I recently returned from the US and served a 21-day quarantine at a Singapore hotel. I have been using NordVPN on my laptop and mobile device and I would say that the experience has been pretty smooth. Here are three good reasons to use NordVPN while serving a Stay-Home-Notice at a Singapore hotel.
Security
A VPN or virtual private network was particularly important because the hotel’s Wi-Fi was public and I wanted added protection for my devices and online privacy. A VPN encrypts data in transit, hides one’s IP address, allowing me to use the hotel’s open Wi-Fi network safely.
I was particularly concerned about public Wi-Fi networks as hackers could access private information stored on my device, inject malware and conduct Wi-Fi sniffing activities, in which a hacker monitors and logs data packets passing through a Wi-Fi network. Connecting to a VPN gave me a peace of mind especially when accessing personal accounts and email.
Access to US-based streaming services
The Office was recently moved from Netflix to NBC’s streaming service Peacock, and by chance, I had an ad-free Peacock subscription (auto-renewed by accident). It was a truly enjoyable experience to re-watch the series and pass time. As Peacock is only available in the US, I was only able to access it using NordVPN.
The connection is smooth and pricing is reasonable
Of the main VPN providers, I would say NordVPN has provided me with a relatively stable connection during my stay. The connection was good enough to stream videos, and it didn’t take long for me to be connected to the VPN geography of my choice. The pricing is also fairly reasonable, at US$99 for a two year plan. You can also get a discount of up to 65% here.
The Travelling Squid’s Take
NordVPN is pretty useful especially if you’re an avid traveller. I’d encourage you to opt for the longer duration plans as they’re value for money. You might encounter situations in which you’d have to use a public Wi-Fi and connecting to a VPN definitely gives you a peace of mind. On the fun side of things, a VPN definitely makes streaming videos and online shopping easier, especially if you’re shipping items to a friend overseas. Have fun!
Visiting Little Island at Pier 55 in New York City
Little Island was the last destination I visited in New York City, before heading back to Boston that very afternoon. It’s a convenient 20 min walk and train ride from Penn Station on 34th Street. It recently opened on May 21, 2021. As expected, it was pretty crowded. To visit after 12pm, you’d require a timed reservation. At the time of writing, tickets from June 14 – 17, 2021 were sold out. (Scroll down more for my take on whether visiting from 6am – 12pm is a good idea. No reservation is required at that time.) Here are some photos from visiting Little Island at Pier 55 in New York City.
Little Island gives you a nice view of Manhattan.
Little Island first caught my eye when I visited the High Line in January this year. I found its petal-shaped facade really interesting. During my recent visit, Little Island makes for a great stopover from the High Line (accessible from the Vessel) as the nearest exit is a 8-minute walk away.
Enjoyed the undulating (hills?) of Little Island. The hill concept is not new but the structure supporting it is interesting.Liked how the petals came together to form the entrance.
The petal shaped facade was inspired by piles emerging from the water at Pier 54, which provide a breeding ground for fish
Little Island is supported by 132 of these piles which can support up to 350 tons, driven into rock 61m beneath water
Elevated topography of Little Island is said to provide “an escape from Manhattan”. According to designer Thomas Heatherwick, “[it’s] somewhere that would give a sort of emotional permission to look back at New York from somewhere other than New York.”
‘Petals’ are 6m wide pre-fabricated containers, filled with soil
The 2-acre island is home to 400 plant species and 100 type of trees
Has an open-air amphitheatre which can sit 700 people; backstage is built under the pier
According to Dezeen, evergreen trees were planted to protect visitors from the strong winds of the Hudson.The Little Island amphitheatre has a seating capacity of 700.Really liked how old iron structures from the pier were featured in this green landscape.One of the 400 plant speciesThe paths reminded me of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay Flower DomeUp close and personal with the petals.
Is visiting before 12pm a good idea? No reservation is needed.
Technically, you are still able to visit Little Island from 6am – 12pm without a timed reservation. When I got there at about 10.40am in the morning, it was teeming with people from all walks of life. I believe most of them were visitors to NYC like myself, trying to make the most of their trip. Interestingly, I believe there was also a tour group from Hong Kong. It’s been awhile since I’ve heard the Cantonese dialect and their penchant for photography against the Hudson made me think they were not from NYC.
Some areas of the park were pretty crowded.
I would sound the alert here – if you’re not ready to socialize with non-mask wearing folks, be prepared to feel somewhat uncomfortable. I would say at least 50% of people were not wearing masks, possibly due to recent guidelines from the CDC about fully vaccinated people not having to wear a mask. I would also say that it’s hard to track whether people have been fully vaccinated, so mask-wearing is on an integrity basis.
Thought I found a quieter part of the amphitheatre to enjoy the park, but…
In bid to manage as much social distancing as possible, I found a quieter part of Little Island’s amphitheatre to rest and enjoy the surroundings. As luck would have it, a maskless family soon decided to sit right behind me – and I’m pretty sure they were not fully vaccinated as the kids appeared to be below the age of 12. (Vaccination is currently not available for kids below the age of 12.) ://
Finally, a socially distanced path!
Therefore, if you’re keen on social distancing, my recommendation is to either visit early – at about 6am or 7am when there are fewer people out and about, or just wait till you get a 2 hr timed reservation. There’s more than enough time to explore – it took me about 30 minutes to see the whole island.
Overlooking Jersey – love the contrast between the lines and the piles in the distance.
The Travelling Squid’s Take – Visiting Little Island at Pier 55 in New York City
Inspiration for the petals were said to be from piles emerging from the water, which allowed for a breeding ground for fish.
To be honest, I found the façade of Little Island way more impressive than the park inside. I thought the architecture design of Little Island was unique because of the thin ‘stems’ of concrete supporting the weight of a broad structure in an elegantm flower-like manner. In comparison, while the paths inside were nice, I had seen similar undulating ‘hills’ at the Hobbiton in New Zealand. The Flower Dome at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay also had similar paths, with the exception of it being indoor with air-conditioning.
Nonetheless, I would recommend a visit to Little Island – just because of the views and the opportunity to check out the ‘petals’. I would say a smaller crowd would improve your experience so visit during the earlier hours of the day, or during a timed reservation. Enjoy!
If you are travelling overseas, getting a VPN might be useful especially if you need to access specific apps that connect you to your family, friends and co-workers. Here’s a short review of the three apps that I’ve tried. TLDR: ExpressVPN was the most reliable and had the best customer service. Its pricing was the median of the three. Astrill VPN acted as a useful back-up, especially when ExpressVPN was down. I would not recommend NordVPN, though it might suffice if you’re looking to communicate in a non-time sensitive manner. To determine their speed effectiveness, try using www.speedcheck.org to test upload and download speeds. Here are 3 VPNs to consider using while travelling in Asia.
3 VPNs to consider using while travelling in Asia
1. ExpressVPN (Recommended)
ExpressVPN stands out due to the number of servers it has, which provide you more options when attempting to connect. During a downtime, its customer service was also very responsive. It is currently priced at US$8.32/ month or US$99.95/ year, which has not changed when I subscribed to it in 2019. According to ExpressVPN, you can install the app on as many devices as you like, however, only 5 devices can be connected at one time.
Pros:
Moderate price
Generally good connectivity
Good customer service
Cons:
No major complaints
2. AstrillVPN (Recommended for usage in Asia)
I found AstrillVPN to be useful especially for usage in Asia. There were times when ExpressVPN did not work for me, but Astrill did fulfill my connection requirements. It is slightly pricier than ExpressVPN, at US$10/year or US$120/ year. At this point, I would say that ExpressVPN and AstrillVPN should not be mutually exclusive – in fact you could consider getting ExpressVPN and AstrillVPN as a back-up if you have time-sensitive work. Similar to ExpressVPN, you can connect up to 5 devices with this VPN. Might be useful to team up with a bunch of friends to share these VPN services!
Pros
Generally good connectivity in Asia; works when ExpressVPN doesn’t
Good backup option
Cons
Expensive
3. NordVPN
NordVPN is the cheapest of the three, but I faced a number of connectivity issues. It’s good if you require a secure connection to websites, however, if you’re faced with time-sensitive tasks, it can be a tad frustrating to use NordVPN.
Pros
Cheap – US$89 for a 2 year plan, US$50 for a 1 year plan
Cons
Connectivity issues
The Travelling Squid’s Take
Connectivity is extremely important especially if you travelling for work or school. My recommendation is to spend a little more to get the right VPN provider which could meet you needs. Do you have recommendations for VPN service providers? Feel free to drop them in the comment box below.
If you’re looking for places to visit in New York City this winter, the Vessel at Hudson Yards is worth checking out. We visited while the Vessel when it was -2C / 29F and it was very cold, especially with the wind blowing in our direction. Thankfully, there was a shopping mall right next to Hudson Yards, which we could enter to regain some warmth at intervals. Here’s why you should visit the vessel at Hudson Yards in NYC.
About Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards – from low-rise shipping docks to glass skyscrapers.
Hudson Yards is one of the most significant developments in New York City in recent times. It is said to fundamentally change the skyline of the city, with the replacement of industrial shipping docks with that of glass skyscrapers and man-made structures. According to Wikipedia, the development of Hudson Yards comprise two phases – the first including a public green space and eight structures comprising a hotel, office buildings, a shopping mall and cultural centre known as The Shed. Construction started in 2014 and the developments were completed by 2019. The second phase will include a residential space, office buildings and a school. Construction for the second phase has yet to commence.
About the Vessel
The Vessel literally looks like one!
Located in the Hudson Yards Public Square, the Vessel is part of the Hudson Yards development project. It resembles a honeycomb that comprises 16 floors, 154 flights of stairs and 80 landings. While I didn’t think that the actual size of the monument was large, the honeycomb structure makes getting from one end to end quite a hike considering how you would have to traverse a number of staircases to get to the opposite end. According to Wikipedia, the final cost of the Vessel was estimated to be at $200M.
Really liked the symmetry of the staircases and landings.Seems like the prime setting for an action movie.Overlooking the train tracks and Jersey City.
Staircase to the very top.Despite the cold, the pictures were worth it.
Entry is free but make reservations in advance
Entrance to the Vessel is free, but due to capacity limitations, you will have to make reservations in advance through this website. We didn’t know about this till we got there, and were able to make reservations for a one-hour time slot 20 minutes later. If you’re planning to visit in the coming weeks, do note that the Vessel will be closed from Jan 5 – 14, 2021 for maintenance. There’s an elevator down, so don’t worry if you get tired from the climb – I don’t think it’s actually 16 standard floors – it felt more like 8.
Great view! It’s actually better to head towards the structure closest to The Shops such that you get a good view of the structure too.
Place to have lunch (when indoor dining is banned)
The Shops (adjacent to the Vessel) is a great place to take cover from the cold.
If you don’t mind braving the cold, there’s a long bench at the back of the Vessel (known as the Backyard) where you could have lunch, while watching a soccer game on the big screen. Our choice of lunch was Shake Shack (it was on the 4th floor of The Shops, the shopping mall right next to the Vessel. The burger was very good though it got cold very quickly, and my fingers froze 10 minutes into the meal.
Had this burger for lunch in the cold.
The Travelling Squid’s Take – Visit the Vessel at Hudson Yards in NYC
In my opinion, the Vessel is definitely worth a visit due to its architectural uniqueness. We’re used to buildings with a standard flight of staircases, but this structure gives one a feeling of choice – the ability to move both vertically and laterally. Despite the cold, I was glad to get some pictures. Definitely worth a visit and while you’re there, check out The High Line too! More to come in a separate post.
The Santa Elena Canyon in Texas. Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash
Road trips are growing in popularity owing to their ability to offer independent, safe travel. Many tourists choose to travel to Texas – which is no wonder, considering that travel and tourism are two of the main motors of the Texan economy. If you will be celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week (May 2 to 8, 2021) in the Lone Star State, then make sure you visit as many must-see sites (especially outdoor ones) as possible, but try to include activities that will bring stress levels down and ensure you are calmer and happier upon your return.
Embrace The Healing Power Of Nature
Spending time in a natural setting can help people feel happier and reduce the effects of physical and mental stress. Texas has a host of beautiful natural wonders that cannot be missed. These include the Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve in Texas Hill Country (created when an underground river collapsed), Padre Island National Seashore (comprising over 70 miles of the Texan coastline), and Guadalupe Mountains National Park (one of the finest exponents of fossil reefs in the U.S.).
Turning Back The Hands Of Time At A Day Spa
If you are travelling with family, then chances are, you won’t have enough time to take a few days off to take a long spa break, but you can always take the day off and visit a spa for a relaxing facial or body massage. As stated by the specialists at Viva Day Spa in Austin, massages and facials are classic ways of soothing stress, achieving a calmer state, and targeting sports or stress-related pain. If you work long hours and have tension in areas like your neck, back and shoulders, then a vigorous Swedish massage will work wonders. Take the luxury factor up a few notches by having extra treatments such as sugar scrubs (for tired feet and calves), a minty scalp treatment (to freshen up and improve circulation in the scalp), and a hydrating wrap (so you can lie and have a nap while you skin is moisturized).
Getting Active
Exercise is a known stress buster: one that fills your body with endorphins and lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and when it is undertaken outdoors, it is even more powerful. Outdoor exercise lowers blood pressure, improves energy levels, and helps people burn more calories than when they exercise indoors. If you will be visiting Dallas, enjoy a walk or run along the Katy Trail or Klyde Warren Park. In Austin, try cycling along the Butler Hike & Bike Trail, go for a swim at Barton Springs Pool, or try a bit of climbing at Barton Creek Greenbelt. All other cities – including Houston and San Antonio – have popular outdoor sites for everything from canyonning to swimming.
If you will be visiting Texas soon, make sure to focus on your health while enjoying the culture and gastronomy of the Lone Star State. Natural sites are ideal for relaxation and exercise. Texas is also home to top spas, where you can have everything from a hydrating facial to a relaxing massage that will knead away your stresses and cares so you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
Restrictions on travel are can be frustrating, but they’re currently necessary. We’re all doing our bit to ensure life goes back to normal as quickly as possible. However, if you’re desperate to hit the open road and travel the world again, the idea of potentially missing out on another summer of travel is incredibly disappointing.
The need to travel can be overwhelming! While you’d give anything to be able to jump on a plane and tick all those locations off your bucket list, appeasing your travel desire from home will (currently) have to suffice. Read on to discover some simple ways to satisfy your wanderlust this year.
Display your old travel photos
Sunset over Florence, in Tuscany. Photo credits: By Steve Hersey – http://flickr.com/photos/sherseydc/2954982676/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5099526
Do you still have copious amounts of travel photos from your last trip that are still trapped inside your smart devices and hard drives? Or did you just upload the best ones to social media and forget about the rest? It doesn’t quite match travelling there in person but revisiting your old travel photos will be a much welcome distraction from your current situation. Consider bringing your favourite travel moments to life by transforming your pictures into high-quality canvases – you’ll find a great range of framed canvas prints online. Available in a wide range of shapes and finishes, surely a trip down memory lane is better than no trip at all?
Become a local tourist
You might consider your home town or nearest city to be rather dull. But can you really say you’ve explored every inch of it? You may have visited the local history museum on a school trip when you were a kid, but have you seen their latest exhibition? Can you name local artists? What about the newest restaurant? Of course, some restrictions may limit your access to these local attractions, however, there’s nothing to stop you enjoying your local area on foot, outside and socially distanced from others. You never know what you might discover!
Plan your next trip
Instead of scrolling through page after page of luxurious villas and quirky hotels, why not actually plan your next trip? Decide where you want to go, plan your travel route, work out your budget and how much you need to save to achieve it. You don’t have to even part with any money if you don’t want to book anything right now. Chances are it may be pushed back to a later date, but that only gives you more time to save and the opportunity to add more stops along the way.
And finally, start learning a new language
Fancy a challenge? If your next destination involves a new language and culture, then learning a few key phrases will not only pass the time until you can head overseas but also help you to immerse yourself in the culture when you finally get there. Learning a new language isn’t just about getting to grips with how to ask for a certain type of drink or meal, it can also give you a new insight into different cultures and traditions in your chosen destination. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your wanderlust!
As more people plan to travel this year, a waterside vacation is in the cards for most travellers. A survey by the World Travel & Tourism Council revealed that 17 percent of travellers plan to go on an ocean cruise, and the poll also indicates that more people are planning to go on beachside vacations in 2021. When it comes to relaxation and getting away from daily stressors, nothing beats a beach holiday. However, do prepare well in advance to make your waterside vacation unforgettable. This entails planning outdoor fun activities, booking accommodation, and packing travel essentials. You also need to pick the right location, including beach destinations for each season and resorts that offer all-inclusive luxury packages. Whatever your preferences are, here are 3 places to consider for a water-based vacation.
Bali, Indonesia
If you’re looking for a perfect getaway to rest, enjoy adventure travel or a mix of both, Bali should be first on your list. This island has some of the fascinating beaches in the world. And its remote location makes it an excellent place to relax and enjoy privacy. Whether you want multi-destination trips or a single trip, you have many reasons to visit Bali. During your stay in the region, you’ll be treated to breathtaking sceneries, exposed to the Balinese culture, and enjoy the never-ending adventure. Outdoor activities in Bali include surfing, hiking, scuba diving, trekking, and rafting.
Turks and Caicos Islands
If your idea of a beach vacation is spending unlimited time in and around the sea, visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands might be the best option for you. This island is home to many gorgeous beaches, and you’ll be spoilt of choices when it comes to water-based activities. Depending on your interests, you can go snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, and swimming. However, to enjoy your stay on this island, you must be cautious around the open sea to prevent accidental drowning. This includes not swimming alone, wearing a life jacket, and staying within arm’s reach when playing with kids in the water.
Santa Monica, California
Lined with approximately four miles of beaches, Santa Monica is an ideal spot for a waterfront getaway. This oceanfront city features the laid-back appeal of a classic California beach town with a vibrant, modern sophistication that makes it a unique tourist destination. There are also plenty of things to do and places to see in Santa Monica. A trip in this beach town can’t be complete if you miss attractions like the Palisades Park, Santa Monica State Beach, 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Beach.
Spending time in beach towns or cities gives you the pleasure to explore incredible attractions, engage in fun-filled activities, and enjoy picturesque views. There is also something unique about the ocean, sand, and sun that drives out your worries about the world and lets you unwind and recharge.
It did not occur to me to make my own Chai Tow Kway in Singapore as it was sold at most hawker centres. It was also pretty affordable at approximately SGD4/ USD3 per serving. I’ve been studying in the US for close to 4 months and realized that chai tow kway or fried carrot cake was the one hawker dish I really missed. There is Chinese food near where I live, but it just isn’t the same. I guess that’s because I used to have white chai tow kway with chili for breakfast at least once every week when I was in Singapore. Here’s a recipe on how to make Singapore Chai Tow Kway – it’s less oily compared to the hawker version but delicious nonetheless!
About Chai Tow Kway
According to Wikipedia, Chai Tow Kway first originated in Chaoshan, Southern China. It is also popular in a number of South-east Asian countries such as Malaysia and Singapore. Chai Tow Kway is known in English as carrot cake, but it has absolutely no relation to that of a Western carrot cake (also one of my favorites). Interestingly, the percentage of carrot in Chai Tow Kway is actually very low – the kway is made with a higher percentage of radish.
How to make Singapore Chai Tow Kway
Making the kway is probably the most challenging step as it’s hard to get right. But fret not! We tried making this in the US and it worked out fine. The main constraint is actually time – it took us more than 2 hours to prepare the ingredients, steam the kway (rice cake) and sauté it with eggs.
Before you proceed, watch this video of hawkers doing the actual cooking! They do it more professionally but you get a rough idea of the rationale behind the steps.
Equipment
A large wok (but we made to do with a small frying pan)
A steamer (we made do with a pot, small bowl and a stand)
Ingredients (and alternatives if you’re abroad)
Serves 3-4 portions
Ingredients for the kway (rice cake) batter
150g of rice flour
25g of corn starch
1/4 teaspoon of salt
500ml of water
25ml of oil
Small portion of carrot (1/4 of an average size carrot)
Small portion of daikon or turnip (we used 3/4 of a average size turnip as we couldn’t find daikon)
2 large cloves of garlic (chopped)
1 tablespoon of chye po (preserved radish) (rinsed at least 4 times or they will taste super salty!) (No alternatives – if you’re abroad try getting them at a Chinatown near you)
4 eggs (crack them and leave them in a bowl, you don’t have to mix them up)
Fish sauce
Soy sauce
Sambal chili sauce (amount depends on how spicy you want it)
Spring onions for garnishing (chopped)
Mix ingredients 1-5 together until they are well incorporated and a smooth slurry is formed. In a pan, gently sauté the grated carrot and turnip in a teaspoon of oil so as to remove moisture. Once the moisture has released, mix the carrot and turnip into the slurry until it is well incorporated.
Slurry with carrots and turnip.
Add the slurry into a pan at low heat. The mixture will gradually thicken. This is the trickiest step as you will need to get the right consistency before transferring it into a bowl for steaming. Keep stirring the slurry over low heat until it starts to thicken, making sure to break up any clumps that may form. Once the slurry reaches the consistency of a thick pancake batter, pour it into a well-oiled dish for steaming.
Slurry with a consistency of a thick pancake.
Steam the kway for about 30 minutes – it should appear off-white and slightly translucent when ready. Let the kway cool to room temperature and remove it from the dish. A sign of a good kway is that it is firm to touch and bounces back when gently pressed.
Let the kway cool after steaming. It should darken slightly and become more translucent. The bowl in the background has yet to be steamed.What the kway looks like after steaming.
Cut the kway into small pieces (the size is up to you).
Cut the kway into small pieces
Heat up the frying pan (or wok) and add some oil. Add the kway and allow it to brown on all sides. Once the kway forms a light brown crust, make space in the center of the pan and add oil, chye poh and garlic. When the mixture browns slightly, give the kway and chye poh mixture a good toss in the wok. Add fish sauce, soya sauce and chili sauce to season.
Brown the kway till a light crust forms on all sides.
Next, add in the eggs. Use your spatula or fish slice to break apart the yolks. We prefer chai tow kway in pancake form, as opposed to it being in loose pieces (like that of the hawker video shown at the top of this article. It’s just a personal preference.) Allow the eggs to set with the kway, then break the pancake like into pieces and flip them when ready. When both sides are brown, you’re all set!
Pancake-style Chai Tow Kway
Garnish generously with spring onions and the chai tow kway is ready to serve.
The Travelling Squid’s Take
How to make Singapore Chai Tow Kway
Chai tow kway uses simple ingredients, but making the kway requires a fair bit of technique. If you’re in Asia, getting hold of the ingredients should be a breeze. But no worries if you’re in Europe or the US — the ingredients can also be found in Chinese supermarkets. To be honest, it will be hard getting the authentic hawker taste as hawkers use high heat, a big pan and lots of oil. That said, you can be assured that the version you make is a pretty healthy one. Enjoy!
Ordering Chinese takeout from Mary Chung in Cambridge
I visited Mary Chung in Cambridge after coming across a recommendation from well-known American chef, Kenji Lopez, from Serious Eats. According to him, Mary Chung was instrumental in influencing the Boston Sichuan cuisine scene. I would also say that the food was quite authentic. When I tried the dishes, most of them had the authentic flavours of Sichuan cuisine and weren’t particularly tailored or transformed to suit American tastes. Here’s my experience ordering Chinese takeout from Mary Chung in Cambridge.
Ordering Chinese takeout from Mary Chung in Cambridge
Mary Chung restaurant in Cambridge – they have cut the lights as there is no dining option.
Location
Mary Chung is located in Central Square of Cambridge, which makes it a convenient 5-minute walk from the T Station if you’re coming from Boston. There’s also a Blue Bike stand near the restaurant, which makes biking there and back super convenient.
Ordering Chinese takeout from Mary Chung in Cambridge
The Food
Hot and sour soup（酸辣汤）
Hot and sour soup – this is the small portion which costs US$3.50
During my first time ordering from Mary Chung, I ordered a spicy and sour soup which was excellent. The flavours were exactly similar to what I had tried before in Singapore. The spice level was respectable too. I also liked that they were generous with the straw mushrooms.
Si Chuan Diced Chicken （四川鸡茸）
Si Chuan Diced Chicken （四川鸡茸）- US$12.95. Wasn’t impressed as it looked and tasted like an egg dish!
Unfortunately, I wasn’t satisfied with the Si Chuan Diced Chicken, which was a recommendation by the proprietor. It was called 四川鸡茸 (Sichuan Jirong/ Sichuan Diced Chicken), a dish made of minced chicken meat and egg white. At first glance, I couldn’t tell if it was a chicken or egg dish. In all honesty, it not only looked but tasted very much like an egg dish. I was so confused that I contemplated returning to the restaurant to ask if I had been given the wrong order. However, upon further Google research, I found out that this dish is pretty popular in Sichuan. There is an alternative called 鸡豆花 (Ji Douhua/ chicken tofu), in which the meat is finely chopped and put through sieve such that the texture is very delicate. It is later cooked in chicken broth and served with a mini bok choy and soup. I’m guessing it’s a delicacy in Sichuan, and the version I got was a modification with egg whites added in. To the proprietor’s benefit, I overheard a long-time customer ordering this dish while I was waiting for my food. It could be a popular dish among the Sichuan community.
Something was lacking from this dish – I think it was Variety.
Did I like this Sichuan chicken/egg dish? I think the chilli oil and seasoning gave it good flavours, though I would have preferred eating proper chicken meat. I also had the dish with rice, so it was a tad repetitive especially since I ate this dish across 2 other meals. As I had paid about US$12.95 for this (excluding taxes), I was looking for something that was more definitively chicken and regretted not ordering kung pao chicken – a popular Chinese dish which is hard to go wrong. I would have enjoyed the cubes of chicken, mixed with peanuts, scallions and bell peppers – a lovely mix of textures.
Suan La Chow Show (spicy pork wantons)（酸辣抄手）
Suan La Chow Show – US$6.50. These pretty tasty, though unlike the ones I had in Singapore.
I enjoyed food from my second takeout from Mary Chung a lot better. This time, I decided to order the most popular items – wantons and Dun Dun noodles. I enjoyed the sour and spicy flavours of the wantons. It was actually on the sweeter end too – which was interesting as the ones I have in Singapore at Din Tai Fung are typically more vinegary and savory. The wantons had a much thicker skin, as compared to the ones at Din Tai Fung which were thin and silky. I’m guessing the type of dumplings differs across regions as Din Tai Fung primarily focuses on Huaiyang cuisine (including cities in the Jiangsu province).
[Must try] Dun Dun noodles
Dun Dun noodles – US$8.95. Love the sour, spicy, sweet and savory sauce.
First, I wasn’t sure if Mary Chung’s Dun Dun noodles is modelled after what is known as Dan Dan noodles. The Dan Dan noodles I had in my mind were the ones from Din Tai Fung, where the sauce is pretty delicate – it comes in the form of a light, creamy peanut and sesame sauce with a hint of spice. While the base of Mary Chung’s Dun Dun noodles is a peanut sauce, it is much stronger tasting – especially when it comes to sour, sweet and spicy notes.
Love how the noodles came in a cute little Chinese takeout box. I am impressed how much noodles can actually fit inside.
Now I’m not a big fan of yellow noodles, but the Dun Dun noodles from Mary Chung was very tasty. The noodles had the right texture and springiness. The peanut sauce had some semblance of Thai flavours – sour, sweet and savory. In some way, the sauce was also similar to a Singapore rojak sauce, though it was much more sour. This could be because of the similarities, as both are peanut sauces. The intense sourness could also come from the same source – tamarind paste, which is used in rojak and pad thai sauce as well. I wanted to request for a stronger spice level, but by the time I was done with half the box of noodles, my tongue was tingling a little, so I guess it’s for the best.
It was a nice lunch. These are must-try items!
It’s the perfect food for a late night indulgence, especially if you’re feeling hungry after having some drinks with friends. Mary Chung seems to be extremely popular with Cambridge residents – many have given her excellent reviews on Yelp for the Dun Dun noodles and Suan La Chow Show (spicy and sour dumplings).
The Travelling Squid’s Take – Ordering Chinese takeout from Mary Chung in Cambridge
I’m glad to discover Mary Chung. Apart from the confusion I had with the Szechuan diced chicken (which more closely resembled an egg dish), the rest of the food I’ve tried was pretty enjoyable. My favourite has got to be the Spicy sour soup（酸辣汤）because it tastes so much like what I had in Singapore. The spicy dumplings as well as Dun Dun noodles were super tasty and filling too, and I guess pretty value for money.
Just in case you’re wondering, Mary Chung is not just popular among people of Chinese ethnicity like myself. It’s also frequented by Americans of different ethnicities, judging from the customers who had walked in while I was waiting for my food. While their restaurant is currently closed for dine-in options, I’m glad to see that they still have a loyal stream of customers.
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Ordering Chinese takeout from Mary Chung in Cambridge
Address: 464 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Tel: (617) 864-1991
Opening hours: 11.30am – 10pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
The Santa Elena Canyon in Texas. Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash
With an estimated 72.5 million out of state visitors in 2018, there’s no question that the Lone Star State is a popular tourist destination. However, for those who wish to visit and see some of the more hidden gems throughout the state, there is no shortage of unique locations to consider. Whether you’re interested in seeing some of Texas’ natural beauty or simply want to visit a quirky museum like no other, here are just three places that give traveling “off the beaten track” a whole new meaning.
Southfork Ranch
Texas is home to countless ranches, but Southfork Ranch happens to be much more than just a ranch. It has often been referred to as the “World’s Most Famous Ranch” – and for good reason. Having been made famous by being the set on the TV show “Dallas”, the ranch now offers visitor-friendly activities like guided tours and trail rides, (and even the possibility of holding a special event on the property), allowing you to learn about the history of the ranch while taking in its beauty. This is a great way to get a first hand view of a real-life ranch – making it the perfect vacation destination for those looking to purchase their own ranch in the light of the large amount of Texas land for sale (40% of the land sold in the US takes place in Texas).
Santa Elena Canyon
Santa Elena Canyon is just one of many natural wonders that Texas has to offer. Located in the Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas, Santa Elena Canyon offers spectacular and picturesque views that give visitors the chance to see by canoeing, making for a trip filled with awe when it comes to the natural scenery. In fact, Santa Elena boasts cliffs up to 1,500 feet tall forming the canyon wall, proving just how impressive the scenery can be. As downstream canoeing trips are popular for shorter trips, visiting the canyon is a great stop to consider on your trip to Texas.
Museum of the Weird
While there are a number of notable museums to visit in Texas, such as the Dallas Museum of Art, there are also some more unconventional ones to consider visiting. The Museum of the Weird, for example, allows visitors to see some of the most odd, bizarre, and eye-catching things out there. From shrunken heads to a replica skull of a Texan caveman, a few ‘cursed items’, and much, much more, there are a countless number of items that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Museum owner Steve Busti and his wife, Veronica, have built quite the collection over the years, making for nothing less than a unique place to visit.
For those planning a visit to Texas, it’s easy to put famous attractions on the list. However, when it comes to traveling off the beaten track and seeing some of the more unique places, the Lone Star State has no shortage of destinations and attractions to offer. From a famous ranch to natural beauty, and even a truly weird museum, all are definitely worth considering on your next trip.
