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Soup bowls, octopus balls, and fried ice cream: A food tour through the streets of Shinkensai in Osaka

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Okonomiyaki. Nikudoufu. Takoyaki. I have eaten in many Japanese restaurants in India, but especially in Gurgaon. This is because of the large Japanese expat population, including diplomats and workers. I have never seen these dishes on menus. Osaka is not a culturally rich city, but it’s a great place to go for a food tour. I had only one evening free in the city, so I took advantage of that to do a walking food tour. Before I take you to the kitschy lanes in Shinkensai, Osaka’s home to some of its finest street food, let’s delve into the history. When Japan’s defacto ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi, known for unifying Japan built Osaka Castle, he attracted traders from Sakai, Fushimi, and other parts of Japan to Osaka. The city was transformed into a commercial and distribution centre. Osaka’s beautiful, wide canals are a result of the fact that boats were the primary mode of transportation in the city at the time. Canals were built across the city for easier movement. Osaka, a city of traders, was influenced by many culinary traditions. Frugality was part of the lifestyle of merchants, and this led to simple, wasteless meals. On the other hand high-end cuisine is cultivated in traditional Japanese restaurants, where business is conducted over food. On my first evening in Osaka I made my way to Shinkensai, a kitschy neon-lit open-air market filled with archery shops and eateries of every size and shape. There were many small food stalls that served only one dish, as well as “family restaurants” which had indoor seating and chic bars. I was able to join a group of 12 people on a guided tour for Rs 7,500 each. The majority were Americans (two young scientists and their artist wives, a young teacher at a public school and his wife, and a retired real-estate agent and former advertising executive). Some of the people were originally from Mexico, while another was from the Philippines. One person had Indian roots. All were interested in learning more about Osaka’s cuisine. Our guide, Bernie, was a Kiwi who moved to Osaka from New Zealand 15 years ago, and teaches English by day. The tour was so popular that it was featured in Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil. This was the noisiest area of Japan that I’d ever been to. It was full of young people walking around arcades eating, chatting and not making a fuss. We started our tour in a noodle stand run by a woman. You could either sit at the open counter in the market or stand at a rickety table to eat your soup. The noodles were served with beef mince or a huge slice of tofu in a beef broth. I had never seen the tofu cooked this way before, lightly sauteed and then added to soup. It was the perfect broth. At the next restaurant, we sat outside on wooden benches and I tried my first takoyaki (battered octopus ball). It was the only dish that I didn’t like, but the locals loved it. The octopus meat is mixed together with other ingredients and then fried into balls. They are served with sauce and Umeshu, or plum wine. Story continues below this advertisementWe then visited an Izakaya and ate authentic Osakan Kitsune Udon, which is a noodle broth with thick udon noodle in a savoury, dashi-based broth. It’s topped with sweet and savoury, fried tofu bags or We also tried yakitori which is a Japanese term for only chicken skewers. In India, beef skewers would be called yakitori. Kushikatsu is another local creation, which is lightly deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers. We also had some very interesting and simple sweet potato wedges, drizzled with honey. Shinkensai was also where I tried the Osaka-version of Hiroshima’s okonomiyaki. Tonpeiyaki was another delight, a thin, omelette filled with sauteed pork and vegetables. Another delight was the freshly made karaage, or Japanese fried poultry, which is double fried (much as KFC), after being marinated with spices, ginger and mirin. It is simply divine.Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, served on a hot conveyor belt (left); Another must-try is the fresh oysters at Miyajima. (Photos by Rajyasree Sen).I also learned that Japan’s people still drink whisky. Gin is a brand new concept that Japan has mastered. We ended the meal by eating fried ice-cream on a stick. You could choose between chocolate, honey, or caramel. The okonomiyaki served on a conveyor belt in Hiroshima is a Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. The fresh oysters in Miyajima are another must-try. Hiroshima and Miyajima produce at least 60% of Japan’s oysters. You must stop in Miyajima to eat a plate of oysters, whether they are steamed, fried or fresh. I’m still unsure, after the wonderful meals I had in Tokyo. Maybe I should visit the country again before I make a decision. Next week, to celebrate the West Bengal Assembly Elections, I will write about more local food and my favourite East Bengali and West Bengali delicacies.

  

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Aaryamann Sethi admits he has gained weight, vows to start workout again: ‘Ab dekhna, batata hun’

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Aaryamann Sethi, a Youtuber, recently spoke out about his struggles with weight gain. He also revealed how he plans on losing it all. “This is yet another day that I am trying. Life is not perfect. I am not perfect. I know I can improve. It didn’t work… whatever the reason. Today is a brand new day. I will exercise… even if that means moving my body for some time. I must make it a regular habit. Aaryamann is Archana’s Puran Singh’s and Parmeet’s firstborn child. In his YouTube vlog he can be stretching and playing badminton. “First day it feels like you are breaking. I have heard a lot from you guys..mota hogaya…ab dekhna, batata hun (I have put on weight…now I will show you)…,” he expressed.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Bihani said that he used have a more slender body than she had when they first met. “Time to get back.” Let’s get back to it,” he said. When workouts stop, energy expenditure drops. However, eating habits do not always adjust at the exact same rate. This creates a calorie excess over time, which leads to fat accumulation instead of muscle maintenance,” said Goyal.Story continue below this adWhat is your routine? (Photo: Freepik). What stands out about his journey is that he chose to restart rather than restrict. “Many people reacting to weight gain with extreme diets or crash plans can further disrupt metabolism and increase cravings. This can lead to muscle loss. Goyal said that gradually reintroducing fitness helps to rebuild lean muscles, improve insulin sensitivity and sustainably restore metabolism balance. “Taking a rest can often lead to guilt or frustration. But approaching the comeback with consistent rather than pressure will make a significant difference. At 47, Jyotika’s high-intensity routine redefines what’s possible for functional fitness: ‘Strength, core, and balance’Nutrition plays an equally crucial role here. “Supporting your workouts with adequate proteins, balanced carbohydrates, as well as proper hydration, will ensure that any weight loss is from fat and not muscle. This phase is a time when skipping meals or eating too little can slow down progress, and negatively impact energy levels. “They’re not linear. There will be phases, pauses and setbacks. The real transformation is in your ability to bounce back stronger every time. Simple. The weight gain is not failure. Goyal said that not restarting was failure. Continue reading below.DISCLAIMER This article is based upon information in the public domain or from experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

  

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Disha Parmar opens up about her ‘painful’ L4-L5 slipped disc and how regular workouts aided recovery: ‘My problem can’t be cured’

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Recently, 31-year-old actress Disha Parmar opened up about her back problems, revealing she had a slipped disk. “I recently had a slipped disk. L4-L5. It was in poor condition. Even walking was difficult. Even sitting or standing. General movement. I was having a great deal of difficulty. Parmar, in a video posted by her movement coach Niilesh Passty to Instagram, said that she couldn’t imagine working out. She did not reveal the exact cause of her problem but mentioned how working it has helped her. “But my trainer insisted I work out to improve my back. It was painful, but I found it helped. After three months, I can do almost all of the exercises. I am doing weight lifting. My problem is not cured but I am working the muscles nearby to improve my daily function. Some days I feel great, while others are painful. I had to take the medication for 10 days. Now, the problem is gone. I work out regularly. I am working out regularly. After the actor’s revelations, we now understand how working out can help those with slipped disk issues.Dr Sarang Deshpande is a consultant in orthopaedics at KIMS Hospitals Thane. He said that conditions affecting the spine such as disc bulges and herniation often improve with the correct movement. “Pain in the initial phase does not always mean that there is damage. It can be just weak or out of shape muscles that are being activated. Pushing through sharp or intense discomfort without guidance can make matters worse. Why would a doctor or trainer encourage workouts in spite of discomfort?Dr Deshpande explained the spine relies heavily upon surrounding muscles for support. When these muscles, particularly the core and lower-back, are weak, strain is increased on the spine, causing pain and instability. Well-planned exercise can help rebuild this system. As muscle strength increases, pressure on the affected area of the spine decreases. This can greatly reduce symptoms.”
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In many cases, it is possible to recover from a chronic illness without taking long-term medications. “Medication is typically used for short-term pain relief and especially during flare-ups. Long-term recovery is often more dependent on rehabilitation than drugs. Dr Deshpande said that strengthening exercises, mobility work and correcting posture are more important in restoring function and preventing repeat problems. Continue reading below this ad. (Photo: AI-Generated)The goal of functional recovery is to enable a person move, exercise and perform daily tasks with minimal discomfort. Kareena Kapoor’s fitness trainer praises actor’s efforts, says ‘that jawline isn’t gifted’What to note?Avoid self-diagnosing or just copying someone else’s workout routine. What works for one person may not work for another. Always seek a proper assessment, including imaging, if needed, and follow a personalized rehab plan. Signs like numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control require immediate medical attention,” said Dr Deshpande.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

  

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LifestyleNews

Sunscreen at 30,000 feet: Why window seats increase your UV exposure

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Most passengers love their window seats. We asked the experts. We asked the experts. Dr Shareefachause, dermatologist from Dr Shareefa Skin Care Clinic in Mumbai, said window seats expose you to more UV radiation than aisle seats. And it’s not trivial when at cruising height. Aircraft windows block the majority of UVB (the type which causes sunburn), however, a significant amount of UVA penetrates deeper into skin and contributes towards ageing. This article is based upon information that was obtained from the public domain or experts we interviewed. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. For occasional travellers, this risk is real but modest, especially on long-haul flight. “But the difference between aisle and window seats is small, and unlikely to have a meaningful health impact on typical travellers. The higher UVA radiation exposure can lead to skin aging and, over time, skin cancer. Carry and apply sunscreen (Photo by Freepik). The overall radiation exposure on a flight is modest and flying occasionally does not increase cancer risk. Why cabin crew ask you to keep the seat in an upright position during takeoff and landing”If you’re on a daytime flight with strong sun exposure, choosing an aisle seat can also reduce direct UV exposure. Before flying, it is important to consult with your dermatologist regarding the right products. Do not neglect your skin and take the best care of it. Moreover, don’t forget to use sunscreen and cover your face,” said Dr Chause.DISCLAIMER This article is based upon information that we obtained from the public domain or experts. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

  

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Ankita Konwar reveals how she starts her mornings, Milind Soman reacts: ‘I am still sleeping while she does all this’

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Ankita Konwar described her morning routine in a candid discussion with her husband Milind Soman and her mother-in law Usha Soman. Milind responded, “Like…slapping your face …?” Ankita responded, “Why would you start slapping yourself early in the morning?” Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Milind said on Tweak, “I am still asleep while she does all this”. Ankita said, “I move onto other things.” Ankita’s morning routine is structured and intentional. Early rising, mindful practices, movement-based rituals, and hormonal balance can help regulate circadian clock, improve hormonal balance, set a positive mood for the rest the day. Garima Goyal, a dietitian and fitness specialist, said that morning routines such as these can improve productivity, mental clarity and consistency in healthy habits. (Photo: Freepik). One interesting addition to such routines, and also known as Emotional Free Technique (EFT), is tapping. “This involves gently tapping on specific acupressures points while focusing thoughts or affirmations. Although the scientific evidence for tapping is still developing, some studies suggest it may reduce cortisol and perceived stress. Clinically, the biggest benefit is a greater awareness of mind-body. It can help regulate emotions and reduce anxiety-driven morning eating. It should be viewed as a tool to support mental health practices, and not as a replacement. Some people can function better if they wake up earlier, while others may do better with a slightly later schedule. This depends on their sleep pattern, work patterns, and lifestyle. “Adequate sleep quality and duration directly impacts metabolism, hunger hormones such as ghrelin, and even decisions related to food choices. Goyal said that a highly productive morning routine is worthless if it results in sleep deprivation.
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Trainer and Dhurandhar actor Mustafa Ahmed says Katrina Kaif is like the ‘female version’ of Hrithik Roshan: ‘She is so precise…'”Many people feel pressured to replicate elaborate routines they see online, which often leads to burnout or inconsistency. Even simple habits such as hydration, light exercise, and a balanced morning meal can support metabolic health.

  

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Rani ki Vav to Great Zimbabwe: 10 lesser-known World Heritage Sites to add to your bucket list

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While popular landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and the Colosseum attract millions of visitors each year, countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites are still relatively unknown. These hidden gems are rich in history, culture and natural beauty. This 11th-century stepwell, with its intricate carvings and multiple levels of underground passages, is an architectural wonder. It stands as a testament to India’s advanced engineering and artistic excellence.Rani ki Vav, Patan (Photo: Wikipedia)MeteoraFamous for its monasteries perched atop towering rock pillars, Meteora offers a surreal mix of natural beauty and spiritual history. The dramatic landscape feels almost otherworldly.Wadi RumWith its vast desert expanses and striking sandstone formations, Wadi Rum is often called the “Valley of the Moon.” It’s a haven for adventure and nature lovers.Tsingy de BemarahaKnown for its sharp limestone pinnacles, this site is both visually striking and ecologically significant, home to rare species found nowhere else on Earth.AlberobelloThis charming Italian town is known for its unique cone-roofed trulli houses. Walking through its streets feels like stepping into a fairytale.LalibelaStory continues below this adCarved entirely out of rock, Lalibela’s churches are architectural and spiritual wonders. They remain active pilgrimage sites to this day.Biete Ghiorgis, Lalibela (Photo: Wikipedia)PapahanaumokuakeaOne of the largest marine conservation areas in the world, this remote site is rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, though access is limited.Great ZimbabweThese These ancient stone ruins reflect the power and sophistication of a medieval African kingdom, offering insight into a lesser-known chapter of world history.Gobekli TepeStory continues below this adOften referred to as the world’s oldest known temple complex, Gobekli Tepe dates back over 11,000 years. The massive stone carvings and pillars of Gobekli Tepe challenge conventional views of early human civilisation. It is one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological sites. It is less visited but has immense cultural and historical significance. It offers a powerful and sobering view into a crucial period of global history.
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