Belacan, an integral ingredient in local cuisine
Anyone who has paid attention to local cuisine can safely hazard a guess that Penangites, and Malaysians for that matter, have a predilection for pungent foods! Call it full-flavoured, aromatic, spicy or downright nasty, Malaysian cuisine boasts more pungent varieties than arguably any other country in the world. This piquant character manifests itself in various forms, in fresh fruits (durian and jackfruit), in condiments (budu), preserves (cincaluk and tempoyak) and the innocuous-looking belacan or shrimp paste. The last item is as indispensable to Malaysian cooking as herbs are to Italian cuisine or soya sauce to Chinese. Why some purists go as far as to declare that your 'Malaysianess' hinges on whether or not you like belacan!
Continue Reading
Sea cucumbers – back to nature cures
Marine life in Malaysian waters is full of many natural wonders. Among them is the humble sea cucumber. Locally, it is known as 'gamat' in Malay and 'hai som' in Hokkien. It is scientifically called holothurians, a class of the phylum echinodermata.
Continue Reading
Truly authentic, truly Thai at Chili Head
Chili Head Social Bar and Eatery, a cool and hip Thai restaurant overlooking the beautiful marina at Straits Quay serves excellent authentic Siamese food. Here is a place where Thais themselves would love to eat.
Continue Reading
Inventive 4-course set dinner at Au Jardin
My family and I love to explore Penang's rich culinary tapestry and for dinner this time, we headed to Au Jardin located in an old quaint warehouse within the compound of the historical Hin Bus Depot. According to its website, the restaurant offers modern European fare. Chef Kim Hock and his team create dishes that celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Continue Reading
A marvellous View for an exceptional anniversary
With a stellar scene of Penang outside its floor-to-ceiling glass walls, The View at Equatorial Hotel is an exquisite fine dining restaurant wonderfully suited to mark any memorable occasion.
Continue Reading
Middle Eastern offerings at Halab in Chulia Street
Halab, tucked in a bungalow along the bustling Chulia Street in the heart of George Town offers authentic Middle-eastern cuisine. It is no surprise that the Syrian and Arab communities in George Town frequent Halab, forming their base clientele alongside Penangites and tourists visiting the island.
Continue Reading
Traditional and avant-garde Asian cuisine at Maple Palace
Chinese New Year celebrations which last for 15 days offer an ideal time for family reunions as well as to catch up with old friends. When my classmates from Han Chiang High School decided to have a mini class reunion, Maple Palace was our top choice. The restaurant serves mouth-watering cuisine that is both traditional and avant-garde at the same time. It also offers festive Chinese New Year dishes synonymous with good luck and prosperity. On top of that, the quality of the delicacies at Maple Palace has been consistent throughout my visits in the past.
Continue Reading
The murtabak – a hearty meal all by itself
Hameediyah Restaurant in Campbell Street serves good murtabak. Established in 1907, this is one of the oldest Indian Muslim restaurants in Penang.
Continue Reading
Cronut 101 with Chef Dino
Do you want to learn first-hand how the infamous Cronut is made? Shargri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa’s Executive Pastry Chef, Dino Wan divulged the secrets behind making his simply delicious Cronut.
Continue Reading
Discovering what makes uncomplicated fish and chips truly delicious at Uncle Albert's
I am very happy for my dear friend, Maggie T as she makes one of her life-long dreams come true with the launch of Uncle Albert’s Traditional Fish and Chips at Straits Quay. She has always wanted to open a restaurant and where better than to have it here in Penang, one of the top food havens of the world. Together with Liam Healy, they bring authentic fish and chips to the shores of George Town.
Continue Reading