Why visit Penang? For food of course! The mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures has created a culturally rich community and food is undeniably one of its most interesting elements. In the same street you can eat everything – from Roti Canai (Malaysian version of the traditional Indian flat bread), Asam Laksa (spicy noodle soup, ranked 7th among the most delicious in the world by CNN Go) to classic Nasi Lemak (rice cooked with coconut milk with some fried chicken, cucumber, dried anchovies, peanuts and spicy paste). I am fortunate to know a local who took me to different to discover some of the local specialties.
Restoran Pokok Ciku
A Malay restaurant on the side of the road that has a lot of things to try, including many meats in delicious ‘kuah’ (gravy). We limited ourselves to beef and chicken in different sauces with rice. Really good to start the day.
The different choices at Restoran Pokok Ciku
Fruit Rojak
Small stroll on the Miami beach at Batu Ferringhi with Fruit Rojak prepared by a motorcycle vendor . The dish consists of various sour fruits: green mango, guava, green apple, pineapple, soaked in a black sauce made of shrimp paste with sugar, lime juice, chili and peanuts. The combination gives a rather interesting dish, the acidity of the fruit being balanced by the sauce. This dish is a classic for locals and tourists who dare to try.
Nan Guang Asam Laksa Coffee Shop
Asam Laksa, the most famous dish of Penang, not to be missed! A rice noodle soup made of tamarinds, mackerel, galangal, lemongrass, and spices with some lettuce, mint and onions. The sour soup is very rich in taste and will make you want to return to Penang. A typical dish, really excellent.
Asam Laksa at Nan Guang Asam Laksa Coffee Shop
Maxim Dim Sum Restaurant
You want a typical breakfast of Penang? Go for early yum cha (drink tea) at Maxim Restaurant, open only from 6 am to 14h. You may struggle to find a place as the restaurant is often crowded. It offers an impressive variety of dim sum and fried food, impossible to try them all at once! the Hong Kong Chee Cheong Fun and eggs tarts are must-try.
Dim Sum at Maxim Dim Sum Restaurant