The Truth About Tempura

13 Sept 14:50 Key points summarised by AI

Tempura, widely associated with Japan, surprisingly originated in Portugal as "peixinhos da horta."
"Peixinhos da horta" was a traditional all-vegetable dish created for Christian "Ember Days" (fasting periods) to provide sustenance without meat.
Portuguese explorers introduced this dish to Japan during the Age of Discovery, where it evolved into the popular culinary item known today as Tempura.
The original "peixinhos da horta" is still actively served in Portugal, typically made with long green beans and a creamy tartar sauce.

The Buddha Comes Home

Today 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Chong Para is a vibrant annual festival of the Shan (Tai Yai) people in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, celebrating the Buddha's return from Tavatimsa heaven after Buddhist Lent.
The festival's centerpiece involves families constructing intricate miniature palaces, also called Chong Para, from bamboo, paper, and lights, placed outside homes and temples as offerings.
For three days and nights, the quiet mountain town comes alive with folk music, traditional dances like the Shan bird dance, religious ceremonies, and community gatherings, showcasing deep-rooted Shan culture.
Beyond the celebrations, Chong Para reinforces family bonds, preserves traditional crafts, and offers visitors an authentic immersion into the unique cultural heritage of Mae Hong Son.