Programmes Panasia Series 2

1 - Yogyakarta

Sian Richards introduces this series capturing the sights, sounds and flavours of Asia. Today she's in Yogyakarta the cultural heart of Java, in Indonesia. Just outside the city lays the Borobudur temple, a Buddhist vision of the cosmos in stone and one of the largest Buddhist shrines in the world. At the sultan's palace Sian sees the traditional Indonesian and intricately carved Wayang puppets. After, she whips up a famous Indonesian dish, Pachal, a traditional Javanese salad.
Duration: 30

 

2 - Kanchanaburi

Sian Richards introduces this series capturing the sights, sounds and flavours of Asia Today she explores the rugged natural beauty of the River Kwai and the rich cultural heritage of the Mon tribe. There's a tour of the jungle on the back of an elephant, a river trip on a raft, and a taste of two of the ancient culinary traditions of the Mons - mountain chicken with turmeric and curried fish with basil leaves.
Duration: 30

 

3 - Mumbai

Sian Richards introduces this series capturing the sights, sounds and flavours of Asia. Today she's in Mumbai, India's City of Dreams and not only the commercial capital of India, but also home to Bollywood, the country's thriving Indian film industry. Sian shares all that Mumbai has to offer, as she tries her hand at India's national sport - cricket, visits the Elephanta caves and learns how to grind the perfect Masala - the combination of spices needed to make the fragrant Prawn Masala.
Duration: 30

 

4 - Bali (1)

Sian Richards introduces this series capturing the sights, sounds and flavours of Asia. As the last 'paradise' on earth, Bali is difficult to get to, and even harder to leave. PanAsia explores this tropical delight and meets up with some locals who are dedicated to saving the faltering indigenous turtle population. Sian visits some of the beautifully serene temples, gets down to basics by learning to harvest rice, the staple of Asian cuisine, then sits down to a Balinese feast of roast duck in banana leaf.
Duration: 30

 

5 - Singapore (1)

Sian Richards introduces this series capturing the sights, sounds and flavours of Asia. Some say that a tour of Singapore is like a tour through the kitchens of the world. So Sian sets off through Chinatown and La Pa Sat, the Melting Pot of Old Singapore, and prepares the city's famous Kang Kong Lemak - Chinese greens, and Sambal Udang - spicy prawns.
Duration: 30

 

6 - Hong Kong (2)

Sian Richards introduces this series capturing the sights, sounds and flavours of Asia. We explore the bays and harbours that make up Hong Kong - a city of water. Sian learns some elegant and graceful tai chi moves, and we return to the water to cook a Hong Kong speciality, sauteed shrimp balls, on the world's largest floating restaurant.
Duration: 30

 

7 - Palace On Wheels - India

Sian Richards introduces this series capturing the sights, sounds and flavours of Asia. Rajasthan, located in northwest India, is a study of contrasts: the Thar desert's vibrant sunsets shimmer against the shifting dunes, while majestic palaces and forts overlook ancient cities and towns. Sian travels in style on the luxurious Palace on Wheels train, tries a safari by camel across the windswept Sam Sand Dunes, and learns the secrets of Dhurri rug weaving. She'll dine on desert specialities and prepare Thali, an assortment of tasty dishes all served together on a single plate.
Duration: 30

 

8 - Lombok

Sian Richards introduces this series capturing the sights, sounds and flavours of Asia. Quieter than Bali, Lombok is a secret hideaway that remains virtually unexplored by tourists. Those that do stumble upon this paradise are met with pristine beaches and a formidable volcano, Mt Rinjani. In Lombok, we harvest our own water spinach to make Pelecing Kang kung - a traditional salad tossed with coconut and head out to sea to dive for pearls before ending the day cooking up Daging Ayem - braised beef with coconut milk.
Duration: 30

 

9 - Issan

Sian Richards introduces this series capturing the sights, sounds and flavours of Asia. The cradle of Thai civilisation, Udon Thani's history goes back more than six thousand years - making it the oldest site of human habitation in all of Southeast Asia. PanAsia explores the Ban Chiang excavation site before Sian tries her hand at Takraw, a very acrobatic form of volleyball, and cooks up Laap style grilled beef.
Duration: 30

 

10 - Yogyakarta (2)

Sian Richards introduces this series capturing the sights, sounds and flavours of Asia. Yogyakarta in central Java in Indonesia , offers up a kaleidoscope of ancient temples and monuments, colourful ceremonies and festivals, and centuries old culinary traditions. After trying her hand at grinding the perfect peanut paste with lava stones, Sian enjoys a little culture with the Ramayana Ballet, and dines on scrumptious chicken satay.
Duration: 30

 

11 - Singapore (2)

Sian Richards introduces this series capturing the sights, sounds and flavours of Asia. Singapore is perhaps most famous for its colonial past and modern shopping centres but food is high on the list too. Sian starts her tour at Raffles with a Singapore Sling cocktail before taking in the city's rich history by water, and shopping for gems and clothes with a local designer. She finishes the day cooking up mouth- watering Sri Lanka crabs in black pepper sauce.
Duration: 30

 

12 - Agra

Sian Richards introduces this series capturing the sights, sounds and flavours of Asia. Today she's in Agra one of the Seven Wonders of the World, where the Taj Mahal's romantic and timeless beauty is a must-see, but Agra also boasts the most intricate inlay work and largest carpet production in India. She tries her hand at weaving the hand-woven wool carpets before heading to the city's frenetic market place to buy melon seeds, the essential ingredient in Safe Murg - chicken in a nutty creamy sauce.
Duration: 30

 

13 - Bali (2)

Sian Richards introduces this series capturing the sights, sounds and flavours of Asia. Spirits are alive in Bali, a place where ceremonies and rituals have become an integral part of Balinese life. Sian tries her hand at the art of wood carving to make a traditional mask, then cooks up a Balinese speciality, Babi Gulling - suckling pig.
Duration: 30