Me, a city girl??

This year has been kind to me. I've always been a bit of a wanderer. So much to see, so little time. In the past 12 months though, travel has been on super-drive even by my standards. Since Oct last year, I've been to Australia, Art of Living Ashram, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and USA...phew. I really need to hang up my traveling shoes for a while (ok, a month).

The best part of all this travel, is that it makes you compare places against each other. When time lapses between two trips, you tend to forget how you felt in a place, only remember the place itself. But back to back, you can weigh one emotion against the other. Let me tell you where I'm going with this.

I have always had the notion that I am a country girl. I love green rolling fields, open spaces, heritage and culture. Perhaps it was a romanticism borrowed from all the books I grew up with, but I always believed that I would get stifled in a city, versus the countryside which would let me breathe.

How wrong I was. Or maybe, how I have changed. The past few years have convinced me that I am a city girl through and through. I love the vibe of a busy city. The pulse of things happening, the need to keep moving, to keep things interesting. I love seeing fashionable people on the sidewalk, and yes I still love history and architecture. But I love to see how it retains its charms with the tentacles of modernity growing all around it. And in the past year, I have truly enjoyed pitting one fabulous city against another and have clear favourites.

My favourite city thus far is Tokyo. When we visited, I thought that I would love charming Kyoto far more than busy Tokyo but I was wrong. Tokyo is sophisticated and yet grounded. It's planned incredibly well, making transport convenient so as an English-speaking tourist, I was still traveling across the entire length of the city (and it is a large one) to see a different monument every day. I find it fascinating because the old and the new stand proud side by side, both dazzling in their own way. Take the Shibuya Crossing for example. It is the Times Square of Japan, with buzzing with people any time of the day. But a mere two steps away from the crossing, sits Hachiko, the most loyal dog in the world. His sculpture is as much a tourist attraction as the crossing itself. He stands for old-style loyalty and tradition, whereas the modern shops around the crossing are the present and the future.

My second favourite city (and I can't count Singapore or Delhi) is Sydney. I love how beautifully laid out and laid back the city is. It is fashionable and it is fit. Even if you step out at noon, you will see people jogging by, on their lunch break from work, such is the zest to keep fit here. I love the food and sitting by the water, people watching. Though there isn't much from a historical point of view here, just walking around the city is a delight with the changing architectural styles in each district.

Unfortunately, neither San Francisco nor New York make it high on my list. As much as I enjoyed visiting them, I don't feel a craving to go back or to live there. The homeless felt a little menacing, and I missed taking safety for granted as I have begun doing in recent months. The subways felt distinctly unsafe too. Also, there is a brown tinge to the skyline of the cities, and the eyes beg for some colour. I loved the Ferry Building in San Francisco and Chelsea Market in New York. But the cities did not captivate me the way I always imagined they would. Surprisingly, I found the food better in San Fran than in NY, though overall I think I liked NY more. I didn't dislike either city, they each had a charm for sure. I just did not feel the warmth I felt from other cities, they just didn't quite resonate with me.

Europe lies high on my list now. As does Russia and parts of South America. It would be interesting to see how Rio de Janeiro compares to Rome or Prague. And yes, the Northern Lights...when I can muster up enough courage to head to the cold north.

Until then folks, keep traveling, keep dreaming. I know I will...      

Cover Story: Asia's Richest Businesswomen

Never say never. When this business story came my way, every logical thought in my head told me to refuse it. It was a hardcore business story, for a hardcore business magazine, which is not my beat. Moreover, it was based on the carefully guarded high-profile lives of Asia's 15 richest businesswomen, all of whom happened to be Chinese.

But I shut those voices out. And I told myself that if any other author was capable of doing this story, why couldn't I. So I did. Racing against a crazy deadline, trying to get in touch with the PR teams of firms who do not even have websites on English or any sort of information searchable on Google (they have cryptic sites searchable on Baidu, China's answer to Google, without translation). The story is finally out, and shall be on stands this week. I couldn't have been happier with it and what gives me even greater joy is the fact that my editor thought it was perfect - a refreshing angle to profiling business giants.

Get your copy now or see the preview by clicking this.  

The ruins of this palace town called Mandu

India is a quilt weaving together thousands of hidden gems that together make the country as unique as it is. There is something for everyone... if you like to travel for food or for history, for architecture or natural beauty, there is no dearth of places to choose from.

But places stuffed to the brim with crowds may not be my scene as much as one which yet lies undiscovered. Madhya Pradesh has a handful of these and the crown jewel is Mandu. A tiny town near Indore which is rarely ever spoken about. Yet, if you think Hampi is the ruin capital of India, you haven't seen nothing yet. 

Read more about this undiscovered palace town that lies in gorgeous ruins by clicking here - Mandu. 

Why McLeodganj is my soul town (do you have one?)

McLeodganj holds a special place in my heart. It is my soul town, second only to Bhutan (but I could never pick a specific town in Bhutan). Here's a peek into why this little hilltop holds such a special place in my heart. Read my latest article, published on The Quint by clicking HERE. 

An Underwhelming Brunch at Open Farm Community (Dempsey Hill)

Some places, like people, have so much potential. They mean well, all the tick marks are there, yet the actual experience of knowing them falls short. One such place in the densely packed food-city of Singapore is Open Farm Community. With the farm-to-table concept taking the world by storm, any place that focuses on produce has my interest piqued. Which is why we decided to stop by Dempsey for lunch one sunny afternoon this weekend.

Open Farm Community (OFC) sprawls over a large area, as far as city restaurants go. Most of it is dedicated to the mini farm, where they grow lime and other produce. However, the intention is there but a walk through the greens seems like a stroll through my overgrown backyard. I have seen the extent this concept can be executed, a stark example being the Grounds of Alexandra in Sydney. Oh the joy of spending an afternoon there! There is no restaurant prettier than the garden-feel of this unique factory-converted-space. But unlike Grounds of Alexandra, OFC just doesn't manage to go the whole hog when it comes to the exteriors. The interiors however, are stunning. Bright and cheerful, the dining space is like a greenhouse with tall ceilings and floor to ceiling windows.  

The menu here is very limited, with a few options for starters, a few pastas, a handful of mains and a couple of dishes for kids (categorized as Little Diners). The kids menu is priced similar to the regular dishes, defeating its purpose altogether. We tried the Grouper Burger ($30) which came in a black bun. The fish patty was thick and well seasoned, contrasting with the sour pickled cucumber. The accompanying fries (with a few sweet potato fries thrown in) were wonderfully crisp.

From the brunch menu, we also tried the 63 degree egg ($31) served with toasted sourdough, baked beans and chilli beef rib eye. This was a hearty breakfast dish, the baked beans completely soaking through the sourdough though.

I would have left disappointed but wisdom prevailed and we ordered dessert. Thank god for small mercies. The stunning platter had a carefully placed chocolate mousse, cherry jam, soaked chocolate fudge brownie bits, salted candied walnuts and a delightfully tart dark cherry sorbet ($18). The interplay of textures, temperatures and flavours made this one exceptional dish. If only the kitchen had shown this kind of sophistication in the savoury dishes too.

Open Farm Community has potential but does not compel the diner to return. It is like the child who you know can score top marks but he just couldn't be bothered. Go there for a cheery catch up over coffee and dessert, the bright space deserves a visit for sure. But with so many other options in Dempsey and nearby, I don't think I would waste a meal here again.  

Why Vietnamese Coffee is my new obsession (and how to brew your own)

"...Vietnamese coffee is not just a beverage. It is a way of being, a certain sensibility that denies you the pleasure of instant gratification. It has no place in a life where coffee is a quick fix..."

Read my latest feature on HT Mint here - Vietnamese Coffee.

The Best of Delhi's State Bhawan Canteens

Once in a while, when Delhi's restaurant scene gets too pretentious, I escape into the unassuming world of state bhawan canteens. It is here that sometimes you find a regional feast on your table that is reminiscent of eating at someone's home. The beauty of India lies in its diversity, that of language, culture, landscape and most importantly, cuisine.

However, not every state bhawan serves delicious food. A few, like Rajasthan House, are actually quite forgettable. If you want to know which ones to skip and which to bump up your list, here is the cheat sheet. My latest article, published on HT Mint, gives you the lowdown on five state bhawans that beg to be visited. Read the article by clicking HERE.