Welcome to Good Neighbor Insurance at gninsurance.com, where we’re passionate about providing top-notch global insurance protection for world wanderers, global vacationers, group travel, expatriates and international employer group insurance. Check out our blog (gninsurance.com/blog) for a treasure trove of information! From the latest travel safety advice to the buzz on emerging hotspots, exciting adventure activities, and insights into the travel and expat lifestyle, we’ve got you covered. Our blog is constantly updated every month, serving up fresh and fascinating content to fuel your global curiosity
Most Vegan-Friendly Cities Located in Southeast Asia
You love to travel, but being vegan makes it difficult to find food you can eat in new places. Good news: the number of vegan dining options is increasing, making it easier to travel while maintaining your vegan lifestyle.
What is a vegan?
- A vegan is a person who does not consume any food derived from animals.
- Vegans also avoid using any products derived from animals.
Why become a vegan?
- Reasons include animal rights, protecting the environment, religious beliefs, and health benefits.
Quick Background
- This list focuses primarily on dining options and is based on data from HappyCow, a great app for locating vegan options.
- Some places define vegan differently, so it’s important to ask.
Taipei, Taiwan
- Taipei is the most vegan-friendly city in Eastern Asia, with 122 vegan restaurants according to HappyCow.
- Popular and highly rated restaurants include Vege Creek, Plants Eatery, and Mianto.
- There are also vegan bakeries and a vegetarian night market.
Bangkok, Thailand
- Thailand is a vegan-friendly country, with over 90% of the population being Buddhist.
- There are currently about 112 vegan restaurants in Bangkok.
- Popular restaurants include Vistro, Veganerie, and May Veggie Home.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Chiang Mai has around 70 vegan restaurants, and is known for its abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Popular restaurants include AUM Vegetarian, Free Bird Cafe, and Vegan Heaven.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam is known for its delicious vegetarian dishes, which often use tofu and vegetables instead of meat.
- There are currently about 43 vegan restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Popular restaurants include Hum Vegetarian, Saigon Vegan, and Healthy Farm.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Siem Reap is a great destination for vegan travelers, with over 20 vegan restaurants.
- Popular restaurants include Chamkar Vegetarian Restaurant, Sister Srey Cafe, and Artillery Cafe.
Bali, Indonesia
- Bali has over 30 vegan restaurants and is known for its fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Popular restaurants include Earth Cafe, Zula Vegetarian Paradise, and Alchemy.
Singapore
- Singapore is a vegan-friendly city with a growing number of vegan restaurants.
- Popular restaurants include VeganBurg, Loving Hut, and Afterglow by Anglow.
There are many vegan-friendly cities throughout Southeast Asia, making it easier than ever for vegan travelers to explore new places. Always remember to ask about ingredients and do your research before traveling to a new destination.
Don’t Forget to Travel Safely! When planning for international travel to Indonesia and beyond, one crucial step that often gets overlooked is purchasing travel insurance. No one wants to anticipate accidents or mishaps, but the truth is that they happen more frequently than we realize. At Good Neighbor Insurance Global Brokerage, we’ve been serving travelers like you for over 26 years and have heard too many heartbreaking stories that could have been avoided with the right protection.
As fellow seasoned travelers, we know firsthand how important it is to have the appropriate health insurance while abroad. That’s why we’re here to assist you in finding the ideal plan to meet your specific needs. Our team at Good Neighbor Insurance is dedicated to ensuring that you and your loved ones are safeguarded while on your international journey, so you can enjoy a worry-free and successful trip.
Before embarking on your global travels, it’s critical to have a travel health insurance or trip cancellation insurance policy that will provide you with the necessary protection. By doing so, you’ll be able to travel with confidence, knowing that you’re covered in case of any unfortunate events. At Good Neighbor Insurance, we’re here to help you make the best insurance decision for your specific travel needs.
Do check our blog article, “Most Vegan-Friendly Cities in Southeast Asia” on our blog at https://www.gninsurance.com/blog
Change is always in the air! Please check out our travel insurance options on our web page at https://www.gninsurance.com/travel for the most up-to-date information on your travel medical insurance –
- or call us at 480-813-9100 or we can set up a video call.
- or email us at [email protected]
Your GNI team here in Gilbert Arizona, wishes you all safe global travels in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Understanding Tipping Customs Abroad: Tips for Travelers
Understanding tipping customs is crucial when traveling abroad. However, tipping customs can vary dramatically from one place to another. Also, tipping etiquette can differ according to the service provided and the circumstances.
Tipping Customs in North America
- In the U.S., tipping is customary in service-related businesses such as restaurants, bars, taxis, hotel staff, and hairdressers
- Customers are expected to tip between 15-20% of the total bill
- Tipping staff is essential as most service industry-related jobs rely on tips to earn a living wage
- In Canada, tipping etiquette is similar to the U.S., and customers are expected to tip between 15-18% of the total bill
Tipping Culture in Mexico
- Tipping is less of an expectation and more of a token of appreciation in Mexico
- Leaving a tip in Mexico is al The standard amount for tipping varies depending on the type of service
- Tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service and is always appreciated by service staff.
- ways appreciated by service staff
Tipping Customs in Other Parts of the World:
Central America
- Tipping is expected in most Central American countries at dining establishments, bars, and hotels
- Customary to tip around 10% of the total bill
South America
- In countries such as Brazil and Argentina, tipping around 10-15% of the total bill in restaurants is a good rule of thumb
- Tips are always appreciated across South America, as it indicates good service
Asia
- Tipping is not as common in Asian countries as it is in North America
- In Japan, tipping might even be considered insulting
- In China, tipping is not a well-established practice
Indonesia
- Tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated for good service in restaurants, cafes, and bars
- Customary to round up the bill to the nearest whole number or add 5-10% of the total bill as a tip
- Providing money for lunch is also a nice way of tipping, especially for car and driver services
Europe
- Tipping customs vary widely across Europe
- In the UK and Ireland, tipping is expected, usually around 10-15% of the bill
- In Germany, a small tip of 5-10% is adequate
- In France and Italy, tipping is not required but not considered rude if done
Africa
- Tipping customs vary widely across Africa
- Most African countries generally see tipping as a sign of appreciation
- Customary to tip servers, bartenders, tour guides, and drivers around 10-15%
Here are some best practices on how to navigate tipping when traveling.
- Research prior to your trip
- Ask the locals
- Pay attention to what other people are doing
- Stay flexible to the situation
- Carry small bills
- Read your bill carefully
- Be generous
Tipping customs vary widely around the world, so it’s important to do research and ask locals for advice. Ultimately, tipping is about showing appreciation for good service. Please be generous unless it’s explicitly rude to leave a tip. Remember that service workers often earn a minimum wage, so a tip can go a long way in helping them.
Don’t Forget to Travel Safely!
You’re planning an overseas trip and don’t want any interruptions along the way. You want to get there and back safely while having a great experience. But you’re smart enough to know accidents happen and medical care is expensive no matter where we travel, especially when it comes to emergency medical evacuations. You know you need coverage but don’t know where to start. Therefore, you need an experienced friend to lead you to the travel insurance plan that fits you best.
Your friends at Good Neighbor Insurance have been helping travelers like you find the best plan to meet their needs for over 26 years. As experienced travelers, we understand the importance of having the right travel insurance as you travel. We never plan for accidents to happen, but sadly, they happen more than we realize. Before you travel, make sure you have a travel health insurance plan that will protect you and your loved ones. You will be able to travel with peace of mind knowing your covered if anything unfortunate happens. Allow us to help ensure you and your loved ones are protected while overseas, so your trip can be as successful as it can be!
Do check our blog article, “Understanding Tipping Customs Abroad: Tips for Travelers” on our blog at https://www.gninsurance.com/blog
Change is always in the air! Please check out our travel insurance options on our web page at https://www.gninsurance.com/travel for the most up-to-date information on your travel medical insurance –
- or call us at 480-813-9100 or we can set up a video call.
- or email us at [email protected]
Your GNI team here in Gilbert Arizona, wishes you all safe and marvelous global travels!
Exploring Semarang’s Tofu Petis: A Unique Indonesian Delicacy
Tofu Petis originates from Semarang, a bustling city located in Central Java, Indonesia, known for its diverse and flavorful culinary scene. Tofu Petis stands out as a unique and must-try delicacy in the city. This dish is made from fresh tofu that is marinated in a rich and savory mixture of fermented shrimp paste, garlic, and other seasonings.
Semarang is a city located in the north coast of Java Island in Indonesia. It is the capital of Central Java province and the fifth-largest city in Indonesia, with a population of over 1.7 million people.
Scene Semarang’s culinary scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. It features a rich blend of flavors and spices of traditional Javanese cuisine, Chinese, Dutch, and Indian Arab-inspired dishes.
Tofu Petis and is a dish that originates from Indonesia and is made by taking fresh tofu and adding a thick, flavorful sauce made with petis, a type of fermented shrimp paste. This paste is an important ingredient in many Indonesian dishes and adds a distinctive umami flavor to the dish.
The tofu used in tofu petis is typically fried, giving it a crispy texture on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside. The sauce is made by mixing petis with spices and other ingredients, creating a savory, slightly sweet flavor that complements the tofu perfectly.
Tofu is a good source of protein and is low in fat, calories, and cholesterol. It also contains essential minerals and vitamins, making it a healthy addition to the diet. The petis sauce is rich in umami flavor and adds nutritional benefits.
Tofu Petis has its roots in the Javanese culture and was originally created by street vendors in Semarang as a cheap and filling snack for workers in the area. Over time, the dish became more popular and was eventually adopted by the wider population.
As the dish became more popular, vendors began to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Some started adding vegetables or meat to the dish to make it more filling, while others used different types of tofu or sauces.
Here are different ways tofu petis is made throughout Indonesia
- Tofu petis has a cult-like following in Indonesia
- Each region has its own unique twist on the dish
- Get ready to experience a tantalizing array of tofu petis variations
On the island of Java
- Tofu petis is served with spicy sambal and fresh vegetables
- Some variations include adding shredded chicken or beef
- Sweeter taste compared to other regions
- Served with sticky rice and fried tempeh in Solo
On the island of Sumatra
- Tofu petis is often served with a spicy sauce made from ground chilies and shrimp paste
- Served with a side of beef rendang and boiled eggs in Padang
- More savory and less sweet compared to other regions
- Made with firmer tofu
On the island of Bali
- Tofu petis is served with a side of steamed rice and fresh vegetables
- Milder flavor compared to other regions
- Variations include using a blend of different types of tofu
- Thinner sauce that is more like a broth
On the island of Sulawesi
- Tofu petis is often served with a side of rice noodles and boiled egg
- More complex flavor due to the use of local spices and herbs
- Variations include using a mixture of fish and shrimp paste in the sauce
- Often served as a breakfast dish
On the island Kalimantan
- Tofu petis is usually served with a side of steamed rice and vegetables
- Spicier flavor compared to other regions
- Variations include using a blend of different types of tofu and adding sliced boiled potatoes
- Often eaten as a snack or appetizer
May I Order Tofu Petis Online?
- Yes, you may. There are several online stores selling tofu petis and other Indonesian ingredients
- Options include Indofood Store, Waroeng Groceries, Toko Indo, and Dunia Boga
- Always read reviews and check shipping rates and policies before making a purchase
If I am in Jakarta, how may I get to Semarang?
- You may fly from Jakarta to Semarang (1 hour)
- Or take a train from Jakarta to Semarang (7-10 hours)
- Or drive from Jakarta to Semarang (10-12 hours)
- Or take a bus from Jakarta to Semarang (10-12 hours)
Tofu petis is a must-try dish in Indonesia
- Each region has its own unique twist on the dish
- Plan your trip to try the different variations and explore the beautiful country of Indonesia
Don’t Forget to Travel Safely!
When planning for international travel to Indonesia and beyond, one crucial step that often gets overlooked is purchasing travel insurance. No one wants to anticipate accidents or mishaps, but the truth is that they happen more frequently than we realize. At Good Neighbor Insurance Global Brokerage, https://www.gninsurance.com, we’ve been serving travelers like you for over 26 years, since her founding in 1997, and have heard too many heartbreaking stories that could have been avoided with the right protection.
As fellow seasoned travelers, we know firsthand how important it is to have the appropriate health insurance while abroad. That’s why we’re here to assist you in finding the ideal plan to meet your specific needs. Our team at Good Neighbor Insurance is dedicated to ensuring that you and your loved ones are safeguarded while on your international journey, so you can enjoy a worry-free and successful trip.
Before embarking on your global travels, it’s critical to have a travel health insurance or trip cancellation insurance policy that will provide you with the necessary protection. By doing so, you’ll be able to travel with confidence, knowing that you’re covered in case of any unfortunate events. At Good Neighbor Insurance, we’re here to help you make the best insurance decision for your specific travel needs.
Do check our blog article, “Exploring Semarang’s Tofu Petis: A Unique Indonesian Delicacy” on our blog at https://www.gninsurance.com/blog
Change is always in the air! Please check out our travel insurance options on our web page at https://www.gninsurance.com/travel for the most up-to-date information on your travel medical insurance –
- or call us at 480-813-9100 or we can set up a video call.
- or email us at [email protected]
Your GNI team here in Gilbert Arizona, wishes you all safe global travels in Indonesia and beyond.
Exploring the Flavors of Yogyakarta, Indonesia: The Sweet and Spicy Tofu Bacem Experience
Tofu Bacem comes from DI Yogyakarta (a special region), Central Java, Indonesia. Bacem Tofu is a popular vegetarian option and is enjoyed by many people for its sweet and savory taste and soft texture.
The ingredients for making tofu bacem are white tofu, coconut water, water, brown sugar, bay leaf, galangal. Subtle spices are onion, garlic, coriander, peppercorns, salt. Choose good quality tofu to get the best tofu bacem whose texture is sturdy and doesn’t break easily.
Yogyakarta
- Located on the island of Java in Indonesia
- Rich history that dates back to the 8th century
- Center of Javanese culture and arts, including gamelan music, batik fabric, and wayang puppetry Kraton Palace, Taman Sari Water Castle, and Borobudur Temple are historic landmarks.
About Bacem Tofu
- It is a traditional Javanese dish
- White tofu, coconut water, water, brown sugar, bay leaf, galangal, onion, garlic, coriander, peppercorns, salt
- It has a unique and flavorful marinade
- Tofu is marinated for several hours or overnight
- Braised in a mixture of coconut milk, water, and more spices
- It is a very delicious and popular dish in Indonesian cuisine
The Significance of Sugar in Bacem Tofu
- Bacem was created during the Dutch colonial period and became a symbol of poverty
- The local population was forced to cultivate sugar cane
- Sugar is now a cheap and plentiful ingredient
- Coriander is also a cheap ingredient
Serving Bacem Tofu
- Often served as a side dish or a snack
- Pairs well with steamed rice or other Javanese dishes
- Can be used as an ingredient in other dishes, such as nasi liwet
What is Nasi Liwet?
- A traditional Indonesian rice dish
- Originated in Central Java, particularly in the city of Solo
- Cooked with coconut milk and a variety of herbs and spices
- Served with a variety of side dishes, such as fried chicken, fried tempeh, tofu, eggs, and vegetables, as well as sambal
- A popular dish in Indonesia, often served at special occasions
Conclusion
- Tofu Bacem is a delicious and unique dish from Yogyakarta
- Rich history and culture in Yogyakarta make it a fascinating destination
- Nasi liwet is a great way to enjoy Bacem Tofu and experience Indonesian cuisine
Don’t Forget to Travel Safely!
Now that you have discovered the delectable bacem tofu in Yogyakarta, there is one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked when preparing for international travel – purchasing travel insurance. Although we do not anticipate any accidents to occur during our travels, unfortunately, they do occur more often than we’d like. With over 26 years of experience serving travelers, we’ve witnessed more distressing incidents than we would have preferred.
Therefore, before embarking on your journey, it is imperative that you secure a travel health insurance plan that will safeguard you and your loved ones. This way, you can travel with confidence, knowing that you are covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Do check our blog article, “Tofu Bacem: The Sweet and Spicy Delight from Yogyakarta, Indonesia” on our blog at https://www.gninsurance.com/blog
Change is always in the air! Please check out our travel medical insurance options on our web page at https://www.gninsurance.com/travel for the most up-to-date information on your international insurance –
- or call us at 480-813-9100 or we can set up a video call.
- or email us at [email protected]
We genuinely hope that you have an enjoyable and safe trip to Indonesia and beyond!