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Penang
Everything about Penang
Seafood Char Koay Kak @ Batu Lanchang Market Food Court
Aug 31st
Frying skill aside, two of the main differences betweeen a good and normal Char Koay Kak are the cooking oil and soy sauce used. In the old days, Char Koay Kak stalls used only lard to bring out the most of the aroma and flavor. As time goes by, people get increasingly health conscious leading the hawkers to substitute the usage of lard with vegetable cooking oil.
Chan Kok Ming‘s Char Koay Kak at Batu Lanchang‘s market food complex is one of the hawkers who have heeded the call. He has since changed to use a mix of lard and Neptune cooking oil instead of some cheap sub-standard ones.
The Char Koay Kak here can be ordered either plain (without egg and seafood) or with seafood, with the latter priced at RM3.20 a plate. Three kinds of seafood included are prawns, fish ball and crab filament sticks (not really a real seafood but yeah…)
Bazaar Ramadhan @ Bandar Baru Perda, Seberang Perai Tengah
Aug 25th
Every year I will make it a point to visit the colorful and tantalizing Bazaar Ramadhan. Last year I was at one of the largest in Malaysia at Shah Alam and this year, I am visiting one near my house at Bandar Baru Perda, Seberang Perai Tengah.
The Bazaar Ramadhan at Bandar Baru Perda is located at the car park of Masjid Perda. I feel the best time to go is around 5pm, when the crowd is at its minimum and most of the stalls are already ready to sell their food.
Right at the entrance of the mosque is a Ayam Golek stall, selling a whole roast chicken at RM18. The minimum portion is half a chicken at RM9.
Phor Thor (Hungry Ghost Festival) @ Jalan Pasar, Bukit Mertajam
Aug 23rd
I bet you already know that it’s the Hungry Ghost Festival currently. During the Ghost Month the realms of Heaven and Hell are open, which releases ghosts, spirits including those of the deceased ancestors to roam the living world.
So, the Chinese are often advised to stay at home and prevent from going out late at night to avoid any unfortunate incidents that are believed to be caused by some mischievous hungry ghosts. There are also plenty of taboos to observe too, for example not to simply pee at the streets (especially true for kids) or referring the ghosts as your ‘heng dai’ or ‘hia ti’ (buddies).
When I was a child I used to believe in such things but as I grew up, these beliefs slowly vanished. My mom would bring me to Jalan Pasar in Bukit Mertajam where the festival has always been held to pay respects to the dead, and of course to seek protection and good luck from the ‘Tai Su Yah‘ (King of Hades). He is, after all the ruler of the underworld.
Clay Pot Apom Manis @ Swee Kong Coffee Shop, Pulau Tikus
Aug 19th
Apom Manis is a common food in Penang originating from India that resembles crepes, popular for breakfast or just snacking. One of the oldest apom manis stall in Penang that is still operating can be found at Solok Moulmein in Pulau Tikus. It all started back in 1920 and the family-run business has been operating at Swee Kong Coffee Shop every morning faitfully for the past 80 years.
The current owner, Mr.Ravi inherited the trade from his father and currently, he is assisted by his cousin (in pic) and brother since. And do you know that their apom manis is so delicious that the Sultan of Pahang actually flies them into his Majesty’s palace once a month? Doing what else other than becoming his Majesty’s personal apom manis cook!
Besides the apom manis’ tastiness, one of the reasons to visit this stall is to witness the preparation process. The apom manis here are still made according to centuries-old tradition, using charcoal stove and clay pots instead of gas heated steel pots. You simply won’t see this sight anywhere else in Penang, or even Malaysia.
And although sturdy looking, these custom made to order clay pots could only last at most for 6 months when the moisture in the clay expands so much it ultimately cracks the pot.
Shunka Japanese Restaurant @ Maju Utama Business Centre, Bukit Mertajam
Aug 5th
There aren’t many Japanese restaurants in BM so I am glad that Shunka Japanese Restaurant at Maju Utama Business Centre is a good one. This business centre is also home to a number restaurants and cafes like Bloggers Cafe, Station 1 and Old Town. Currently it is the most popular venue to hang out in BM, right after Autocity.
Garlic Fried Rice @ RM4.90 – surprisingly more satisfying than expected for the nice ‘wok hei’ and portion. I have always thought felt garlic fried rice is served in tiny bowls only. Besides egg and chopped garlic, some minced meat and mushroom are included too.
It has been a long time I have had sashimi so this Salmon Sashimi @ R 9.90 was purely to satisfy my sudden cravings. The freshness was OK and had a “frozen” taste and texture but honestly, I did not expect too much.
Ketayap (Kuih Tayap) @ Chowrasta Market, George Town
Jul 30th
For a common kuih, Kuih Tayap has many names. Whether called Ketayap, Kuih Ketayap, Kuih Dadar or Kuih Gulung, they all refer to the same thing. This traditional Malaysian snack is actually a rolled crepe filled typically with shredded coconut and palm sugar. Because of its popularity the recipe has been adopted by all races and modified accordingly.
While the Malays and Nyonya alike would prepare the crepe in pandan flavor and use gula Melaka for the sweet taste, a Chinese stall in Chowrasta market, more specifically in front of shop No.3 along Jalan Kuala Kangsar has been preparing the crepe plain filled with white sugar and crushed peanuts instead.
