Not the first name to come to mind when thinking of a short trip in Europe, but being the smallest nation in the Balkans, Kosovo makes for a great weekend getaway. Here’s my take on one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. My rating: Landlocked in the Balkans, Kosovo shares borders with Serbia, Montenegro,…
A long weekend in Slovenia
Located in the Balkan peninsula and often mistaken for Slovakia, Slovenia is a small yet beautiful country offering diverse landscapes for all types of travellers. Whether you’re after a walking break or want to relax by the famous Lake Bled, hike by the Julian or European alps, explore some underground caves, see local architecture or…
Simple protein balls
Try out this super simple vegan friendly energy balls – the best homemade alternative to shop bought snacks! You can adjust the ingredients according to taste, the stickier you like it the more dates you’ll need to use. Steps:
Best of the Philippines in a week
Cebu – Bohol – Palawan Not as popular as other ASEAN countries, but the eastern most Southeast Asian nation of the Philippines surrounded by the South China sea should really be on your radar. Made up of over 7,000 islands across seven main regions offers not only white sand beaches, friendly locals but some of…
Getting around Egypt as a solo traveller
Having travelled around Egypt from the capital Cairo to southernmost Aswan and South Sinai, here are some of my top tips to help you navigate the country as a solo traveller. As this was my first trip to Egypt, I visited popular regions most known to tourists and advice is based on my experience in…
Hong Kong Highlights
HK Highlights One of the biggest hubs in Asia, Hong Kong is a major global city well connected to rest of the world. If you’re heading to East or Southeast Asia, HK makes a great transit spot. I spent just three days here early autumn post 2019 summer riots where the weather was just perfect…
Seoul Searching in South Korea
A week in Seoul 🇰🇷 You’re probably familiar with the K-wave hitting our screens (K= Korean) most of us have heard of K-pop, K-cosmetics and K-dramas on streaming sites like Netflix. I must admit I was never a K-pop fan but ever since I watched my first ever K-drama series힘쎈여자 도봉순 or Strong Girl Boon-Soon…
Veg Centrepiece: Cajun spiced Broccoli steak
Not the most loved vegetable and difficult to think of ways to serve it without overcooking/ boiling or burning the tip of florets in the oven. But did you know you can now have this green monster as your vegetable centrepiece by infusing it in some mouth-watering flavours. I recently had a cooking class with…
Veg Centrepiece: Cauliflower steak
Cauliflowers have become increasingly popular and I’m very glad they have as it’s such a versatile vegetable. You can use it in curries, to make sauces, grain-free rice, pan-fried sides, crispy roasted and baked. This is a simple recipe for a Cajun spiced cauliflower steak: Making the marinade: X2 tablespoons ground mixed cajun spice X…
Spinach Mushroom Avocado Toast
This is becoming one of my favourite weekend breakfasts (anything that requires the hob at the moment is only reserved for the weekends). I’m sure if you’ve had an avocado toast before, and if you haven’t this one is one of the simplest yet full of flavours and nutrients. I’m trying to add more nutrients…
The Scottish Highlands
North Coast 500 road trip I embarked on a road trip exploring the wilderness of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands to be precise, which is home to some of the most remote places in the UK and the most northerly spot in mainland Britain. For a lot of us Brits, travelling around the UK can be…
Albanian Alps
Northern Albania: Shkodër and Theth If you’re after mountainous landscapes but the Swiss and French Alps are beyond your price range, why not head a little south to northern Albania and enjoy the wilderness of The Dinaric Mountain range, also known locally as the ‘Albanian Alps’. A week here will set you back no more than…
Best of Jordan in 4 days
Home to one of the seven wonders of the world, the UNESCO world heritage site of the ancient city of Petra as featured in Hollywood’s Indiana Jones and the alien landscapes of yet another blockbuster ‘The Martian’, desert-stricken Jordan in the Middle East has so much to offer an adventure traveller. Jordan typically draws the…
Top tips for solo travelling
I would consider myself to be an experienced traveller, and although I thoroughly enjoy travelling with friends and with small groups of likeminded individuals, I really value my independence and find solo travelling most liberating. Coming from a community where this is rare for women to do independently of family and friends, I’m often asked…
Ways to travel on a budget
As a frequent traveller I’m often asked how I manage to travel, well so frequently. And I have to admit, I am very fortunate that I am able to do so. Being based in one of the biggest travel hubs in the world allows me the opportunity to great connections and budget airlines, and together…
A colourful porridge bowl
There’s just something very cosy about a warm porridge bowl filled with goodness! This is one of my favourite breakfasts, and as Ramadan is around the corner, this will certainly play a big role during Iftar. I alternate breakfast and add different toppings depending on my mood and how much time I have to prepare….
Gaziantep Food Trail
I recently spent some time sampling some of the best cuisines in Turkey. The UNESCO world heritage site and gastronomic capital of Turkey, Gaziantep sits in the South Eastern region of the country (not too far from Syria). I’ve been longing to come here since I saw a clip of Rick Stein in a Beyran…
Egyptian style Falafel
I’m a big fan of freshly made falafel (the traditional chickpea base found in Turkey and much of the middle east). I recently tried an Egyptian version with broadbands aka fava beans, and my, this is quite something! Not only is it simple to make and tastes great, but the vibrant green from the beans…
Travelling as a racially ambiguous non-hijabi Muslima
So what is it really like going outside your comfort zone, to destinations where people can’t place you ethnically or religiously based on the way you look or dress or where your skin tone raises curiosity. Often asked “where are you from” meaning what is your ethnic origin, where are your parents from, how did…
Prawn & Pineapple stir-fry (Udang Tumis Nanas)
Udang Tumis Nanas (Indonesian)
Simple Sauerkraut
One of the simplest fermented foods you can make at home with minimal ingredients is sauerkraut. This is a popular cabbage dish across central and eastern Europe. Fermentation is a great way to not only preserve vegetables but feed your gut with good bacteria that you can eat all year round. Unlike other fermented foods,…
Halal Foodie Travel 