Why Is Kurunegala Famous? What Are The Best Tourist Places In Kurunegala? 

BY  Sibashree Mar 27, 2026

Osaka food is slowly and steadily surpassing Tokyo as the poster for Japanese cuisine.  Furthermore, it has been just a few days since La Cime in Osaka became the best restaurant in Japan in the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2026.   However, the soul of the Osaka food lies in the streets. The Dotonbori neighborhood was especially the best when I visited.  In fact, I was so much in love with the street food here that I chose to cancel the previous booking and chose a hotel in Dotonbori instead.  Also, the Dotonbori Market was the epicenter of my food exploration in Osaka.  Moreover, how can you ever forget what Anthony Bourdain had to say about food in Osaka? He said,  “I’m a big believer in winging it. I’m a big believer that you’re never going to find the perfect city travel experience or the perfect meal without a constant willingness to experience a bad one.  Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I’m always trying to push people to allow those things to happen rather than stick to some rigid itinerary.” So, let’s explore Osaka food at its best in Dotonbori. What Are The Best Osaka Food You Can Try On The Streets?  Osaka, despite its funky and vibrant appearance, has a history that goes back to the Edo Period in the 17th century.  Furthermore, it was a major trading hub during that period. Also, it was the same time when Osaka earned the nickname “Japan’s Kitchen.”  Moreover, Dotonbori extends across a canal that reaches out to the sea. So, you will always find fresh seafood in the local delicacies.  Ramen Udon Torikara Takoyaki These are some of the delicacies served by the local vendors in Osaka.  However, just mentioning these names does not justify the tangible experience of Osaka food.  I saw a big red octopus getting dressed and served, and the lobsters were irresistible.  Nonetheless, these are the best street foods you can try in Osaka.  1. Mitarashi-Dango Pocket-Pinch: 150 JPY  Mitarashi-Dango is the most comforting street food you will try in Osaka. Furthermore, these are great for budget-friendly travelers and backpackers like me.  These rice balls are sweet and chewy, and have a hint of burnt taste due to the unique browning process that takes place once the rice balls are boiled and cooled.  Furthermore, the glaze of the sweet soy sauce makes it perfect!  2. Okonomiyaki Pocket-Pinch: 400-450 JPY  Do you like frittata? Then, you will love these Japanese savory pancakes even more.  Okonomiyaki has all the flavors. However, you never feel heavy after having them. Furthermore, these pancakes are simple, as cabbage, flour, and eggs are the main ingredients.  However, the local street vendors add seafood and scallions to the dish for more flavor and color.  Also, they serve it with barbecue sauce.  3. Daifuku Mochi Pocket Pinch: 350-400 JPY Mochi, the round rice cake, is a staple Japanese delicacy.  It has the chewiness of Mitarashi-Dango. However, it has filling as the daifuku part of the name suggests.  I loved the ones with strawberry filling, and you can also try them with other fruits.  4. Torikara Pocket-Pinch: 300-400 JPY If the USA has its deep-fried chicken, Japan also has Torikara.  I loved them, and the fried potatoes and the variety of sauces will be the most amazing additions.  5. Takoyaki Pocket Pinch: 700-800 JPY  Takoyaki is probably the most famous street food of Osaka and Japan.  Japanese people love these octopus balls, and that’s why the Takoyaki stalls in Dotonbori are countless.  Furthermore, the scallions and flakes of dried fish sprinkled on top make the dish really amazing.  Moreover, the batter is gooey, and it will melt in your mouth.  6. Taiyaki Pocket Pinch: 300 JPY This is a fish-shaped pastry and my silent favorite among everything I tried in Osaka.  The smell is irresistible, and the main attraction is to see it getting ready in front of your eyes.  You can have this vanilla-flavored pastry with cheese, custard, and hamburger meat. However, the red bean paste is the ideal choice if you want to follow the grammar of East Asian cuisine. 7. Udon Pocket Pinch: 650 JPY The hot broth and noodles! I know that I have kept you waiting for the longest time to find this lethal combination on my list.  The noodles in Udon are thick, and with the right seasoning, their taste grows on you. That’s why you can eat udon every day and not get bored.  Furthermore, there are many variations of udon, such as the curry udon, yaki-udon, nabeyaki udon, and tempura udon.  8. Soba Pocket Pinch: 400 JPY Soba has buckwheat noodles in hot broth. Furthermore, these noodles are darker and thinner.  Furthermore, the simplicity of the dish and flavors make it a perfect palate cleanser.  I loved a bowl of soba with scallions.  9. Ramen Pocket Pinch: 700-800 JPY Ramen, of course, is the quintessential wheat noodles the whole world has been eating for quite some time now.  I tried different variations of ramen in Osaka. However, I loved the one with pork the best.  10. Yakitori Pocket Pinch: 1000-1100 JPY Yakitori is the Japanese take on grilled meat.  Furthermore, you will get many variations in the meat used here. You will get bone meat, chicken skin, seafood, and many other varieties here.  11. Sushi  Pocket Pinch: 1200 JPY If Sushi is an emotion, then it runs in the veins of Osaka.  From sea urchin to tuna, eel, and salmon, Osaka spoils you with choices in sushi.  Furthermore, the art of eating sushi is something that you need to understand. It is just not about gulping down some food.  It’s also about being a part of the Japanese culture.  12. Taiko Manju Pocket Pinch: 100-150 JPY You may think that Taiko Manju and Taiyaki are the same, but the origin and texture are very different.  Despite the use of the same ingredients, Taiko Manju is fluffier. Furthermore, their drum shape is inspired by the taiko drums, which are integral parts of Japanese festivals.  Read Also: What Are The Best Day Trips From Tokyo? Most Popular Ones You Will Love Cherry Blossom Kyoto Japan: 2026 Season And The Top Viewing Spots Is an Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo Worth It? How To Plan It?

BY  Sibashree Apr 21, 2026

Anuradhapura is a part of the Golden Triangle of Sri Lanka along with the Dambulla Royal Cave Enclave, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.  Furthermore, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built from the “cutting of a Bodhi Tree” or the “Tree of Enlightenment.”  Before 993, when it was abandoned due to an invasion, it was the political and religious capital of Ceylon, the previous name for Sri Lanka.  Also, if Jaffna attracted me with its Tamil Culture and Hindu Temples, Anuradhapura was a great calling because it was the first place to adopt Buddhism outside India, the country I belong to.  Moreover, Jetavanaramaya, the early 4th-century BCE Stupa, was once the “third-largest man-made building in the world,” with an original height of 122 meters.  However, while the Jetavanaramaya Stupa continues to evoke awe with its grandeur and mystery, the other ruins and remains of Anuradhapura also wait to tell you the history and cultural richness of the region.  So, here is a brief discussion on the places I visited in Anuradhapura.  What Are The Places To Visit In Anuradhapura?  I was staying in a guest house near the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. I rented a bicycle from my guest house for LKR 500, and I took the back route as the staff in the guesthouse guided me.  Off the main road, the cycling experience was beautiful, and I loved spotting the roaming peacocks and little children waving at me.  Beyond the charming views and ambiance, I noticed one more thing. In Anuradhapura, the past and the present walk side by side.  There have been no evictions of the locals in the name of preserving or promoting the ancient ruins and remains in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Nevertheless, after talking to the local children for a while, I reached the entrance of the Anuradhapura Sacred City. The entry fee was around 9500 LKR or INR 2800.  However, remember that the ticket includes archaeological sites such as Jetavanaramaya, Abhayagiriya, Ruwanwelisaya, and Thuparamaya. So, if you want to explore other sites such as the Isurumuniya Viharaya, you will need to pay separate fees.  Nevertheless, these are the places I visited in Anuradhapura.  “This sacred city was established around a cutting from the 'tree of enlightenment', the Buddha's fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns.  Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993.  Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries, and monuments, is now accessible once again.” - UNESCO World Heritage Convention.  1. Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa Complex The Abhayagiri Vihara Gargantuan Stupa is magnificent, and the brick stupa creates a contrast against the bright blue sky and the lush greenery of Anuradhapura.  King Vattagamani Abhaya or Valagamba founded this Stupa in the first century BCE. This prominent center of Mahayana Buddhism remains an active place of worship.  Also known as the Northern Monastery or Uttara Vihara, it changed the course of Buddhism in Sri Lanka by deviating from the monolithic tradition of Theravada Buddhism.  Moreover, the Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa is the first Stupa in Sri Lanka to house the tooth relic of Buddha.  Also, the Abhayagiri Dagoba or Stupa at the epicenter of the Abhayagiri Vihara Complex is one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka.  The Structure And Architecture Of The Abhayagiri Vihara Apart from the Stupa or Dagoba, most parts of the Abhayagiri Vihara are in ruins. There were living houses for the monks and students, libraries, dinner halls, and meeting halls surrounding the Stupa.  Here is a detailed overview of the structures as I saw them. However, the heat will be scorching, and you will find langur monkeys roaming around.  So, try to be there by 6 AM, when the gates open, or after 4 PM. The Sacred City remains open till 8 PM. However, it will take you around an entire day if you want to explore the major ruins of the Anuradhapura Sacred City. The Dagoba Or The Stupa  The Stupa or Dagoba in the Abhayagiri Vihara is in a well-preserved condition. The massive bell-shaped structure of the stupa has a height of around 120 meters, and at its widest, the circumference is close to 350 meters.  The dome, made of brick and lime mortar, has four entrances, and you will find a Devatakotuva or a cylindrical spire and Hataraskotuva or a square-shaped structure as the crowns of the Stupa.  Image Houses, Refectories, And Sub Shrines  I saw the remains of various refectories, image houses, living complexes, and sub-shrines around the stupa.  Among the smaller stupas, the Indikatu Seya and Silasobbhakandaka Cetiya are the most common.  Meeting Halls The remains of the meeting halls or Uposathagharas have been found in the complex.  These Uposathagharas were multi-storied, and Ratnaprasadaya or the jewel mansion was most prominent among them.  Congregation Hall The Sannipatasala, or the congregation hall near the southern entrance of the stupa, is the largest hall in the complex.  The image of Nagaraja, or the king of snakes, or Virupaksha, the protector of the Western Direction, was found in this congregation hall, which is now in ruins.  You can see this image at the Abhayagiri Museum.  Abhisheka Mandapa Or Anointing Pavilion The Abhisheka Mandapa had a stepped entrance, and people believe it to be the place where the statues of Lord Buddha and other Bodhisattvas were consecrated.  Some even consider this the bathing house or Snanghara.  Stone Slabs  Many stone slabs with inscriptions in Nagari Script have been found in this site.  Again, there are two moon stones in Anuradhapura, and one was found at the Queen’s Pavilion and the other at Mahasena’s Palace.  These moon stones are significant features of Buddhist stupas or shrines, as these semi-circular stone structures depict the Buddhist Samasara.  The Dining Room The dining room or hall of the Abhayagiri Vihara has a stone-clad trough, and it is ideal for storing or serving rice that could feed 5000 monks.  Furthermore, there was a dining area, hearths, underground channels, grinding stones, and a sundial in the site Faxian or Fa-Hien described as the dining hall.  The dining hall also has two courtyards.  The Bodhi Tree Shrine The Bodhi Tree Shrine, or the Bodhighara is a subsidiary shrine of the Abhayagiri Stupa. As a token of Buddha’s enlightenment, Sanghamitta, a Buddhist nun from India, brought saplings of the Bodhi Tree.  She planted the saplings in Abhayagiri, and many patrons built small aediculae-like shrines around these trees.  These sub-shrines had images of Lord Buddha in a meditative or Samadhi posture and his footprints.  Moreover, excavation of Buddha statues took place in the Bodhighara sites, and one of them is from the 3rd century BCE, and these resemble the sculptures of the great Gupta dynasty in India.  You can visit the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum if you want to see these Buddha statues. The Ponds  The tanks and reservoirs near the living quarters were the main sources of water for the complex.  However, water in these reservoirs or tanks came from the Kuttam Pokana or Twin Ponds to the far east of the Stupa.  Moreover, these rectangular ponds were built by Aggabodhi I in the 6th or 7th century CE, and they have shallow ridges, and the inner walls are made of polished stone.  However, for me, the most fascinating thing was the stone slab with the motif of a hooded cobra.  Also, this hooded cobra or Naga establishes a deep connection with India, as Nagas and water have deep connections in Indian mythology.  As I walked further, I came across the Elephant Pond or Eth Pokuna. It is the largest artificial tank in Sri Lanka, and it is the main water supply for all the tanks and reservoirs in the Vihara Complex.  Here also, I noticed a depiction of a hooded cobra on a stone slab.  At the end of exploring the Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa Complex, I must tell you that you must read a little about the place before a visit.  Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to catch up when the guide shares the details.  2. Jethawanaramaya Stupa You will also find the Jetavanaramaya Stupa in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. It was one of the largest man-made structures in the world, and it ranked only after the Great Pyramids of Giza.  The original height of this structure was 122 meters, and after restoration, the height is now 71 meters.  The stupa, built by King Mahasena in the 3rd Century AD, is a part of a large Jetavana Vihara complex that used to house around 200 monks. Also, like the Abhayagiri Vihara, it has a brick architecture.  This once again indicates how ancient Anuradhapura was a hub of brick production. In fact, Ruwanwelisaya, the most sacred stupa of the country inside the Anuradhapura Sacred City Complex, also had a brick architecture.  However, for the recent restoration, they used cement in the outer layer of the stupa.  Moreover, massive excavation works have taken place in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, and the gold panels showing the imagery of the Bodhisattva and the partial inscriptions of the Prajñāpāramitā Sutra.  Now, Prajñāpāramitā Sutra is the foundational text of Mahayana Buddhism. This shows how the Jethawanaramaya Stupa was the hub of different Buddhist thoughts and schools. However, you can see these gold panels now at the Colombo Museum.  Also, I came to know about another fascinating thing from a monk here, that the stupa used to have a diamond in the crown. It used to turn aside lightning during the monsoon season.  3. The Gleaming White Ruwanwelisaya Stupa  The Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is most famous among the locals and followers of Buddhism.  Now, unlike the Ritigala Forest Monastery, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa or the other stupas in the complex are live hubs of Buddhist practices.  Also, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is especially famous for housing the remains of Lord Buddha.  Originally, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa was much smaller than the Jethawanaramaya Stupa. However, thanks to continuous maintenance, it now stands at a height of 100 meters.  Now, this was my experience in the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura. If you want to explore more, you can visit the Kaudulla National Park, at a distance of less than 2 hours, and the Hurulu Eco Park, at a distance of 1 hour and 50 minutes.   Location And How To Reach Anuradhapura?  Anuradhapura City is located on the banks of the Malwathu Oya. It is the capital of the central-west region of Sri Lanka and the district of Anuradhapura.  Anuradhapura is a 4-hour journey from Colombo and Kandy.  Once I explored the top attractions in Kandy, I took a minivan, which cost me LKR 1600. Now, you will also get private and public buses.  However, I had luggage and wanted to keep the schedule flexible. So, I chose the minivan.  Things To Remember For A Trip To Anuradhapura The Sun is merciless in Anuradhapura, even if you visit the Sacred City in winter. It becomes unbearable past 11 AM.  So, you have to really start early.  Also, carry water and wear full-sleeve clothes to maintain the dignity of the place and protect your skin from the Sun.  Moreover, as I have mentioned, visiting a place like Anuradhapura demands preparation. So, study well and have basic ideas about these stupas beforehand. 

BY  Sibashree Jun 3, 2026

Polonnaruwa is filled with ancient structures, shrines, and temples. So, it draws the attention of people who are interested in visiting a place of great historical importance. In this article, I will give you some important tips and talk about the places, sites, and the history of the place that drew my attention. A Brief History Of Polonnaruwa Before getting into other details, we should take a look at the history of the place. Furthermore, knowing the history of Polonnaruwa will make the trip more interesting. Polonnaruwa was the second major capital of Sri Lanka, which came to prominence after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Moreover, it was the most important commercial and religious center of that time. Polonnaruwa reached its golden age in the 12th century under King Parakramabahu I.  The Chola Period (10th Century To 11th Century) The South Indian Chola dynasty conquered the ancient capital of Anuradhapura and made Polonnaruwa their new capital. Moreover, they renamed the city Jananathamangalam and built several Brahmanical monuments like the Siva Devale temple. Furthermore, the Cholas chose Polonnaruwa over Anuradhapura as the capital because it was positioned strategically in the heart of Sri Lanka. Additionally, the position of the city also gave them protection against the rebellion of the Ruhunu Sinhalese kingdom. Sinhalese Golden Age (11th Century To 12th Century) The strategically positioned capital couldn't stay protected from the Sinhalese. Eventually, in 1070, the Sinhalese King Vijayabahu I defeated the Cholas and restored Sinhalese rule. He also kept Polonnaruwa as the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom. The city reached its highest glory under his successors: King Parakramabahu 1 (1153 to 1186): King Parakramabahu 1 is often called the Great. He turned the city into a beautiful garden city during his rule. Additionally, he built Vaijayanta Pasada (Royal Palace) and intricate temples like the Lankatilaka Temple. Moreover, he built a massive 25-square-kilometer artificial lake known as Parakrama Samudra to secure water for his people. King Nissanka Malla (1187 to 1196): King Nissanka Malla also tried to match his predecessors' construction projects. In trying to do so, he ended up bankrupting the kingdom. Decline And Rediscovery (13th Century Onwards) There were several invasions and turmoils going on because of which the city’s resources and administrative system collapsed in the early 13th century.  The capital moved to the southwestern side of the island, and gradually, the jungle spread through Polonnaruwa. Finally, archeologists rediscovered the ruins of Polonnaruwa in 1860, and the forgotten city stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Places To Visit In Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa is a place of historical significance. The ancient structures, shrines, and temples draw the attention of visitors.  What amazed me was the well-preserved ancient remains. Moreover, I feel that a bicycle is an amazing option for traveling through the city. Places I found most amazing in Polonnaruwa are: The Gal Vihara The Gal Vihara is four giant Buddha statues, which are carved out of a large granite gneiss rock. The images consist of a large seated figure, another smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, a standing figure, and a reclining figure. Additionally, King Parakramabahu I fashioned this rock structure in the 12th century. Moreover, there is a story regarding this rock structure, which is one of the four statues, that isn't actually Buddha. Many people say that it is one of his grieving apprentices. The Polonnaruwa Vatadage Remaining unnoticed for several centuries, the excavation of Polonnaruwa Vatadage started in 1903. Many people believe that Parakramabahu 1 built this place to hold the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Moreover, another group of people believes that King Nissanka Malla built this place to hold the alms bowl used by Buddha. Additionally, the structure has two stone platforms decorated with stone carvings. You can enter the lower platform through a single entrance, which is facing the north. You can enter the second platform through four doorways facing four cardinal points. Hatadage Hatadage is another place that I found very fascinating. This place is found next to the Vatadage. This place holds a historical importance for tourists. Hatadage is located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. According to historians, King Nissanka Malla built this place. Moreover, Nissanka Malla built this place as a shrine to keep the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Furthermore, many people say that the place holds sixty relics. I found this place very fascinating to visit. The Lankatilaka Temple The Lankatilaka Temple is another interesting place to visit. The temple is located on Panhalgala Rock in Udunuwara. Moreover, King Bhuvanekabahu 4 constructed this temple. Additionally, the temple has beautiful stonework, rock inscriptions in both Sinhala and Tamil, and a striking dragon arch. The walls of the temple reach 17 meters in height and have a large statue of Buddha. Furthermore, the design of the stairways of the temple drew my attention. Every step of the stairway is only 10 centimeters wide. So, it is difficult to climb. Moreover, with such short steps, the only way to climb down is sideways. While climbing down this manner, you won't be able to turn your back towards the statue of Buddha, which is also considered disrespectful. Rankoth Vehera Stupa The Rankoth Vehera Stupa is the largest stupa in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. King Nissanka Malla built it. The fascinating part of the stupa is that it is built entirely of brick, and it is set upon a large square terrace. When you walk around the stupa, you will get to know how big it is. How To Go Around Polonnaruwa? There are several ways to go around Polonnaruwa. The two most convenient ways are: Bicycle According to me, the best way to see Polonnaruwa is by bicycle. Moreover, there are many ruins spread out throughout Polonnaruwa, and a bicycle will let you move freely from one place to another. Furthermore, there are many hotels and shops in Polonnaruwa from where you can rent a bicycle. Finally, renting a bicycle will make your trip convenient and budget-friendly. Tuk Tuk  Tuk-tuk is also a good option for going around in Polonnaruwa. Moreover, hiring a tuk tuk will also provide you with a driver as a guide, which is very amazing to see the ancient city. Furthermore, you should choose a tuk-tuk if you are in a hurry. Though I prefer renting a bicycle. How To Reach Polonnaruwa? I will give a few routes for Polonnaruwa with cost and travel time. You can choose the convenient one for you. From Sigiriya To Polonnaruwa Bus: Sigiriya – Inamaluwa – Polonnaruwa – Kaduruwela | After a short tuk-tuk journey from Sigiriya to Inamaluwa, jump on the bus to Kaduruwela. Cost: Tuk-tuk from Sigiriya to Inamaluwa 500 LKR, ($2.8) | Bus from Inamaluwa to Polonnaruwa 200 LKR, ($1) per person Travel time: 1.5 hours From Dambulla To Polonnaruwa Bus: Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – Kaduruwela | Take a direct bus that heads for Kaduruwela from the Dambulla Main bus stop. The bus leaves every 20-30 minutes starting from 7 am. Cost:  Bus from Dambulla to Kaduruwela – 220 LKR ($1) per person Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours From Trincomalee To Polonnaruwa Bus: Trincomalee – Habarana – Polonnaruwa | A quite difficult journey. From Trincomalee, take a bus heading for Dambulla or Colombo. Tip: Before entering, ask if the bus driver stops in Habarana and if there is a connection to Polonnaruwa. Generally, you’ll find buses that stop in Polonnaruwa at the Habarana Junction. Cost: Bus from Trincomalee to Habarana – 120 LKR, ($0.70) | Bus from Habarana to Polonnaruwa – 80 LKR, ($0,50) Travel time: 4 hours From Colombo To Polonnaruwa Train: Colombo Fort – Polonnaruwa | A rough journey that is packed and heads out to the east coast of Sri Lanka. Personally, I recommend visiting Kandy and Sigiriya in between. Cost: 2nd class: 350 LKR ($2) per person, 3rd class: 200 LKR ($1) per person Travel time: 6.5 hours What To Eat In Polonnaruwa? In Polonnaruwa, you should always go for authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry. I will mention some of the best dishes according to my choice: Traditional Rice And Curry There are many places in Polonnaruwa where you can get an authentic Sri Lankan platter or buffet. In this platter, you will get 10 to 30 freshly made vegetable and meat curries. Moreover, this will be served on a lotus leaf. String Hoppers String hoppers are a breakfast and dinner dish. It is made of steamed rice flour noodles. Additionally, they serve it with spicy coconut sambal (Pol Sambol) and dal (Lentil) curry. Polos (Young Jackfruit) Curry It is a green jackfruit curry. It is cooked slowly and looks like meat. Additionally, they cook it with regional spices, which enhance the taste of the dish. Where To Eat In Polonnaruwa There are some places you can go to get high-quality, authentic Sri Lankan food. I will share some places that I liked. Jaga Food It is a good place you can go to have your Sri Lankan buffet prepared in a traditional clay pot. Moreover, this is a place with an excellent outdoor seating arrangement. Priyamali Gedara It serves authentic, high-quality local home-cooked curries. Tree Hut Restaurant I found this place amazing because of its blend of traditional local dishes with Chinese-inspired options.