From cappuccinos to macchiatos, coffee lovers out there are very much familiar with the caffeinated drinks’ very own lingo. Here is a quick guide, not just for newbies, but also the coffee connoisseurs looking to try out something new.

Quit smoking! Skip the alcohol. Say no to sugar. Forget the relief of air fresheners. And while you are at it, ditch your cell phones and avoid going out into the sunshine too! Just don’t do anything.

Washing your hands before eating seems like a simple enough instruction to follow, even though the whys of which are often left out.

I had the pleasure of meeting George, an inspiring yogi, on one of my yoga training getaways in Koh Samui. His dedication to the practice, his sincerity and his humour, his commitment to his students, caught my interest. After exchanging a few words, I asked him for an interview and here it is.

With the summer heat now an all too familiar situation, why not beat the heat by whipping up a seasonal raw mango juice? It is refreshing, and has enough electrolytes to keep you going throughout the hot days.

Muri khao- I do not quite care how this phrase came to be. We all know the meaning. The urban dictionary would define ‘muri khao’ as an expression used by a person in response to another,

Here is another gem from my in-law’s family — succulent jute greens or ‘paat shaak.’ Very seasonal. Cooked with little prawns in shell and enough garlic to have Dracula skip this city for some time to come.

Every get-together in our region, calls for some scrumptious food and a steaming cup of hot tea to go along. With Pahela Baishakh just crossed off the calendar, we are still appeasing ourselves with the deshi flavours and so a typical adda at this time would mean bringing over food that is home-cooked and culturally inspired.

A meal of leftover rice soaked in water overnight. Sounds familiar? Rice has been the staple food in many parts of the world, including Bangladesh, for so many years. In Bangladesh, paanta bhaat plays a huge part in the festivities of Pahela Baishakh.

This is a great summer drink from Bengal, and with its wonderful taste, provides a much-needed coolness to your body.

Bhorta is just another staple for Bengalis, and one that makes us say ‘No’ to even rich delicacies — polau, korma, kachchi, or otherwise. Bhortas come in various forms, each indigenous to the localities, cultural variations, and the supply of produces, because the ingredients of a bhorta should be as fresh as possible.

From the north to the south, India has many diverse cuisines to offer. From the north, a Kashmiri meat dish and from the south, a rice porridge that is offered to the gods. The Kashmiri yakhni is usually served for special occasions; it is simple yet allows the unique blend of spices, making it a crowd pleaser.

'Detox' is a term thrown around a lot. And detox drinks supposedly have numerous health benefits. Although it may seem silly, but what exactly is 'detox'? And can you please explain how a drink can detoxify the body?

I am my mother's biggest fan, and growing up, I did everything she did- I basically wanted to be her! She was really into yoga (and Jane Fonda)

The very famous and iconic Mughlai paratha. This particular one was made with duck egg, as opposed to chicken egg. The cubed potatoes on the side were an added attraction in my salad days. The Mughlai paratha in Dhaka is a crispier version.

Let's ring in the summer with natural vitamins and minerals presented as yummy, healthy and addictive dishes, much needed to combat the scorching heat. Goodbye winter wonderland and take that, summer!

14 March is observed as World Kidney Day all over the globe. Around 850 million people worldwide are now estimated to have kidney diseases brought on by various causes.

As the oriental craze sweeps through the town, Man Mo joins the club as the latest and newest place in Gulshan 1 to visit if you are in the mood for some sushi or dim sums.

Tired of the usual Caesar salad this, and fruit salad that? Well, we can't blame you because most typical 'green' recipes are hard on taste buds that have experienced more flavour elsewhere. So try these offbeat, and more definitely tasteful dishes, and treat your taste buds to the flavour it really deserves.

I am a working mother and I find cooking therapeutic and often take refuge in cooking to bring balance to my life and work. I try to use easy to get ingredients, and cook those in a healthy way, with spending as little time as possible.