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Two-ingredient hack will make your chicken dinner taste like a Chinese takeaway
Two-ingredient hack will make your chicken dinner taste like a Chinese takeaway

Daily Mirror

time18 hours ago

  • General
  • Daily Mirror

Two-ingredient hack will make your chicken dinner taste like a Chinese takeaway

The technique used by Chinese restaurants is called velveting and it's easy to replicate at home - all you need is two store cupboard staples to create your favourite takeaway flavours With finances becoming increasingly strained and the cost of ordering a takeaway seemingly skyrocketing, many of us have resorted to recreating our favourite takeaway dishes at home on Friday and Saturday nights. However, despite our best attempts, it often feels nearly impossible to mimic the flavours and textures of that bowl of chow mein, the crispy salt and pepper chicken, or a classic beef and black bean sauce. ‌ But there's a secret technique used by Chinese restaurants that can be easily replicated at home, finally giving your chicken, beef or pork that authentic taste. Even better, it only requires three staple ingredients. ‌ ‌ This method, known as velveting in Chinese cooking, is the reason why those little strips of meat are always so tender they melt in your mouth. It doesn't require any fancy equipment or pricey ingredients - all you need is cornflour and egg white. For an added flavour boost, a dash of soy sauce, a splash of sesame oil and a sprinkling of salt can all enhance the overall taste. But to achieve that texture, all it needs is a soak in the mixture and a bit of patience, reports the Express. ‌ The concept behind the marinade is that when it comes to frying, the starch mixture cooks quickly and forms a protective coating that shields against the direct heat of the pan. This locks in the meat's natural juices and creates that super soft bite that seems impossible to replicate. Kikkoman's culinary gurus have dubbed the technique: "A Chinese method of marinating that keeps delicate meat and seafood moist and tender during cooking." This method shines when applied to chicken, but it's versatile enough for almost any protein, including beef, pork, turkey, and even prawns, scallops or tofu. The recipe is a doddle too. Just whisk one lightly beaten egg white with about two teaspoons of cornflour in a bowl. ‌ Feel free to splash in some soy sauce or toss in other seasonings to your taste. Whisk until you achieve a smooth, runny consistency. Then, slice your chosen meat into thin strips, roughly half a centimetre thick, cutting across the grain for best results. After slicing, immerse the meat in the mixture, ensuring an even coating, and let it sit covered in the fridge for about 30 minutes. When you're ready to cook, crank up the heat and fry the meat in a sizzling pan with a generous amount of oil. Once it's slightly browned yet thoroughly cooked, whip it out and toss it into your dish of choice.

37 Reviewer-Favorite Items You Won't Regret Buying
37 Reviewer-Favorite Items You Won't Regret Buying

Buzz Feed

timea day ago

  • Entertainment
  • Buzz Feed

37 Reviewer-Favorite Items You Won't Regret Buying

A viral "Soft" perfume rollerball for anyone who wants people to think of them and think "yum." Reviewers compare this ~$5 fragrance to caramel, lemon cupcakes, warm vanilla scones, cotton candy, and this $65 bottle of Pink Sugar! A high-end bottle of Takesan Kishibori soy sauce if you ever want to learn what you're missing by sticking with grocery store brands. No offense to Kikkoman, but this elevated sauce from Shodoshima, Japan offers a richer, more complex flavor that has happy reviewers pledging their allegiance. Dr. Frederick's Original Better Blister Bandages you need if you have new sandals coming in the mail. The cushioned, water-resistant hydrocolloid bandages speed up the healing process while protecting blisters from further damage. The tapered edges mean you can wear them for a few days in a row without worrying about your new shoes rubbing them off. Medicube's collagen jelly because your face deserves a dessert-like treat, too! Hydrolyzed collagen (collagen that's broken into smaller segments for better skin absorption) works to keep your skin feeling firm, bouncy, and ready to join the #glassskin trend. It also has superstar niacinamide to protect and improve your skin barrier for an added glow. A NeeDoh Gummy Bear offering the perfect amount of squish and stretch for restless hands. The jelly-like filling is encased in a thick, non-sticky plastic so it has just the right amount of give. A sensory heaven worth every penny. A pack of anti-slip glasses sleeves, because pushing your glasses back up your nose stops being cute after the millionth time you have to do it. The soft silicone tips are just over $1 each, which is a steal when it comes to comfort. A pair of crossover flared leggings providing a silhouette so enticing, you'll find yourself getting distracted every time you see your reflection. If the 5,800+ happy reviewers are to be believed, these pants are so comfortable, you'll be asking questions like, "can I wear these to a wedding?" And a super-soft longline sports bra some have compared to Lululemon's Align tank top for an Equinox-level workout look at a Planet Fitness price. Reviewers say it offers a little less compression, so you can wear it on casual days, too. A wildly popular Wet n Wild lipstick that, against all odds, will only cost you a single dollar. You can't even find something that affordable in an actual dollar store anymore! Despite the unreal price, the results are very real: 42,000 happy customers love the long-lasting color, hydration from aloe, and extensive color selection. The Pink Stuff, an all-purpose paste that you can use to clean basically any surface — it works on everything from marble and wood to rubber boots and car steering wheels. Wasting time scrubbing will be a thing of the past. And the future? Sparkly clean items as far as the eye can see. A set of plastic shoe cubbies so you can finally take care of Shoe Mountain. Your guests will appreciate not having to climb over your pile of sneakers, and your fancy boots will appreciate not being squished into pancakes. Laneige's Neo Blurring Powder, a low-maintenance option for makeup minimalists who want a matte, yet still radiant, complexion — essentially Photoshop's blurring tool, but IRL. It absorbs oil and blurs pores, leaving your face super glowy for just $25, which is way less than an Adobe subscription. Hope's Perfect Sink solution that cleans and then basically creates a water-repellant force field over your sink to protect it from stains and damage. It works on everything from stainless steel to porcelain (along with cast iron, corian, composite, acrylic, etc.), ensuring that your sink rinses clean and shines like new, no matter how many cups of coffee you pour on it. Sue Storm would approve! Lottabody Wrap Me Curl Mousse, a whipped-cream-like delight that defines curls, moisturizes with shea and coconut oil, and tackles frizz. The foam makes it super easy to distribute throughout your hair, and the heavenly scent will make you feel like you're on a tropical vacation. 44,000 customers have given this budget-friendly find a thumbs up! A laundry backpack, complete with a mesh pocket for detergent and dryer balls, if you like to wait until truly the last minute to lug your stuff to the laundromat. The heavy duty, tear-resistant drawstring bag has thick straps so you can comfortably carry up to three loads of laundry at once. Brazilian Bum Bum body cream loved by Zoomers (and 40,000+ 5-star raters) for its incredible smell and intense hydration powers. The lotion is a little spendy, but it uses caffeine-packed guarana extract and coconut oil to firm and moisturize skin, leaving it glowing and smelling like a tropical getaway. White caulk tape if you've noticed (and proceeded to ignore) some cracks in your previous caulk job. Use the waterproof sealing tape to fill in gaps before they get any worse and unwanted guests see the bug equivalent of a vacancy sign. Reviewers say this is easier and cleaner looking than liquid caulk, so there's no excuse to keep putting this off! An Elizavecca collagen coating hair protein treatment that takes your dry, tired hair and turns it into the silky-soft locks you've always wanted. Just apply it to wet hair after shampooing, wait five minutes, rinse, and wonder why all hair treatments don't work this well. A blessedly effective, pet-safe carpet cleaner capable of turning your brown carpet into whatever color it was when you bought it without having to invest several hours into a scrub session. Time is money, people! A Medix retinol body lotion because if retinol works so well for your face, it's gotta do wonders for the rest of your body too. With the help of ferulic acid, it encourages skin cell turnover to help tighten and firm skin. One 5-star reviewer (out of 4,700+) says they're obsessed with Medix's whole line of lotions. Or a lightweight gel cream from Nivea with powerful Q10 that helps plump, firm, and moisturize skin in as little as two weeks with consistent use. Over 1,400 reviewers are happy with their results! A box of Color Catcher sheets to prevent the dreaded "all my clothes are now pink from this one stray red sock" debacle. These handy sheets are designed to grab any dye that leaks or bleeds so you can keep enjoying your white tees even if you can't be bothered to sort clothes into lights and darks. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks that 150+ reviewers say offers a Laneige-like experience for just a fraction of the price. The berry extract and vitamin C work to moisturize lips as you go to bed, proving that beauty sleep is a real thing. Dawn Powerwash, an impressive spray-on dish soap capable of giving you those clean swipes through nightmarish messes previously only seen in commercials. Spray this on dishes, but you can also use it to tackle dirty range hoods, backsplashes, bathtubs, grills, or anywhere else with caked-on food or dirt. Sure, you can go for the cheap dish soap from the dollar store, but it won't last as long, work as hard, or suds up as well. A set of dermaplaning razors that will make quick work of peach fuzz, stray hairs, and eyebrows in need of a touch-up. They're designed with micro-guards, which means you don't have to worry about nicking yourself, even if you don't have the steadiest hand. Over 170,000 happy customers love that you can extend the time between threading appointments — or skip them altogether. A Pikk-it tool offering a quick solution to one of life's little miseries: wondering why your vacuum isn't sucking (in a good way) and discovering that the brush is completely cocooned in loose hair. This handy tool will free your roller from its hairy prison so it can proceed up more hair. Sorry, "vacuum doesn't work" isn't an excuse to avoid cleaning anymore! E.l.f Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara, which creates tubing around your lashes to make them appear longer, thicker, and darker. The lightweight "extensions" won't smudge or weigh down your actual lashes and — best of all — they fall right off when you wash your face. No one likes having to scrub their eyes raw trying to get off waterproof makeup. :( A pack of Miracle-Gro water storing crystals that'll prevent both under- *and* over-watering, which I believe are the top two killers of plants. When you water your houseplants, the crystals retain the moisture and release it as the soil dries. Now, if you forget to water your plants for a month and then just drown them in water for a week as an apology, they might survive. A hair-lightening spray to brighten up hair by TWO shades or more! Spritz a little of this citrus and chamomile spray onto damp hair, then activate it with heat-styling tools. I recommend blow drying and hitting it with a curling iron or straightener for the best results. Over 7,000 5-star raters love it because it's less harsh than bleach and even works on dark hair. A miniature Stanley tape measurer keychain so you no longer have to wonder how tall something is and try to guesstimate with your hands. This would come in clutch when furniture shopping or calling out a date for lying about their height (JK, JK). A mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen that's way more convenient than a painful trip to the dentist or an annoying attempt at the strips. Just brush your teeth with the bristled pen whenever you have a minute to work through stains and discoloration (without sensitivity, according to 800 5-star reviewers). A pack of disposable shower hair catchers for people who often forget to clean the drain after a shower and too squeamish to maintain a device like the TubShroom. You can just close your eyes and throw these away when they're too hair-infested. Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel, in case you've always wanted to not only drink the energizing tea, but also wear it. This cult-fave can help quickly minimize eye puffiness and swelling using its combination of caffeine and hyaluronic acid. All for less than the price of a six-pack of White Label! And reviewer-loved Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener to expertly conceal and brighten dark circles under your eyes. The lightweight, color-adapting formula blends so seamlessly under makeup that your old concealer will throw itself out. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Mist Oil for instant relief from dry skin — a perfect solution for people who hate getting their hands greasy with lotion. You'll find it's a lot easier to keep your skin moisturized when you can just spritz this blend of vitamin E and jojoba oil after the shower or whenever you need a little refresh. A pair of Cushionaire cork-bottom sandals that are not only supremely comfortable, they're also an affordable alternative to Mayari Birks. The similarities go past just looks: They also have 100% genuine suede soles, so your feet will demand you wear these every single day. Mielle's Rosemary Mint strengthening oil, a TikTok-hall-of-famer that almost 7,500 5-star reviews confirm is worth the hype. The biotin-infused serum can help strengthen hair and encourage new growth, leaving hair feeling healthier and fuller. Reviewers say it's helped with everything from receding hairlines to sparse eyebrows.

39 Things That Reviewers Say They Would Absolutely Recommend
39 Things That Reviewers Say They Would Absolutely Recommend

Buzz Feed

time07-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Buzz Feed

39 Things That Reviewers Say They Would Absolutely Recommend

A lightweight gel cream from Nivea with powerful Q10 that helps plump, firm, and moisturize skin in as little as two weeks with consistent use. Over 1,400 reviewers are happy with their results! A high-end bottle of Takesan Kishibori soy sauce if you ever want to learn what you're missing by sticking with grocery store brands. No offense to Kikkoman, but this elevated sauce from Shodoshima, Japan offers a richer, more complex flavor that has happy reviewers pledging their allegiance. A Tibet Almond scratch remover stick that you can apply like ChapStick for your furniture. The colorless balm can help hide light scratches, watermarks, and water stains from wood, bamboo, glass, and more. Just open the can, remove the wrapper, and start rubbing the stick on unsightly marks. A pack of cold sore healing patches to zap painful blisters in record time. The hydrocolloid bandages keep the environment moist to speed up healing and prevent scabbing. They protect, conceal, and can lower the chance of you touching it and potentially giving yourself even more cold sores. 🤦‍♀️ A Bosu balance trainer ball that aims to make exercise fun — or at least not jaw-breakingly yawn inducing. It'll help you work on your strength, balance, and endurance while you watch TV, listen to a juicy podcast, or spy through the blinds at your suspicious neighbors, Rear Window style. All-in-one decor paint for an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition-worthy transformation. The chalk-like paint comes with a built-in primer to help it cling to most surfaces, from upholstery and wood to metal and glass. With over 50 colors to choose from, this paint can help you revitalize every room in the house. Aaand it dries in just 30 minutes! Eos' Cashmere Skin Collection Shave Oil — a new iteration of the TikTok-famous Eos "cashmere" body lotion — that uses the same swoon-worthy scent of whipped vanilla, musk, and soft caramel. Use this scrumptious oil to protect your skin from any razor mishaps; reviewers love that it helps them avoid razor burn and get an extra close shave. An NSF-certified shower filter capable of removing chlorine, PFAS, and other particles, making it a solid choice for people with hard water. Reviewers say it does wonders for their skin, their hair feels softer, and that they love being able to actually see the filter working. Burn After Writing — a guided journal with questions and thought experiments that encourage readers to reflect, explore their feelings, and get to know themselves a little deeper. The first step to bettering yourself is knowing where to start, after all. A viral "Soft" perfume rollerball for anyone who wants people to think of them and think "yum." Reviewers compare this ~$5 fragrance to caramel, lemon cupcakes, warm vanilla scones, cotton candy, and this $65 bottle of Pink Sugar! White caulk tape if you've noticed (and proceeded to ignore) some cracks in your previous caulk job. Use the waterproof sealing tape to fill in gaps before they get any worse and unwanted guests see the bug equivalent of a vacancy sign. Reviewers say this is easier and cleaner looking than liquid caulk, so there's no excuse to keep putting this off! An L-shaped body pillow that leaves other similarly-shaped pillows in the dust thanks to its cushy memory foam, super soft cover, and generous size. It's perfect for pregnant people, side sleepers, or anyone who just loves to cuddle. A jar of O'Keeffe's Working Hands cream with beeswax and glycerin to give you the baby soft hands you haven't seen since you were, well, a baby. Apply some after every hand washing, and you may never see a dry patch again. A powerful callus remover in case your heels are looking a little too much like a desert. Just marinate your feet in the gel for 5–10 minutes, then follow up with a foot rasp. The smooth result will make even babies jealous. Bio-Oil made with vitamin E, chamomile, and lavender oil to moisturize your face and body and help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, dark spots, and more. One reviewer loves using it in place of a pricey serum! A pair of Cushionaire cork-bottom sandals that are not only supremely comfortable, they're also an affordable alternative to Mayari Birks. The similarities go past just looks: They also have 100% genuine suede soles, so your feet will demand you wear these every single day. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm made with a blend of pearl barley and vitamin E to completely obliterate every speck of makeup on your face. Seriously, you'll feel so fresh and baby-faced, you'll wonder if that eyeliner was really as smudge-proof as you previously thought. A tube of Roc retinol night cream possibly imbued with time traveler magic, because it will feel like you're turning back the hands of time when you go to sleep each night. OK, maybe it won't be that dramatic, but the shea butter and squalane will hydrate, and the retinol will work hard to smooth and possibly reverse some signs of aging. This reviewer says it's a great alternative to prescription retinol. An oversized Turkish blanket that will make picnics, beach trips, and general snuggling all the better. Turkish Dowry is a small business that sells Turkish towels and review: "I purchased the Turkish blanket in gray. It washed up beautifully. It is soft and very cozy! I bought the burgundy blanket for my daughter! It is a wonderful blanket and I highly recommend it!" —Peggy KesselGet it from Turkish Dowry on Etsy for $25.50 (available in 24 colors and also with embroidery for an extra charge). A box of Color Catcher sheets to prevent the dreaded "all my clothes are now pink from this one stray red sock" debacle. These handy sheets are designed to grab any dye that leaks or bleeds so you can keep enjoying your white tees. A cruelty-free Essence Lash Princess lengthening mascara that's lightweight, won't transfer, doesn't smudge, and lasts all day — oh and makes your eyelashes look like tall, beautiful skyscrapers. Why Essence only charges $5 for such an S-tier mascara is beyond me, but we're all grateful. Banzai Bump N' Bounce Body Bumpers to turn your children into human bumper cars. Children ages 4–12 will have a blast running full speed into each other — and you'll have a blast filming it for the family group chat. A pack of anti-slip glasses sleeves, because pushing your glasses back up your nose stops being cute after the millionth time you have to do it. The soft silicone is so comfortable, one reviewer called it an "ear saver." A nail and cuticle oil to bring life back to your damaged nails, even if you did something really bad like — gasp! — peel off a gel manicure. Bonus: Reviewers say the oil smells amazing, so be prepared for people to compliment your "perfume." A pack of disposable shower hair catchers for people who often forget to clean the drain after a shower and too squeamish to maintain a device like the TubShroom. You can just close your eyes and throw these away when they're too hair infested. A pair of anti-chafing tight bands so you can wear dresses pain-free and look damn good doing it. Promising review: "These are fantastic! I work nights and wear dresses regularly to the office. I've been using the deodorant-style anti-chafing rubs and wanted a longer-lasting option. Ding dings!! This is it! So comfortable I fell asleep in them! No marks, no uncomfortable digging in. These are amazing! Highly recommended and can't wait to purchase additional colors!!!" —A. SpencerGet them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL, 16 styles, and mulitpacks). A Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener to expertly conceal and brighten dark circles under your eyes. The lightweight, color-adapting formula blends so seamlessly under makeup that your old concealer will throw itself out. A bunch of water balloons that all inflate at once to take the prep time out of impromptu water fights. Just screw the connector onto your hose, fill, and watch your ready-to-throw balloons fall off the vine. Each bunch comes with 100 review: "Great product! Highly recommend! Where were these bad boys when I was a kid? I mean, really. We bought these for the 4th of July for our kids, and they were super easy and very worth the money! I will be buying these again in the future for sure." —BeckyGet three bunches from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two colors and also larger variety packs). A pack of washable, reusable soft insoles to line the bottoms of shoes you like to wear without socks to keep them from getting sweaty or smelly. Think about how much better flats with be with these babies inside. Promising review: "I absolutely hate wearing socks but know how important they are for keeping shoes fresh. These insoles are the perfect solution! They absorb sweat, control odor, and keep my feet dry without the hassle of wearing socks. They fit perfectly in my shoes, and I love that they're washable and reusable. I've been using them daily, and they've made a big difference in comfort. Highly recommend these if you're looking for a great alternative to socks!" —allisonGet two pairs from Amazon for $14 (available in women's sizes 5–12, men's sizes 8–13, and two colors). A Burt's Bees sunburn soother crafted with aloe and coconut oil to hydrate skin and turn back time to before you stayed out in the sun a little too long. It's nongreasy and absorbs quickly, so you can go from "AHHH" to ahhhh. A lawn dog spot repair treatment to make your crispy, brown lawn look like it belongs in front of a house in Emerald City. Reviewers say they noticed results almost immediately — as in *days*! A bristled bug-catcher that snatches up creepy crawlies from a safe distance and lets you chuck 'em outside. Squeeze the handle to open the bristles, get the bug right where you want it, then release the handle to grab the lil' invader. Promising review: "This thing is awesome! Initially I was hesitant that it would squish the little guys or they would fall out in transport but it's great! Highly recommend! Sorry little guy your GPS brought you into my house, I will help you find your way back outside. :)" —Crystal RGet it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in three colors). A Howard Products Feed-N-Wax wood polish and conditioner to give your furniture an impossibly lustrous shine previously never seen in your home. The carnauba wax and beeswax enhance and protect your wood from drying out so you can keep your great grandmother's rocking chair in tip-top shape with just a few swipes. Promising review: "This product is incredible. You get amazing results. I bought this for my kitchen cabinets, and they now look practically brand new. I recommend it 100%." —NstackGet it from Amazon for $11.79. A set of seamless "invisible" underwear that over 1,500 5-star reviewers swear by, saying they're soft, don't ride up, and are just as good as a similar version from Victoria's Secret. Underwear that actually fits well and doesn't show? I'd say priceless, but you can grab a whole pack for under $20. Bar Keepers Friend powder cleanser to arm yourself with when tackling the toughest of stains. It'll be like you bought a brand new set of pots and pans. Promising review: "This stuff works so well, you'll feel like you're in a staged infomercial where your surfaces are left gleaming and impossibly new. I removed the worst stains from my white ceramic sink, which I had tried everything on — bleach, oxygen cleaners, lemon, and baking soda. Nothing worked. But sprinkle some Bar Keeper's Friend on there with ~10 minutes of elbow grease, and BOOM it looks almost brand new. I'm obsessed, could not recommend it more." —KathleenHGet two cans from Amazon for $10.90. A pack of Hero Cosmetics pimple patches that protect blemishes and can suck out all the gross gunk in your face overnight. Pimples suddenly don't feel like a big deal. Over 100,000 people gave these patches a 5-star review, so they must be doing something right! A pool hammock to ensure your backyard swim session is as relaxing as possible. You can kick back and relax on it, or turn it sideways to sit on like a chair. Promising review: "I bought this float to take on vacation. It is compact so it took up very little room in my suitcase. It was easy to blow up. You can use it as a lounge chair or lay on your back or stomach. I highly recommend this as it makes pool time so much more fun and relaxing." —ChewbaccaGet it from Amazon for $11.60+ (available in four styles). A catnip wall mount with four different-flavored balls so your kitty can perform a taste test and decide their favorite. It's basically a bourbon flight for cats — that's so cool! They'll be too preoccupied sampling the goods to scream at you for treats for at least a solid 15 minutes (a century in hungry cat time). And a mystery pack of stickers for scrapbookers or collectors looking to spin the wheel of destiny. Hopefully, Lady Luck is on your side and you get the one of the cute cat on the bike.

Lounge Loves: Random acts of kindness, Nam Duong soy sauce and more
Lounge Loves: Random acts of kindness, Nam Duong soy sauce and more

Mint

time23-06-2025

  • Mint

Lounge Loves: Random acts of kindness, Nam Duong soy sauce and more

I was in Delhi briefly in April, catching a train to Jhansi to attend a wedding. I had an early morning departure, and to avoid scrambling for a cab at 5am, the friend I was staying with arranged a ride the night before. Enter Vicky, her trusted neighbourhood cabbie. He showed up at 5.15 sharp—after suggesting we leave earlier than planned, knowing better than me how chaotic Nizamuddin station is at that hour. During the ride, he asked about my train, looked up the platform number on an app, and gave me clear directions and tips to navigate the station's morning crowd. Thanks to him, I found my coach with ease and had time to breathe before the train left. I think about my friend's thoughtfulness and Vicky's kindness quite often. Perhaps the world hasn't collapsed yet under the weight of all its cruelty because of people like them. I have a thing for soy sauce. I have a bottle or two always sitting in my fridge, patiently waiting their turn to add flavour to that quick fried rice for my son's lunchbox or a stir- fry on a busy weeknight. I switch between the Japanese Kikkoman brand and Lee Kum Kee from Hong Kong. When friends and family travel to South-East Asia, I ask them to bring back rice noodles and soy sauce. I am particularly curious to try local ones that are naturally fermented. On a recent trip to Vietnam, I brought back a couple of bottles by a brand called Nam Duong, and have been happily cooking with it. It might not be available in India, but you know you can pick it up on a trip to Vietnam. Cafe Kalimpong, which opens up to the beautiful Himalayan vistas, became my go-to place while in Kalimpong. It is a gateway to the picturesque hill town in north Bengal. While it has regular book readings and performances by local poets and musicians, it also offers a lovely snapshot of local cuisine—a mix of Nepali and Tibetan food. I opted for the street food box combo. One of the highlights was the Nepalese ring-shaped sel roti with aloo dum. The sweet notes of the bread went beautifully with the potato curry. Another dish which stood out was the phambi made with mung bean tossed in a spicy chutney. One more revelation was the laphing—cold mung noodles served with a spicy broth of radish and topped with chilli oil. Is it the fate of the landing in an apartment building to be dull and drab? Imagine stepping out of the lift or coming up the stairs into a natural light-filled space and the first thing your eyes are drawn to are the three water-filled glass bowls with money plants resting on the shoe cabinet: the water clear, the coloured pebbles matching the vibrancy of the plants. Instead of proceeding to press the calling bell of the house you are headed to, you pause, taking in the scene. The big sliding glass windows are open, a slice of the neighbourhood with its colourful buildings and open terraces is sprawled out in front. The clouds look like freshly popped popcorn. The scene changes on a rainy day. At the street level, the city might look ordinary, come up a few floors of a building, and it changes visually. Here's to landings with a view.

Kikkoman launches 'The Kikkoman Manga' to accelerate the switch to its soy sauce by more restaurants in India
Kikkoman launches 'The Kikkoman Manga' to accelerate the switch to its soy sauce by more restaurants in India

Business Standard

time16-06-2025

  • Business
  • Business Standard

Kikkoman launches 'The Kikkoman Manga' to accelerate the switch to its soy sauce by more restaurants in India

PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 16: Kikkoman is leveraging one of Japan's most beloved cultural exports - Manga - to convey the unique features of Kikkoman Soy Sauce to the owners of India's more than 1.5 million restaurants. Apart from owners, chefs, line/junior chefs, cooks, and culinary school students will be encouraged, in classic manga-style, to switch to Kikkoman to give their dishes more robust flavour, marking a creative and engaging approach to marketing in India by this global Japanese company. Here's the story of the first episode: Pramod, a chef with exceptional skills, learns he is getting fired from his job after unilaterally changing the restaurant's menu. Amid all the tension, he coincidentally meets Varun, a restaurant owner-chef who has inherited his father's restaurant. The two connect through their shared passion for cooking and work together to rebuild the restaurant, transforming it into a popular eatery through the use of the condiment they both swear by - Kikkoman Soy Sauce. Chef Manjit Gill, President of the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations and Kikkoman India Industry Advisor, enjoyed the story thoroughly and felt a touch of nostalgia. "I strongly believe that Kikkoman's message will resonate with many chefs in India. There are said to be more than 200,000 chefs in the organized sector alone," he said. "I was fondly reminded of my own younger days - when the hero was trying hard, making all possible efforts to make dishes more delicious - using the best ingredients. I look forward to this story reaching out to a wide audience, making real impact in India. In fact, I'm waiting impatiently for the next episode of this interesting Kikkoman Manga." Currently, Kikkoman India is directly engaging with top chain restaurants and large format restaurants, gradually increasing its brand recognition and adoption. However, awareness of Kikkoman among owners and chefs of smaller restaurants, as well as line/junior chefs, and cooks in restaurants, remains relatively low. The Kikkoman Manga project's primary aim is to introduce the Kikkoman brand to chefs who are unfamiliar with it, to encourage chefs to consider trying Kikkoman, and to convey that Kikkoman Soy Sauce can also be used in Chinese cuisine. Kikkoman hopes the use of this compelling form of storytelling will accelerate the move to Kikkoman Soy Sauce becoming a vital ingredient in enhancing taste. Language will not be a barrier. The Kikkoman Manga will be available in English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, and Marathi. About Kikkoman and Kikkoman India With a history spanning over 350 years, the current Kikkoman corporate entity was established through the merger of eight families in 1917. The company's internationalization strategy began some 60 years ago, with its entry into the United States market. Kikkoman has become a global business, expanding to over 100 countries, with 11 soy sauce production sites worldwide that distribute its products all over the world to millions of consumers. Kikkoman India is solely responsible for importing all Kikkoman products, and is responsible for managing all production, marketing, sales, and distribution in India.

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