https://www.scmp.com/rss/326437/feed A native Malaysian, Lynnett has over five years of writing experience having covered beauty and travel topics at leading women’s lifestyle magazines in Malaysia and Singapore. When she’s not writing, Lynnett keeps herself busy with two of her favourite pastimes – people-watching at a café with a good cup of latte and searching for the best durian ice cream in the country. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Circular, flat and crunchy – these words best describe the Indian-influenced roti canai (pronounced “cha-nigh”), a staple snack, breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night curry accompaniment for all ethnicities in Malaysia and Singapore (though it goes by the name roti prata or prata bread in the latter). But what’s the real story behind this crowd-pleasing dipping dough? Origins series: the stories behind our favourite dishes What’s in the name? In Malaysia, locals recognise “roti” as the Malay... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3052878/what-roti-canai-and-why-cant-people-southeast-asia-get?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3052878/what-roti-canai-and-why-cant-people-southeast-asia-get?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Feb 2020 10:00:11 +0000 Among all the well-known Lunar New Year snacks, bak kwa or rou gan is probably among the most famous of them all. Where did this tasty treat, which is similar to jerky, come from? Bak kwa’s birthplace Ask any Chinese person and you’ll most likely be told this: bak kwa, which means “dried meat” in the Hokkien dialect, is synonymous with Lunar New Year, and it is almost a crime not to have this moreish snack in your home all through the festive season. View this post on... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3048397/what-bak-kwa-and-why-do-chinese-malaysians-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3048397/what-bak-kwa-and-why-do-chinese-malaysians-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Feb 2020 10:00:12 +0000 Numerous Malaysian-Chinese and Singaporean-Chinese actors and singers have become huge stars in China. From Malaysia, we are blessed with Ipoh-born Michelle Yeoh of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon fame as well as talented voices like Bahau-born Fish Leong, Ipoh native Michael Wong and Kuching-born Nicholas Teo, all of whom are often thought of as Taiwanese. There’s also actor Christopher Lee who made Singapore his base. He has been more active in Taiwan in recent years, taking up drama roles like... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3044293/michelle-yeoh-lawrence-wong-10-malaysian-and-singaporean?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3044293/michelle-yeoh-lawrence-wong-10-malaysian-and-singaporean?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Jan 2020 08:00:08 +0000 Unless you’ve been living under a rock, it’s hard not to notice Taiwan’s long-standing cultural food phenomenon that is bubble tea. Also known as boba, this drink has taken the world by storm, with bubble tea chains springing up like mushrooms around the world from Japan and Malaysia to the United States and Australia.   It’s inspiring to see how this tea preparation has become a full-blown sensation in its land of origin as well as abroad. But who on earth came up with the idea of putting chewy... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3044028/how-bubble-tea-or-boba-went-global-and-who-first-thought?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3044028/how-bubble-tea-or-boba-went-global-and-who-first-thought?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jan 2020 04:00:15 +0000 Sick of having to navigate through overcrowded beaches and packed restaurants? We hear you – sometimes, you just want to enjoy much-needed downtime in peace, and be able to take a stroll down the beach without bumping into other guests. So, here’s our list of eight beach hideaways in popular tropical destinations that the entire family – and your inner recluse – will love. Premier Village Danang Resort, Da Nang, Vietnam View this post on Instagram (Scroll... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3027108/8-family-friendly-beach-resorts-southeast-asia-those-seeking?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3027108/8-family-friendly-beach-resorts-southeast-asia-those-seeking?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Sep 2019 04:00:11 +0000 Ask anybody what the one thing that cannot be missed in Malaysia is – and we bet the answer will be the food. It’s almost impossible to visit Malaysia and not be tempted to try the plethora of traditional dishes on offer. Much like the country itself, Malaysian cuisine is culturally rich and diverse, with Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours each colliding in the nation’s cooking. From famous street food to picture-perfect restaurant meals, natives are extremely proud of their local food heritage... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3025035/cendol-nasi-lemak-top-10-malaysian-foods-everyone-should?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3025035/cendol-nasi-lemak-top-10-malaysian-foods-everyone-should?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Aug 2019 05:46:10 +0000 Taipei may be the bubble tea (or boba tea) capital of the world but Malaysia is close on its heels, and is home to some of the best versions of the trendy beverage. Just head to one of the streets in commercial district SS15 in Subang Jaya, Klang Valley, and you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about: an entire row of bubble tea shops fighting it out side by side. From bubble tea hotpot to waffles and cakes, Malaysia has an obsession with the little tapioca spheres in milk tea. Major... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3021664/7-bubble-tea-bars-malaysia-where-you-can-snap-perfect?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3021664/7-bubble-tea-bars-malaysia-where-you-can-snap-perfect?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Aug 2019 02:00:19 +0000 Speakeasy bars have been trending in the cocktail scene for the past several years and in Singapore where the buzzing city comes to life at night, there certainly isn’t a shortage of cleverly hidden watering holes on this island state. They may no longer be much of a secret but they can still be your private hideout to kick back, possibly even in your slippers, and imbibe a creative cocktail or two. Inside Virgin Atlantic's new luxurious upper class section 1. Ah Sam Cold Drink... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3012831/how-about-kopi-o-6-singapore-speakeasies-make-most?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3012831/how-about-kopi-o-6-singapore-speakeasies-make-most?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Jun 2019 03:41:30 +0000 I hate veggies. I’ve never liked them and would never order them at restaurants. OK, maybe not all veggies – I am partial to French beans, carrots, watercress – but only my grandma’s watercress pork rib soup – peas, enoki mushroom and potatoes. Everything else in the vegetable category: no, thanks. Growing up, vegetables always tasted like plastic to me and, thankfully, my Tiger Mum never forced me to eat them. So, I was obviously surprised when my editor asked me, a lifelong unwavering... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3004278/omnipork-and-beyond-what-happens-when-carnivore-samples?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3004278/omnipork-and-beyond-what-happens-when-carnivore-samples?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Apr 2019 07:00:11 +0000 Singapore may occupy just a little under 722 square kilometres but there surely is no shortage of food on the sunny island state. One particular dish that has been trending in recent years is the gourmet hamburger. 3 fine-dining restaurants in Singapore with fabulous city views While many Singaporeans are anxiously awaiting the arrival of famous New York burger institution Shake Shack sometime next year, there are a number of top-notch gourmet burger joints in the city that simply cannot be... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2177744/6-hottest-burger-joints-singapore-you-must-check-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2177744/6-hottest-burger-joints-singapore-you-must-check-out?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Dec 2018 02:00:30 +0000 K-pop, K-drama, K-beauty, pretty boys and kimchi – these are some of the things we have Seoul to thank for. But if you’ve visited the city lately, you would be hard-pressed to not notice the cafes in and around town. Anthracite Coffee Roasters View this post on Instagram I may have found my new favorite coffee shop (in the world) nbd A post shared by Hanna Jones (@cuppajones) on Mar 26, 2018 at 12:02am PDT With natural lighting gently permeating through the many... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2172082/6-hipster-cafes-you-need-visit-seoul-including-one-live?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2172082/6-hipster-cafes-you-need-visit-seoul-including-one-live?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Nov 2018 02:00:57 +0000 Explore the great outdoors           View this post on Instagram                   내가이번에싱가에가면꼭해보고싶었던 #macritchiereservoir 트레킹을드디어‍♀️ 약네시간동안쪼리신고오르내리느라고생했지만 막상와보니, 크로아티아생각두나구밴프국립공원생각두나서다시여행뽐뿌가오는단점이.. 원숭이도보고, 다람쥐도보고, 오리도보고, 자라도보고- 동물원같기도하다 엄마는절대건너지못할 #treetopwalk 를대신걸으며사진으로겁주도하구 #트레일나오자마자천둥번개와함께엄청난비가 #인생은타이밍 #콩미싱가 A post shared by 콩미️ (@hachiko_my) on Sep 21, 2018 at 4:36am PDT Yes, the urban jungle does have a few nature reserves and trails all round the island despite having... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2166205/how-take-break-singapores-city-scene-and-venture-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2166205/how-take-break-singapores-city-scene-and-venture-out?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Oct 2018 02:00:45 +0000 You’ll probably agree with us that our vast oceans are like a distinctive universe of their own, where some of the most beautiful – and strangest-looking – things in the world are floating around waiting to be discovered. Blessed with year-round sunshine and the sheer variety of marine creatures, it goes without saying that we have some of the most spectacular dive sites in this part of the globe. Would you stay in this luxury island hotel resort for US$2,000 per night? Asia is home to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2164991/7-top-diving-sites-asia-offer-underwater-thrills?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2164991/7-top-diving-sites-asia-offer-underwater-thrills?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Sep 2018 04:00:15 +0000 1. Penang National Park View this post on Instagram We went out on this lovely hiking trail on the northern end of Penang. Beautiful scenery and secluded beaches. Awesome spot to escape the city life for a bit. There is even a tortoise rescue station. #malaysia #tortoise #rescue #beach #woodenbridge #brücke #trail #wandern #penang #strand #meer #wald #rainforest #iphone #backpacker #natureisbeautiful #picofday #escapecity #rausausderstadt #stayhealthy... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2162979/8-places-penang-locals-love-and-you-would-too?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2162979/8-places-penang-locals-love-and-you-would-too?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Sep 2018 02:02:33 +0000 Each year, we have Forbes magazine to thank for publishing its annual list of the world’s richest individuals. Although the southeast region of Asia is still primarily a developing area, with huge potential waiting to be uncovered, it is also the place where nearly 5 per cent of the world’s billionaires – 102 of them – call home. Whether starting out as lone entrepreneurs, or working with their already wealthy families, these tycoons have successfully expanded their companies into formidable... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2162185/who-are-southeast-asias-real-crazy-rich-asians?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2162185/who-are-southeast-asias-real-crazy-rich-asians?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Sep 2018 02:00:30 +0000 Decidedly fragrant and undeniably gratifying especially when savoured on a cold rainy day, bak kut teh (which literally means “meat bone tea” in the Hokkien dialect) has been a signature local dish in Singapore and Malaysia since, well, forever. Its actual origins may be murky but it is believed that bak kut teh was brought over by early Chinese immigrants from China’s Fujian province who largely settled in both countries. Which version of bak kut teh do you like, the soup or the dry... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2158623/bak-kut-teh-malaysia-or-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2158623/bak-kut-teh-malaysia-or-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Aug 2018 04:00:45 +0000 Picture, if you can, a delicious plate of food prepared by seasoned chefs and a glass of fine wine on top of an immaculate table set-up.  Surrounding you, is a well-decorated interior worthy of a mention on Instagram.  In front of your eyes, a view of the city’s mesmerising skyline.  Five hotel rooms with views you won’t forget Does it sound like music to your ears? If the answer is “Yes”, then you won’t want to pass up a chance to dine at any of these five restaurants that we have picked out... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/2140885/5-southeast-asian-restaurants-views-take-your-breath-away?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/2140885/5-southeast-asian-restaurants-views-take-your-breath-away?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Apr 2018 05:00:45 +0000 We totally understand it: the “happiest place on earth” (read: Disneyland) is probably the easiest solution when it comes to planning for a family vacation.  5 luxury travel destinations for the perfect family holiday Yet, this year, why don’t you change things and take your children to some different destinations? These suggested properties actually lay out a welcome mat for them, and offer plenty of perks and activities that the entire family can enjoy together.  We guarantee your little ones... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2139036/6-best-family-friendly-luxury-retreats-summer-holidays?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2139036/6-best-family-friendly-luxury-retreats-summer-holidays?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Apr 2018 08:02:18 +0000 There are swimming pools, and then there are swimming pools – some are undeniably more inviting than others. Gone are the days when the pool was just another hotel facility; it has become an outlet of a hotel’s creative expression. Lucky for us folks in this part of the world, there are a number of extraordinary pools a few hours’ flight away in Southeast Asia. Here are five that might make you spend the entire day relaxing by the water’s edge once you have checked in.   Traders Hotel, Kuala... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2135265/dive-5-amazing-hotel-pools-you-must-check-out-southeast?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2135265/dive-5-amazing-hotel-pools-you-must-check-out-southeast?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Mar 2018 06:00:45 +0000 From chain hotels and beach resorts to youth hostels and budget inns, hotels are a dime and dozen in Malaysia and we don’t blame you for wanting something that’s not of a cookie cutter mould. The tropical country is also home to a handful of boutique hotels that are intimate in scale, distinctly unusual and full of personality. With each having a story to tell, we recommend you book a stay at one of these boutique hotels and discover it for yourself. Pangkor Laut Resort, Perak Size: 143... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2134406/5-luxury-boutique-hotels-you-must-visit-malaysia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2134406/5-luxury-boutique-hotels-you-must-visit-malaysia?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Feb 2018 04:00:00 +0000 When it’s time to run away from the hustle and bustle, we won’t fault you for immediately thinking of travelling to Koh Samui, Cebu and the Maldives but forget those if you’re looking for the perfect combination of rarity, privacy and true luxury. Instead, find your way to these lesser trodden paths in Southeast Asia. From sandy white beaches and lush green landscapes to crystal clear water and raw nature, these exclusive (and totally Insta-worthy) hideaways provide you an empty itinerary that... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2133894/5-private-islands-southeast-asia-you-probably-have-not?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2133894/5-private-islands-southeast-asia-you-probably-have-not?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Feb 2018 04:04:55 +0000 Most people think of Malaysia as a food heaven. Not many outside the country seem to be aware that it boasts a number of prime surf spots and a growing local surf community that  welcomes visiting  surfers with open arms.    Just because there’s sun and rain all year  doesn’t mean that you can fly in any time of the year and catch  a wave. The best – and only – time to surf is during the Northeast Monsoon season, which is usually from  October  to March. While the heavy rain and intense waves ... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2132668/5-best-surfing-spots-malaysia-you-didnt-know?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2132668/5-best-surfing-spots-malaysia-you-didnt-know?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Feb 2018 07:00:00 +0000