Joanna James
Penang is full of delicious contrasts, from classical colonial facades and contemporary 3-D murals to wilderness adventure parks and nuanced UNESCO-listed heritage towns. True to its exotic background of diverse flavours, here are some luxuriant street bites you can't leave without sampling.
An eclectic island haven full of colonial charms, majestic landscapes, and diverse artistry, it comes as no surprise that Penang's multi-cultural cuisine is a medley of authentic and innovative flavours that add to its spirit of sensory adventurism. Therefore, after a day well-spent, trekking through the velvety jungle of Penang National Park with its crystal lakes and sugar-spun beach hideouts or perusing the fascinating old-time streets of George Town, nothing hits the spot quite as well as this aromatic broth. Infused with complex notes of sweet, spicy, and sour, with lemony umami and fermented shrimp paste balancing the herb-rich fish stock, Assam laksa takes 'soul food' to a whole other level.
Nourishing the population for over three decades, this versatile rice dish has a tonne of exquisite variations, from the sambal-and-meat drenched mounds of fragrant rice with a full-boiled egg to pea-flour blue grains, fried chicken, crispy squid, and other seasonal delicacies on the side. Whether you prefer this coconutty rice dish in small pandan packets or served with an assortment of sides, Penang is here for your cravings!
A delicious beat-the-heat dessert found at every restaurant, stall, and pushcart in Penang, Cendol is composed of icy yet creamy coconut milk, jade-green jelly strands, and rosy kidney beans, not to mention the sugary gula Melaka that needs to be stirred up from the bottom of the bowl. If you're looking for sophisticated Seberang Jaya apartments located close to Penang's best eateries, venture no further than Sky Residence Prai.
The most indulgent and flavourful salad you will ever encounter is an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink type savoury combo that is surprisingly healthy as it is bizarrely tasty. This wholesome dish of chopped potatoes, turnips, cucumbers, eggs, and beansprouts is made more piquant by the addition of crispy prawn fritters, prawn crackers, and seafood bits and bobs, not to mention the mouthwatering peanut sauce slathered all over it.
If you're giving your tastebuds a break after all those rounds of rich and saucy delicacies, this next dish is top-notch both in terms of flavour profile and refreshing lightness. Oriental omelettes are hearty affairs, composed of savoury fried eggs, succulent oysters, and flour, which adds a crispy crepe-like texture that is quite addictive, especially when deluged with chilli garlic sauce.
While toast for brunch doesn't sound like the most original choice, when spread lavishly with coconut-infused kaya jam and generous slatherings of butter and served with boiled eggs and aromatic local kopi, this rustic combo will sweep you off your feet.
Transfer Road has earned a legendary reputation for its fluffy roti portions drenched with curried gravy with a huge piece of succulent chicken, shredded onion, and a sunny-side-up egg; the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and crunchy.
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