Saturday, November 27, 2010

Ten Most Popular Food Items in the World


Food is an essential part of our lives and everyone has a different take on what is the most popular food item on a menu. For this list let us have a look at what is the most recognizable food item in the world, something that we order for our take-outs or something that we always fall back upon when we are looking for a quick and tasty meal. It can loosely be termed as fast food, though some of these may not fall in that category.

In no particular order – here are the world’s most familiar food items:


1. Ice Cream:

Is there a soul left in this world who has not tasted ice-cream? The ultimate soul food, ice cream has, like many of the food items listed below, adapted itself to local flavours. The most prevalent flavours are vanilla, chocolate and strawberry but there are many places which boast of over 30 flavours. Yummy, mouth watering, and so much fun to eat, ice cream probably tops the list of all popular food items


2. Chocolates:

However a close contender for the most popular food item would be chocolates. Big or small, with fruit fillings or with nuts, dark or milk, the choices are endless. The Swiss claim to have invented it and Cadbury’s claim to have popularised it, and lovers all over the world claim it to be the ultimate aphrodisiac. With choices ranging from the simple Kit Kat’s to the ultimate luxury brands; there are few people who can say that they do not love chocolates!


3. Pizza:

There are few places in the world where a pizza joint is not present! Apart from the inevitable Dominoes and Pizza Huts, there are often some local eating places which will serve you their version of pizza, with some local spices and vegetables added to them. Quick to make and easy to home deliver, pizzas are very popular among the young and old alike.


4. Burgers:

McDonald’s can and do claim credit for popularising the hamburger throughout the world. Children love them and even though the parents are not too sure about the nutritional quality of the burgers, they inevitably give in and take their children to the nearest burger joints. Here also, the burgers have adapted themselves to the local cuisines and traditional taboos.


5. French Fries and Potato Chips:

Where there are burgers – there are French fries. We have combined them with potato chips to make them one category – since both are basically variations of the very popular potato. When well made and correctly fried, French fries can be quite nice and definitely filling.


6. Noodles and Chicken in Garlic Sauce (or any other variation):

Noodles and Chinese chicken or lamb or pork are great light and tasty dishes to get home delivered. Light on the stomach and calories, these are high on the popularity scale. Basically all Chinese dishes accompanied by noodles or rice are being classified in this category, proof of the fact that Chinese food is very well-liked and served all over the world.

7. Chicken Tikka Masala:

Believed to the most popular food item in Britain, this is one of Indian foods most popular dishes. Once again it is light to eat, it is not fried and has some great Indian spices. They have even invented a pizza with chicken tikka masala as a topping.


8. Kentucky Fried Chicken:

The KFC logo is recognisable all over the world and is one of the most frequented places when people are seeking a quick bite of chicken. There have been many other offshoots, but fried chicken has been associated with KFC so long that it has become a kind of generic name for it.


9. Tandoori Chicken:

If there is an Indian restaurant or take-out anywhere in the vicinity, you can be sure that it will have tandoori chicken on it’s menu. When made well, it is a delicious dish and is often served with the Indian bread known as Naan and some pickle and chutneys.


10. Thai Green Curry and Rice:

Thai food has achieved immense popularity all over the world and the most prevalent dishes are the Thai green curry or red curry served with rice. Lightly spiced, or with a fair sprinkling of chillies – if you like it hot, it is delectable and scrumptious.

Ten Most Popular Food Items in the World


Food is an essential part of our lives and everyone has a different take on what is the most popular food item on a menu. For this list let us have a look at what is the most recognizable food item in the world, something that we order for our take-outs or something that we always fall back upon when we are looking for a quick and tasty meal. It can loosely be termed as fast food, though some of these may not fall in that category.

In no particular order – here are the world’s most familiar food items:


1. Ice Cream:

Is there a soul left in this world who has not tasted ice-cream? The ultimate soul food, ice cream has, like many of the food items listed below, adapted itself to local flavours. The most prevalent flavours are vanilla, chocolate and strawberry but there are many places which boast of over 30 flavours. Yummy, mouth watering, and so much fun to eat, ice cream probably tops the list of all popular food items


2. Chocolates:

However a close contender for the most popular food item would be chocolates. Big or small, with fruit fillings or with nuts, dark or milk, the choices are endless. The Swiss claim to have invented it and Cadbury’s claim to have popularised it, and lovers all over the world claim it to be the ultimate aphrodisiac. With choices ranging from the simple Kit Kat’s to the ultimate luxury brands; there are few people who can say that they do not love chocolates!


3. Pizza:

There are few places in the world where a pizza joint is not present! Apart from the inevitable Dominoes and Pizza Huts, there are often some local eating places which will serve you their version of pizza, with some local spices and vegetables added to them. Quick to make and easy to home deliver, pizzas are very popular among the young and old alike.


4. Burgers:

McDonald’s can and do claim credit for popularising the hamburger throughout the world. Children love them and even though the parents are not too sure about the nutritional quality of the burgers, they inevitably give in and take their children to the nearest burger joints. Here also, the burgers have adapted themselves to the local cuisines and traditional taboos.


5. French Fries and Potato Chips:

Where there are burgers – there are French fries. We have combined them with potato chips to make them one category – since both are basically variations of the very popular potato. When well made and correctly fried, French fries can be quite nice and definitely filling.


6. Noodles and Chicken in Garlic Sauce (or any other variation):

Noodles and Chinese chicken or lamb or pork are great light and tasty dishes to get home delivered. Light on the stomach and calories, these are high on the popularity scale. Basically all Chinese dishes accompanied by noodles or rice are being classified in this category, proof of the fact that Chinese food is very well-liked and served all over the world.

7. Chicken Tikka Masala:

Believed to the most popular food item in Britain, this is one of Indian foods most popular dishes. Once again it is light to eat, it is not fried and has some great Indian spices. They have even invented a pizza with chicken tikka masala as a topping.


8. Kentucky Fried Chicken:

The KFC logo is recognisable all over the world and is one of the most frequented places when people are seeking a quick bite of chicken. There have been many other offshoots, but fried chicken has been associated with KFC so long that it has become a kind of generic name for it.


9. Tandoori Chicken:

If there is an Indian restaurant or take-out anywhere in the vicinity, you can be sure that it will have tandoori chicken on it’s menu. When made well, it is a delicious dish and is often served with the Indian bread known as Naan and some pickle and chutneys.


10. Thai Green Curry and Rice:

Thai food has achieved immense popularity all over the world and the most prevalent dishes are the Thai green curry or red curry served with rice. Lightly spiced, or with a fair sprinkling of chillies – if you like it hot, it is delectable and scrumptious.

Ten Unconventional Holiday Destinations

The choice of a holiday is dependent on many factors. They range from budget considerations to the kind of accommodations available. More and more people are travelling outside their country nowadays and many have now begun to opt for unconventional holidays, which take them off the beaten track and give them a chance to enjoy some unusual cuisines and destinations.

Here are ten unusual holidays which you can enjoy – some expensive and some within the range of the average traveler


1. Trekking in the Atlas Mountains:

Located in Morocco, these mountains offer stunning views and some amazing areas to go for a trek. With fitness holidays becoming a very popular aspect of people’s lives, a walking holiday through these mountains can give you many days of fun and satisfaction. Snow in winter, sun in the summer, a plethora of cultural experiences and some great places to stay in, all contribute towards making this a great holiday.


2. Ladakh:

A place of stunning beauty, Ladakh is the home of many beautiful monasteries. There are many ways of moving around Ladakh, but the most popular means among the young people seems to be on the motorcycle. The barren landscape can take your breath away, and you will also be amazed at the calm and serenity of it’s people and their homes. Make sure that you stay in Leh for a day or two, so that your body can get acclimatised to the high altitude air.

3. Iceland:

Snow all around and yet, some amazing landscapes symbolize Iceland. It is rising steadily in the popularity charts as a holiday destination. The midnight sun is a sight which by itself can make the trip worthwhile. Time your holiday carefully, since winters here can be harsh with very little daylight time. Summers are surprisingly mild, and the people are very friendly. Their food is also great!

4. Villageways guided tours in India:

Guided walking tours through certain parts of the hinterland of India, with a chance to meet the local people and enjoy their culture are the speciality of Villageways. They take you right to the heart of the village communities where you have the opportunity to appreciate the lives of the village residents. There are many options available – ranging from weekend escapes to 10 days of walks around the regions.


5. Cruise down the Kerala Waterways:

Kerala’s houseboats are renowned for the comfort and beauty. You can take a houseboat and travel in a relaxed manner through some of India’s most beautiful regions. The houseboats will give you the privacy and luxury of a private hotel, and you can savour some amazing and delectable dishes which are the speciality of this region.


6. Outward Bound – New Zealand:

Outward Bound holidays are renowned among people who like their holidays to be rugged and full of physical activity. One of their most popular destinations is New Zealand, where they take you through the varied landscape of this beautiful country. The activities, as in most Outward Bound holidays, include running, swimming, sailing, and mountaineering.


7. Alaska:

The largest state in the United States, Alaska has something for everyone. You can go rafting, you can trek in it’s beautiful mountains, you can take a cruise around it’s coastline and you can also go surfing here – though the water is likely to be freezing. A popular destination for most cruise liners, Alaska, another great way to see Alaska is by railroad.


8. Jules Undersea Lodge – Key Largo – Florida:

Have you always yearned to live in the water? Then do try out the Jules Undersea Lodge in Key Largo in Florida. Just to enter this abode you have to scuba down 21 feet. The Lodge is entered through an opening at the bottom of the home. There are wide glass windows and you can spend all your time observing the water-life around you, while you are being watched by them. All comforts such as books and music and a well equipped kitchen are part of the experience.

9. Cruise around the fjords of Norway:

Norway is well known for it’s varied scenery, but it’s best known for the complex and deep fjords around West Norway. There are many beautiful destinations around this region and you can visit them by either driving around this region or by taking a cruise through the fjords. Summers are the best time to visit, but do remember that during that time there is 24 hours of sunshine!

10. The Wild life Sanctuaries of South Africa:

South Africa is ranked as having one of the most diverse flora and fauna with beautiful grasslands called savannahs. If you feel that you need to get close to nature, visiting this country will definitely be fruitful. There are plenty of national parks, the most popular one being Kruger National Park, where you can see the world’s most exotic wild animals such as lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, to white rhinos, hyenas, etc.

Ten Unconventional Holiday Destinations

The choice of a holiday is dependent on many factors. They range from budget considerations to the kind of accommodations available. More and more people are travelling outside their country nowadays and many have now begun to opt for unconventional holidays, which take them off the beaten track and give them a chance to enjoy some unusual cuisines and destinations.

Here are ten unusual holidays which you can enjoy – some expensive and some within the range of the average traveler


1. Trekking in the Atlas Mountains:

Located in Morocco, these mountains offer stunning views and some amazing areas to go for a trek. With fitness holidays becoming a very popular aspect of people’s lives, a walking holiday through these mountains can give you many days of fun and satisfaction. Snow in winter, sun in the summer, a plethora of cultural experiences and some great places to stay in, all contribute towards making this a great holiday.


2. Ladakh:

A place of stunning beauty, Ladakh is the home of many beautiful monasteries. There are many ways of moving around Ladakh, but the most popular means among the young people seems to be on the motorcycle. The barren landscape can take your breath away, and you will also be amazed at the calm and serenity of it’s people and their homes. Make sure that you stay in Leh for a day or two, so that your body can get acclimatised to the high altitude air.

3. Iceland:

Snow all around and yet, some amazing landscapes symbolize Iceland. It is rising steadily in the popularity charts as a holiday destination. The midnight sun is a sight which by itself can make the trip worthwhile. Time your holiday carefully, since winters here can be harsh with very little daylight time. Summers are surprisingly mild, and the people are very friendly. Their food is also great!

4. Villageways guided tours in India:

Guided walking tours through certain parts of the hinterland of India, with a chance to meet the local people and enjoy their culture are the speciality of Villageways. They take you right to the heart of the village communities where you have the opportunity to appreciate the lives of the village residents. There are many options available – ranging from weekend escapes to 10 days of walks around the regions.


5. Cruise down the Kerala Waterways:

Kerala’s houseboats are renowned for the comfort and beauty. You can take a houseboat and travel in a relaxed manner through some of India’s most beautiful regions. The houseboats will give you the privacy and luxury of a private hotel, and you can savour some amazing and delectable dishes which are the speciality of this region.


6. Outward Bound – New Zealand:

Outward Bound holidays are renowned among people who like their holidays to be rugged and full of physical activity. One of their most popular destinations is New Zealand, where they take you through the varied landscape of this beautiful country. The activities, as in most Outward Bound holidays, include running, swimming, sailing, and mountaineering.


7. Alaska:

The largest state in the United States, Alaska has something for everyone. You can go rafting, you can trek in it’s beautiful mountains, you can take a cruise around it’s coastline and you can also go surfing here – though the water is likely to be freezing. A popular destination for most cruise liners, Alaska, another great way to see Alaska is by railroad.


8. Jules Undersea Lodge – Key Largo – Florida:

Have you always yearned to live in the water? Then do try out the Jules Undersea Lodge in Key Largo in Florida. Just to enter this abode you have to scuba down 21 feet. The Lodge is entered through an opening at the bottom of the home. There are wide glass windows and you can spend all your time observing the water-life around you, while you are being watched by them. All comforts such as books and music and a well equipped kitchen are part of the experience.

9. Cruise around the fjords of Norway:

Norway is well known for it’s varied scenery, but it’s best known for the complex and deep fjords around West Norway. There are many beautiful destinations around this region and you can visit them by either driving around this region or by taking a cruise through the fjords. Summers are the best time to visit, but do remember that during that time there is 24 hours of sunshine!

10. The Wild life Sanctuaries of South Africa:

South Africa is ranked as having one of the most diverse flora and fauna with beautiful grasslands called savannahs. If you feel that you need to get close to nature, visiting this country will definitely be fruitful. There are plenty of national parks, the most popular one being Kruger National Park, where you can see the world’s most exotic wild animals such as lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, to white rhinos, hyenas, etc.

Top 10 Performance Car Upgrades

1. Electric Fans

Just like a computer, cars have fans that work over time to make sure that you car does not come to a screeching halt every time the engine heats up. Most cars come equipped with mechanical fans and while they get the job done, they also take a lot of out of the car.

2. Electric Fuel Pump

Similar to the mechanical fan, the regular pumps steal that power which should work towards moving the wheels faster. This is why you should go out and buy its electric counterpart and keep your car in sparkling condition till you decide to buy a new one!

3. Air Induction

We all know how horsepower is created- the air that is sucked in by the car’s engine travels till the fuel and creates the mixture. Naturally, if this amount can be enhanced, the horsepower will subsequently increase as well. Air Induction units do just that and the best part is that they tap into the fuel economy as well.

4. Carburetors

If the air induction unit des not appeal to you, you can always increase the capacity of your carburetor and add to the existing horsepower. This means that if you have a 4 barrel capacity, you should add to it and make it 6 barrel. Fortunately, many companies out there create state of the art carburetors because they understand that a small change could make all the difference.



5. Fuel Injection

Upgrading a carburetor will do the trick as well and this is possible if you transform it into a fuel injection. This performance car upgrade will increase the horsepower that your car runs on and keep the readings precise.


6. Performance Chips

Performance chips are easy to install and their applications are flexible, as long as you buy the right one. That being said, these are available in two categories- while some are programmed, others come along with modifiers. The horsepower will increase, your car will run faster and have greater mileage.


7. Exhaust System

We all know that every vehicle creates a lot of smoke and if that is not removed, it can enter the engine and meddle with its overall performance. Adding extra air to the engine is important but so is getting rid of it. However, every country has different laws as far as this performance upgrade is concerned so be very careful.

8. Turbochargers

Turbochargers fit into gasoline engines and this is done mainly to increase the speed of the vehicle. The extra gas is tapped into and used to move the impellor and the result is that it transforms itself into fresh air. Even though this is slightly more expensive than the other upgrades, it is worth it.


9. Nitrous Oxide

The reason for inserting Nitrous Oxide into the engine is straightforward- it will attack the fuel, send it into a frenzy and therefore, enhance the horsepower. This upgrade is available for every model and every car in the market. The method that you want to use largely depends on you.

10. Superchargers

Superchargers are attached to the vehicle and serve as an air compressor for forced induction of an internal combustion engine. The greater mass flow-rate provides more oxygen to support combustion than would be available in a naturally-aspirated engine, which allows more fuel to be provided and more work to be done per cycle, increasing the power output of the engine.

Top 10 Performance Car Upgrades

1. Electric Fans

Just like a computer, cars have fans that work over time to make sure that you car does not come to a screeching halt every time the engine heats up. Most cars come equipped with mechanical fans and while they get the job done, they also take a lot of out of the car.

2. Electric Fuel Pump

Similar to the mechanical fan, the regular pumps steal that power which should work towards moving the wheels faster. This is why you should go out and buy its electric counterpart and keep your car in sparkling condition till you decide to buy a new one!

3. Air Induction

We all know how horsepower is created- the air that is sucked in by the car’s engine travels till the fuel and creates the mixture. Naturally, if this amount can be enhanced, the horsepower will subsequently increase as well. Air Induction units do just that and the best part is that they tap into the fuel economy as well.

4. Carburetors

If the air induction unit des not appeal to you, you can always increase the capacity of your carburetor and add to the existing horsepower. This means that if you have a 4 barrel capacity, you should add to it and make it 6 barrel. Fortunately, many companies out there create state of the art carburetors because they understand that a small change could make all the difference.



5. Fuel Injection

Upgrading a carburetor will do the trick as well and this is possible if you transform it into a fuel injection. This performance car upgrade will increase the horsepower that your car runs on and keep the readings precise.


6. Performance Chips

Performance chips are easy to install and their applications are flexible, as long as you buy the right one. That being said, these are available in two categories- while some are programmed, others come along with modifiers. The horsepower will increase, your car will run faster and have greater mileage.


7. Exhaust System

We all know that every vehicle creates a lot of smoke and if that is not removed, it can enter the engine and meddle with its overall performance. Adding extra air to the engine is important but so is getting rid of it. However, every country has different laws as far as this performance upgrade is concerned so be very careful.

8. Turbochargers

Turbochargers fit into gasoline engines and this is done mainly to increase the speed of the vehicle. The extra gas is tapped into and used to move the impellor and the result is that it transforms itself into fresh air. Even though this is slightly more expensive than the other upgrades, it is worth it.


9. Nitrous Oxide

The reason for inserting Nitrous Oxide into the engine is straightforward- it will attack the fuel, send it into a frenzy and therefore, enhance the horsepower. This upgrade is available for every model and every car in the market. The method that you want to use largely depends on you.

10. Superchargers

Superchargers are attached to the vehicle and serve as an air compressor for forced induction of an internal combustion engine. The greater mass flow-rate provides more oxygen to support combustion than would be available in a naturally-aspirated engine, which allows more fuel to be provided and more work to be done per cycle, increasing the power output of the engine.