Saturday, February 10, 2007

Penang Good Food Guide (Part 1)

Penang has always been famous for its good food. It's no exaggeration when we Penangites say we have the best food here. We're not being arrogant, we're just stating the facts and we will always defend the food here. So, you should know what you're up against when you openly challenge Penang's status as the food capital of Malaysia (if not the world). You just don't poke a lion with a stick, do you? You know you'll face certain death and it's the same when you challenge Penangites about their food. So Kenny, here's to you reaching 'heaven' from eating Penang's scrumptious food.

Ais Kachang

Kajang may have its Satay, Ampang its Yong Tau Foo, Ipoh its Taugeh Chicken or Malacca its Chicken Rice Balls but when it comes to Penang, the list of good food goes on and on. From Assam Laksa to Hokkien Prawn Mee to Char Koay Teow to Nasi Kandar. You can find tasty food at practically every corner. Not many will disappoint your taste buds. That's the difference between Penang and the other places. Of course, there will always be a few that belong to the elite category so determining which is actually the best is not that easy. It depends on each and everyone's own preference. Anyway, here are some of my favourite spots. This is by no means a comprehensive list, though.

Let's start off with New World Park Food Court at Swatow Lane (off Burmah Road), the most happening food court in Penang at the moment. You know it is one happening place when you see one of this inside. >>CLICK!<<

New World Park Food Court at Swatow Lane

So what is famous here? Look out for this stall located right smack in the middle of the food court surrounded with human bodies. You can't miss it.

New World Park Ais Kachang and Chendol at Swatow Lane

It's the dessert stall famous for its Ais Kacang and Chendol. Some may claim the one at Penang Road to be the best in Penang but I find the Ais Kacang and especially the Chendol here to be heavenly. The price of a trip to heaven and back? Only RM1.50 for a bowl of Chendol. The price of Ais Kacang will differ depending on the type of fruits you request as toppings.

New World Park Chendol at Swatow Lane

What else should you try here? There are plenty of stalls to choose from here but you may want to try the famous Mee Sultan.

New World Park Mee Sultan at Swatow Lane

They serve one of the best Mee Goreng and Mee Rebus in town but at a price of course. One plate could easily set you back FOUR BUCKS!!!

New World Park Mee Goreng at Swatow Lane

If you're not up for their Mee Goreng, you may want to consider their Pasembur.

New World Park Pasembur at Swatow Lane

Some may have recommended the Char Koay Teow here. There are two stalls here. The one next to the Fried Oyster (workers of both stalls wear light green shirts) is the famous one.

New World Park Char Koay Teow at Swatow Lane

The old lady that fries each plate sports a very trendy eyewear, so you really can't miss it. However, I find her to be very arrogant and her dish not that delicious anymore, not forgetting the exorbitant prices she charges! I guess I'm not the only one that feels that way considering the lack of customers frequenting her stall nowadays. Everytime I was there, I see her just sitting down swatting flies. That can't be a good sign.

I would recommend this place for Char Koay Teow instead. Read Penang Good Food Guide (Part 2).




No comments:

Post a Comment