Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Handmade Souvenirs, Lac Bangles and Indulgent Matcha Finds
This article shares three enjoyable discoveries.
In Tokyo, a visitor learned how to make washi, a special Japanese paper.
The visitor used the paper to make postcards and received origami gifts from a child named Miori.
At a craft fair, Salim showed how he makes colourful lac bangles over hot coals.
He shaped and polished each bangle carefully.
In Bengaluru, Turtle Matcha served a sweet popcorn caramel matcha drink.
The cafe also sold a spicy chicken puff with a small side of chilli crisp.
These experiences were memorable because they combined skill, kindness and fun flavours.
A washi-making workshop in Asakusa, Tokyo, turned handmade paper into postcards and cherished souvenirs.
A Hyderabad lac bangle maker named Salim demonstrated how he shapes, colours and polishes bangles by hand.
Turtle Matcha in Bengaluru’s Indiranagar serves a popcorn caramel matcha topped with popcorn.
The cafe also offers Buldak chicken puffs with chilli crisp and a red velvet hojicha drink.
The recommendations celebrate traditional craftsmanship, personal keepsakes and creative food experiences.
- Who
- The article’s contributors, washi workshop host Sunny, child Miori, Hyderabad bangle maker Salim and Turtle Matcha staff are featured.
- What
- The article recommends a washi-making experience, handcrafted lac bangles and drinks and snacks from Turtle Matcha.
- When
- The washi workshop took place last week; the bangle demonstration happened on a dull Tuesday; the cafe visit was on a Saturday afternoon.
- Where
- The experiences took place in Asakusa, Tokyo; at a craft fair featuring a Hyderabad maker; and in Indiranagar, Bengaluru.
- Why
- They stood out because of the craftsmanship, personal interaction, handmade souvenirs and distinctive food and drink.
- Washi workshop
- Participants worked with prepared pulp, then wrung, dewatered and dried the paper before making postcards.
- Washi souvenirs
- The visitor received an origami swan and heart from Miori.
- Bangle maker
- Salim, from Hyderabad, shaped lac bangles over coals and decorated them with silver, gold and black.
- Bangle colours
- Five natural colours can be combined to create many shades.
- Cafe
- Turtle Matcha is a house-turned-cafe in Indiranagar, Bengaluru.
- Featured drink
- The popcorn caramel matcha combines milk, matcha, caramel syrup and popcorn.
- Food pairing
- The visit also included a Buldak chicken puff and a small side of chilli crisp.