleem is the ultimate comfort-food meets meaty delight dish and what better way to enjoy this than at the end of a long day of fasting?

Massive Biryani Handi at a street food stall – Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai during Ramadan

And though it might seem surprising to some, there are some fantastic offal dishes on offer. I for one would highly recommend Zaban soup, Zaban fry, kaleji tawa fry, and the piece de resistance – Bheja Fry. Other melt-in-your-mouth offal dishes include the ‘mutton Khiri kebab’ and the ‘mutton kaleji. The sooty aroma of meat skewered on hot charcoal and Rotis slapped onto massive tandoors lingers heavy in the air, tempting your senses to keep indulging.

Delicious fiery Zaban Soup – Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai during Ramadan

When I moved to the U.K, I was quite surprised by how unpopular offal was amongst the common people. Over the years, though I have seen it rise in popularity, especially as celebrity chefs flaunt their fancy creations on television cookery shows and social media. When I started writing my food and travel blog back in 2012 (I began blogging in 2006 with a lifestyle blog) I had no idea I would be embarking on such an exciting journey. Through the course of my blogging and then freelance content creating, I embarked on a journey as a freelance Marketing, PR and social media professional. I have been blessed with some amazing friendships that have truly blossomed over the years. I have cooked along side Michellin star chefs. Celebrity chefs, in five-star kitchens and been on the set of the Saturday Kitchen Live. I have sampled some brilliant food and been to some fabulous cookery demonstrations. Even while travelling I have been invited to sample great food and wine, enjoyed some beautifully curated food walks in exotic locales and met some deeply knowledgeable and talented chefs and travel writers. But I digress so now back to reminiscing about Mohammed Ali Road and the fabulous food enjoyed during Ramadan.

Bheja Fry – Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai during Ramadan

There are some incredibly special delicacies that are only sold during this period which you will not see on restaurant or street food stall menus otherwise. Breaking the evening fast by eating the food here is a great way to enjoy iftar.

Dessert choices include the famous malpua – deep fried golden goodness to devour after a meat fiesta. But one must not miss out on the dark and delightful Burhanpur ki mawa jalebi. This dark jalebi like dessert is made from deep fried khoya and then dunked into sugar syrup.

If you are after something milder than pick from one of the many tempting flavours of phirni set in small earthen pots, topped with dry fruits. The iconic Suleman Usman Mithaiwala is just below the Minara Masjid and is a hugely popular sweet shop, frequented by people all year around. Personally, I always start the dessert feasting with the sandal, the appearance of steamed idli, and the taste of a milky coconut sweet and then head onto a thick coconut cream milkshake loaded with a thick layer of dry fruits.

As a young adult, growing up in Mumbai, I was always surrounded by friends and family who are equally passionate about food. During any Indian festival, waves of nostalgia transport me back to Mumbai, when many an evening was spent listening to them share memories and experiences about the rich traditions surrounding food.

Friends regaled us with takes about the grand celebrations during Eid and the holy month of Ramadan. Such epic tales of food and celebrations, from their families, of generations past are inter-woven into the tapestry of my soul for life.

I am writing this today after browsing through old photo albums on my laptop dating back several years. This has brought back so many memories, of enjoying the most brilliant food at my friends for epic Iftar parties, of foodie gifts shared neighbours and friends with us over the years and of my many trips to Mohammed Ali Road to relish amazing food during Ramadan.

The flavours and aromas wafting through the area is something that I can never forget. I just close my eyes and pretend am back there with my friends, feasting and just being a part of this beautiful tradition.

To all my Muslim friends, and everyone celebrating, I wish you a safe and happy Eid. It cannot be the same this year due to the pandemic that has brought the world to its knees. But this does not dampen spirit of celebration and the auspicious traditions of Eid.

Our entire Human race together shall get through this.We will emerge on the other side of this lockdown.

We will again someday soon greet each other with warm hugs.

We shall share our favourite food cooked with love and joy.

Together – we will defeat this invisible enemy.

Eid Mubarak to one and all.

Markets, Bazaars, Khau-Gallis, street-food – Vibrant and bustling and full of colour and local flavours. I have always been fascinated by them and make sure that whenever I travel back to India, I go and re-fresh my memories. I also make it a point to visit local markets whenever I travel.

Take a virtual tour of some of my favourite markets:

Dive into the virtual world and visit Italy with this beautiful video on their official tourism page

An Insider’s guide to London Bridge

February 28, 2020 by manjirichitnis 19 Comments

Discover the area around London Bridge

London Bridge is a bustling area is packed with so many attractions – Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Borough Market, The Shard, HMS Belfast, Southwark Cathedral and a plethora of amazing pubs, restaurants, farmers markets, street food vendors, theatres … the list goes on. If that has piqued your interest and you are curious to explore this area and tap into the some of the lesser-known gems then, read on!

About two years ago, DH surprised me with tickets to the viewing gallery at The Shard. I can never forget the breathtaking views from the dizzying heights of the viewing gallery and the feeling of falling in love with London all over again. Though I have explored most of the popular attractions around London Bridge and the Shard, in particular, I have always wanted to delve deeper into the offerings of this bustling city within a city. So when an opportunity to spend a day wandering around, drinking in familiar sights and sounds presented itself I found myself feeling as excited as a first-time visitor to London Bridge. For my fellow Londoners and anyone visiting from surrounding cities, it is a fairly straightforward journey into London Bridge station. In fact, the recently refurbished station is so well planned it is important to spend some time admiring how the existing parts of the station have been merged to create one big, airy, spacious fabulously modern station complex. London Bridge station has connections to overground lines and tubes. To tourists travelling into London, this part of the London Bridge area is a good choice to book your stay. An easy way to book is to look for hotels near the Shard, there is something to suit everyone’s needs. It is one of the most well-connected areas of Central London in terms of transport links and the neighbourhood has lots to offer everyone from young families to couples and even solo travellers.

I have put together a rough guide which is a mix of the most popular tourist attractions, some lesser-known spots and my pick of the best places to eat and drink at while near London Bridge.

Must-see attractions

Tower Bridge

Why did I wait so many years to experience this amazing marvel of engineering? No sensible answer to this question but it was the highlight of my day! I can never forget the feeling of gingerly stepping on the glass walkway and looking down into the deep waters of the Thames from such crazy height. One of London’s favourite icons, this bridge was celebrated its 125th last year.

It was only when we saw some toddlers and teenagers walking on the glass walkway and clicking selfies that we dared step on it 😉 It also makes one realise who fearless little ones really are, how their minds just absorb everything new around them and they embrace it so quickly and without hesitation… food for thought..

Don’t forget to also check out the stunning engine rooms and walk around and read about the very first team of people that worked around the clock to keep this busy moving machinery working at its best.

Tower of London

Whether you want to go admire the crown jewels or dive into a 1000-year-old rich historical background, this World Heritage site is a must-see. Don’t forget to pose and grin near the Beefeaters – uh-uh not the gin, these uniformed guards have been guarding the Tower since Tudor times.

Borough Market

This burgeoning market has been a part of the rich tapestry of Southwark for the past 1000 years. Home to thousands of vendors selling everything from fresh organic produce, artisan cheese, preserves, fresh seafood, exotic meat to many stalls selling exotic world cuisine. It truly is London’s largest, most popular and amazing food market.

Read my post about why you simply have to visit the historic Borough Market a fabulous foodie destination

Southwark Cathedral

This architectural beauty has some of the most beautiful stained glass windows dating back to the 19th century. The building also has been witness to its only Royal wedding dating to 1423.

Winchester Castle Ruins

Not to be missed the ruins of this once grand castle are to be found right behind Borough market. In its glory days during medieval times, it was one of the largest and most important buildings.

Admire the stunning rose window and marvel at the architecture of an era gone bye. Entry is free but restricted. There is a beautiful medieval style garden in the remains of the Great Hall.

Hop aboard The Golden Hinde

Perfect little ship to explore with little explorers, this was the first-ever English ship to sail across the world. For tour and other available experiences head here

Theatres and Galleries

Shakespeare’s Globe: If Music is the food of love….. An absolute must-see is the iconic Globe theatre. Dating back to 1599 this wonderful building is a cultural hub celebrating the life and works of Shakespeare.

Bridge Theatre: Home to a huge 900 capacity auditorium, this modern building caters to contemporary audiences.

London Bridge area is home to many amazing galleries showcasing amazing artists and works of art. Some of them are London Glassblowing, Science Gallery, Bermondsey Project Space and the White Cube Gallery.

St. Katherine’s Dock

St.Katherine’s Docks is a secret little gem. It is also Central London’s only marina and is tucked away right next to Tower Bridge. The picturesque docks form the perfect background for a plethora of cafes and newer office buildings.

Home to a vibrant community this landmark exudes an old-world charm which adds to the tranquil vibe of the marina. The Dickens Inn is a charming 18th-century warehouse which now houses the famous pub, restaurant and inn and is a sight to behold especially in the spring and summer months when the flowers dotting its facade are in full bloom.

HMS Belfast

Witness to D-Day, it is said that HMS Belfast fired one of the first shots of D-Day itself. This now decommissioned battleship is the last remaining vessel of her type – one of the largest and most powerful light cruisers ever built. At the peak of her glory, she was equipped with the most advanced radar systems of the time. Highly recommended for a very engaging visit for young children and parents this national museum and one of London’s favourite Landmark celebrated her 80th anniversary in 2018.

Sky garden

London’s highest public garden, this building offers panoramic views of London city. The best part is one can enjoy these views for free. Mind you the free tour tickets get booked up pretty quickly. Keep an eye out on their website and very actively updated social media for booking details and timings. They also have two all-day drinking and dining spaces called the Sky Pod Bar and City Garden Bar.

London Bridge – a riverside destination where Historical Landmarks like Tower Bridge sit next to the tallest building in the country. Home to one of London’s best and biggest food market, this neighbourhood has some of the coolest bars, restaurants, theatres and even a quiet marina.

Where to Eat and Drink around London Bridge

Breakfast at Borough Market

With a mind-boggling variety of fresh fruit juice vendors, artisan coffee and all manner of baked goodies available here, it is the best place to head for a delicious breakfast. The market opens at 10 am so get there early. After getting some breakfast I would suggest going to the Southwark Cathedral, followed by wandering past the ruins of the Winchester castle and admiring the Golden Hinde.

Then make your way to the Tower Bridge for their self-guided tour, tickets can be booked online for slightly cheaper than at the venue. Hopefully, you will have worked up an appetite by this time so head to one of the many fabulous restaurants.

Vivaat Bacchus: I booked us a table at this beautiful restaurant because they are known for their range of wines. They are South African by origin and the menu heavily features rare breed meats. They also have a beautiful cheese room stocked with a wide variety of cheese.

I picked a steamed sea bream for my main paired with a Merlot from their Lunch deal meal deal, available at their London bridge branch. Priced at £12.95 it was very delicious, light yet filling option. My husband chose the open steak sandwich. This whopper of a sandwich is made up of 125gm of Surrey Hills aged sirloin steak served on sourdough bread with triple cooked chips and lots of juicy caramelised onion.

Work off the lunch by strolling across Hays Galleria, admire the tall ceiling of this covered market, enjoy riverside views of tall glass building including the walkie-talkie building – home of the Sky Garden. Then you can pick from a tour of the HMS Belfast or the Tower of London.

Take a break after admiring the crown jewels by relaxing with a pint or two at the beautiful Dickens Inn at St. Katherine’s Docks.

After enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the marina, head to Sky Garden. Watch the sunset while you enjoy a cocktail at the Sky Pod Bar.

Work off the fatigue by getting some caffeine at the Rabot 1745 overlooking the Borough Market which will have shut by then but the surrounding bars and restaurants will be coming to life.

Enjoy a walk by the riverside or take your pick from the many shows at the local theatres. We decided to walk by the river and then headed to Waterloo which is a short tube ride away. Taxis are easily available too. We walked along the Waterloo Bridge, one of our favourite things to do and take in the beautiful views of the London Eye and Southbank on one side and the stunning St.Pauls Cathedral on the other bank.

Dinner was a hearty Cuban meal at a vibrant restaurant called Cubana behind Waterloo station. The brightly coloured walls are full of posters depicting the countries history, mix and match metal filigree chairs and rustic wooden tables huddle together for space. But no one complains because the martinis are flowing and they are the stars at Cubana. Mock guns and other bric-a-bac adorn the walls around us while the bar area and covered outside seating seem to be overflowing with hungry folks.

We left for home, exhausted but happy, feeling like we had just headed home from a day trip outside London.

If you want a more relaxed day out why not consider a trip to Denbies Vineyard? Read my post about my day trip here.

Also, find some great ideas for family days out find my Top 5 picks of some amazing places of outstanding natural beauty in and around London.

*Disclaimer: The spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own

Boutique Apartment Hotel – The Halycon – Bath Spa – a review

December 9, 2019 by manjirichitnis Leave a Comment

Luxurious Boutique Apartment Hotel Located in the heart of the town centre at Bath Spa, England

Visiting the Roman Baths in England is on every tourist’s wishlist, which is why picking the right kind of accommodation for your needs is important. The Halycon is a collection of sophisticated self-catered Boutique Apartment Hotel located centrally for the main tourist destination – the Roman Baths. The 1700’s Georgian townhouse has been tastefully done to very high standards. Location-wise, there is a wide selection of restaurants and eateries located in and around the apartments, leaving one absolutely spoilt for choice.

What kind of a traveller are you?

We picked this Boutique Apartment Hotel because of its central location. We were travelling with elderly family members and our main criteria were to ensure ease of getting to the main attractions, on-site kitchen to rustle up a homely meal, transport links, and of course comfortable accommodation. Not only do these Boutique apartments cover the basics they also offer so many more amenities.

Halcyon Apartments are an ideal choice for:

Perfect for a romantic getaway for couples
Families
Older travellers
Solo female travellers
Group of female travellers

Facilities at The Halycon – Boutique Apartment Hotel

Kitchen

Modern fitted kitchen with high-end appliances. Fabulous coffee-maker and the most important thing for us – a good kettle and a good choice of teabags. The kitchen was spotless. We shopped at a local supermarket and I made a quick pasta dinner for all of us the first evening. The fridge-freezer came in handy as we also picked up milk, eggs, and ice cream. Everything that would need to dine-in is available to use right from basic cutlery to kitchen knives, plates, wine glasses, etc. If you choose to and cook on-site there is a stive-top, oven, dishwasher.

Bathroom

Again, spotlessly clean, the bathroom comes equipped with high-end toiletries and soft bath towels. The laundry cupboard in the second bedroom had spare towels, an ironing board, iron, a baby high-chair, extra bedding and pillows too.

Bedrooms

Most important – Very comfortable beds.

The fabulous interior decoration theme continues upstairs into the bedrooms. The bedding, light fixtures, and wardrobes all beautifully synchronised and matched. Lush! The whole apartment is an interior decorator’s dream and so very insta-worthy!

Other amenities include Free wi-fi, a flat screen TV and comfortable and stylish seating with complete black-out blinds throughout. We found a fabulous independently run pizza place and a bar right outside our accommodation and enjoyed a great takeaway in the living area.

Overall Experience

Stunning boutique Hotel Apartment, well-equipped and extremely clean. Unbeatable location and loads of options for food and drink very close-by. Very safe and secure accommodation, ensuring peace of mind. Top tourist attractions nearby. Extremely easy to follow and clear instructions from the host for check-in and check out. The owners are very prompt to reply and can be reached easily.

The only thing that we were not too happy about during our stay which happened to coincide with some of the hottest summer days, was that the table fans and one tall fan don’t really do much in extreme heat. We did crack open the windows but the U.K dry heat and no breeze kind of weather did not help either. Why not air conditioning you might wonder, well the Halycon is housed in a period Georgian townhouse and is a listed building, that’s why. Also, considering this sort of heatwave is rare in the U.K, it is not really a deterrent.

There was some noise from morning deliveries to an establishment right in front of the apartment which faces this loading bay, so yes no view but again, this is not something that bothered us in the least.

We also had the shower malfunction in the early hours of the morning so by the time we called and asked for someone to be sent to check this out, my parents had already had their breakfast and left for seeing the Roman Baths. They wanted to reach the Roman Baths really early, which they did. This enabled them to avoid the majority of the tourist rush that starts coming in around mid-day. And considering we only stayed two nights, it was disappointing we had to deal with something like this. Although top marks for the speed at which this issue was sorted and how smoothly it was all handled.

Would we book again? Definitely.

Quick checklist and summary of why to book these gorgeous apartments:

Location – short walking distance from The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and The Circus Bath
Great variety of restaurants, cafes, shopping mall, and supermarkets
Transport links

Summary:

Location: Henry Street Bath
Website
Nearest attractions: The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and The Circus Bath
Walking distance from the Railway and Bus station
Official Bath tourist website

Looking for travel inspiration within the U.K? Have a look at my other posts:

* I planned this entire trip on my own and have paid in full everywhere I have stayed at and eaten at, also for all tourist attractions. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own.

Steigenberger Airport Hotel, Schipol, Amsterdam – a review

December 9, 2019 by manjirichitnis Leave a Comment

Choosing which area to book a Hotel Room in

Amsterdam, a destination that features in almost everyone’s bucket list. So when we finally made our way to the Netherlands, it was over the Easter holidays.

Our booking was done not completely last minute but enough to make me panic (!!!) I did want to book around Schipol though simply because the connectivity to the city centre is brilliant and most airport hotels provide complimentary hotel transportation to Schipol Airport (also the rail station) and back.

If visiting the beautiful Tulips Gardens at Keukenhof is what you have in mind then you might want to consider booking in Haarlem. Advantage of booking here would be cheaper hotel rooms with proximity to Keukenhof but with good connectivity to the city centre via trains.

Steigenberger Hotel

This massive hotel has 440 rooms and suites. Our twin room was spacious and had a beautiful desk and came equipped with all the creature comforts that one would normally expect from a good business hotel.

Each room comes equipped with:

Free wifi
A/c
Safe to store your passport and any valueables
work-desk
Flat-screen TV
Minibar

A slim- concealed wall cupboard to store essentials like the kettle, mugs and trays

Plenty of space to stow away luggage, coats and shoes

Spacious interiors and space to stow away things

I loved the two huge chairs in the room, a massive mirror by the desk and a lovely desk and T.V

The bathroom came equipped with all the basic toiletries and was very clean.

Amenities at Steigenberger

Shuttle service
Free wifi
Fitness area
Spa
Swimming pool
24-hour room service
Restaurant
Bar
Meeting Rooms

Just some basic pointers here, especially if you are planning to visit Amsterdam over Easter, half-term or any other holiday period:

Book well in advance
Always check rates on the hotel website and other booking sites
Many times airlines offer great deals on hotel and flight bookings done together, always worth checking
If you are traveling as a group, it is worth emailing the hotel directly to check out any special offers on bulk bookings

Top Tips to make the most of your time while in Amsterdam

Here are some recommendations to plan well and make the most of your visit to this beautiful and vibrant city:

* I planned this entire trip on my own and have paid in full everywhere I have stayed at and eaten at, also for all activities. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own.

Best local wine bar in Venice

November 21, 2019 by manjirichitnis 6 Comments

A love affair with Venice

Venice, one of those places I’ve been to, that I dream of going back to, over and over again. If dreams came true then, I would probably rent a nice airy flat by the canal for a few months and spend my days walking along the canals, buy fresh seafood from the fabulous bustling Rialto market and enjoy cooking in a tiny Venetian kitchen, weekend evenings would be spent bar crawling or as they are referred to in Venice – Bacaros. And of course, I would savour authentic Italian coffee every single day, freshly brewed, maybe sit by the canal, read a book while sipping on some fruity red wine… ah – the perfect life…

Exquisite handmade Venetian masks for sale in a shop window

Street performers serenading tourists who walk past a busy street to make a few euros

Experience Venice like a local

Though I haven’t yet managed to fulfill this dream, I did manage to spend a few magical days in Venice exploring the food, wine and culture.

A quaint Venetian Bacaro

Bacacros or traditional Venetian wine bars are a must-visit when in Venice. This is where the locals go to drink wine, enjoy the atmosphere and savour some delicious snacks. Rather than spending too much money at the many tourist traps its best to do your research first and plan your visit to at least one these quaint old bars.

Cantine del Vino già Schiavi

Located in the Dorsoduro district, this atmospheric bacaro is bursting with character. The crumbling structure adds to the rustic appeal and its proximity to one of the city’s last surviving gondola workshops is a bonus. Situated right in front of a canal, this bacaro is a firm favourite with the locals. It is also a wine shop and is always buzzing with activity. Seating is not availale as is the tradition in most of the traditional bacaro’s.

Cicchetti

Cicchetti in Venice what Tapas is to Spain. These delectable small plates of Venetian finger food are a perfect accompaniment to a glass of Vino. Cantine del Vino già Schiavi serves a great selection, prepared fresh every day at the venue.

The glass counter at the front of Cantine del Vino già Schiavi has shelves heaving with plate after plate full of different cicchetti. The most popular ones seemed to be the ones topped with cheese – ofcourse! Like the pumpkin puree, ricotta and parmesan, the gorgonzola cheese topped with pear and balsamic vinegar, also the gorgonzola cheese and walnut cicchetti was quite delicious.

There were several combinations of cod, tuna and anchovies with olives and cheese and other mouth-watering combinations too.

While it is customary to sample a few wines while enjoying a plate of cichetti, it is also highly recommended to round off the session with a taste of Grappa. This potent local alcoholic beverage is quite a heady drink and for those not used to it can end up experiencing quite a system shock – like I did 😉 Thankfully, I shared my grappa with DH who absolutely loved it.

Eat and Drink like a local

There is no better way to truly immerse oneself in the local culture than to experience a new city as a local would. Sampling the local food and wine is just one of the ways to get a real taste of the authentic vibe of the place.

Planning a trip to Venice? Why not browse through my review of Hotel Al Ponte Moncenigo here?

I simply can’t seem to get enough of Venice! So if you are planning a trip to Venice then stay tuned for more posts – about Cafe Florian, a day trip to Murano and Burano and loads more inspiration!

Heading to Venice? Have a look at my review post about our stay at Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo. It is centrally located and within walking distance of Rialto Market, this hotel also has beautifully luxurious rooms and they do a fabulous breakfast. Located very close to the local water taxi stop, we actually walked here after the aiprot bus dropped us into the main hub in Venice!

* I planned this entire trip on my own and have paid in full everywhere I have stayed at and eaten at. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own.

Fantastic Finland – Top 10 to-do list in Akaslompolo, Lapland

October 18, 2019 by manjirichitnis 6 Comments

Breathtaking Natural beauty

Finnish Lapland is truly a winter wonderland. Visiting this artic haven in winter had been on our bucket list for a while. We stayed in the small village of Akaslompolo in Lapland and managed to do many adventurous things – most for the first time ever in our lives – which was thrilling and beyond magical. There is something suitable for every type of traveller, right from the straight-up thrill-seekers to the quiet bookworms. There really is so much to see and do, that picking a list of Top 10 is quite tough. But here are my top recommendations.

See the Northern lights

To be perfectly honest I planned this entire trip for two solid reasons, I wanted to chase the Northern Lights, and secondly – I wanted to escape to a place that was remote, beautiful, and experience thick snow at the height of winter, in Lapland. Though unfortunately, we didn’t catch the elusive Aurora Borealis we managed to have many wonderful experiences which really fuelled our sense of adventure.

Go Snowshoeing through a National Park in the dark

Even if you are not the adventurous sort, snowshoeing through the national park is not to be missed. We had the most sublime experience as we walked in pitch darkness as part of a small group with two local Finnish guides and just the light from their headlamps guiding us through the pristine white snow. Highlights of this trek were an introduction to Sami culture, an unforgettable meal of reindeer meat cooked on-site in the wilderness in a cosy hut hidden away deep inside a heavily forested area, and our first ever snowshoeing trek. A trek to remember, so many ‘firsts’, an unforgettable experience.

Relax in a Hot Sauna

Finland is famous for its hot saunas and no trip to Finland is complete with a trip to one. Our eco-friendly hostel has a beautiful sauna which we were lucky enough to have all to ourselves. We literally were the only people in the sauna at the time and it was the most relaxing evening ever. After our snowshoeing adventure through the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, it was a well-earned treat.

Stay in Log Cabin

The charm of waking up to see snow all around your log cabin is something that needs to be experienced. We stayed in a beautiful private log cabin fully equipped with its own kitchenette and en-suite. I can never forget how amazing it was to sit by the window and sip a hot cup of tea while watching the snowfall. It was like being inside a snow globe – pure bliss! Curling by a roaring fireplace after sunset and sipping on hot chocolate with a good book for company, soft music playing in the background, is what the holidays are for 🙂

Read my detailed review post about my stay at 7 fells hostel by clicking here

Hop onto a Husky Safari

This is one thing I really wish we had done. But with so many options available this will probably have to wait for our next trip to Lapland. Imagine admiring the breathtaking beauty of Finnish Lapland as you ride a sledge through snow pulled by huskies. You can pick and choose from the many tour companies in Ylläs that offer husky safaris and even combine it with a snowmobile adventure ride.

Hop onto a Reindeer sleigh

Love Christmas? Then the Reindeer Safari is for you! Pretend you riding with Santa while Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer takes you through a magical winter wonderland on a sleigh

Dare to book a ride on a Snowmobile

We saw several groups of tourists who signed up for this activity and watched with envy as they practiced right outside the 7 fells Eco-friendly backpackers hostel. We stayed in a private log cabin at the hostel and spent some time in the lounge chatting with many of the enthusiastic folks who loved their adventure.

Get Adventurous with Winter Biking

Imagine biking through the Finnish wilderness under the night sky and stopping to gaze at the Northern Lights, if you are lucky. Feel at one with the universe as you listen to the Arctic silence – a very humbling experience. You can book a tour with a local guide who will take you into the forest or have the most unforgettable bike ride through the magical Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.

Hit the slopes at Ylläs, or Yllästunturi

Ylläs or Yllästunturi is the highest fell in Lapland with skiing lifts. They have stunning slopes and are extremely popular with tourists. Cross-country skiing is also a very popular option. There are many ski resorts located in close proximity and the local bus from the closest airport at Kitila airport has a regular route passing by within walking distance from the resorts. The closest rail station is at Kolari.

Experience Sami culture

During our snowshoeing hike through Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, our local Finnish guide gave us an introduction to Sami culture. Though it was a very basic peek into this beautiful culture, we really hope someday to meet the Sami and explore their traditions. Maybe visit a reindeer farm, pick berries and enjoy a Sami dinner. Fingers crossed to a visit to Inari village.

Tempted to fly to Helsinki? Dreaming of an escape from your routine to exciting Finnish Lapland? Check out my review post about our amazing stay at the Eco-friendly backpacker’s hostel in Lapland called the 7 Fells. We stayed in a private log cabin which was like a huge private studio apartment fully equipped with its own kitchenette, a lovely breakfast table, and a spacious shower and toilet:

Stay in a private log cabin in Finnish Lapland at an Eco-friendly backpacker’s hostel called the 7 Fells

While in Helsinki for our first night in Finland we booked an amazing apartment for our one-night stay. It was a massive apartment conveniently located for transport links and we had the whole apartment to ourselves:

Helsinki Plus Apartment Kallio in Finland – Overnight stay review

* I planned my Finnish Lapland adventure entirely on my own and have paid in full everywhere I have stayed at and eaten at, also for all activities. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own.

Helsinki Plus Apartment Kallio in Finland – overnight stay review

October 17, 2019 by manjirichitnis Leave a Comment

A winter escape to Finland

I have always wanted to experience heavy snow and live in a cabin in the woods. Last Year for our annual escape during February I picked Lapland for our adventurous escape. I dreamt that we would see the Northen lights and walk on frozen lakes, breathe in the cold mountain air atop a ski slope, chill out in one of the famous Finnish hot saunas and snuggle up inside a wood cabin while watching the snowfall thick and fast outside…

How many of these things did we manage to tick off our wish list? Read on, for my series of blog posts about our magical escape to Finnish Lapland!

But before we could embark on our little adventure, we decided to stay a night in the capital city Helsinki to help acclimatize. It turned out to be a really wise call as the night before we landed in Kitilla the mercury had dipped to -34 deg Celcius brrrrr

By the time the cab from the airport dropped us off near our apartment in Helsinki it was really dark and it was snowing heavily. Finding our way around using google maps while lugging our bags through snow and barely anyone around to ask for directions, was not fun. Finally, I caved in and called our host, he very kindly agreed to come to the apartment and helped us find our way.

After a very warm welcome and showing us around his stunning flat he bid us goodbye.

There is a secure entry system and thankfully also an elevator. The apartment itself has two very secure double doors and at the entrance ample storage for luggage, heavy winter boots, and wet jackets and coats.

The apartment was exactly as described in the listing and the photos were perfect too. It was like walking into a photograph, every single thing in exactly the same place as it was.

The living room is very pleasant, well-lit and had lots of books and records, T.V and a music system, radio and even a guitar. A cosy sofa with soft pillows and warm throws added to the homely touch.

The kitchen was well equipped and spotlessly clean. After settling in we walked down around the corner to a mini-mart and picked up some fruit, packet soup and sandwiches for a quick dinner.

The dining table is perfect for a group. The kitchen counter had a basket with local maps, flyers for local attractions and contact details for booking cabs and tours. Apart from the usual toaster, kettle and coffee machine, there was everything one would need to prepare a meal and serve a meal.

The flat is perfect for a large group and can easily sleep up to 6 -8 people. There is a huge bed in the bedroom in the master bedroom and a pull out sofa bed in the second bedroom and the spacious living room. Plenty of extra pillows, duvets, and bedding are also stashed away inside the cupboards.

The bathroom is tiny but again was very clean and just sufficient for a short stay. Clean towels, basic toiletries and access to a washing machine are available.

We had booked an early morning shared cab to the airport for our flight to Lapland the next day. We slept so well in the huge and comfortable that it was tough getting out and rushing to get ready in time! A quick breakfast later we rushed down and just managed to hop into the cab. An otherwise sleepy and long ride to the airport went by quite quickly as we chatted with a young scientist who was sharing the cab with us. A local student he was doing some amazing research and was off to the U.K to collaborate with some university students for his research. Reminded me of my days as a young Biochemistry research fellow at Mumbai University – it seems like a lifetime away!

My husband and I would both highly recommend booking this apartment to anyone looking for a comfortable stay, close to amenities and transport links and easy access to the airport.

Tempted to fly to Helsinki? Dreaming of an escape from your routine to exciting Finnish Lapland? Check out my review post about our amazing stay at the Eco-friendly backpacker’s hostel in Lapland called 7 Fells. We stayed in a private log cabin which was like a huge private studio apartment fully equipped with its own kitchenette, a lovely breakfast table and a spacious shower-room and toilet:

Stay in a private log cabin in Finnish Lapland at an Eco-friendly backpacker’s hostel called the 7 Fells

Make the most of your stay in Finnish Lapland with this list of exciting adventure activities to do. Akaslompolo has so much to offer other than skiing!

Fantastic Finland – Top 10 – To-Do list while Akaslompolo, Lapland

* I planned this entire trip on my own and have paid in full everywhere I have stayed at and eaten at, also for all activities. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own.

The Five Bells Hotel, Aylesbury – Review

July 9, 2019 by manjirichitnis Leave a Comment

Sometimes the best remedy to break the monotony of a hectic work schedule is a quick, short but relaxing break.

When I was invited by the folks up at the Happy Eggs Farm in Tring, it gave me an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of London if only for a short while.

For my overnight stay, I was put up in a classic B&B style hotel called The Five Bells in Weston Turville, Aylesbury.

Travel from London was supposed to be simple a journey on the Thameslink train via Blackfriars but of course, on that particular day the train was delayed and I had to make my way to St.Pancras and board the train to Luton from there. From Luton station, a cab journey and finally I made it to the hotel.

Nestled in picturesque surroundings the rustic Five Bells oozes rustic charm. The check-in area is at the bar which has a very warm and welcoming vibe. The pub boasts of a well-stocked bar, lots of seating and a huge beautiful fireplace too. They also have loads of beautiful outdoor seating and plenty of parking is available.

My room for the night was cosy and clean, the bathroom though small was spotlessly clean and the room came equipped with a T.V, writing desk, wi-fi and tea /coffee making facilities. For a one night stay, this was just apt.

Later that evening, I settled into a comfy chair by the fireplace and enjoyed a relaxed drink and a chat with the lovely Jane, friend and fellow food blogger. The staff was really friendly and the pub was full, with a good mix of locals and visitors. Dinner was really delicious and I enjoyed a really comforting and homely meal. The fresh seabass was served on a bed of buttery mash. And I certainly don’t regret having a very generous portion of the warm apple pie with custard!

After that hearty meal, I am glad I turned in early as I had an early start the next day to get to the Happy Eggs farm on time.

I had a brilliant day at the farm, you can read all about my adventure here

Travelling to Aylesbury? The Five Bells has now undergone what looks like a fab refurbishment. I wouldn’t mind going back to see it in person.

Disclaimer: With thanks to the Five Bells Inn, Weston Turville, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire for having me as a guest. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review and was not compensated monetarily for this post.

Cheese and Wine Tasting in Amsterdam with Reypenaer

June 24, 2019 by manjirichitnis 6 Comments

Planning a last-minute escape to Amsterdam or a leisurely vacation? I have just the thing that would make your holiday even more special – an afternoon exploring brilliant local cheese and understanding wine pairings at the popular Reypenaer Cheese Tasting room.

There are so many things to do and lots to see while exploring Amsterdam. From the famous tulip garden at Keukenhof to many wonderful museums, the Anne Frank house and not to mention the brilliant food scene this capital city has to offer.

Hollands cheesemaking industry is said to date as far back as the 800 B.C. The most widely produced cheese in the Netherlands is Gouda, famous for its distinctive flavour. No surprise then that Gouda cheese is one of Holland’s biggest exports.

The Reypenaer Cheese Tasting room is conveniently located very close to Dam square in the heart of the city centre. It is minutes away from the Anne Frank House and very close to the famous Rijksmuseum.

Reypenaer Cheese is ripened used age-old traditions and benefits from decades of experience and excellent craftsmanship of the master cheese-makers and the unique ripening conditions. Their famous Dutch cheese is matured on planks inside a 100-year old warehouse on the Oude Rijn river in Woerden.

The Reypenaer cheeses are matured in an entirely natural way meaning allowing the natural humidity and fluctuations in ambient temperature to do their magic as compared to factory produced bulk cheese.

Naturally, the resulting rich and complex taste of the Reypenaer cheese is also attributed to non-tangible factors such as the micro-flora of bacteria and mould that thrive in the rich environment of the wood on which the cheese rests.

Over the period of one hour, a Reypenaer cheese expert took us on a journey exploring the history of artisan cheese making. Understanding the ageing process and the difference in the taste of young Gouda and aged gouda by tasting six of their finest cheeses.

Wine pairings – red, white and port – teased our tastebuds and gave us an insight into appreciating the different textures of the fine Reypenaer cheeses.

By the time we were done with the tasting, slightly tipsy with all the wine, the light outside was just perfect for a long stroll along the canals….

Tempted? Why not hop over to the Reypenyer website and book a spot on one of their tasting sessions? Each session lasts for about an hour and caters to not more than 20 people.

Salivating at the thought of all that fabulous cheese?

Who moved your cheese? Did I? Guilty as charged! While you are here, have a gander and read about my other adventures involving cheese – why not? And if you do try any of my recipes please do let me know below in comments! I love to hear from my readers and nothing makes me happier knowing someone tried my recipes and loved them 🙂

Based in London and looking to book yourself into a wine tasting, have a look at my post where I have shared my experience of booking myself for a Wine Tasting evening at West London Wine School:

Wine tasting on a cold, frosty evening

And for those of you planning your itinerary for your holiday in Holland, do have a read through some of the experiences I loved while in Amsterdam:

And of all the fine things that like has to offer, wine and cheese top my list but am also partial to perfume, if you are too then have a look at this interesting post about the world’s perfume capital.

Looking for pointers about where to stay while in Amsterdam? Then you might want to read my review about my stay at the Steigenberger Hotel in Schipol

*With thanks to Reanyer Cheese, Amsterdam for inviting us. All opinions expressed are as always my own. No monetary compensation was offered for a positive review.

Eco-friendly backpackers hostel in Lapland, Finland -7 Fells resort

February 11, 2019 by manjirichitnis 6 Comments

January and February have brought icy cold weather, wind chills, and snow to many parts of the world.

Reading about the recent polar vortex causing shockingly low temperatures in Chicago, reminded me of our trip to Lapland last year.

We were chasing the Aurora and with that thought in mind wanted to book a slightly remote getaway.

I found the cottages at 7 Fells Resort at Akaslompolo very attractive and was very excited about our trip.

A lot of firsts were to happen on this trip to Finland!

First ever experience of being surrounded by so much snow
First ever stay in a secluded cottage
First ever attempt at chasing the Northern Lights – the elusive Aurora Borealis

But before setting off on our big adventure, we thought it would be a good way to acclimatise to the weather and so we stayed one night in Helsinki at a lovely Air BnB before heading to Lapland.

After a short but great overnight stay we landed at Kittila airport – it a was magical experience landing into a place that is nothing but a pristine white winter wonderland. The airport itself is tiny but brilliantly managed.

We took the very reliable public transport bus from just outside the airport which goes to most of the popular ski resorts and also towards 7 fells.

Our rest was a short walk uphill (50m) after the last stop on the bus. Now here’s the tricky bit for people like me. It was snowing heavily, the road had no vehicular traffic passing, it was absolutely quiet and all the road signs were covered in snow. All I knew was that we had a short walk uphill and the resort was on the right.

To add to this experience, which felt like we were in a scene straight out of a suspense film, the whole area was suddenly engulfed in semi-darkness with only the weird yellow glow from streetlights. The light from these was barely enough to light the path and seemed to struggle to break through the curtain of heavy snow that was pouring down fast and thick.

Because we had taken a late afternoon flight into Lapland, we made it just before sunset.

Obviously, there was no one around to ask for directions! We ended up walking past the resort, uphill, dragging our suitcases. My lungs were exploding, the snow was coming down so heavily now, it was getting difficult to see properly and the heavy jacket that I was wearing was weighing me down a lot.

Luckily, the resort turned on the lights and we saw a faint light leading down a path behind us… Alleluiah! So much drama for a 600m distance …. lol

As soon we entered the heated reception area, everything seemed perfect again 🙂 As the relief washed over us, the realisation that we had finally made it to our destination began to sink in.

The beautifully done up lounge and the toasty warm interiors are very inviting. One can sit for hours on the comfy couch and watch the snowflakes land softly outside…sighhh

A short wait later, a very friendly staff member checked us in and showed us to our studio cabin.

It was love at first sight for us. This beautiful log cabin has everything one could ask for.

A super comfy bed, a spotlessly clean shower, a very cute kitchenette, a mini-refrigerator, table and chairs, a jar of oats, tea, and coffee. The kitchen is very well equipped with everything one could possibly need to cook a meal – cutlery, glasses, dishes, a kettle, and coffee maker, also packets of spices and soup cubes left behind by previous occupants. Loved that they also kept an eco-friendly wash-up liquid.

One of the main reasons we picked 7 Fells Hostel was because of its location. Located in the beautiful village of Äkäslompolo in Kolari, Lapland, it is conveniently situated for skiers and adventure sports seekers alike. Also, we really wanted to experience what it would be like to live in a little cabin in the woods.

This gorgeous eco-hostel is run by an enthusiastic backpacker Tinja and offers a selection of accommodation options to suit every need.

One can book into single or twin rooms or dorms with shared facilities in the main hostel area. Apart from these rooms which are located in the main building, there are cosy log cabins called studio apartments which come fully equipped with their own shower and kitchenette and there is also a luxury chalet with its own sauna and fully fitted kitchen.

But the most amazing part about this hostel is that it is eco-friendly. They use green energy, provide organic tea and coffee, use eco products for washing up, and the rooms are all painted using plastic-free odourless paint.

After we settled into our room, we walked down to the village supermarket – Jounin Kauppa Supermarket. It is located 1.8 km away from the hostel.

After browsing through the huge and very well stocked supermarket, which has a pharmacy and a cafe inside too, we plodded back uphill, this time our eyes better adjusted to the light. We also had our hiking equipment headlamps so those helped. It is important that I mention this here – the road leading to the supermarket from the main road is very brightly and well-lit and we did see many people walking and driving into the area.

Cooking dinner in our little cabin was great fun and very quick and easy. We enjoyed a spicy chicken and vegetable soup which I made using all the fresh ingredients I’d just purchased from the supermarket.

We had a long day of exploring our surroundings planned starting early the next morning, so we decided to turn in early on our first night in. A bowl of chicken soup and a hot shower later, I think I fell asleep before my head hit the pillow.

I love the whole concept behind this hostel. To be able to provide such a beautiful experience on a budget in a remote location, keeping it eco-friendly, warm and welcoming is something to be admired. Plus, ensuring that all rooms and common areas are so well equipped and kept clean is a brilliant achievement. The opportunity to meet and interact with friendly people is an added bonus. So to our lovely Belgian friend Anita, if you are reading this – thank you for all your travel tips, for sharing your chocolates, and for being so warm and friendly 🙂

7 Reasons to book 7 Fells Hostel:

Budget-friendly private log cabin – like a huge studio apartment with a kitchenette and private en-suite
Eco-friendly
Convenient location for transport links, activities and local amenities
Fantastic Sauna available for use after a long day
Free wifi in the huge lounge
Free organic tea and coffee, free food shelves, Free kicksleds and bikes to borrow
Walking distance from Bus stop from Kolari Train Station and Kittilä Airport bus, Frozen lake a short walk away, Ski tracks and Ski Resort Ylläs close by, Restaurant, Pubs and a well stocked Supermarket a stone’s throw away.

I could go on but honestly, you can’t put a price on an experience like this. I am positive that I will return to this beautiful gem of a place, to be one amongst nature once again. And hopefully, be rewarded with stunning views of the Northern Lights.