Recipes

  My wife (Sahar Usmani-Brown), who became a U.S. citizen this year, grew up in New Delhi, where her parents continue to live. I recently traveled there for the fourth time in the past dozen years — my first trip to India since an April 2014 visit that occasioned “Notes from a Nation of 1.2 Billion.” With that population now estimated at 1.25 billion, some impressions follow in this latest installment of an urban travelogue. Our last trip came during the 2014 Indian national elections, which brought Prime Minister Narendra Modi (formerly leader of the state of Gujarat) and his...

Ella Chen, a well-known Taiwanese singer and actress, rose to fame as a member of the famous Asian women’s group S.H.E. Her exceptional talent and lively character have made her a cherished icon in the entertainment industry since the early 2000s. In recent times, Ella’s star power experienced a remarkable resurgence following her appearance in a Chinese reality show, Sisters Who Make Waves. This show brought together female celebrities above the age of 30, competing to form a new music group. Beyond her musical achievements, Ella Chen has also recently mesmerised fans with her stunning transformation and she shared her...

So if you haven’t guessed by now, we’re kind of obsessed with chickpeas at Budget Bytes. They’re inexpensive, easy to prepare, full of fiber, and extremely versatile…I mean seriously what’s not to love about them? Chickpeas, a.k.a. garbanzo beans, are also very filling so they work perfectly in soups, one pan recipes, served over rice and one of our personal favorites, chickpea salad recipes! This roundup of easy chickpea recipes is the ultimate go-to list for super quick lunch ideas and simple weeknight dinner meals. Chickpea Salad Recipes 1. Scallion Herb Chickpea Salad Scallion Herb Chickpea Salad Light, bright, and...

Having literally spent the past few years of my life on the road, living out of a backpack, I’ve faced a fair share of travel ailments: horrible tummy troubles, skin fungus, all kinds of bug bites, bus and boat sickness, and cuts, scrapes and bruises. The irregular nature of travel, the constant changes of daily routine and surroundings, the unexpected bumps on the road, and the food indulgences that can really throw off your digestion—and so much more. I’ve never liked taking medication and prefer to heal myself in natural ways. Now that I have the wisdom of Ayurveda to...

Even with revenge travel becoming a thing, some people (myself included) just can’t find the time to pack their bags and fly to a different land for a couple of days. The best we can do? Eat to our heart’s content without leaving the Metro. Good things restaurants like Queens at Bollywood, which specializes in Indian cuisine, are easily accessible when it comes to our foreign cravings. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Makati City, Queens at Bollywood takes food enthusiasts on a culinary adventure like no other. With its dedication to authentic Indian cuisine, a wide selection of popular...