Koz Bingol Canada – The Best Turkish Restaurant In Toronto?

Best Kebab In Toronto? – Koz Bingol Turkish Restaurant

Koz Bingol is a new Turkish restaurant located at 655 Queen St W in Toronto. The first time we went there was when the restaurant just opened. We went back there for the 2nd time again because we liked it so much the first time, we couldn’t wait to try it again.

We noticed they changed their setup a little. The first time it was like a fast-food restaurant. But this time they had switched to full service - which was not bad. Those who wanted take-out only, could still grab-and-go without full service.

The waitress was friendly. We ordered one beef doner wrap combo and one chicken doner wrap. The combo was $17.00 and came with a fries and coke. The sandwich only was $15.00. The prices were not bad and the quantity was a lot. We were only able to eat half of it and took the rest home.

The food was really delicious – we found nothing to complain about. I found the beef doner was slightly crispier, but still juicy. We liked both so much that we ordered a cold baklava later. The baklava was made of milk, pistachio, and a hint of chocolate and of course phyllo dough. Being moist made this baklava more delicious than traditional Turkish baklava, which are a little dry.

Last time we tried their Sutlac – which was a Turkish version of rice pudding and that was incredibly delicious as well.

Overall, our experience was positive. I noticed they have a lot of items that I never heard of and I’m looking forward to trying those in the future. We definitely will go back there for more someday soon.

Exploring Ukulhas: A Budget-Friendly Local Island in the Maldives

Ukulhas: Completing Our Budget-Friendly Maldives Trilogy

Following our explorations of Maafushi and Dhigurah, we continued our quest for an affordable paradise in the Maldives with a visit to Ukulhas.

Ukulhas, located in the Alif Alif Atoll, is one of the most well-organized local islands in the Maldives. Ukulhas offers the same breathtaking beauty and authentic Maldivian culture, but with its own unique appeal. Like its sister local islands, Ukulhas proves that experiencing the Maldives doesn't require a fortune.

What sets Ukulhas apart is its commitment to sustainability and its pristine environment, ensuring that its natural beauty remains intact for future generations. The island is known for its clean, well-maintained beaches, often ranked among the best in the Maldives. Imagine powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush greenery – all without the crowds and high prices of resort islands, a similar experience to the tranquil beauty in Dhigurah.

Accommodation on Ukulhas, much like in Dhigurah, ranges from guesthouses to small hotels, offering a variety of options to suit different budgets. You can find comfortable and clean rooms for a fraction of the cost of a resort, allowing you to spend more on experiences.

Food in Ukulhas is both delicious and affordable. Most guesthouses offer meal plans, but you can also explore local cafes and restaurants to sample Maldivian cuisine. I recommend the mas huni (a traditional tuna and coconut dish) or some of their fresh seafood grilled to perfection.

Speaking of experiences, Ukulhas boasts incredible opportunities for snorkeling and diving. The house reef is easily accessible from the beach and teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and even reef sharks. Several dive centers on the island offer excursions to nearby dive sites, known for their vibrant coral gardens and manta ray encounters. It truly is a marine life spectacle rivaling that of Dhigurah.

Beyond the underwater wonders, Ukulhas offers a glimpse into authentic Maldivian life. You can interact with friendly locals, sample delicious Maldivian cuisine at local restaurants, and explore the island's charming streets, just like the local experiences we cherished in Maafushi. Don't miss the chance to try some fresh seafood, a staple of Maldivian cooking.

Reaching Ukulhas is easy and budget friendly. A public ferry from Malé costs around $3-5 and takes about 3.5 hours, while a speedboat transfer is faster but more expensive.

If you're looking for a Maldives experience that combines stunning natural beauty, cultural immersion, and affordability, and if you've enjoyed our previous recommendations for Maafushi and Dhigurah, Ukulhas should be at the top of your list. It's a true gem in the Maldivian archipelago, proving that paradise can be accessible to everyone.

Is Mandarin Buffet Dinner Worth It? Friday Night Dinner in Midtown Toronto

Exploring the Upgraded Dinner Menu at Mandarin Buffet (Yonge & Eglinton)

I recently embarked on a culinary adventure to the Mandarin Buffet at its bustling Yonge and Eglinton location, specifically for their Friday night dinner service. Having previously explored their offerings, I was eager to see if the more extensive dinner menu justified the higher price point. For example, dinner is $41 but lunch is only $26. So, it’s a $15 spread.

Stepping inside, the atmosphere was lively, though surprisingly not overly crowded for a Friday evening. I wanted to see the highlights of their dinner spread, which boasts a significant upgrade from their lunch offerings. The most notable additions? A dedicated sushi section brimming with fresh rolls and sashimi, succulent prime rib carved to order, and a more generous selection of seafood.

I navigated through the various stations, each a tempting display of culinary delights. From classic sweet and sour pork to flavorful baked teriyaki salmon and my personal favorite, the crispy braided torpedo shrimp, the main dish selection was vast and varied. The salad bar offered a refreshing counterpoint, while the dessert station was a sugary wonderland, featuring everything from creamy mango pudding to decadent cakes and a tempting array of ice cream flavors.

While the Mandarin Buffet consistently offers a wide array of dishes, the dinner service features premium additions like a more extensive seafood selection, including mussels, and prime rib. These upgrades come with a noticeable price increase of approximately $15 over their lunch menu.

Personally, while I appreciate the availability of these higher-end items, they aren't my top culinary priorities. If you value a wider variety of seafood and prime rib, the dinner service might be worthwhile.

However, considering my own preferences, I found the added cost didn't entirely justify the extra offerings. In the future, I'll likely stick to the Mandarin Buffet's lunch service, which still provides a satisfying and diverse all-you-can-eat experience at a more budget-friendly price point.

Experiencing the Maldives on a Budget: Exploring Dhigurah

Discover the Maldives on a Budget: Dhigurah, the Gateway to Paradise

Last time, I wrote about Maafushi, a local island in the Maldives.  Today, I will talk about another island, Dhigurah. Nestled in the South Ari Atoll, Dhigurah takes longer to reach from Male (than Maafushi) – about 2.5 hours by public ferry or 1.5 hours by speedboat.

Dhigurah offers a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative to the resort islands. Dhigurah provides a chance to experience the beauty of the Maldives without breaking the bank. Accommodation on Dhigurah is primarily in guesthouses and small hotels, with options starting from around $50-$100 per night, which is comparable to Maafushi. This allows you to save significantly compared to the pricey resorts. You'll also find local restaurants serving delicious Maldivian cuisine at affordable prices.

This picturesque island, stretching over 3 kilometers in length, is one of the longest in the Maldives and is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. 

One of the main attractions of Dhigurah is its proximity to some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Maldives. The island is famous for its whale shark excursions, as the South Ari Atoll is home to a year-round population of these gentle giants. Swimming alongside a whale shark is an unforgettable experience that draws adventure enthusiasts from around the world. The island’s house reefs are equally captivating, teeming with colorful coral gardens, tropical fish, and even the occasional manta ray.

One notable feature of Dhigurah is its expansive "bikini beach," allowing tourists to wear swimwear freely. Remember to dress respectfully when venturing away from the beach.

Dhigurah’s long, sandy beaches are perfect for leisurely strolls or simply soaking up the sun. The island’s lush greenery and traditional Maldivian architecture add to its charm, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. Visitors can explore the island by bike or on foot, interacting with friendly locals and learning about their culture and traditions.

Ultimately, both Maafushi and Dhigurah provide access to the Maldives on a budget. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or simply looking to unwind, Dhigurah promises an unforgettable Maldivian experience. Its untouched beauty and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Maldives beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

Power Bank Rules CHANGING in 2025! What You NEED to Know Before Flying

Power Bank Rule Changes You MUST Know! (2025 Update)

Misinformation is floating around on the Internet, especially on YouTube! The majority of what I’m talking about is AI-generated content spreading misinformation to instill fear and get views. I doubt those behind these so-called travel tips content have actually traveled before.

Today, I will simplify the new rules for power banks on planes that are coming in March 2025.  Some airlines are already ahead of the game, so let's make sure you're in the know!

- EVA Air are now prohibiting the use of power banks during the flight. You can bring them, but you can't use them to charge your devices onboard. So make sure you're fully charged before you board.
- Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, both based in South Korea, are also tightening things up. They're asking passengers to keep their power banks with them at their seats, not in the overhead bins. Safety first!
- Now, here's the good news: Most airlines are still cool with small power banks. Anything under 100 watt-hours is usually fine. But if your power bank is bigger than that, you might need to check with the airline first.

Here is the most important piece of advice you need to know that is applicable to any trip: Do not trust anything you read and check the source first. In this context, always check with the airline you are flying about the updated rules for power banks.

By the time you are reading this article, what I stated here about power banks may not be valid, so always check with your airline before flying. Happy, safe, and stress-free travels to you all!