I have a love hate relationship with eating seafood; love the salty sweet flavors but hate the mess that i get myself into. I'm a firm believer that food tastes better off your fingers (finger-licking good!) but I also thought it to be unladylike to eat with your hands in public. Solution to my quirks? Takeaway so i can eat in the comforts of my home where no one would be able to JUDGE me. But thanks to Cajun Kings, the seafood boilers, I can now eat to my heart's content in public without discriminating stares.

Specializing in the Cajun/Creole Seafood Boil, Cajun Kings welcomes their patrons to get low and dirty with their Dungeness Crabs, Maine Lobsters (Market Prices) and Red Sea Prawns, along with the rest of their shellfish. 

New dining rule: No cutlery. Method: Eat with your hands. Tools given: A plastic bib to protect you from the glorious juices of the shellfish and a waterproofed mahjong paper covered table top to dump the shells on.

The seafood is first boiled in Cajun spices, a mix of cayenne pepper and spice blends, then tossed into a plastic bag full more Cajun spice and/or Garlic Butter. The easiest way to reach the food is to simply pour everything onto the tabletop and just dig in. There is really no better way to eat seafood than this method. I'm dreaming of a tabletop full of hot steaming seafood of all shapes, sizes, textures and flavors.

There are 3 level of spice for the Kings Mix which is a garlic butter based cajun spice blend. If you like it spicy and packed with the full bodied stench of the garlic, this is what you could go for. We had level 1 and i was suffering from that dull heat already (spicy but bland). In fact, the spice didn't sit too well with my gf and i and we had queasy tummies for the rest of the night. :(

I much preferred the savory garlic butter though the aftertaste of the minced clove is sufficient to save you from lifetime of vampires (and maybe the next). I can easily finish 250g of Red Sea Prawns done this way (S$9/100g). Remove the head of the crustacean and suck on the creamy umami brain/roe/abdominal fats and juices. Undress the shells, dip into the butter gravy and then chomp on the succulent white flesh.  Do order the yeasty and salty French Petite Baguette (S$3) to soak up that roe infused sauce.

The Manila clams (S$8/100g) are more of a starter than a main course. I would say it's a good to have but not a necessity.

Other than the seafood boil, there are typical Creole dishes such as Catfish and fries (S$12), Gumbo, Buttermilk Frog legs and so on. I didn't quite dig the breaded catfish as the crust didn't have much flavor but my dining companions enjoyed it. We changed our fries to the Sweet Potato Fries (S$8) which were fantastic. This is one carb that i wouldn't mind eating. 

The Chicken and Andouille Gumbo (S$11), an everything-in-the-pot smoky stew thickened with Okra (lady's fingers), was a little overpowered by the commercial BBQ sauce taste. I couldn't really taste the okra as well. To be fair, this is my first time tasting gumbo so i'm not quite sure what it's supposed to be like. It felt like it was lacking in flavors. You could also order the smoked tender sausages on their own (S$5 for 6pcs).

Overall, it was a fun eating experience. Great place for a boys night out. Not quite the place to bring a date. I'm already looking forward to my next meal there. It's gonna be Lobsters and prawns in butter sauce (gonna request for less garlic)! Hop over to Wimbly Lu for some desserts after to complete your meal (it's just next door).

Cajun Kings
15-1 Jalan Riang
Tel: +65 6284 4426
Daily: 3pm - 10.30pm (closed Mon)

When i think of Dim Sum, 點心, i'll naturally relate it to Hong Kong. The Hongkongers do these bite sized portions of steamed goodies and baked pastry pieces the best. The delicate edible art is not the only thing that draws us in, it's also the raucous and energetic atmosphere in the traditional tea houses that contributes to the overall delightful Yum Cha  (loosely translated as drink tea) experience. Regardless of the time of the day, these 點心 will literally warm your hearts and tummies after a long tiring day of shopping in the bustling harbor. 

With so many Dim Sum places peppered all over the island, i always find it extremely difficult to make space and time for them. As i consulted the many Best Dim Sum lists, i realized that while many hole-in-the-wall places sound fantastic, they aren't the most convenient for tourists who are hard-pressed for time. So here is my list of easily accessible and tasty Best Dim Sum for Tourists on a short Hong Kong trip. Coincidentally, they are mostly on the Hong Kong Island side. Now get your handkerchiefs out and be ready to wipe that drool off. 

The 1 Star Wonder

Tim Ho Wan

I've failed to try this massively crowded 1 Michelin star place at its original location in Mong Kok when i visited last year. The phenomenal two hour wait is a daily occurrence at any time of day. I was over the moon when Pui Gor, former Lung King Heen chef, expanded his business to Sham Shui Po and Hong Kong Station! Granted that the Hong Kong station outlet may not be the most atmospheric but you could have top quality Hong Kong dim sum at rock-bottom prices almost immediately after you step off the plane (and then Airport Express train).

Their Honey BBQ Pork buns (Char Siew Bo Luo Bao) is simply out of this world. This lovely sweet and slightly milky crunchy sugar crust perfectly envelops the juicy and wonderfully roasted meat inside. You'll also enjoy that fluffy pillowy bun sandwiched between the crispy exterior and moist center. Best CSBLB in Hong Kong i swear. 

Their Steamed Malay Cake, Cheong Fan (steamed rice rolls), Har Gao (steamed prawn dumplings) and Panfried Carrot cake are also up to mark on the flavor and texture scoreboard.

I especially love the Osmanthus jelly which has the light fragrance of the flower and wolfberries. This sweet cool jelly left me wanting for more after the first bite. Quite the perfect way to end the meal. Best 1 Michelin star restaurant i say!

2-20 Kwong Wa Street, Mong Kok, +852 2332 2896
9-11 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po, +852 2788 1226
8 Finance Street, IFC Mall, Podium Level One, Shop 12A, Hong Kong Station, +852 2332 3078.
Daily: 10am - 10 pm

The Old School
Lin Heung Teahouse
This eatery has been serving old fashioned Guangzhou specialties since 1918 and it guarantees the most authentic and traditional Cantonese flavors. If you want to experience Hong Kong breakfast like the locals do, this is where you should head. Grab what you want off the dim sum trolleys pushed by grumpy old ladies. Traditional Siu mai (steamed meat dumplings) topped with pig's liver anyone? Don't expect fantastic service during the busy Dim Sum service (6am - 3.30pm) for the waitresses can be impatient and intimidating all at once.

160-164 Wellington Street, Central +852 2544 4556

The Cinematic
Luk Yu

Central's Luk Yu Teahouse is a time warp in itself. Walk through the building's colonial facade and it's like time has stopped at the pinnacle of Hong Kong golden years. Let the nostalgia wash over you as you taste the menu from years long gone. This is another rare place where you can still find Pig Liver Siew Mai and deep fried dumplings in soup.

It seems like there's a Luk Yu in Ion Orchard Singapore as well. Not quite sure if this is a branch. Will check it out soon.

24 Stanley Street, G/F-3/F, Central, +852 2523 5464
Daily: 7am- 10pm; dim sum till 4pm

The Convenient Chain
Lei Garden
This relaxed and unpretentious Dim Sum restaurant is popular for its tasty Cantonese dishes. Dim sum is highly popular and has more hits with a few slight misses. I would expect no less of a Michelin star restaurant. What's great is also their warm service, and that is always a plus point. Their hospitality and service also applies to the Singapore branch.

Expect fat Har Gaus (steamed prawn dumplings) that are fresh and flavorful, fluffy Char Siew Bao (Honey BBQ steam buns) and nice Siu Yuk (Roast meats). Dishes cost between HK$30 and $50.

Multiple locations. See www.leigarden.hk for details.

The Hidden Secret
Che's Cantonese Restaurant 

Locals in the know would head to this smart Cantonese restaurant that is well concealed at the 4th floor of an office building in the middle of Wan Chai. The restaurant though small is elegant and classy. Their Char Siew Bo Lo Bao (baked crispy porn buns) comes close to Tin Hou Wan's! 1 bun is never enough. The egg tarts are fabulous with its wobbly custard center and flaky puff pastry. What makes Hong Kong egg tarts so special is the lard they use in place of butter (uhoh!) Skip the Liu Sha Bao (Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bun), it is way too oily and bland. 

I was surprised by the flavors in the Steamed Lotus Glutinous Rice- the saltiness of the meat, smokiness of the Chinese dried mushrooms and the faint aroma of the lotus leaves. I unknowingly finished the rice even though i was thoroughly stuffed. Other than the dim sum, the other Cantonese dishes are stellar too. The soy pigeon is a must try over here. It doesn't look appetizing at all, in fact it looks scary, but the meat is well flavored with soy and chinese spices. Make sure you book a table before showing up. Che is only hidden, it's not unknown.

54-62 Lockhart Rd, 4/F, The Broadway, Wan Chai, +852 2528-1123

The Classic

Maxim's Palace City Hall

Overlooking the Victoria Harbor, 1 Michelin Star City Hall Maxim's Palace provides diners with a grand view and a posh environment for enjoying their breakfast. Well dressed waitresses pushing fully laden trolleys will fill your tummy up with goodies while you soak in the elegant air.

Start with the smooth Century Egg and Pork Congee (comes with crispy crackers) and make sure you order the Siew Mai and Har Gao which are plump and fresh with succulent pork bites. The Bo Lo Bao is also very decent, though not as good as Tin Hou Wan (that's the only standard). All dishes are executed perfectly. 

The only way to beat the weekend crowd is to arrive early or make a reservation for this is one of the most famous dim sum spots in town. If not, try your luck at the sister restaurant, The Square at Central but chances of getting a table is also pretty low. Dim sum is served till 3pm and they open at 9am instead of the usual 11am on Sundays.

5-7 Edinburgh Place, 2/F, City Hall, Central, +852 2521 130

Luxurious Decadence

Fook Lam Moon

If you are willing to pay HK$60 for a basket of Dim Sum, then this is the place for you. Wealthy customers are known to hop off their Rolls Royce to dine at the Wanchai outlet. The friendly staff would turn on their 1000 Mega Watt charm for every customer regardless of the horsepower of your ride though. This 1 Michelin star restaurant is expensive but the dim sum is quite fabulous. Barely-there translucent rice flour skin wraps fresh meat and locks in the flavorful juices till the time you pick them up and send them into your mouth. The salted egg yolk custard in their Steamed Liu Sha Bao will spill readily when the thin bread casing is pierced so be ready for the explosion.

35-45 Johnston Rd., Wanchai, +852 2866 0663 (for reservations)
63 Nathan Road, 29/F iSQUARE, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. 

Daily: 11am - 3pm, 6-11pm

Top of the WorldTin Lung Heen

No other dim sum establishment can beat the view of 1 Michelin Star Tin Lung Heen. Located on the 102nd floor of the Ritz Carlton at the ICC, Tin Lung Heen offers a bird's eye view of Asia's financial hub. The floor to ceiling windows with breathtaking view will complement your gold dusted shrimp dumplings with bamboo shoots and asparagus, caviar siew mai and bird nest custard tart.

1 Austin Rd. West, 102/F Ritz Carlton, West Kowloon, +852 2263 2270

Weekdays: 12 - 2.30pm

Weekends: 11.30am - 3pm 

Daily: 6pm - 10.30pm

Star Studded Opulance
Lung King Heen

Lung King Heen is one of the three restaurants that has been awarded 3 Michelin stars in Hong Kong. Executive Chef Chan Yan Tak is the brain behind the intricately decadent menu here. Expect only the best ingredients like foie gras, black truffles, abalone and the likes. This is fine dim sum dining at its best. Everything from the texture, flavors and presentation will excite you. Be in for a treat.

8 Finance Street, 4/F, Four Seasons Hotel, Central, +852 3196 8888
Daily: 12-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm

Of course, there are many other stellar dim sum establishments in Hong Kong and this list barely scratches the surface. Do share with us your favorites in Hong Kong. Yum Cha! 

If you don't already know, I'm a carnivore and i love my meat. Hell. What am i gonna do without cows seriously? That said, i don't mind the occasional vegetarian meal. There is just something weirdly appealing about fake meat. I'm really amazed at how they attempt to create the sinewy texture of the moos. Vegan Burg in Jalan Eunos takes it a step further by making vegan fast food burgers. Now that sure got my attention. Will they be able to handle that juicy and succulent patties? Read on to find out. 

The founding joint in the East is a hippie and cheerful airy space where cows would feel at home. There's plenty of land to graze on, grass for munching (artificial though) and nobody to run after them with a butcher's knife. 

VeganBurg is built on the foundation of respect and love for Mother Earth and the owners want to introduce a form of sustainable and healthy diet to you so that we can all live happily ever after. If you don't believe me/them, you can check out their 'Why VeganBurg' page. That will be enough to scare you off eating meat for at least a day.

Even if you don't give ding dong about the global climate or animal abuse, the food is pretty decent and is a refreshing change from your typical All-American greasy, artery clogging, stroke inducing burger. VeganBurg's fast food is certainly no junk food. All their ingredients are carefully picked to provide you with essential nutrients but at the same time tantalize your taste buds. Expect wholemeal organic grains and mystery vegan patties that are free of gluten and GMOs. 

There are 5 burgers on the menu and a special flavor of the month (the current is a Grilled Curry Rendang burger). Pick from Cracked Pepper Mayo, Hawaiian Pineapple, Smoky BBQ, Char-Grilled Satay and Creamy Pepper Shrooms. The patties are either pan/oven grilled or breadcrumb battered and fried and then sandwiched between VeganBurg's Signature Organic Ciabatta with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and walnuts/wholemeal grains. 

I had the Cracked Pepper Mayo burger (S$5.85 for burger/ S$9.85 for meal) which contains Omega 3, Omega 6 and Zinc (i feel so much healthier knowing that). The patty is exactly the sort of mock vegetarian 'chicken meat' that the Chinese vegetarian store sells. Interesting texture that is tender but yet it has that sinewy chew to it. I really can't complain that it's a tad dry, since it's not real meat. The mayonnaise added a little moisture to it though it didn't feel very healthy. More greens and tomatoes would be perfect for this one. Maybe the Hawaiian would fare better with the chunky slice of pineapple and grilled soya patty with a sweet plum sauce (that sounds mouthwatering already).

For an additional $4, you can make it a meal with seaweed fries and a juice. The fries were sinfully crisp and airy and went well with the garlic chili sauce. My spinach wheatgrass juice was kinda artificial though. There are other interesting sides such as Vegan franks and hotdogs, potato and spinach pops and even a guilt free ice cream if you have a small appetite. 

Even if you don't dig vegetarian/vegan food, don't write off VeganBurg just yet. It is easy to forget it's a 'fake' burger and the cause is really worth it. I already feel like i shouldn't be eating so much meat. Save the cows, save the Earth, 1 ngom at a time. Cheers!

VeganBurg
44 Jalan Eunos, Singapore
Tel: +65 6844 6868
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Other Outlets

VeganBurg@Golden Shoe
VeganBurg@MBFC

VeganBurg@Marina Boulevard

VeganBurg@The Grandstand

VeganBurg@Orchard Gateway

I never ate Vietnamese food in the first 22 years of my life until i visited San Francisco. S and i chanced upon an authentic Viet eatery while waiting for our laundry to be done and that's where i fell in love with Pho. You'd think that with Singapore being so close to Vietnam and all, we would have better Viet food, but it's really quite sub par compared to many Western countries.

We were recently introduced to Long Phung by a friend who swears that this is probably the best Viet food in Singapore. The Joo Chiat location is kinda seedy, with plenty of KTV bars (aka lup sup bars) but that hasn't stopped the horde of Singaporean and Vietnamese families alike from patronising the place. The latter is certainly an endorsement of the authentic flavors served here. 

The set up is very simple and no frills. Join the queue outside the store and wait for a table to be available. The wait could be long on weekends but you could occupy yourself with pictures of the dishes on the wall while you make a mental note of your order. Once seated, do not hesitate and start ordering. 

The Viet Iced Tea (S$0.80) was the choice drink of many but I could never resist the Cafe Sua Da, Viet Milk Coffee with Ice (S$3). Never mind it is made from robusta and corn and god knows what. This is a sweet (not cloying) condensed milk coffee heaven that i don't mind going to. I would highly recommend the Tamarind juice (S$3) as well. This is a sweet and refreshing dessert drink with honey preserved fruit/plum and peanut chunks.

The Viet Prawn Roll, Goi Cuon, (4 for S$6, 6 for S$9) was served with a sweet sauce with peanut, garlic puree and chili. This went well with the fresh minty rice rolls filled with rice vermicelli, sliced pork and prawn. This is good for sharing because the roll are huge. I would have ordered the spring rolls but S stopped me from over ordering.  

I've never seen or ordered shellfish in Vietnam but i heard this is quite a local snack so we ordered 2 dishes to try anyway. The Huyet Xao Toi, Stir Fry Cockles with Garlic (S$6) is a good beer snack for sure. Eat this while it is hot and make sure you mop up the garlic pepper sauce and then dip it into the salt, pepper, chili mix that accompanies the dish.

Oc Len Xao Ot Sate, Stir Fry Zuzu with Satay (S$6) was a little on the bland side. I kinda thought it would be similar to the local satay sauce but this was just a chili garlic sauce that did little to add flavor to the green entrails in the shell.

I had the Pho Dac Biet (S$6.50), a Special Noodle Soup with beef balls, beef slices and beef brisket. This generous bowl of smooth rice noodles is topped lots of tender meat and juicy chewy balls. I was surprised by a raw egg when i was poking around my bowl. This has to be the most flavorful pho i've had in Singapore. The sweet rich broth is fragrant and flavorful and it had me hooked. Extremely addictive soup i say!

S had the rare beef steak noodle soup (S$5.50) which he happily devoured. If rice is more your thing, they have braised fish, cutlet, stewed pork or beef to go with that. 

We have nothing but praise for this authentic Viet eatery in the east. The food is hearty, home cooked and unpretentious. What's more the price is extremely affordable. This is what Viet food is about really and this is what i miss about Saigon. If you want to experience Saigon but don't have the time to travel, get your tummy right over to Long Phung now. You bet this is where i'll be every time i have a Viet craving. 

Long Phung

159 Joo Chiat Road
Tel: +65 9105 8519
Daily: 1pm - 2am

When i feel like i'm in need of a dose of calcium, i would have ice cream and i love the full cream sort (sorbet is not my thing). The fuller, the creamier, the better. However, i know of poor souls out there who are lactose intolerant or vegans who can't get to enjoy the full smooth sweet dessert made from moo juice and eggs. Well, here is Brownice to the rescue, the first Vegan Ice Cream parlor in Singapore that does organic, dairy free frozen treats that will satisfy any sweet tooth out there.  

Their ice cream is made organic brown rice milk, fruits and nuts. Absolutely no cream, no milk, no eggs and Au-natural flavors. For the weight conscious folks, eat up without worrying about the extra pounds. These low fat desserts are absolutely guilty free. #TrueStory

If all that health nut stuff is putting you off, you really need to reserve your judgment on this one. I guarantee you it tastes nothing like what you envision healthy ice cream to be. Brown rice milk is a great substitute for cream and it still provides the creamy smooth texture. It tastes exactly like normal milk. You wouldn't know the difference unless someone tells you that. 

The flavors here change daily (they keep the best sellers and rotate the others) and they have quite a range. The French Chocolate is very delicate and has a powdery mouth feel to it. In my memory, it simply sublimed after i took a bite. The Dark Chocolate is very rich in comparison, it's like eating a chocolate bar. The Pumpkin Coconut is extremely unique and it really tastes like Chinese dessert paste! Very smooth and rich flavors in this one! Eating the Apple Cinnamon is like having candied apples and the Peanut Butter Caramel is almost out of the jar. I was thoroughly amazed at how real all the flavors are. 

If you can't decide what to have.. well, just get everything! 3 scoops will only set you back by S$7! Or have an Ice Cream Bowl with 4 scoops of ice cream and 4 toppings of your choice. Every additional scoop will only costs S$1.50. Whee!! The servers are also very generous with the treats!

Pick from fresh roasted walnuts, organic raisins and cranberries, syrups and all. I highly recommend the caramelized sea salted almonds for the extra crunch in your guilt free dessert (S$1 per topping). Brownice also does waffles and brownies if the toppings aren't enough to satisfy you. The brownies looked really rich and moist. 

If you are in the Sin Ming area and a little sick of Udders, Salted Caramel or Scoopz, why not give Brownice a shot. Great place for a fat free but tasty snack after all that supper. S highly endorses this. He thinks he can eat all the ice cream he wants now but he has obviously forgotten about the sugar... 

Anyway, just enjoy the dessert and then work it off later. Life is too short to be counting calories really. Enjoy this hidden find! :)

Brownice

8 Sin Ming Road, Sin Ming Centre #01-03

Singapore 575628

Tel: +65 6456 6431
Mon-Thu: 1pm - 11pm

Fri-Sun: 1pm-12am

When S and I looked back on our Croatia trip to pick our favorite town/city, we both had the same place in mind- Zadar. Funny thing is, we both can't put our fingers on what exactly we love about this Romanesque Dalmatian city, precisely because there isn't much to do or see here. Then again, the best travel experiences aren't always based on physical/quantifiable items. Sometimes it's more emotional. 

Zadar was beautiful because we had it all to ourselves. Just a couple in love, wandering down the white marbled streets, building shared memories. It didn't matter where we were, as long as it's just the 2 of us. Then again, Alfred Hitchcock would say that it must have been "the world's most beautiful sunset" that drew us in.

This was the first coastal stop we took after Zagreb and the scenic Plitvice Lakes in the mountainous North. Driving was easy and smooth and it took us 2 hours to get here from the waterfalls.

Old Town is where all the sights are and a great place to base yourself. Everything from Roman ruins to restaurants and the great blue is within walking distance. You could finish viewing them on foot in an hour or so. In the center of Old Town is The Forum, where the famous Church of St Donat stands. The St. Anastasia Cathedral, Archaeological Museum, St. Mary's Church and Monastery are in the same corner as well.

My favorite is however the Sea Organ, an award winning art installation along the promenade. A strange but enchanting string of chords could be heard as you approach. They soothe or alarm, depending on the mood of the ocean and the temperament of the winds.

Hang around the Organ to catch the said sunset. When it turns dark, the Greeting to the Sun art piece (by the same artist) transforms the harbor into a disco ball with its multicolored photovoltaic cells. 

We stayed at Accomodation Gina, a lovely apartment above a caffe bar. It is situated at Varos, and also considered 'downtown' of Old Town. It's quite funny because it's just a stone's throw away! As it was off peak season, the caffe wasn't opened when we arrived and we had a hard time identifying the place. However, with the help of a kind hearted passerby (Croatians are really friendly and helpful), we managed to get to our very cosy room.

There are 4 rooms available in total and ours was the double one with an en suite bathroom. For 70 Euros a night, it was a steal for the beautiful space we had. The Jacuzzi shower was a plus too. Some rooms come with a bathtub. Wifi and air-conditioning included. 

Another place that you may want to consider would be Apartments Donat, which has a slightly more central location. But really, if you are already in the Old Town, everything is within a 5-10mins stroll. Use this opportunity to explore the churches/monasteries along the way.

Dining options are easily found but it would be a challenge if you don't have a reservation. The famous ones include The Kornat, Niko and Fosa but there are plenty of traditional Konobas and pizzerias that serve hearty and affordable meals. For other dining options, check out Tripadvisor or the Croatian travel sites.

We had dinner at Seafood Restaurant Fosa which is just outside the city walls. The harbor facing outdoor terrace is a perfect spot for dining but the interior is also very chic. Fish lovers would be pleased with the wide variety of fresh seafood available. Set menus are between 115-185kunas (approx S$25-30) for a 3-4 course meal. This is cheap for fine dining in fact. Can i say that truffles are terribly overpriced in Singapore? Here you can get 6g of Black Istrian truffles for S$10. Sliced black truffles. NOT truffle oil.

After dinner, remember to get the most famous slado (ice cream) at Slastičarna Donat. You have to save space for this one i swear. One of the best we've had.

The next morning, we woke up a little earlier to explore the rest of Old Town and the city walls. To our delight, we noticed that the caffe bar downstairs was packed with locals. Coolios. If you notice the orange coloured walls in the above right picture, Accommodation Gina is just on the left of that corner.

The Varos area is as shown above and you can just hang out anywhere in the neighborhood. Kult Caffe, a popular cafe bar with the younger generation, is just around the corner from our place and they serve really good coffee. I think in general the coffee in Croatia is better than what we get in Singapore. That kinda explains why their cafes are packed at all times of the day!

Just across from Kult is another popular pizza and pasta place. It's hard getting a table here especially at night when this street really comes to life. It's nice to know i'm in the heart of the action but not affected by the noise when i need to snooze.

The local markets in Croatia cannot be missed because they are full of fresh organic produce. Some of them are even home grown in little gardens. They are a photographer's dream with the vibrant splashes of colours and textures. As usual, we went away with bags of cherries and other fruits.

Just beyond the city walls lies a famous tradition that you can't miss and that's the boat ride that connects the shores of the city port. The boatmen of Zadar, called barkarioli, have been rowing their wooden barges and ferrying loyal customers for over 800 years and more recently clubbers visiting The Garden in Old Town. This tradition has been carried from father to son for centuries and they can be identified by their well worn, sea battered blue and whites.

Zadar is also famous for their Maraschino, a bittersweet, clear liqueur flavored with Marasca cherries. I'm not sure if you can visit the factory that produces it but you should be able to get a bottle from the souvenir shop. I don't think it's widely available at the caffe bars, perhaps they're not really popular with the locals . I'm not a fan so i didn't look out for it. 

However, if you are looking for a drink, a good place to check out would be The Garden.

This is an open air bar owned by a British music producer. In the day, it's a great place to chill out on the day beds and watch the ferries go by. It's easy to forget about leaving when one is a little high on Moscato.

At night, it transforms into a chic club with groovy beats. I guess this is one of the better places in Zadar for partying. If you prefer a slightly more laid back and casual scene, head to The Arsenal, an ex-military warehouse that now houses a café, bar, restaurant, art galleries and shops.

This concludes our 24 hour rendezvous in Zadar. Barely scratched the surface on this one but i think it's sufficient for a short day trip. Now, it's time for you to get yourself there.