GOASIAPLUS March 2018

MARCH 2018 | ISSUE 22
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
THE STORY OF
SONGKRAN
FREE
TEA
PHU QUOC, VIETNAM
Candy Inside
*Airport copies only

Contents
24
30
22
25
4 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM
8On The Radar
14
Out & About
18
The Story
of Songkran
22
Road Less Taken
24
Lost & Found
25
Book Lover’s Guide
to Asia
30
Tea Obsession
of Asia

COVER PHOTO BY
THEKOB5123 / ADOBE STOCK
EDITORIAL TEAM
EDITOR’s note
This year got me thinking about the reasons why people travel.
There are generic answers like to taste different foods, to
immerse in different cultures and even for the sake of shopping.
I personally love to see old architecture and learn about the
history of that country. But lately, I couldn’t help but notice my
excitement everytime I find a bookstore or book market abroad.
This stems from my love of reading and collecting books so I dug
through the depths of the internet to find people like me. Turns
out, there are such things as ‘Literary Tours’ and places connected
to popular authors and even unique bookstores.
So for our shopping section, I wrote the ‘Book Lover’s Guide
to Asia’ featuring cool bookstores and festivals for travelling
bookworms out there. The food section uncovers our obsession
with tea with insights into what and how people drink tea across
several countries like Japan and Turkey. And if you are looking
for an island holiday, we found a charming island off the coast of
Vietnam that is the stuff of dreams.
Our cover story is the guide for you to read if you plan to
celebrate Songkran next month in Thailand. Find out the best
places to celebrate it from Bangkok to Chiang Mai while learning
about the history of this sacred celebration.
Happy travelling to you lot!
GROUP HEAD & BRANDS
JOHN SO
EDITOR
AISHAH AZALI
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
JAMIE SOO-HOO
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
JESSY WONG
CONTRIBUTORS
FRANCIS YIP, ANGELA GOH, AZUL ADNAN &
SHAHRIL SAIFOL @ LIGHT SHOW PHOTOGRAPHY
DIGITAL TEAM
WEB CONTENT
AISHAH AZALI & JESSY WONG
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
AISHAH@PCOMASIA.COM
SENIOR MANAGER
SALES & MARKETING
YONG WANG CHING
YONG@PCOMASIA.COM
COMMERCIAL & PARTNERSHIP
JOHN SO
JOHNSO@PCOMASIA.COM
PUBLISHED BY
PUBLISHCOM ASIA SDN. BHD.
NO. 83–1, JALAN MEDANG SERAI, BUKIT BANDARAYA,
59100 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA.
+603–20118983
WWW.PCOMASIA.COM
PRINTED BY
PERCETAKAN TURBO SDN. BHD.
NO. 8, JALAN SEKINCAN 26/9, SECTION 26,
SHAH ALAM 40000, MALAYSIA.
Aishah Azali
Editor
The views expressed in the articles published are not necessarily those of Publishcom
Asia Sdn Bhd (963236–P). While every reasonable care is taken in compiling the
magazine, the publisher shall not be held liable for any omission, error or inaccuracy.
Please notify the publisher in writing of any such omission, error or inaccuracy.
Editorial contributions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are submitted at the
sender’s risk. The publisher cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage. All
rights reserved by Publishcom Asia Sdn Bhd (963236–P). No part of this publication
may be reproduced in any form without the publisher’s permission in writing.
KDN PP 19019/05/2016 (034482)
6 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

On The Radar
ON THE RADAR
lacquer motif bag FROM BONIA
The latest Milione Collection seeks inspiration by the use
of lacquer paint - as seen in Chinese art and architecture
- is reproduced in the design of Bonia’s shoulder bag and
clutch. Adorning layers and combination of colours give the
messenger bag a diversely casual yet sweet vibe.
Available at Bonia outlets nationwide
biking around kl town
Nothing beats the personal tour of a city by a true local.
The adventure takes form in a guided group bicycle tour
around Kuala Lumpur with 10 different routes to choose
from. Besides, there is also a mountain bike ride course for
cyclist buffs to enlist in for an invigorating experience.
www.bikewithelena.wordpress.com
WILD WAGYU WEDNESDAY
Hong Kong’s top Belgian beerhouse, Frites is offering new
Wagyu burgers with tantalizing bacons, golden hand cut
frites and creamy truffle mayo every Wednesday from 5pm
onwards. Book a seat at the European restaurant in a jiffy as
the juicy Wagyu favourite is available for a limited time only.
www.frites.hk
8 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

On The Radar
SHERATON DEBUTS IN VIETNAM
The cosmopolitan Danang city of Vietnam welcomes
Sheraton Grand Danang Resort at Non Nuoc Beach a
prime location for leisure and business travellers. The
lofty hotel boasts of 128 classic rooms with coastline
view, 7 diverse restaurants and bars alongside a luxurious
Presidential Suite with private lift access and helipad.
www.sheratongranddanang.com
GUESS watches with android tech
Fashion and functionality breathe life into GUESS new smartwatches
that allow user personalisation from display face to interchangeable
straps. Fitted with both iOS and Android, the feminine watch case
is embedded with clear crystals while men can select from a diverse
dress to sport styles to accessorise.
Available at GUESS stores
SCHOOL HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF FUN
Fly to Singapore this coming holiday season
for a blast from 8-18 March at Clarke Quay.
The comedy festival will crack you up with
their global comic troop and be thrilled by the
StreetFest that features various mesmerizing
stunt acts. Food-themed delights are centre of
Nickelodeon Fiesta with cartoon game booths.
www.festivaloffun.sg
10 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

On The Radar
New Love, Bonito Store at Sunway Pyramid
Submerge yourself in pink as the Love, Bonito store in
Sunway Pyramid gets a bright elegant revamp to attract
shoppers and lovers of the brand. Browse and buy through
the 1,448 square feet store that is designed with feminine
tones and accent lines to accommodate the vast collection
from Love, Bonito. The brand was launched seven years
ago in Singapore which has expanded to Malaysia in malls
like Mid Valley and now Sunway Pyramid.
Lot G1.87, ground floor of Sunway Pyramid
COCA Restaurant
Returns to KL
After an absence of seven years, the COCA Restaurant
serving delicious Thai-Cantonese cuisine and their signature
hot pot is making its return with a new opening at Bangsar
Shopping Centre. The new dining space sits 100 diners and
will serve an enticing menu of their famous super suki sauce
and their variety of stock broths for the hot pots which will
include a special one exclusively for Malaysian outlets.
www.exquisinethai.com/cocarestaurant
Yoga in the Sky with Cathay Pacific
Learn to stretch with yoga as Cathay Pacific launches a
new inflight well-being programme called ‘Travel Well with
Yoga’ in collaboration with founding teacher of Pure Yoga,
Patrick Creelman. The programme is split into six easy-tofollow
videos that demonstrate yoga and meditation that
can be done before, during and after flights. Watch them
while on board to help improve circulation and relax the
mind during those long hours in the aeroplane.
www.cathaypacific.com
LIKE US!
facebook.com/
goasiaplus
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 11

On The Radar
kiwi SCENT WITH SOIRÉE
A wild addition to the Viva La Juicy collection tops the luxury fragrance
line with a vibrant spirit in a paint-splattered perfume bottle. The glam
of Juicy Couture Soirée captivates the crowd by raw fruity scent of kiwi
and cassis leaves dried down with musk of amber and soft woods.
Retails at RM425 for 100ml
WORLD PREMIERE OF
LEE CHONG WEI MOVIE
Malaysia’s largest movie screening is set
to display badminton legend Datuk Wira
Lee Chong Wei’s life story on the big
screen. In 133 minutes, a special extended
version of the movie directed by Teng
Bee will only be played in this event for
the lucky 20,000 attendees including the
man himself and his family, celebrities and
other national badminton players.
Attendees can also anticipate live
movie theme song performances by
singers Nabila Razali and Priscilla Abby.
His journey on becoming a global
champion will be shared on 9 March at
Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur
Sports City. Ticket price starts from RM88.
www.myticket.asia
12 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Out & About
17 MAR | John
Legend:
Darkness And Light
World Tour
Ten times Grammy winner is
on the road to promote his
fifth studio album ‘Darkness
and Light’ and treat his
fans with eargasms on his
latest ‘I Know Better’ and
‘Penthouse Floor’ hit singles.
His piano skills and soothing
voice will sure to captivate
audiences.
Arena of Stars,
Genting Highland, Pahang
www.rwgenting.com
OUT & ABOUT
THE HOTTEST & MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF
THE MONTH IN MALAYSIA AND BEYOND
16-25 MAR |
Ballet
Illuminations
Singapore’s Dance Theatre
annual tour is back with
a greater performance of
classical and contemporary
choreographies involving
children and adult ballet
shows. Catch Rubies by
George Balanchine from 16-
18 March while from 23-25
March, The Nutcracker will
be performed.
KLPAC,
Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah
www.klpac.org
31 MAR | LANY
First formed in 2014, the
international indie band is making
a tour across Asia with their first
self-titled album. The band trio are
established for their indie and synth
pop music having toured with Troye
Sivan and Halsey in previous years.
KL Live, Life Centre,
Jalan Sultan Ismail
www.thisislany.com
Across The Pond
24 MAR | Zedd Echo Tour 2018
The third world tour by Anton Zaslavski or best
known by his stage name Zedd after appearances in
music festivals and successful collaborations with top
pop artists. His EDM forte has even won him a Grammy
for his single ‘Clarity’ for Best Dance Recording.
Kobe World, Osaka, Japan
www.zedd.net/echo
30 MAR - 1 APR | Air Festival
Set in between Lombok and Bali, Air Festival
brands itself as a sustainable music festival promoting
unity and sacredness of nature. The intimate festival
brings a range genres with an eclectic line-up of Fred P,
Rampa, Boris Werner and Ata to party at the beach.
Gili Air Island, Tenggara Barat, Indonesia
www.airfestival.net
14 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

ADVERTORIAL
Your
SERUM’S
best friend
Serums have evolved to be worn by people
of every age, not just your mother. Its benefits
and nutrients give a dose of youth to your
face without the need of injections. But what
if you had a device that can further penetrate
those vitamins into your skin? Well, we have
the solution in the form of Panasonic's Ionic
Cleansing & Toning Device.
Power To Deliver Deep
Get the best out of your serums, lotions and even your sheet
masks by using it with the device. The ions created boosts
the absorption of the products to delivery deep within your
skin, 1.7 times more than applied by hand.
Bye Bye Impurities
Cleansing oils and wet wipes may not be enough to
completely remove impurities from your skin. But this device
generates ionic waves to loosen the dirt for easy absorption
by the cotton pad that can be attached to the device head.
Warmth & Vibration For Skin
The combination of the device’s warm and vibration
settings provide a soothing lifting massage to your face
that can help improve elasticity on top of the deliverance
of moisturising ingredients.
The Perfect Shape
The device is designed with a smooth triangular
head made of metal so it can easily reach
sensitive areas like around the nose and eyes.
DID YOU KNOW?
Choose between 4 modes:
cleansing, moisturizing,
brighten and warm
rhythm
You can use the device
when applying your
under eye serum
or cream for better
penetration
Use it anywhere as the
device is cordless
PLEASE SCAN HERE FOR
MORE DETAILS OR VISIT
www.panasonic.com/my
Model:
EH-ST63-P421
Price:
RM559

THE TRAVEL EDITOR’S
guide to beauty:
EDITOR AISHAH AZALI, FREQUENT TRAVELLER FOR ALL OCCASIONS SHARES HER
GUIDE TO STAYING FRESH AND BEAUTIFUL WHILE ABROAD. HERE SHE SHARES
HER SKIN PREP TIPS BEFORE APPLYING MAKEUP.
PHOTOS BY SHAHRIL SAIFOL @ LIGHT SHOW PHOTOGRAPHY
Morning
Beauty Routine
As a makeup lover, I make sure to properly prep my face before
applying anything on. When I have more time or if I’m going out
for a special occasion, I do extra prep with the Panasonic Ionic
Cleansing & Toning Device. It really helps so my makeup remains flawless
for long hours throughout the day with minimal touch ups.
Then it’s on to my toner
which I apply on a cotton
pad and attach it to the
device’s head. Massaging
the soaked cotton pad
on my face doubles as a
facial as I use the ‘massage’
setting that creates a warm
rhythmic motion.
I start off with washing my face using a gentle
foam cleanser. After patting dry, I begin my
road to moisturised skin with a hydrating sheet
mask. I noticed that wearing one before applying
makeup keeps my skin feeling great despite all
the layers of product.
I use the Panasonic device on
top of my sheet mask in the
‘moisturise’ setting which helps
massage all the mask’s goodness
deeper into my skin.
AISHAH IS USING:
Panasonic Ionic Cleansing &
Toning Device
Model: EH-ST63-P421
www.panasonic.com/my
The last step before I put on my
makeup is to apply some eye
cream on my under eyes using
the device’s cool triangular metal
head that gently glide the product
around this sensitive area.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 17

Songkran
WHEN
13-15
APRIL / 2018
THEof
STORY
SONGKRAN
IF YOU ARE VISITING THAILAND IN MID-APRIL, BE PREPARED
FOR A WET AND WILD TIME. BILLED AS THE WORLD'S
BIGGEST WATER FIGHT, SONGKRAN, ALSO KNOWN AS THAI
WATER FESTIVAL, WILL SEE ADULTS UNLEASH THEIR “INNER
CHILD”. IT IS ALSO ONE OF THE MANY WAYS TO BEAT APRIL’S
SWELTERING HEAT.
WORDS BY ANGELA GOH • PHOTOS BY ADOBE STOCK, WYNDHAM GRAND
KALIM BAY & GETTY IMAGES
18 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Songkran
WHAT IS SONGKRAN
Songkran is a Buddhist festival to usher in Thailand’s
traditional New Year.
ORIGINS
Rooted in ancient India, the word Songkran is derived
from Sanskrit, meaning “Astrological Passage” or change.
The festival marks the day the sun leaves Pisces and
enters Aries, having finished its orbit around the earth. It
also marks the end of the dry season and the start of the
rainy season.
An exodus from urban centres occurs when Thais
return to their hometowns to spend time with family and
pay respects to their ancestors.
DAY 1 /
National Elderly Day when Thais pour fragrant water on
the palms of their elders and ask them for blessings. An
annual “Miss Songkran” parade and floral floats are part
of the popular festivities.
DAY 2 /
National Family Day when families give alms to monks
before spending the day together. This is an auspicious
day when people avoid uttering impolite words.
WATER ORIGINS
Traditionally, families use small bowls of water to pour
over each other for luck and good health. This has
evolved into party-like street water “fights” using buckets
and water pistols.
SAND ORIGINS
Buddhists take small bags of sand to the temple to
symbolise returning the dust they have carried away on
their feet when they visited the temple over the past year.
The sand is then sculpted into small stupas decorated
with flags in honour of the Buddha. Some temples
hold competitions which result in huge, elaborate sand
sculptures.
Thais also apply a white pasty powder on each other’s
face or neck as a sign of protection and promise to ward
off bad luck.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 19

Songkran
WHERE TO CELEBRATE
Chiang Mai
Celebrates Songkran for 4 days as compared with
3 days in other cities. Most of the action is along
the ancient moat where revellers refill their guns
and buckets. Here, extra care must be taken as
the moat water is filthy and revellers often suffer
a bacterial infection in the aftermath. So wear
goggles, earplugs and don’t open your mouth
during the water fights. For a traditional feel, watch
the parade of floats on the first day of Songkran.
There is the joint Thai-Lao Songkran festival
called Pleasant Songkran, displaying the
cultures of the different ethnic groups in
Nakhon Phanom province.
Khon Kaen
Nakhon
Phanom
Feature elephants in the street
celebrations. These colourfully painted
behemoths are given huge barrels of
water to spray revellers.
Ayutthaya
Bangkok
Offers a distinctly Isan Songkran featuring
seasonal yellow flowers (dok khun) with
festivities near Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake and
centred on Khao Nieo Road where the Human
Wave event takes place. Started in 2009 to
symbolise unity, the event sees three rounds
of participants jump up with hands raised. Last
year’s Human Wave stretched up to 1km long,
attracting a record of over 100,000 revellers.
Pattaya
This place stretches the festivities up to 10 days!
Songkran starts as early as April 11. Hardcore
Songkran splashers will have a field day here.
Among the highlights are large sand sculptures
on the beach and the unique ‘Kong Khao’ parade
in appreciation to the Goddess of Rice.
The epicentre of the biggest and most stylish Songkran parties. The
hotspots are Silom Road and Khao San Road. Silom attracts hordes
of eager splashers who also enjoy the added benefit of shelter from
the scorching sun by the overhead BTS train track. Even better, smart
observers take to the overhead walkway called Skywalk in Silom or the
Ratchaprasong area for an elevated view of the water madness without
getting drenched.
PARTIES
Showcases Hae Nang Kradan Festival or Nang Dan
Parade (held to honour Hindu God Shiva) which is
held at the same time as Songkran.
Nakhon Si
Thammarat
Want to add a club atmosphere to the water mayhem? Head for Royal
City Avenue or RCA, the hub of clubs and bars. Not too far from RCA is
where the annual electronic dance music festival dubbed S20, will carry
on for 3 consecutive nights at Live Park (Rama 9).
TRADITIONAL RITUALS
Observe the religious rituals at Wat Arun and Wat Pho on the Chao
Phraya River, or Wat Phra Kaew in Chinatown.
20 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Songkran
WHAT TO EAT
COOL DELICACY
If the deluge from the water fights doesn’t turn the heat
down enough, try feasting on khao chae (“khao” means
“rice” and “chae” means “to soak”). Only widely available
from mid-March until the end of April, this Songkran
speciality comprises ice-chilled rice in jasmine-scented
water served with side dishes. These dishes include sweet
pepper, deep-fried battered egg, stuffed shallots, deepfried
shrimp paste, sweet fish, salty beef, and pickled
vegetables and fruit.
The way to eat khao chae is to have a small bite of a
side dish, then follow up with a spoonful of the icy rice.
Along with a very long list of ingredients, preparing khao
chae is challenging and time-consuming.
ORIGINS
The Mon people from Myanmar first created this special
dish as a gift for the gods during Songkran. In the 1800s,
it was served only in the palace but from 1910 the
delicacy was enjoyed throughout Thailand. In the past,
when there was no freezer to make ice, water was cooled
in earthen pots away from the heat.
SONGKRAN FESTIVALS AROUND
SOUTHEAST ASIA
WHEN
14-17
APRIL / 2018
CAMBODIA: CHAUL CHNAM THMEY,
CAMBODIAN NEW YEAR
Offers no water-splashing. On the first day of Songkran,
Cambodians go to shrines to light candles and incense
and pay homage to the Buddha. They play games, eat
traditional food and use holy water to wash their face in
the morning, chest at noon and feet in the evening.
WHEN
14-16
APRIL / 2018
WHEN
13-17
APRIL / 2018
LAOS: PEE MAI LAO OR LAO NEW YEAR
Shares many of the features of Thai Songkran. In Luang
Prabang, the celebrations can stretch to 7 days. The
highlights include thousands of sand stupas which line
the banks of the Mekong River and the procession of
Prabang, one of Laos’ most celebrated Buddha images,
which gave Luang Prabang its name.
MYANMAR: THINGYAN OR NEW YEAR
FESTIVAL
Holds similar water fights but with the addition of
traditional food donations called Satuditha. Revellers get
to enjoy free coffee, fried noodles and traditional festive
snacks such as rice dumplings made with palm sugar.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 21

Road Less Taken
Road Less Taken is a collaboration with AirAsiaGo.
Check out airasiago.com.my for flight & hotel deals!
ROAD LESS TAKEN:
Phu Quoc,
Vietnam
NESTLED BETWEEN VIETNAM
AND CAMBODIA, PHU QUOC IS
RICH IN NATURE THANKS TO ITS
PROTECTED NATIONAL PARK AND
ITS VARIETY OF PRISTINE BEACHES
ACROSS SEVERAL ISLANDS.
WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI • PHOTOS BY
GETTY IMAGES & AIRASIAGO
HOW TO GET THERe
There are two ways to get to the island
which is through air or sea. You can take
a ferry from two major ports, one in Rach
Gia (2 hours & half hour journey) and
another from Ha Tien (1 hour 15 minute
journey). Major airports like Tan Son Nhat
International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City
have domestic flights direct to the island.
WHAT TO DO
Phu Quoc district is made of 28 islands
with Phu Quoc being the biggest. Duong
Dong is the largest town, an urban
paradise where one can visit places like
the Cau Temple, perched on a rock by
the sea. Snorkelling is a popular activitiy
with dive centers like Flipper Diving Club
offering tours to see the corals.
The southern coast is home to the
2nd largest town, An Thoi which is the
gateway to the Phu Quoc Marine Park.
Relax on the island’s best beaches, Sao
Beach and Khem Beach where the white
sands are a stark contrast to the deep
blue waters.
The tourism boom of high-end
accommodations and sultry rooftop bars
are located at Duong To (between Duong
Dong and An Thoi) with most of these
institutions located on the longest beach
on the island, Long Beach.
WHERE TO eat
When on the island, expect the freshest
of seafood. The Vietnamese love their
spring rolls or gỏi cuốn but the ones
served in Phu Quoc are filled with raw fish
and shredded coconut dipped in locally
made fish sauce. Try some at Trung Duong
Restaurant where you can taste many
local fares under cute cabanas.
A dinner with a sea view can be
experienced at Mango Bay Resort that
is popular among foreigners and locals
alike. The restaurant serves seafood from
poached mackerel to freshly made crab
cakes, a feast of east meets west.
WHERE TO STAY
Homely accommodations of Vietnamese
design comes in the form of Lan Anh Garden
Resort. When their spacious rooms are not
facing the pool, it is equipped with quaint
balconies overlooking lush gardens.
Closer to the airport is the Miana Resort
with bungalows to accommodate big groups
or your family. The grounds have a more
tropical garden decor which is great for
relaxing, especially by the pool. Do not forget
to nosh on some traditional Vietnamese
dishes at their restaurant and bar.
i GOOD TO KNOW
Some locals on the island worship a whale God
called ‘Ca Ong’ believing a legend that these giants
protect fishermen during rough storms.
The 2nd largest island in Phu Quoc is called Hon
Thom or Pineapple Island which has an oversea
cable car spanning 5.7km from the main
Phu Quoc island.
Phu Quoc produces some of the best fish sauce
and pepper in the region. It’s a great souvenir from
the island if you love cooking.
22 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Lost & Found
lost&Found
Francis
Yip always loses himself but somehow, finds his way back with lots
of juicy stories to share. Forgive him if he sparks a debate. Love him if he
unlocks hidden jewels. So heavenly, so travelicious with him!
www.franciswriter.com franciswriterAd
Once Upon A Time
IN CINEMA
WORDS & PHOTOS BY FRANCIS YIP
Once upon a time, the cinemas in
Malaysia were like a movie scene. The
way the audience reserved their seats
could perhaps make you laugh – tying a knot
on their seat using a handkerchief.
Those were the days before movie tickets
were introduced in the 60’s. There was no
air-conditioner, just fans and wooden chairs.
If you were unlucky, you might come across
some rats running around the cinema floor.
I watched my first movie in the cinema in
1976. It was King Kong in Cathay, Penang. The
70’s was considered as the heyday of cinema.
It introduced me to Bruce Lee, Chin Han, Lin
Ching-Hsia, Ti Lung, David Chiang, Jackie
Chan and Roger Moore.
TICKETS & SEATING
This was also the time when ticket prices were
divided according to the seating arrangement,
from first to second and third class. The
upstairs tickets were the most expensive.
Although cinema tickets were considered
expensive during that time, people still flocked
to the cinemas in droves and there were
even black market ticket sellers who boldly
approached the crowd in the queue.
Some smart patrons would first buy
third-class tickets and then moved into first
class seats amidst the movie screening. That
was why ticket inspectors were often seen
with torchlight in their hand to ensure patrons
didn’t change their seats!
MID-MOVIE SNACK
And unlike the cineplexes today, there was an
interval during movie screening to allow the
patrons to buy drinks or go to the washroom.
The “kuaci” girl would also freely walk along
the cinema aisles to sell snacks like “kuaci”
(sunflower seeds), ice-cream or popcorn
during the interval!
In fact, there were all kinds of foods like
“kacang putih” (peanuts), “bak kua bun” (grilled
meat buns) and meat floss buns available and
could be brought into the cinema. But today,
only foods bought at the counter like drinks
and popcorns are allowed.
To promote the particular movie, some
cinemas invited celebrities to draw more
POPULAR FOODS SERVED AT
THE CINEMA PREMISES:
Bak kua buns
(grilled meat
buns)
Bah hu buns
(meat floss buns)
Kuaci
(sunflower seeds)
Ice-cream
Popcorn
Kacang putih
(peanuts)
Lok lok
(foods on skewer)
Asam boi
(salted dried sour
tamarind)
Dried plum
Hacks sweet
crowd. My mother once told me famed Hong
Kong songstress, Grace Chang came over
to Cathay in Penang to promote her latest
movie, “Air Hostess”.
In Johor Bahru, the Capitol cinema took
pride in having a stage which hosted live
shows of visiting stars performing live an
excerpt of the movie, especially “Huangmei
opera” ( 黃 梅 調 ).
Apart from inviting celebrities, cinema
posters and billboards were used to promote
the movie. As there was no digital printing
back then, these items were hand-drawn. In
fact, most of the promotional flyers were in
one-colour print and distributed from door
to door in the neighbourhood.
Today, those good old cinemas have
ceased from movie screening due to the
emergence of home videos in the 80’s.
Some became home furnishing outlets,
hypermarkets, café & restaurants and
boutique hotels.
Surprisingly, the Majestic cinema
recently reopened its door with new décor
and is back to screen old Shaw Brothers
movies. For Odean cinema, it is now a
popular trick art café and restaurant with
beautiful wall murals and architectural
marvel for tourists.
Times have changed. People enjoy
ultimate comfort of watching movies in
cineplexes. But cineplexes can’t beat the
good old cinema experience for me. I miss
my bak kua buns and kuaci.
24 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Book Lover’s Guide
The entrance of the
Tehran Book Garden
book lover’s
guide to
a
s
i
a
CULTURE AND HISTORY BUFFS GET ALL THE ATTENTION
WHEN IT COMES TO TRAVEL. BUT TODAY, WE ARE GIVING
THE BOOK LOVERS SOME SPOTLIGHT BY HIGHLIGHTING
SOME OF THE BEST LITERARY SPOTS ACROSS ASIA.
FROM THE STREET TO THE STORES AND EVEN LITERARY
FESTIVALS, WE GOT YOU COVERED.
WORDS BY AISHAH AZALI • PHOTOS BY MOHAMMAD SHAH HOSSEINI,
TSUTAYA BOOKS, AISHAH AZALI & GETTY IMAGES
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 25

Book Lover’s Guide
bookstores
BOOKXCESS
The biggest Bookxcess branch in Malaysia offers a
plethora of books from thriller to self help for a fraction
of the price in a normal bookstore. Bestsellers like the
young adult series by famed authors like Meg Cabot and
Richelle Mead can go for as low as RM17.90.
3rd Floor, Starling Mall, Jalan SS 21/37,
Damansara Utama
10AM - 10PM, 7 days a week
www.bookxcessonline.com
m
a
l
a
y
s
i
a
j
a
p
a
n
DAIKANYAMA TSUTAYA BOOKS
(T-SITE)
The T-Site is known on the internet to be the best
bookstore in the world. Its award-winning design
complex has a theme of a library in the woods.
Magazine Street is the book haven that stocks
periodicals on topics like travel, cars and art in both
Japanese and English. The Anjin Library & Lounge is
an archive for old magazines, storing over 30,000 of
them from as way back as the 1960s. Coffee and hard
beverages are even served here so you can inspect your
books with a cup in hand.
17-5 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
1st Floor: 7AM – 2AM, 7 days a week
2nd Floor: 9AM – 2AM, 7 days a week
www.real.tsite.jp/daikanyama/english
26 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Book Lover’s Guide
TEHRAN BOOK GARDEN
This is no ordinary bookstore, it’s a futuristiclooking
complex of literature spanning 13 blocks
across 700,000 square feet of land. The whole
structure was built to expand the mind of Iranian
kids as the complex also has art galleries, a drama
theatre and auditorium. And the books? It is
recorded that there are 400,000 titles for children’s
book alone but do cater to adults in various genres.
i
r
a
n
Haghani Highway, Tehran
10AM – 9PM, 7 days a week
i
n
d
o
n
e
s
i
a
AKSARA
Though there are 3 outlets for the Aksara
brand, the standalone store in Kemang is
our favourite. Their unique book selection
is the highlight with a plethora of coffee
table books, random fact books and a shelf
filled with enticing local bestsellers among
hipster knick knacks like artisanal leather
wallets.
Jalan Kemang Raya No. 8B, South Jakarta
10AM – 10PM, 7 days a week
LIBRAIRIE AVANT-GARDE
This Nanjing literary haven is uniquely located in
an abandon underground carpark. The space can
hold up thousands of books and promotes the love
of reading with long reading tables for visitors
to get engrossed in the pages. They also have an
impressive literature section shelving the classics
in both English and Chinese.
173, Guangzhou Road, Gulou District, Nanjing
10AM – 9PM, 7 days a week
c
h
i
n
a
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 27

Book Lover’s Guide
literary festivals
Annually in
November
15 – 28
March
2018
24 – 28
October
2018
GEORGETOWN LITERARY
FESTIVAL
THE SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL
LITERARY FESTIVAL
UBUD WRITERS & READERS
FESTIVAL
This festival in Penang invites local and
international writers and poets to share
their opinions of the world of publishing.
Immerse yourself in workshops like the
art of translating for budding raconteurs.
Plus, the pop-up book sale sells work from
some of the best regional writers.
www.georgetownlitfest.com
Acclaimed and emerging writers converge
in this English festival that include hosted
talks by Pulitzer Prize winners. Workshops,
literary lunches and even sessions for
kids come together over a span of two
weekends which is documented through
their festival podcast.
www.m-restaurantgroup.com/community/
m-literary-festival
The cultural centre of the island plays host
to intimate talks by some of Indonesia’s
prolific writers on their journey to
stay relevant in the current publishing
landscape. Workshops on poetry and
language together with art exhibitions
make this a go-to event in Bali.
www.ubudwritersfestival.com
book streets
Look Out For!
COLLEGE STREET (BOI PARA)
NGUYEN VAN BINH STREET
COMIC CON ASIA 2018
Kolkata, India
Surrounded by higher institutions like
the University of Kolkata, this stretch of
road is also known as the second largest
second-hand book market in the world.
Tiny stalls with books stacked to the
ceiling, spilling out on the streets sit
adjacent to bigger bookstores selling rare
editions. Get your second-hand books of
popular titles to educational volumes and
even first editions.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Next to the Notre Dame Cathedral and
Post Office, sits a humble cobblestone
street lined with shops run by many
Vietnamese publishing houses. Locals can
find a diverse selection of international
titles translated to Vietnamese and but if
you are a tourist that looks hard enough,
you can find some popular book titles
like the Harry Potter collection among
hardcover classics.
The famed Comic Con event is
coming to Asia for the first time with
Philippines taking big honours in
hosting it. Creators from every avenue
will attend the event but what’s
exciting is that the King of Marvel, Stan
Lee himself will grace the event. The
genius that created loved comics like
Spiderman and X-Men will sure to get
comic lovers riling.
www.comiccon.asia
24 – 25
March
2018
28 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Tea Obsession
TEA
The
OBSESSION
of Asia
ONCE THE EXCLUSIVE DOMAIN OF ANCIENT MEDICINE
AND RELIGIOUS RITUAL, THE BREW FROM STEEPED
DELICATE TEA LEAVES REMAINS A POTENT “HEALER” TO
NURTURE THE BODY AND SOOTHE THE SPIRIT.
WORDS BY ANGELA GOH • PHOTOS BY ADOBE STOCK, KEIO PLAZA HOTEL,
ADAM GOLEC, AZUL ADNAN & GETTY IMAGES
One of the world’s oldest and widely consumed
beverage next to water, all varieties of tea originate
from the same plant species, Camellia Sinensis. It is the
soil and weather which result in the multitudes of tastes,
such as green tea, black tea and oolong tea. Every cup is
a serving of culture and traditions around Asia - meant
to be savoured, not rushed.
MALAYSIA
Malaysians like their tea neither shaken nor stirred but
pulled. Teh tarik or “pulled tea” is a distinct national drink
which has been turned it into a competitive art form.
Black tea dominates the mainstream tea drinking market,
the favourite concoction being teh tarik. Young and old
gather at coffee shops and 24-hour restaurants to chat
or watch football over teh tarik. Essentially, the popular
brew is a mixture of strong, full-bodied black tea and
condensed or evaporated milk, which is transformed into
a rich, frothy beverage after several rounds of ‘pulling’
of the tea which is then cooled to the optimal drinking
temperature. Another common version is plain tea
without milk, which is consumed with ice or warm.
The majority of tea in Malaysia is grown in Cameron
Highlands, located in the central mountain range of West
Malaysia, where the cool air and fertile soil are suited to
tea-growing. Cameronian tea derives from Rajghur and
Manipuri varietals from Assam, India.
J. A. Russell started Malaysia’s first highland tea
plantation in 1929 in Cameron Highlands. His Boh
(Best Of Highlands) Plantations is the country’s largest
highland tea producer, followed by Bharat Group.
30 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Tea Obsession
JAPAN
Blame it on Japan for making matcha fashionable. This
matcha mania grew from austere beginnings as a monk’s
drink for meditation to a mood-boosting superfood
today. Yet Japan still holds the hallmark of regarding tea
as an art form and a spiritual discipline.
Tea is readily available at high-end restaurants,
convenience stores and even through vending machines.
Its cultural significance is best demonstrated in a
formal Japanese tea ceremony, which is rooted in Zen
Buddhism. The act is aimed at the attainment of deep
spiritual satisfaction through the drinking of tea and
through silent contemplation. The ceremony can last
up to several hours and procedures vary according
to tea schools, seasons, time of day, venue and other
considerations.
Green tea predominates, the highest grade being
gyokuro, followed by sencha, the most common, and
bancha, a lower grade. Only the highest quality leaves
are used for matcha. Most of Japan's tea is harvested by
machines with Shizuoka being the leading tea growing
area, followed by Kagoshima.
Tea was first introduced to Japan from China in the 700s
and mainly used by priests and noblemen as medicine.
Later, Eisai, the founder of Japanese Zen Buddhism,
brought back from China the custom of making tea from
matcha and consumed only for religious purposes.
The Japanese tea ceremony includes
wagashi, a small sweet delicacy served
on a special piece of paper called
kaishi. Wooden sticks called kuromoji
are used to transfer wagashi from a
tray onto the kaishi paper.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 31

Tea Obsession
SRI LANKA
When it comes to tea, the island of Sri Lanka is a land
of superlatives. It is home to the world famous black tea
– Ceylon tea - prized for its rich aroma - and the capital
city Colombo hosts the world’s largest tea auction.
Sri Lankans often drink black tea with milk and sugar.
In Colombo, there are innovative iterations of the old
tea shops in the likes of t-Lounge by Dilmah which adds
bubbly sparkling water and tea shakes. Teaeli adds to its
Ceylon tea cocoa chips, chilli flakes, and caramel toffee,
as well as offer helicopter transport to visit plantations.
The distinctively long and wiry leaves are hand-plucked
by masterful female tea pluckers who pick only two
leaves and a bud which hold the flavour and aroma.
The leaves are withered, rolled and fermented, then
dried and sifted, before being graded (the highest being
Orange Pekoe).
Ceylon black tea is considered the cleanest tea in the
world, free of harmful pesticides or additives. The
different taste of the teas depends mostly on the
location of the tea growing area. High-grown teas
(above 1200m) from Nuwara Eliya exhibit exquisite
bouquet. Middle-grown teas (600m - 1200m) in Kandy
are intensely full-bodied while low-grown teas (sea-level
to 600m) in Galle are full flavoured.
The first tea plants came from China in 1824 and were
displayed at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Cultivation
began in earnest in 1867 by Scottish coffee planter
James Taylor, the pioneer of Sri Lanka's tea industry. By
1890, Thomas Lipton arrived to purchase tea estates.
32 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM

Tea Obsession
TURKEY
The Turks call tea “çay” (pronounced chai) and they have
a folk saying: “Conversations without tea are like a night
sky without the moon”. So intrinsic is the beverage to
Turkish society - which equates the serving of tea to
friendship and hospitality - that to decline is an affront.
CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT The traditional
way Turkish tea is served, A variety of
tea leaves sold in the bazaars of Turkey,
The hills of Nuwara Eliya, A lady tea
picker working in the plantation.
The strong, full-bodied Turkish tea is served in small,
slender tulip-shaped glasses called fincan (pronounced
finjan), which display the brew’s clear crimson hue. The
shape of the glass is designed to cool the upper part
of tea fast while keeping the lower part hot. Tea is an
after-meal drink and rarely taken with meals, the only
occasion being at breakfast.
Generally, two small sugar cubes will accompany a
serving of tea. In Erzurum and other towns in eastern
Turkey, tea is taken with a lump of sugar placed between
the tongue and cheek. To add milk to tea is taboo!
The hub of tea drinking is at Çay Bahcesi or "tea
gardens" where people gather to partake in lively
conversation, smoke a nargile (hooka) or play
backgammon.
To signal that you have had your fill of tea, place your
teaspoon on top of the glass or inside the glass or turn
on its side. But don’t turn it upside down as it means the
tea was bad.
Turkey produces primarily black tea, known as Turkish
tea or Rize tea (named for the region that produces it).
Clippers are used to harvest the leaves which are then
withered and rolled by machine for oxidation.
Although tea passed through Turkey as part of the Silk
Road trade in the 1500s, it only became popular in the
20th century when Turkish Coffee became expensive
after World War 1.
WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM · 33

Tea Obsession
TAIWAN
Taiwan’s pop culture of tea is dominated by bubble tea
– make no mistake, the best is shaken, not blended. It
may be one of its best-known exports, but at the same
time, contemporary “tea art” culture, exemplified by the
proliferation of tea art houses, has revived the pride and
prestige of a finely crafted cup of oolong, the country’s
prized tea variety.
Tea drinking is a relaxed, social affair in Taiwan’s tea art
houses. These establishments serve quality teas and
impart the art of tea-making. Many are designed as
serene enclaves cut off from the hectic world outside.
The trend, which took off only in the 1970s, is a
modernised take on traditional tea houses which were
less than aesthetically pleasing and often associated
with sleaze.
The high altitude, humid and misty mountains of Taiwan
provide the perfect growing conditions for oolong
tea. Taiwan produces two distinct leaf styles - semiball
rolled and open leaf to process. Processed to be
full-bodied teas, oolongs are the most labour-intensive
among others. Every step aims to coax the right balance
of sweetness, body, flavour and fragrance out of the
leaves. The topmost grade is the High Mountain or
Gao Shan Oolong. Other oolongs include Guan Yin and
Oriental Beauty.
While Taiwan’s native wild teas have existed for over
300 years, Taiwan’s first cultivated tea came from Fujian
province in mainland China in the late 18th century.
34 · WWW.GOASIAPLUS.COM