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. If you've not read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of this series, you may want to read them first.
Any guide for Penang food won't be complete without the mention of Assam Laksa, supposedly what Penang is most famous for. Most would point to the stall at the Air Itam Market (at the foot of Kek Lok Si) as the best place to get Assam Laksa but I beg to differ. The soup is more watery nowadays and you don't get to taste chunks of fish meat anymore. I stay nearby anyway, so I should know better, no?
To get delicious Assam Laksa, you would have to travel all the way to the Balik Pulau market, on the part of the island which is still safe from the curse of urbanisation (although not for long). You would have to cross mountains and pass through windy roads to reach this secluded town, and still many will brave the long journey there, all for a bowl of Assam Laksa. Not only will you find good Assam Laksa, it is easy on your pocket too. However, the cost of petrol and time used to get there and back would probably defeat any savings earned.
Koay Teow Th'ng is very much overlooked when one goes to any hawker centre. If you are one that loves this delicacy, you may consider going all the way to Taman Seri Nibong for some famous Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng. At night, you can find the finest Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng at this outlet called Dhoby Ghaut Cafe located at the entrance of Taman Seri Nibong.
You may want to consider ordering the Bean Sprouts Dish which is very well fried here. If you want some Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng during the daytime, the coffee shop on the other side of the road (also at the entrance to Taman Seri Nibong) is also very well known.
You can taste some famous Hokkien Prawn Mee at the corner coffee shop opposite the Pulau Tikus police station for breakfast. Be there early as it will be sold out by around 9am. If you are looking from the police station, it's the coffee shop on the right although the one on the left seems to have more variety. There will also be a van parked nearby selling very delicious pancakes which you can get to supplement your Hokkien Prawn Mee.
But if you're looking for some kick-ass pancakes, Aki Pancake is what you're looking for.
You can just see the mount of people queeing up to grab some of their pancakes. Just heavenly. They have a whole list of creative pancakes for you to choose from. Seriously, you can practically call any type of pancakes here. This stall is located at the Super Tanker Food Court at Taman Lip Sin.
Many USM students and factory workers can be seen frequenting this food court during lunch and dinner. There's a wide variety of food you can get here but Aki Pancakes is a must eat here.
If you're looking to enjoy some night life in Penang, Upper Penang Road is the place to be. The Garage opposite E&O Hotel play host to some of the hippiest and trendiest clubs and bars in town such as Slippery Senoritas, Glo and Momo.
Momo may be Singapore's sexiest dance club but you may want to say "No-No" to the Penang version. The music is not that good and the crowd not that desirable. It's still new so there's still room for improvement. Glo is the place to be but Slippery Senoritas is not bad either.
So there you have it. Enjoy your visit to Penang!
Any guide for Penang food won't be complete without the mention of Assam Laksa, supposedly what Penang is most famous for. Most would point to the stall at the Air Itam Market (at the foot of Kek Lok Si) as the best place to get Assam Laksa but I beg to differ. The soup is more watery nowadays and you don't get to taste chunks of fish meat anymore. I stay nearby anyway, so I should know better, no?
To get delicious Assam Laksa, you would have to travel all the way to the Balik Pulau market, on the part of the island which is still safe from the curse of urbanisation (although not for long). You would have to cross mountains and pass through windy roads to reach this secluded town, and still many will brave the long journey there, all for a bowl of Assam Laksa. Not only will you find good Assam Laksa, it is easy on your pocket too. However, the cost of petrol and time used to get there and back would probably defeat any savings earned.
Koay Teow Th'ng is very much overlooked when one goes to any hawker centre. If you are one that loves this delicacy, you may consider going all the way to Taman Seri Nibong for some famous Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng. At night, you can find the finest Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng at this outlet called Dhoby Ghaut Cafe located at the entrance of Taman Seri Nibong.
You may want to consider ordering the Bean Sprouts Dish which is very well fried here. If you want some Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng during the daytime, the coffee shop on the other side of the road (also at the entrance to Taman Seri Nibong) is also very well known.
You can taste some famous Hokkien Prawn Mee at the corner coffee shop opposite the Pulau Tikus police station for breakfast. Be there early as it will be sold out by around 9am. If you are looking from the police station, it's the coffee shop on the right although the one on the left seems to have more variety. There will also be a van parked nearby selling very delicious pancakes which you can get to supplement your Hokkien Prawn Mee.
But if you're looking for some kick-ass pancakes, Aki Pancake is what you're looking for.
You can just see the mount of people queeing up to grab some of their pancakes. Just heavenly. They have a whole list of creative pancakes for you to choose from. Seriously, you can practically call any type of pancakes here. This stall is located at the Super Tanker Food Court at Taman Lip Sin.
Many USM students and factory workers can be seen frequenting this food court during lunch and dinner. There's a wide variety of food you can get here but Aki Pancakes is a must eat here.
If you're looking to enjoy some night life in Penang, Upper Penang Road is the place to be. The Garage opposite E&O Hotel play host to some of the hippiest and trendiest clubs and bars in town such as Slippery Senoritas, Glo and Momo.
Momo may be Singapore's sexiest dance club but you may want to say "No-No" to the Penang version. The music is not that good and the crowd not that desirable. It's still new so there's still room for improvement. Glo is the place to be but Slippery Senoritas is not bad either.
So there you have it. Enjoy your visit to Penang!
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this picky penangite hasn't tried many of the things mentioned in this series...but will try to. thanks for the highlights.
ReplyDeletewill use this series as a guide to bring visitors around next time! ;)